Need more money? (not some BS scam)

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TrailBeast

TrailBeast

AKA Mopars4us on Youtube
Joined
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From time to time it's obvious that people could use more income (me included) and one of the things I have seen and used is this.
Yesterday I was hunting down a digital amplified antenna because I got tired of paying for cable TV and seeing almost nothing but year old reruns, car and drug commercials so I canceled the cable.
The digital amped antenna's get a decent amount of HD movie channels, PBS and local stations free out of the air, and we have Netflix and cable internet.

Anyhow, back to the point.
The normal average price for the antenna I got was about 60 bucks, but as I was researching them I found the exact same antenna for as much as $595.00 on ebay and a few other sites. (a bit of an extreme example on this product I know)
I know it sounds a little rediculous, but people WILL occasionally buy these way overpriced products out of either lack of attention or impatience, and as we all know there are people out there with way more money than sense or time available.
It's nothing I havn't seen going on for years and I normally get paid to teach people how to do these types of things themselves, but I figured I would share it here for people that have the resources (internet and personal drive) to follow through with it.

Some examples of marked up products I have personally seen are:

A fuel guage I needed; 35 bucks plus shipping on ebay (20+ tax at a local auto store)
Fuel sending unit; 65 bucks (but got the same part for 32 from a different seller.)
Heater core; 95 bucks at one place (exact part for 40 elsewhere)
Window track rollers; 15 bucks each on ebay, or a bag of three for 4.95 elsewhere on a "Help" section wall.
Thats over $140 profit from just those 4 things if a person wasn't paying attention and/or didn't take the time to shop around.
People in general are way less patient than they used to be, and I'm sure you all have seen very recent examples of this either online or in your daily routines.
Use this impatience or lack of knowledge in your favor to increase your income.

Another really good example of how this can be done is this.
I have a paypal account and Autozone accepts online payment now, so I could put an ad out of my area in Craigslist for "A brand new in the box heater core for" whatever.
"Paypal only please" and my contact info, and even use the Autozone picture in my ad.
Once that sale has hit my Papal account I can immediatly puchase that part, pick it up, or have it delivered and ship it. (You don't even have to be near the store you bought the part or item from.) as they deliver now.
Any random Part= 48 bucks and you sell it on Craigslist for 69 and you just made 21 dollars and didn't have to put out any cash or handle the part until you were already paid for it.
Autozone for example also has home delivery now as well as accepting Paypal online.
This is last paragraph is important;
you put out ZERO money up front, and if the part does not sell it didn't cost anything but your time to list it somewhere.
If it does sell, then when you have already have been paid, then you have it sent to you and you ship to the seller.

This can be done in free online classified ads Cragslist and Ebay worldwide.

Use the advantage of people with more money than time.
Use the advantage of buyer/shopper impatience.
Use the advantage of already knowing where that part or product is (the shopper may not)

How many times have we seen on this site (for example) of someone looking for a part for thier car and we tell them they can get that part off the Help Section wall at most any comon auto store like Autozone or O'Reily's?

Now I'm not in any way suggesting that you use this method with your fellow FABO members, but think about it this way.
If you were selling a part at the swap meet that the booth next to you sold the exact same thing for 50 bucks more than you were asking for your part wouldn't you raise your price?
Also, realize that you WILL get called out about it from some prospective buyers.
Just put on your thick skin, make that money and don't let anyone tell you you cant.
That person isn't the customer you need anyway, so thier oppinion is meaningless.

People are using these methods daily to increase income, and so can you.
It works great for people who might have physical limitations keeping them out of the job market.
All it takes is time, so if you have a lot of free time what do you have to loose?

My best to you all.
 
I see it all the time on this site when someone is posting links to parts on eBay and they can be bought at any local parts store much cheaper. Any common part you find that multiple sellers have on eBay is likely to available at a part store.
 
I don't know. It seems like ripping people off, and that doesn't sit well with me.

I hate flippers that are only in it for the money.


I like the car hobby with the true enthusiast that help each other out. Charge your car buddy a fair price or even give it to him.

I've been in this for over 30 years. Made some good friends who have helped me out.


I was working on my 67 Barracuda fastback once and pulled out the original 273 to install a 340 in it. Had the old engine out, and the "new" 340 in the air on the hoist transferring the motor mounts, and found out the hard way that the left mount does not fit. I called a local Mopar buddy, Hal who was 45 minutes away from me and told him about my "problem". He told me that he had the proper mount and to come on over. I went over to his place, and he dug one out of his basement. I asked him how much, and he said, "Just take it". I really appreciated that, as that was preventing me from dropping my engine in.

Later on I traded him a 340 six pack intake and carbs for a 340 block, crank, and 10 pistons with rods. I didn't want to ask him for any extra money for the intake and carbs, as he had done me a few favors (like the 340 engine mount and he once carried a NOS Challenger convertible quarter panel home from the Nats for me when it wouldn't fit in our car). We didn't worry who was getting the better end of the deal for each transaction, as it basically worked itself to be even in the long run.

