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Steve Webb
11-06-12, 22:15
Hi chaps, this is something that I have been thinking about for quite a while now.

We all know that getting parts for the 155 and Q4 is getting tricky these days, and when the parts come up for sale the chances are that you don't need it at that moment.
When you do need the parts, you can't find them anymore.

So just what is this idea I've got then?

Its a consortium, where whoever wants to join, stumps up a small amount of cash to put into a fund. This fund is then used to buy up parts as and when they become available.

Then if a member of the consortium needs one of the parts bought, they can then purchase the part from the consortium for the original price it was bought for.

These parts can also be offered for sale to non members, for a premium, to help boost the value of the fund to buy additional parts.

Doing this would help with the availability of parts when members needed them.

So what do you all think, I've added a poll so you can just vote rather than write out a reply, so please make your feelings known.

The more people who got involved would mean the less money per person to get the scheme off the ground.

Xti
12-06-12, 08:47
One positive vote here.

Cristian

AlfaJack
12-06-12, 09:23
Engine parts wise I think we are very well catered for but it is those rarer parts like the gearbox, diffs, petrol tank that can be a problem.

It is still a good idea but hard to manage I think...especially when judging who is in greater need of a particular part.

Steve Webb
12-06-12, 09:48
To be honest, for a start, due to the number of people on the forum and size of fund possible I was thinking more along the lines of those smaller hard to find items that tend to come up on ebay and the like every now and then. But of course if there is a big enough response and it looks like the fund could cope with larger value items, then things like subframes / petrol tanks and Q4 specific items could be catered for.

As for priority over parts, then that could be tricky, but I'm sure something could be worked out, thats part of the reason I'm voicing the idea here before trying to take things any further.

arguti
12-06-12, 10:18
Good idea.

Have you spoken to the Lancia Beta boyZ who appear to have done much the same things and formed in effect a lancia beta consortium version of alfaholics in terms of parts sourcing if that makes sense.

http://www.lanciabetaparts.co.uk/

count me in.

the wombat
12-06-12, 10:34
I think its a god idea. Probably need to get to the detail when interest has been gauged, but positive here

Juan ALZAGA
12-06-12, 10:56
Count me in

Brul(tm)
12-06-12, 11:47
I am a bit reserved on this. I think it's a good idea, but it all depents on the way things are worked out. I am neither in or out, I guess a maybe.

Finn
12-06-12, 12:25
Positive vote from me also, but like Brul(tm) things and (rules) would need to be quite straightforward. I've been looking for a n/s electric mirror and it's like rocking horse poo :) And a new one is €275. But a good idea I think.

David ARTC-215
12-06-12, 13:35
I think its a god idea. Probably need to get to the detail when interest has been gauged, but positive here

+1

alfa155chris
12-06-12, 15:50
I'm in but it's the cost???

Steve Webb
12-06-12, 19:38
Good idea.

Have you spoken to the Lancia Beta boyZ who appear to have done much the same things and formed in effect a lancia beta consortium version of alfaholics in terms of parts sourcing if that makes sense.

http://www.lanciabetaparts.co.uk/

count me in.

Not spoken to them yet, but you are right it would be a good idea to, to find out the pitfalls etc.

Steve Webb
12-06-12, 19:40
I think its a god idea. Probably need to get to the detail when interest has been gauged, but positive here

Well that was the main idea of voicing the idea. To see if people like it and would be interested, and if so then go on to start bashing out the details.

Steve Webb
12-06-12, 19:52
So then, seeing as its been a good to fair response so far, what are the main points that we need to clear up?

Here are a couple of points from me to begin with:

1. How much would people be expected to stump up?
2. What would a persons investment entitle them to?
3. Are the parts restricted to members or open to all?
4. How to deal with people who want to leave the scheme.
5. What sort of parts to focus on.

If you all add other questions, I'll start putting together a proper proposal type document that we can discus.

Everyone feel free to speak up with ANY concerns, if we do go ahead with something like this it will need to be done right from the start.

mpampis_
12-06-12, 19:56
A positive vote from me too

dazza
12-06-12, 20:18
yeah this could work out good for all concerned could be up for this

Suzumushi
12-06-12, 20:45
voted but not commented, you can count me in.

regards

Steve Webb
12-06-12, 22:05
Right I've fleshed out the original idea with a few more thoughts/details in the attached pdf.

Please be aware that this is not meant as any sort of final document, everything in the pdf is up for discussion.

Please take a look and let me know whats right/wrong.

Cheers

Steve Webb
13-06-12, 11:21
Further thinking on this I believe that it could be run on either a club or business model.
Regardless of which method, I wouldn't want to be the person in overall control of things, I'd feel much happier if there were at least one, preferably 2 other people involved at the highest level.

