Parts consortium idea.

[Juan ALZAGA]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[wrinx]

[*]BC 90225 Heater fan resistor pack

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

wrinx

[alfa155chris]

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

wrinx

I need one too

[Finn]

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]

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