This is an e-mail I sent out to a select group of my clients recently: ( abridged )
Hi All,
I was recently lamenting to my long-suffering Wife about the lack of websites offering eye-candy for Valiant enthusiasts. I love looking at other peoples rides, drawing inspiration, ideas and just plain enthusiasm from what others are doing. Unfortunately, apart from a few regularly visited sites, there is bugger all out there for us.
Last year I purchased a domain name and hosting etc ( moparts.co.nz ) and until now, I was'nt really sure what I would do with it. Basically, I thought the name was related to what I do ( valiant cars and parts ) so I grabbed it.
What I am asking is that you send some top pics of your pride and joy, whether it be an original classic or a custom, showroom condition or a work in progress. There is no cost involved and your contact details are kept strictly confidential.
We have a strong, loyal base of enthusiasts out there, and I truly believe that with your help, we could have a great site.
Depending on a favourable response, there is no reason why we cannot perhaps progress to adding chat facilities, forums and free classifieds. It might be a good way to get/keep in touch with other mopar fans and organise events in our respective regions.
If we get enough traffic we could consider allowing related advertising from our favourite companies in exchange for discounted products and services via the site. Who knows where it could go...
If nothing else, I get to look at some cool pics of your cars!!!
If you know anyone else who may be interested in contributing, let them know and give them my details. ( or forward them this link-
www.moparts.co.nz )
I look forward to your feedback on this idea, suggestions and obviously pictures.
From the hemisix perspective, I am absolutely staggered with the prices some of the parts and cars are fetching now.
I guess, from an owners standpoint, this means our cars are worth more if we sell them but it does mean we pay more to increase our stable or source parts we need.
As I am in the business of sourcing vehicles and parts for Valiant lovers, I see this graphically illustrated every day, and it is just getting worse.
I have thought on this issue a lot ( how to maintain realistic pricing for my clients and friends ) and have come to the conclusion that the only way to achieve this is for me to minimise my reliance on others for the parts we need.
Obviously, if circumstances dictate, I will still be able to use my contacts to find the part you need, however, I am starting to shift my focus to alternative means.
There are a lot of cars sitting in peoples shed in NZ that could be restored to their former glory, or at the very least, donate some of their vitals so that others may live on.
I want these vehicles.
I want to put together a resource that can provide a good supply of reasonably priced, quality cars and parts for our motoring community. If you know of a vehicle, or better still, a collection of vehicles, please let me know.
This is for the benefit of us all. You all know me and know my prices are extremely favourable compared to what others are doing. ( I am not and have never been a greedy man. I have everything I need and want in life- beautiful wife and kids, cars I love and a job many would envy. I am not in business to make money, I do this for love. I only try to make enough to allow me to continue doing what I do. If my costs are covered then I am happy.)
In other words, what I am asking for is your help in keeping prices reasonable and parts readily available.
Lets help each other.
All I want is to have a part in keeping these old girls going as long as possible- any suggestions or ideas are priceless.
Kind Regards
Mike
Labels: chrysler valiant
