Originally Posted by S2kracka (Post 182209)

I meant to say, "God damn it now I am not coming since you a-holes will be there!" Better? ;)

Originally Posted by S2kracka (Post 182506)

I suggest focusing on markets that you can better serve. By that, I mean 2WD cars since that is what your dyno is capable of handling, especially with the saturation of DSM/Mitsu shops already in existence near the Twin Cities. The national EVO market is going to be very tough to crack in to since you do not have an AWD dyno nor a shop EVO. What about focusing on the 350Z/G35 and the GTO (along with your current DSM endevors) since the shop already has those cars at its disposal? I know there is a decent amount of GTO's running around the Cities because I've been on the Minnesota section of the national board numerous times. The Z/G population is also growing and as far as I know there isn't a Midwest shop that focuses on them. You were saying you can't crack into the Mustang/F-Body market, but I think the GTO may be your ticket in. Another thing I think is important is having your shop cars make a presence at all events during the summer. Keep your cars up and running at all times, and when some downtime is needed, make it as brief as possible. It says a lot for a shop and instills trust with their customers if they are able to keep their cars together.

Originally Posted by v8klla (Post 182551)

So that leaves us with two choices, get an AWD dyno to pursue these markets or switch it up completely and focus on different markets. But like you said the competition in the area has grown immensely over the past few years especially in the markets we currently serve!

Originally Posted by DSMStyle (Post 182560)

I think you can take a whole other direction with this. Adding another set of rollers to make your setup AWD obviously has to cost another good chunk of change and honestly, we don't know if you guys would rather go the Dyno Dynamics way for AWD simply due to the other 2 in town to compare numbers with. That's all inside info and speculation for the random peeps.

Changing things up if you stick with the 2WD dyno isn't 100% true. Keep your current AWD customers, and focus more on bringing in more 2WD car types. It works for your setup and at your prices it works for your customers. Use this to grown long term and make a feasable jump to an AWD setup down the road. Just seems more of a route I would take, and it would give you guys more time to continue any needed learning curve on various tuning systems.

Originally Posted by dumb_ricer (Post 182603)

That and a ford 9" and we would be set;).

Originally Posted by niterydr (Post 182657)

Honestly guys, and I welcome the competition, but I really think the Twin Cities can not support 4 AWD dynos.

Giving you honest advice as a competitive business owner and a friend, I would focus your attention on other aspects of your business.

A AWD dynojet locally would be cool for some comparisions, but putting that Pit in can't be cheap!

Originally Posted by v8klla (Post 182564)

The way our business has been going it appears that people bring general maintenance, repair, and small upgrades to us based mostly upon price....

Originally Posted by v8klla (Post 182564)

...choose to pursue larger projects elsewhere regardless of the cost difference or time frame for completion.

Originally Posted by v8klla (Post 182564)

It only makes sense though that such a customer would want a one stop shop for their performance vehicle, and in the AWD market we are not able to provide that at this point in many occasions.

Originally Posted by Jakey (Post 182766)

With the volume of parts you all have been moving, I do not see how many non-internet-based businesses are going to be able to compete with MAP, irrelevant of whether it is group buy pricing or not. If you could pick up business from all of the people who buy overpriced parts from SBR, you would definitely take a big leap ahead.


It's all about having an established reputation. Look at Shane & DB. Shane has the reputation of being one of the top import EFI tuners in North America and even though DB's dyno rates sit in the middle between MAP and LSE, I'm sure they could raise their prices and still maintain a constant customer base. I certainly know that he's the only one who will ever touch my car, whenever it gets to the tuning stage.


Does it? Look at how many shops have quality control issues because they try to "do it all." SLS used to market parts very heavily but now all of their advertising indicates that they have shifted their key focus to fabrication. SLS and Shearer are really the only ones in the DSM market who push high-end fabrication.

I have no problem doing business with multiple shops and I would certainly think that there are others who feel the same way too.

Originally Posted by v8klla (Post 182776)

Granted, he still has a lot to learn and we learn new things every day.

Originally Posted by v8klla (Post 182776)

I guess we just need to increase the exposure like you said in regards to his work.

Originally Posted by turboimports (Post 185024)

Hmm....how about...hit 10's

:)

Originally Posted by v8klla (Post 185060)

Actually we were thinking about skipping 10's altogether ;)