Member Since: 24 Oct 2017
Location: Midlands
Posts: 106
Disco 3/4 Business idea - Thoughts welcomed please!
Hi all,
Was unfortunately made redundant a few months back, and whilst the job hunt continues, I've been thinking of an idea that even if it only sells one a year, would be good fun none the less.
And just as a disclaimer, this is in no way supposed to be a SERIOUS business, just something to keep potential money trickling in.
Bit of background - I've got a 2010 Disco 4 which I'm slowly upgrading to full 2014+ HSE spec (or as close as I can manage) and I've changed pretty much everything externally (lights, bumpers, wing mirrors etc etc) and internally I've changed the seats, installed a custom 7" tablet which looks OEM amongst other things.
I've seen on Ebay that lots of people sell the kits allowing you to buy these modifications yourselves, and with a bit of knowhow, it's not that challenging for someone who's willing to give it a go, at a cost (Ranging for £2k all the way up to £5k)!!
What I haven't seen much of is people willing to actually help fit all of the stuff, or an actual fitting service. Sure, there are a few of the big players who will offer a fitting service for ££££, but I was thinking that I enjoyed doing mine so much, and now having the knowhow, would like to extend that knowledge to other people trying to do theirs.
Thus my idea was to set up a service of sorts on Ebay selling not only the parts, but also a fitting service along with a couple of other modifications that I've done (Keyfob upgrading, tablet installation etc).
Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether or not this is a good idea/bad idea/how it could be improved/is there ANY traction in the idea at all??
It's never going to be a replacement for an income, and isn't meant to be, but it's just something I thoroughly enjoyed doing on mine and a few friends Disco's that I'd love to help others out too.
Any ideas and thoughts would be really appreciated.
Cheers all!1964 SIIA - Gone but not forgotten
1971 Range Rover Hybrid - Sold to a braver man than I
1987 Defender 90 - Written off
1990 Range Rover Classic - Rusted to bits/death trap
2010 Discovery 4 - Current WIP
18th Sep 2018 9:59 am
ruben D3 Decade
Member Since: 26 Sep 2006
Location: ASTURIAS
Posts: 2383
It could be a good start to put here a few pictures of what you are capable of doing. Good luck!lost in translation!
18th Sep 2018 10:18 am
Iceman08
Member Since: 22 Sep 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 2284
I had a little business idea a few months ago while at work. I mentioned it to the missus and we decided to give it a go, we are both employed so it's just a side line venture for us.
The initial outlay was minimal so we didn't stand to loose much if it didn't take off. It is something that everyone thinks is a brilliant idea but not everyone is jumping for. We are persevering with trying to promote it and get it out there as much as possible and I think over time it might take off.
Basically, if it's not going to cost you much to set up then I'd go for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained and all that!
18th Sep 2018 10:25 am
ianm27
Member Since: 02 Jun 2016
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 2154
Yep, what Iceman said.
If there is no, or a very small, set up cost and if it doesn't impact on your search for a "proper job" - then what is the downside?
I have no idea how easy it will be to promote your service on ebay and how far you are prepared to travel to offer this service, but carpe diem Uncle Ray's spare wheel protector
Limo Tint
Blackvue front & rear dashcam
Cruise control switch pack
Bodsy's remote for FBH
18th Sep 2018 1:30 pm
Browny90
Member Since: 19 Jul 2016
Location: Ashbourne
Posts: 687
My only comment would be, from people on this forum and Land Rovers generally people with older LRs tend to be tinkerers, so most people who would love their D3/ Early 4 enough to want the upgrade may also be willing to give it a go themselves.
With all the knowledge on this forum and across the web in general, most people who can drive a spanner can challenge themselves with the job these days.. not to say they will do a good job
I'm not saying it doesn't look like a viable cash injection Idea, just that the people I know with older LRs have them because they can tinker with them..
I guess owning an older LR and having to pay for all the potential work would cost a fortune..
Also, adding a £2-5k upgrade, they may be better off getting a newer D4 as the prices drop over the years.
Just my thoughts..
Good Luck if you go for it!Disco4 MY16 SDV6 Landmark Black
Disco4 MY12 SDV6 XS Orkney Grey (Gone)
Defender 90 200tdi Completely rebuilt.
18th Sep 2018 1:41 pm
Scott #55
Member Since: 15 Apr 2015
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 1664
Not everyone with a D3/D4 has the skillset or capability to manage this themselves, but could be confident enough with a bit of hand-holding.