So a couple of additional questions, which model do you think would work best for the project, club or business? And if anyone feels like they would like to get more involved in the setting up and running of this, please drop me a pm.

Cheers

Juan ALZAGA
13-06-12, 11:54
It will require a more deep analysis, but I guess there is always the option to organize a BS group buy for performance items (i.e. brakes, suspension, etc) which means to collect money from members for a certain specific part.
However, In my opinion, the Consortium should be restricted to Q4 parts plus other parts that Q4s have in common with other 155s which are difficult to find (mirrors? etc).
In any case, believe that to assign kind of a membership will be a good step to benefit those who have commitment to support the project. Membership lets say EUR100 /150 (?) non refundable
Parts to be offered among members at cost price or to other BS participants with a mark up (in case no members are seeking for that part)
Not easy to decide though how to manage a situation in which 2 or more members require a part which we have just one in stock....in favour of the oldest one?

Steve Webb
13-06-12, 13:23
It will require a more deep analysis, but I guess there is always the option to organize a BS group buy for performance items (i.e. brakes, suspension, etc) which means to collect money from members for a certain specific part.

That is certainly one way the consortium could help out. It would help speed things along if there was already money available to purchase group buy items, rather than have to chase people up for cash before placing a firm order. Certainly with the Quick-shift kits getting the money from people took a while.


However, In my opinion, the Consortium should be restricted to Q4 parts plus other parts that Q4s have in common with other 155s which are difficult to find (mirrors? etc).

Absolutely, as Jack pointed out certain parts for the Q4 are still readily available, so there is no point going for things like this, or for anything that isn't useful for the Q4.
Trying to cater for too broad an audience will mean spreading ourselves too thin.


In any case, believe that to assign kind of a membership will be a good step to benefit those who have commitment to support the project. Membership lets say EUR100 /150 (?) non refundable
Parts to be offered among members at cost price or to other BS participants with a mark up (in case no members are seeking for that part)

I was thinking on a figure less than that to be honest, but that is something up for discussion.
To high a figure and not enough people will take part, too low and it won't raise enough money to make it viable.
The 'membership' amount will need to take into account the benefits that members will get from the scheme, namely availability of parts.


Not easy to decide though how to manage a situation in which 2 or more members require a part which we have just one in stock....in favour of the oldest one?
Well I am planning that all parts held by the consortium will be displayed in an online shop, with one price for members, and a higher price for non-members.

As a slight aside, whilst looking around for parts that could be bought and held by the consortium, I've found a genuine new Q4 thermostat. Now as far as I know no-one needs one at the moment, but at sometime in the future someone on here will be looking for one.
That is the perfect item to be bought up by the consortium, hard to find and never available when you need it.

Finn
13-06-12, 17:53
The focus of purchases should be in Q4 specific, hard to find parts. Maybe alternatively made-to-order parts (arb's, brakes, suspension, cams etc.), but the focus should be original parts. I think possible profits would be minimal so therefore I support the idea of set price to get in, for example €100. Consortium members should also get bank balance info (maybe twice a year). All profit should be invested in new parts.

How about good secondhand parts? I've for example few hard to find parts for a 155. What if a consortium member wants to sell to the consortium? The collective sets the price?

Other suggestion would be to make a "short-list" of existent needs of potential members and an open list of rare parts.

Steve Webb
13-06-12, 18:49
Some good points Finn, all things that I've thought about already but not yet put down in a post.


The focus of purchases should be in Q4 specific, hard to find parts. Maybe alternatively made-to-order parts (arb's, brakes, suspension, cams etc.), but the focus should be original parts.


I think this is the general consensus of everyone, focus on Q4 parts, with of course the overlap parts shared with the rest of the 155 range, wing mirrors, fog lights and trim etc.
Finding new old stock should be a priority but good second hand parts should also be considered.


I think possible profits would be minimal so therefore I support the idea of set price to get in, for example €100. Consortium members should also get bank balance info (maybe twice a year). All profit should be invested in new parts.

I agree with you here, the main objective of the consortium is to increase parts availability to members, not make money.

This is the second time that €100 has been mentioned, that was at the top end of the figure I was thinking about, so, what do other people think if this figure?

And as for reporting, yes either twice a year, or once a quarter, a set of accounts should be produced stating what has been sold, what has been bought and how much money is in the fund. An inventory of all stock held should be published at the same time.


How about good secondhand parts? I've for example few hard to find parts for a 155. What if a consortium member wants to sell to the consortium? The collective sets the price?

