I have one of these little trucks and it's awesome, just from a curiosity stand point how many of these do you all sell in a month? Nobody near me sells them and I had to order mine from GA? I was just curious on how popular they are as nobody around me has even heard of them?
I would say they are gettin more popular by the day. I can think 15 to 20 companies selling mini's right now. I'm sure there's 3 times that many out there. New companies seem to be popping up everyday.
I would venture a guess at 20 times that many selling them. I just got started this year and recently I have met or talked to several other people that have sold or are selling them. I think the true test will be the test of time to see who sticks around. Anyone with $25k or so can start selling them, but the true companies will continue to progress and push forward with innovations, serivce, parts, etc. and really push the industry as a whole, not just sell a few trucks to make a buck or two. Just my $.02
Then you have people like me with no capital to sell them myself, but I still pedal 'em pretty hard to anyone who expresses intrest.
What I see missing (and this is stated as a recent purchaser and someone who deals with the public every day) is that the dealers need to have some kind of"up front" rating system that they can use to give the prospective buyer some idea of the little issues that each of these trucks come with. They are used. They will have minor (or not so minor) issues with things that can have an effect on the general longevity of the truck. Does anyone hand the new owner (or prospective owner) a list of these details? Compression, areas damaged then repaired, rust areas, brake shoes/pads/drums/rotors and their current state, etc. etc. There are so many issues that could be used to make the process a much better one. Only so many of these issues are readily available via a once over look. Others are hidden. I think it is the dealers that start treating customers this way that are going to be successful in the long run as they are showing the prospective buyer/buyer they have nothing to hide and the vehicle is priced based upon not only what is good but what the flaws and items needing attention are.
There are none in my area. I would like to fill that void. It will be a long haul I'm sure. I'm trying to do a research on companies that import. From what I see or think I see most of them are other dealer's. My concerns are condition of vehicle when received. Will be working on avery small capital. One bad vehicle could really set you back. The availabilty of parts for servicing. I'm thinking it may be best to import through or work with an established dealer that have contacts for parts. I myself would like to have one but with out parts available. I think twice before buying. Let's face it this is the internet. Where it seems like there is always somebody trying to take advantage of some one else. It is a little overwhelming when you think about it. Well at least for me. One step at a time. Tim
I provide all available information to all my customers, but keep in mind, most dealers buy these trucks site unseen in Japan, and have no idea what their history is....so the new owner will only get information about the truck for the short time I have owned it. As with buying any used vehicle it is the buyer's responsibilty to make sure they are happy with the vehicle and are prepared to purchase it as is. I provide my customers with the opportunity to fully inspect the vehicle and have it inspected by an 3rd party if they want. I have nothing to hide!!!
Tim, There is always risk, and it is not easy becoming a legitimate dealer. If you have issues with sending $25K+ to Japan and waiting 6-8 weeks for the trucks, then you should look at buying your trucks from a US dealer. One that has already done all the necessaary paperwork, and taken the risks. Then you can go inspect the trucks you buy and it would not be an "internet" purchase. If you want to go this route, let me know, I can get you all the trucks you want.
abcminitrucks, Thanks for the reply. That is exactly what I am in the process of doing right now. I have found a dealer that is only 150 miles away. Have contacted him and plan on visiting him next week. Be it there are no more surprises that don't let me get away for a day. Tim