I like the comradery of helping each other out more than trying to make a fast buck off of people. You make more friends that way. That's one of the reasons that I like the car hobby. The true enthusiasts are great people who help people out. I don't like the people trying to make a fast buck off of us, and wouldn't want to do it to someone else.

I was at the Mopar Nats about the 2nd or 3rd year when it first started out. A guy parked near us with a blue b-body with a 440 and headers was trying to change his starter. He was having a hard time getting the old starter out. I worked at a 10 minute oil change back then and was good at finding holes to get the parts in and out of. We struggled with the starter and headers for about 4-5 hours, but finally got it in and the header back on so he could drive it again. Unfortunately, I didn't get too much time to look around as I was helping him with his car, but I was good with that. He reached in his wallet and handed me $20 for my time and effort saying, "I couldn't have got it running today without your help". I was just glad to help him get his car running again so he could drive it. I never even expected to ask him for money.

I don't mind someone making a few bucks off of the parts, but to try to pull more money than it's worth is taking advantage of people, and I'm not like that....
 
krazykuda said:
I don't know. It seems like ripping people off, and that doesn't sit well with me.

I hate flippers that are only in it for the money.


I like the car hobby with the true enthusiast that help each other out. Charge your car buddy a fair price or even give it to him.

I've been in this for over 30 years. Made some good friends who have helped me out.


I was working on my 67 Barracuda fastback once and pulled out the original 273 to install a 340 in it. Had the old engine out, and the "new" 340 in the air on the hoist transferring the motor mounts, and found out the hard way that the left mount does not fit. I called a local Mopar buddy, Hal who was 45 minutes away from me and told him about my "problem". He told me that he had the proper mount and to come on over. I went over to his place, and he dug one out of his basement. I asked him how much, and he said, "Just take it". I really appreciated that, as that was preventing me from dropping my engine in.

Later on I traded him a 340 six pack intake and carbs for a 340 block, crank, and 10 pistons with rods. I didn't want to ask him for any extra money for the intake and carbs, as he had done me a few favors (like the 340 engine mount and he once carried a NOS Challenger convertible quarter panel home from the Nats for me when it wouldn't fit in our car). We didn't worry who was getting the better end of the deal for each transaction, as it basically worked itself to be even in the long run.

I like the comradery of helping each other out more than trying to make a fast buck off of people. You make more friends that way. That's one of the reasons that I like the car hobby. The true enthusiasts are great people who help people out. I don't like the people trying to make a fast buck off of us, and wouldn't want to do it to someone else.

I was at the Mopar Nats about the 2nd or 3rd year when it first started out. A guy parked near us with a blue b-body with a 440 and headers was trying to change his starter. He was having a hard time getting the old starter out. I worked at a 10 minute oil change back then and was good at finding holes to get the parts in and out of. We struggled with the starter and headers for about 4-5 hours, but finally got it in and the header back on so he could drive it again. Unfortunately, I didn't get too much time to look around as I was helping him with his car, but I was good with that. He reached in his wallet and handed me $20 for my time and effort saying, "I couldn't have got it running today without your help". I was just glad to help him get his car running again so he could drive it. I never even expected to ask him for money.

I don't mind someone making a few bucks off of the parts, but to try to pull more money than it's worth is taking advantage of people, and I'm not like that....
Click to expand...

I'm not talking specifically about cars here.


I am the same way about friends, cars and helping each other but all that is personal.
I'm talking about making a living or just a little more to get by on.

They are two completely different things.
So if they guy I mentioned in my post was in the space next to you at the swap meet and sold the same part you were selling and he sold his for way more than you were asking for yours, you wouldn't raise the price on your part then ?

You would feel like yours for less was doing some random person a good deed that they might appreciate?

The guy in the booth next to you would be paying his mortgage and groceries, and you would have a nice warm fuzzy feeling for dinner under a bridge somewhere.

Not trying to be a jerk embarrass you, or put you down in ANY way, but this is what my customers hear when they say what you said.
I grew up with what I think is the same basic beliefs as far as fair and helping others out, but NONE of that pays the bills does it. :)

It's not like you are the only person to buy from, or the only one with something someone else needs.
Someone else WILL sell the product and the other person WILL make that money.
I'd just rather it was you or 805MoparKid, or any number of people that made it. :)

Buyers have a choice, and if you would rather give the money to the other guy that will sell to them for more than you think it's worth, then there isn't much anyone can do about it, is there and we are wasting both of our time here. :pale: :D
(again the exact thing I tell customers that see it as not right)
 
The first part of your post about saving money, cool.

Then for me it segued into making money by taking advantage of people's ignorance, impatience, "having more money than good sense." I'm not perfect by any means but my belief is contribute to the common good with what I do and treat everyone equally and I'll be able to pay my bills and feel good about myself.
 
TrailBeast said:
I'm not talking specifically about cars here.

So if they guy I mentioned in my post was in the space next to you at the swap meet and sold the same part you were selling and he sold his for way more than you were asking for yours, you wouldn't raise the price on your part then ?

You would feel like yours for less was doing some random person a good deed that they might appreciate?

The guy in the booth next to you would be paying his mortgage and groceries, and you would have a nice warm fuzzy feeling for dinner under a bridge somewhere.

