Online Porsche business for sale?, Anyone we know? Options

[Steve]

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/pts/5924768273.html

[Unobtanium-inc]

There are a couple of these "turn-key" businesses for sale right now. I've seen enough of these to know that normally the stuff guys have left when they want to sell out is the stuff that doesn't sell. There was a well known parts dealer in Maine who wanted me to buy him out about 5 years ago. We made a trip up there and did a full inventory. it was stuff like he had 100 rusty coupe doors, I already had 30 in my collection, did I need 130? Or my favorite, he had 275 356 B/C steering columns, he said, "I get $100 each for those?" I countered with, "I would be able to sell 5 in my lifetime, so that leaves me 270 to make an Effiel Tower in my front yard."

If you are thinking of buying into one of those businesses do your homework and don't get wowed by the quantity, look closer at the quality. This stash looks like a lot of empty engine and gearbox cases, 914 Targa tops, and door shells. Try selling some of those items before you spend thousands to own a building full of them.
It's also important to look at who is selling the stuff. If the guy is in good health and just wants out of the business be wary. Most people get into this business based on their passion for the Marque and they normally only want out of a dream job if they aren't making any money. Now if the guy is in bad health and still passionate, that makes a deal more interesting so it's not the business that is sick, it's him, which means you can take the baton and keep the race going.

[GaroldShaffer]

There are a couple of these "turn-key" businesses for sale right now. I've seen enough of these to know that normally the stuff guys have left when they want to sell out is the stuff that doesn't sell. There was a well known parts dealer in Maine who wanted me to buy him out about 5 years ago. We made a trip up there and did a full inventory. it was stuff like he had 100 rusty coupe doors, I already had 30 in my collection, did I need 130? Or my favorite, he had 275 356 B/C steering columns, he said, "I get $100 each for those?" I countered with, "I would be able to sell 5 in my lifetime, so that leaves me 270 to make an Effiel Tower in my front yard."

If you are thinking of buying into one of those businesses do your homework and don't get wowed by the quantity, look closer at the quality. This stash looks like a lot of empty engine and gearbox cases, 914 Targa tops, and door shells. Try selling some of those items before you spend thousands to own a building full of them.
It's also important to look at who is selling the stuff. If the guy is in good health and just wants out of the business be wary. Most people get into this business based on their passion for the Marque and they normally only want out of a dream job if they aren't making any money. Now if the guy is in bad health and still passionate, that makes a deal more interesting so it's not the business that is sick, it's him, which means you can take the baton and keep the race going.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) I have standing offers from a few people with sizable 914 stashes that want me to buy their whole stash of cars / parts. Unless there is a some valuable parts that can sell quickly to recover your costs it is not worth it. In all my years of buying parts cars & parts I have only jumped on two "collections" because of fair prices and quality parts.

If anyone is thinking about jumping in keep in mind you have to transport, sort and then store all that. Then there is selling, shipping and more. Doing it as a hobby is one thing, but when you try to make it a business that changes everything. It is a lot time and effort, more than you ever think it will be. As me how I know. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)