There go the comparable a on used vans!

Stephen

Mobile

> On Sep 14, 2017, at 11:54 AM, kenneth wilford (Van-Again) <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
> 
> Just saw this on the EV list and thought I would post it here.
> 
> I think I know why this has happened.
> 
> It is really the same path that we have been on for the last several
> years.  Going from a repair shop/parts store, to a restoration shop/parts
> store (where we are now), to an accessories developer/parts store (they
> will probably eventually stop selling the repair parts at some point and
> only supply the accessories/Westy parts which would be very ironic as that
> is how the whole business started back in the day).
> 
> It really just comes down to making the most money with your time, with the
> least headaches.  Developing cool accessories that aren't mission critical
> is a great way to make a ton of money (high mark up) while avoiding the
> thing that is the most soul destroying in the Vanagon world (dealing with
> broken down vans on trips).   I had lots of great experiences with doing
> repairs for customers over the years, however one bad experience (with an
> unreasonable customer, or someone who seems to be jinxed for some reason)
> overshadows your life until you get it resolved.  Getting a phone message
> at 10 o'clock at night on a Saturday from a customer broken down in the
> middle of nowhere and there is nothing you can do for them until Monday
> will wreck your weekend if you actually care (which I do).  Getting away
> from that wheel of pain has helped me enjoy servicing the Vanagon world
> again and we are actually making the same or even a little more money.  I
> have just dipped my toe into the restoration and sales world and so far
> that is going well.  However eventually, I will use that money to expand
> the accessories that we sell, because that is really where the money is
> right now.  People just can't get enough stuff to bolt and strap onto their
> vans.  I tried to buck the trend for a while but if you can't beat em, join
> em.
> 
> Just my thoughts on this.
> 
> --
> Thanks,
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com

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