As I mentioned above, yes we should consider good second hand parts, provided that they can be checked out to make sure they work.
If a member of the consortium has parts to sell, then I would suggest that they are sold directly via the consortium for the price that the seller wants, with a small commission fee paid to the consortium, say 5%. (or whatever we can agree on)
Thats to say that the consortium member who owns the part, sells it directly to the buyer, gets paid directly by the buyer and sends directly to the buyer. Then just pays a small amount of commission to the consortium.


Other suggestion would be to make a "short-list" of existent needs of potential members and an open list of rare parts.

Absolutely, there ought to be a Hot-list of parts that we think will be needed by members in the future, parts to keep an eye out for.
Members should suggest parts for the consortium to buy when they are spotted for sale.

Steve Webb
13-06-12, 20:06
Just as an aside to all of this, should we decide to go ahead with the consortium I dug around in the garage today to see what parts I've got lying around.

Turns out its more than I thought. So this lot could go straight in to stock.



BC 90225 Heater fan resistor pack
LHD Heater matrix and valve
Aerial amplifier
Front fog light switch and automatic suspension buttons in panel
Overhead console for cars with sunroof, including rear view mirror
Bosch 0265 005 014 accelerometer (for electronic suspension)
Bosch 0265 005 017 accelerometer (for electronic suspension)
ABS Control box. (located under rear seat base)
Dash top air vent
Gear lever surround
Gear knob
Radio surround and coin tray
Ash tray and cigarette lighter
Front fog lights, both sides
Full standard electronic suspension setup.


Not sure how rare or needed any of that is, but it would make as start to stock.

alfa155chris
13-06-12, 20:28
I'll be happy to do some storing of bits

wrinx
13-06-12, 21:12
BC 90225 Heater fan resistor pack

You might have your first sale...I need one of those! :lol:

wrinx

alfa155chris
13-06-12, 21:30
You might have your first sale...I need one of those! :lol:

wrinx

I need one too

Finn
13-06-12, 21:43
So this lot could go straight in to stock.
...


If your list is NOS stuff then its a pretty nice start :) I could also do a bit of rummaging and make a list. My parts are used, but working. Plenty of Q4 parts and also generic 155 parts, including the resistor and rustfree and straight rear skinny wings for example.

My hot list is:
N/S wing mirror, electric and air-con sender
Overhead console for cars with sunroof, including rear view mirror :)

wrinx
13-06-12, 22:01
Overhead console for cars with sunroof, including rear view mirror :)

Sure someone will have one of those....probably for free!

I'll have a look in my stock...

wrinx

mpampis_
13-06-12, 22:03
I have many parts too that I upgrade to my car. They are used in perfect condition and I didn't think to sell them but maybe for someone they would be necessary. I will make a list tomorrow

Steve Webb
14-06-12, 07:23
Sure someone will have one of those....probably for free!

I'll have a look in my stock...

wrinx

You obviously got over excited when you saw the resistor pack at the top of my list. Number 5 on the list is the overhead console for sunroof etc.

wrinx
14-06-12, 08:23
Indeed...tunnel vision!

wrinx

Steve Webb
14-06-12, 08:44
Dragging the thread back on topic.
Given the positive support for the idea, and the possibility that there will be quite a good selection of member stock from the off, I think it is getting close to the time to decide yes or no.
I will try to draw up a terms and conditions form for joining the consortium, taking into account everything that has been discussed on here so far.

The only other issue is the joining fee. I will start another thread with a poll so you can all give your views easily.

Cheers again.

DARKLORD
14-06-12, 15:01
Great idea, but for me it's the cost as I'm unemployed at present.

Steve Webb
14-06-12, 22:45
Well, the route we are going down at the moment means that the consortium will be run along the lines of a club, so joining at a later date won't be a problem.

Steve Webb
14-06-12, 23:36
So does anyone out there want to get a little more involved in all of this and help me sort some of the details out?
I just feel that people would have more confidence in all of this if it was handled by more than just 1 person.

Finn
15-06-12, 12:54
I can help work out the details and be of assistance.

Steve Webb
15-06-12, 22:22
Cheers Finn,

I'll pm you with a few things tomorrow to look over.

Steve Webb
16-06-12, 17:52
Hi everyone, details are progressing on the consortium idea in the background at the moment. Hopefully we should be ready to move forward in the next few days.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Varypodaros
16-06-12, 22:30
If I was in central Europe, or England, it would be amazing opportunity. but I'm in Greece and the shipping of the parts would cost more than the parts themself. :(

Steve Webb
17-06-12, 08:19
If I was in central Europe, or England, it would be amazing opportunity. but I'm in Greece and the shipping of the parts would cost more than the parts themself. :(

I've just had a check online, and certainly sending small/medium sized items to Greece is no more expensive than sending them to Spain for example. I guess its because you are part of the EU.

wrinx
17-06-12, 10:20
I guess its because you are part of the EU.