You could offer the service and allow the owners to assist / learn as you do it. Also things like sorting brake pads, changing oil etc. - basically a primer on basic car mechanics.2014 - D4 2010 HSE Nara Bronze
2012 - FL2 2009 GS Stornoway Grey
2001 - VW Passat Estate Inky Blue
1999 - Ford Mondeo Light Blue
1998 - Rover 25 Red
18th Sep 2018 2:07 pm
Philip1972
Member Since: 10 Mar 2017
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 1072
Well, I will bung you a few quid if you will make the "flash" work on my my15 headlights. Everything else works except the flash when headlights are turned off. I know its an easy fix, but me a electric wires dont mix.
I work in the Midlands so should be able to pop round?
18th Sep 2018 2:13 pm
Famousfive
Member Since: 12 Aug 2014
Location: Southampton
Posts: 1807
^ even better than that get a unit that dims the DRL when indicating as per MY14 models. Now that would be great too (as well as the flash fix)
Member Since: 10 Mar 2017
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 1072
Come on robbie, if you are starting a business you need to be on the ball with replies!
18th Sep 2018 2:47 pm
Browny90
Member Since: 19 Jul 2016
Location: Ashbourne
Posts: 687
Famousfive wrote:
^ even better than that get a unit that dims the DRL when indicating as per MY14 models. Now that would be great too (as well as the flash fix)
Wish someone with Robbie's skills would do a step by step guide for us mere mortals
Make the next post count!! Disco4 MY16 SDV6 Landmark Black
Disco4 MY12 SDV6 XS Orkney Grey (Gone)
Defender 90 200tdi Completely rebuilt.
18th Sep 2018 2:49 pm
Disco neil
Member Since: 26 Feb 2018
Location: Kent
Posts: 125
Il be honest I thought the same thing about helping others doing the conversion. But I think the thing is the information is freely available on this site and other members are willing to help out for free. So charging kind of seems a bit cheeky. I think if there was coding and modyfing of parts then you could say there’s a bit of skill involved then you could warrant the charge, but doing the conversion is so simple as it’s simply a case of just unclipping and screwing of new parts. For instance, I’ve just seen a post regarding the 2010 l322 dash conversion which I’m now going to do to mine but it involves coding a chip which I can’t do. That I would warrant a cost as it’s something a bit specialist and not just unclipping and clipping in a new headlight.
Sorry to put a downer on your idea, just my opinion.
my advice is … go for it. you have so little to lose. I've been sat on my 4r$£ since January (not strictly true --- there were reasons not to look for a job before now) and wish I'd grown some and done something similar.
19th Sep 2018 8:11 am
Pelyma
Member Since: 06 Jan 2005
Location: Patching, Sussex
Posts: 15496
If you're doing lots of travelling then you need to be able to assess the real cost to you, if they come to you do you have planning permission to do it? Do you have insurance to do it? What if it goes wrong and you damage a car in this litigious world you do need your eyes wide open. That having been said if you have a passion for it, can see a niche for it and aren't relying on the income from it then go for it DS3 TDV6 HSE - Silver with Alpaca (old one) Gone
DS3 TDV6 HSE- Silver with Alpaca (new one) Gone
D4 HSE Lux - Montalcino Red Gone
Porsche Cayenne V8 Diesel S
19th Sep 2018 8:35 am
Erea
Member Since: 19 Mar 2012
Location: Munster
Posts: 1509
It’s a great idea especially if you have the time currently. 👍
If you’re looking to make up stuff and sell it I’d happily look to get a wiring loom made up to get heated seats working on a D3 that didn’t have them. I must try and get that working by this winter.
19th Sep 2018 9:07 am
M4Rob1987
Member Since: 24 Oct 2017
Location: Midlands
Posts: 106
Hi all,
Apologies for the delayed response - It's been a long week with job interviews etc.
The one thing that most people have picked up on is the "It's not that hard" element, which, granted, it isn't if you know what you're doing, are confident with it and have been tinkering with Land Rovers since the year dot, like I suspect, most of us on here. But, there are those that might want to do it and don't have the confidence and/or the time. Very much looking at the cash rich/time poor customers there!
I was just floating ideas around to see what people thought. Not entirely sure how to 'market' it etc, but I'll have a think and will post any progress etc.
Cheers all1964 SIIA - Gone but not forgotten
1971 Range Rover Hybrid - Sold to a braver man than I
1987 Defender 90 - Written off
1990 Range Rover Classic - Rusted to bits/death trap
2010 Discovery 4 - Current WIP
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