Automotive Passion/Hobby And Ecommerce

[Jake662]

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out because I'm at a crossroads and could really use some advice.

I'm an avid automotive enthusiast with a deep passion for everything related to cars—whether it's classic muscle cars, the latest supercars, or even DIY maintenance and upgrades. Recently, I've been considering turning this passion into an e-commerce venture dedicated to the automotive niche.

However, I'm a bit unsure about where to start. There are a few key areas I'm hoping to get some guidance on:

1. Product Selection: What kind of products should I focus on initially? Should I start with a broad range or specialize in a particular category (like performance parts or restoration tools)?
2. Supplier Relationships: How do I go about finding reliable suppliers? Are there specific marketplaces or networks for automotive parts and accessories?
3. Challenges to Anticipate: For those who have experience in e-commerce or the automotive industry, what challenges should I be prepared for? Any pitfalls to avoid?

I know this is a big undertaking, but I'm excited about the possibilities. Your insights and experiences would be invaluable to me as I take the first steps towards making this dream a reality.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Best regards,
J

 

[Panther28]

I would do what I've started to do with my sites, and that is create a blog with an e-commerce store facility embedded. It makes for an easy way to showcase products and generate traffic and authority for them. I have many products that are redirected to Amazon affiliate products. You could do that too easily, and then once you get a feel for things, and traffic, and or earnings, you can expand and sell a real product on your store as a special offer or something to get a feel for the market and your selling capacity.

 

[madeinheaven2]

If you're passionate about this space (automotive), go for stuff you have experience in and would buy yourself I think. Like stuff you could even use and then re-sell for your own projects.

Starting from that point- you could easily probably find local suppliers selling for cheap- you just scour craigslist and facebook marketplace for deals, maybe even lowball them- and worst comes to worst you sell them locally or on eBay.

Then once you start building clientele that way you could start to build the traffic and email newsletter on your site, and also gather data for paid ads from your existing customers- and could source newer stuff and re-sell it in bulk.

Try and take it step-by-step. Start with what you know, and don't go in too deep too fast!!

 

[Jake662]

I would do what I've started to do with my sites, and that is create a blog with an e-commerce store facility embedded. It makes for an easy way to showcase products and generate traffic and authority for them. I have many products that are redirected to Amazon affiliate products. You could do that too easily, and then once you get a feel for things, and traffic, and or earnings, you can expand and sell a real product on your store as a special offer or something to get a feel for the market and your selling capacity.

If you're passionate about this space (automotive), go for stuff you have experience in and would buy yourself I think. Like stuff you could even use and then re-sell for your own projects.

Starting from that point- you could easily probably find local suppliers selling for cheap- you just scour craigslist and facebook marketplace for deals, maybe even lowball them- and worst comes to worst you sell them locally or on eBay.

Then once you start building clientele that way you could start to build the traffic and email newsletter on your site, and also gather data for paid ads from your existing customers- and could source newer stuff and re-sell it in bulk.

Try and take it step-by-step. Start with what you know, and don't go in too deep too fast!!

Yes I fully agree with what both of you have said in your responses.

Tbh I don't have many local suppliers as I don't live in Avery big country, however I have found bulk suppliers from Alibaba that produce various accessories and stuff like scanners for check engine lights etc that could do well for me locally, so I will give those a shot first.

I had bought a few in bulk a while back, once they sell I can then see if it's worth re investing in the same item or looking for something new.

Appreciate the responses!

 

[slippysalmon]

Did you get a biz up and running?