For now... :huh:

wrinx

Steve Webb
17-06-12, 10:28
For now... :huh:

wrinx

Careful now, the unwritten rule on here is no politics and no religion. Well unless there is a cheap gag at stake, so I guess you're alright then. :clap:

wrinx
17-06-12, 12:38
:lol:

wrinx

Varypodaros
18-06-12, 00:13
Careful now, the unwritten rule on here is no politics and no religion.
there isn't anything to worry about Steve.

Steve Webb
18-06-12, 08:30
there isn't anything to worry about Steve.

Well it looks like you will be staying in the EU anyway, so I need not have worried.

Brul(tm)
18-06-12, 08:51
Well it looks like you will be staying in the EU anyway, so I need not have worried.


:rofl:

Sorry ;)

Varypodaros
18-06-12, 09:51
:rofl:

Sorry ;)

it's not necessary to be in the EU. it's enough that we are Greeks.

Brul(tm)
18-06-12, 10:29
it's not necessary to be in the EU. it's enough that we are Greeks.

You Greeks have a far better kitchen than we Dutchies have, love it :thumbsup:
Been to Greece a couple of times, I realy like it :cool:

Varypodaros
18-06-12, 10:34
If we stay in EU and decide to visit us again, send me a PM. :cool:

mpampis_
18-06-12, 10:41
I'll send you all of them a "souvlaki" with any parts. (sorry for off topic)

Steve Webb
18-06-12, 20:50
I'll send you all of them a "souvlaki" with any parts. (sorry for off topic)

Works for me, I love Greek food. Especially all the sweet stuff.

alfista_AR
21-06-12, 20:11
Works for me, I love Greek food. Especially all the sweet stuff.

Hey guys, you're talking bout Greece & Greeks! What about Latin America and specifically Argentina?
We are living where the world ends!
There's not any chance to buy parts from EU and shipping those to this country, and I believe that ship from Argentina to EU is almost impossible due to shipping charges, regulatory compliances, currency exchange, etc,etc,etc.
You all are lucky guys!
I have some heavy parts (thorsen, rear diff, complete rear axle with braces, and many more) that cannot ship to anywhere due that are really heavy, but if someone needs it and wanted to make the effort I'm able to heard.

Suzumushi
22-06-12, 22:16
For now... :huh:

wrinx

and they are out :tongue:

but at least in 1/4 of finals :)

regards
WS

Steve Webb
22-06-12, 22:36
Shipping to Argentina is possible but it isn't the cheapest. Certainly one quickshift kit went out there.

AlfaJack
22-06-12, 22:57
I have sent parts to Argentina before too. It wasn't too expensive but one did go missing (low value fortunately) .

Steve Webb
23-06-12, 07:56
Just incase some of you have missed the thread, we're now getting a list of names together of people who want to join. If you go to this thread Consortium membership (http://forum.berlinasportivo.com/showthread.php?t=2395) you can find the membership form and what you need to do next.
We are waiting until we have 10 firm yes's, and we only need a couple more members to reach that point, then we're off.

Steve Webb
25-06-12, 21:46
The Parts Consortium shop is now up and running. Please note that we aren't accepting any orders just yet. But the parts in the shop will be up for sale to consortium members in the very near future.


BerlinaSportivo Parts Consortium shop. (http://parts.berlinasportivo.com)

Cheers everyone.

Suzumushi
25-06-12, 22:24
The Parts Consortium shop is now up and running. Please note that we aren't accepting any orders just yet. But the parts in the shop will be up for sale to consortium members in the very near future.


BerlinaSportivo Parts Consortium shop. (http://parts.berlinasportivo.com)

Cheers everyone.

nice one
what about access to consortium forum ?:)


regards
WS

Steve Webb
25-06-12, 22:55
nice one
what about access to consortium forum ?:)


regards
WS

My mistake, you should have access now. Along with everyone else who has confirmed they want to join.
If you do want to confirm that you want to take part, then drop me a PM or email.

Steve Webb
30-06-12, 13:47
Just to give this a little bump once again. If you are interested in joining, we need a couple more people before we can get things going, drop me a pm on here or email me directly.

Cheers

155q4due
10-07-12, 20:52
Hi guys,
you can count me in. also believe it's wise to start with the smaller parts, lower budget, easy to store and ship.
Let me know how to proceed. I'm in for let's say euro 250.

Steve Webb
10-07-12, 22:13
Hi guys,
you can count me in. also believe it's wise to start with the smaller parts, lower budget, easy to store and ship.
Let me know how to proceed. I'm in for let's say euro 250.

I've added you to the Consortium group so you should be able to see a couple more forums now. All details about the consortium will be discussed in there.