Wholesale Dealer Options

[Bayou Thunder]

Question for anybody that can help. A good friend of mine and myself are looking into the possibility of starting a Truck Accessory business. I have much of the know how and he has the finances for it. I plan on contacting several manufacturers to go about setting up accounts with them but know that many times they use wholesalers to get their product out. Does anybody out there know of a accessory wholesaler in the Dallas area that can supply many different vendors. I had talked to several about a year ago but no longer have this information. This will be a legitimate business under my current corporation but just not sure the best way to go about it. Who has experience in this field and can offer some advice? Thanks in advance. And if this pans out it means trickle down benefits to members here.

Clay

[anonymousguy]

You might try walking into about 10 different dealerships in your area and asking them who the best aftermarket supplier is. If you get the same answer at more than three of them then you know that it is probably a good source. I don't think I would tell them that I am thinking of becoming a competitor with them though.

[spkrmakr]

Contact SEMA or look at their website for members. Why do you wish to purchase through distribution rather than direct. Do your research and pick your lines. You will need qualified installation techs and a proper facility. It must be a complete service with excellent business ethics. If you do not have the time, resources and knowledge to start a business, don't waste your money and don't quit your day job. A proper business plan and proper backing are a must.

Truck accessories can be a "great" business and a lot of fun for one who already has a passion for trucks.

Good luck!

Bob

[anonymousguy]

Contact SEMA or look at their website for members. Why do you wish to purchase through distribution rather than direct. Do your research and pick your lines. You will need qualified installation techs and a proper facility. It must be a complete service with excellent business ethics. If you do not have the time, resources and knowledge to start a business, don't waste your money and don't quit your day job. A proper business plan and proper backing are a must.

This is excellent advice. It deserves a repeat.

[Eddie]

You could try Keystone Automotive http://www.key-stone.com/about/
They're one of the biggest wholesale parts distributors. All the local chain stores and almost all speedshops use them,the places I worked at before used them. It's owned/founded by Top Fuel racer Joe Amato.

[Bayou Thunder]

I will offer discounts to members. I am currently about to start managing a business for a friend effective December 1. We are looking into opening an additional business soon along the lines of 4x4 Customs and truck accessories. No word yet about when it will happen but I do have several things in place as we speak. I will keep you all updated/

[TundraBear]

shreveporttundra-

sounds cool. i wish i had some leads to contricute, but i can only offer my support. =) good luck bro!