Not trying to be a jerk embarrass you, or put you down in ANY way, but this is what my customers hear when they say what you said.
I grew up with what I think is the same basic beliefs as far as fair and helping others out, but NONE of that pays the bills does it. :)

It's not like you are the only person to buy from, or the only one with something someone else needs.
Someone else WILL sell the product and the other person WILL make that money.
I'd just rather it was you or 805MoparKid, or any number of people that made it. :)
Click to expand...


I went to college to get a degree that I could earn a good living with. I do not feel it necessary to rip others off to support me and my family.

I would mark the price up to make a little for my time and effort and make a couple of bucks. Not any more, even if it was below "market value". And if I did that at a swap meet and the guy next to me has the same thing for $50 more, guess who will sell his part first....


Way back in the 80's I was at the nats and saw a guy selling some Max Wedge parts. I had picked up a Stage III heads and intake already, but was interested in getting more of the pieces for it. The guy had a max wedge intake, carbs and linkage set up that he was asking $1200 for. I asked him what he would be willing to take for it, and he replied, "Those are high performance parts, there's no dealing on high performance parts." :tool:

As I was walking away from his spot, I grabbed his flyer and saw that he was looking for a set of Stage III Max Wedge heads. I then went to him and asked him what he would pay for a set of "518" heads. He asked, "What are those?" (yeah, like he didn't know...)

I said, "The stage III heads that you are looking for in your flyer here."

He said that he'd give me $500 for them. I laughed in his face and walked away....

Really, $500 for the heads, and he wanted $1200 for the intake and carb set up... :finga:

I don't appreciate people trying to rip me off, so they can make a profit later... :twisted:

I now have all of the parts to complete the Max Wedge set-up except the carbs. I will wait until I put it together to get them, in case there are any problems and I need to have them warrantied. If I bought them now and not use them for a few years, there will be no warranty if I happen to need it (carbs can be picky sometimes).


Sometimes it's better to ask a reasonable price and sell your items, than ask outrageous prices and have trouble getting rid of them... Then who's eating dinner under the bridge???


If you are smart enough to figure out what you like to do that companies will pay a nice wage for, and then get an education to enable you to do that, you won't have to go around ripping off others for a living, or wear yourself out working 2 or 3 jobs just to keep food on the table and a roof over your head. .

Justify it any way that you want, whatever helps you sleep at night....
 
Whose to say when you buy something, somebody else down the road isn't selling it cheaper? How is what he's proposing wrong? Isn't that the American way? When you go to a tire store, you pay sometimes three times what the tire costs the store. That's a 300% markup. I know. I worked for one like that. Same as any other retail business. They buy products at one price, sell them at a higher price. So, where's the harm? The example he gave was a 21 dollar profit. I got no problem with that at all.
 
krazykuda said:
I went to college to get a degree that I could earn a good living with.
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Many don't have the college degree nor the good paying job. Many live within their means, but the retirement account is empty or they dream of sending their kids to college to get that degree so the kids don't have to put up with the "jobs" and get a career.

I do not feel it necessary to rip others off to support me and my family.
Click to expand...

What's being described is a lot of what Rob said in retail.

I've owned two repair shops in my life. I buy from my vendors and sell for what I feel the part is worth. Many repair shops sell for list, less than list, or more than list.

I buy a typical front wheel drive hat style rotor for $25. I'll sell it out the door for $50 all day long, other shops might sell it for list ($75-$90) or two to three times list, as parts is what pays their overhead, while the labor is profit. That same rotor retails for $35.

Am I ripping my customers off for selling it more than what they can buy it over the retail counter? Am I just a greedy business man?

Is the guy with five guys out on the line ripping his customers off for selling that same rotor at $100 ripping his customers off when he knows that the $75 mark up is what's paying his techs, his utilities, his mortgage, his insurance, while he brings home the money he's paying himself and reinvesting back into his shop out of his labor charge? (Using the labor charge to buy newer equipment, putting money back to pay his techs during the lean months - it happens between Thanksgiving and tax return time or making sure the mortgage is paid during that same time period.)

I'm just asking.
 
I fell for that one once.

Was looking for a tire balancer. Found a guy on eBay with one a little cheaper. So I get the thing and found it was drop shipped from a big chain store. That store I knew was the next cheapest because I did my research.


So how I wondered did he make money on it?


So I look on line again and see it went on sale the day after the action closed. Lol

Must of had some insider info going on.
 
For me, there is a difference between a retail business where one can reasonably expect they have many expenses and they need to make a profit, versus a face-to-face deal between individuals. There's a code of honor that means more than a dollar, or $21 or.....(is there a dollar amount threshold where right becomes wrong?)

I had a friend who back in the '90's snatched up domain names to sit on and then sell at a profit. It's a mentality of looking out for yourself only.

It's just who I am, gives me a clear conscience. Not everyone agrees, obviously, or needs to.
 
RustyRatRod said:
The example he gave was a 21 dollar profit. I got no problem with that at all.
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That example I don't have a problem with. It's when he tries to corner me and say that the guy next to me is selling the same part at a swap meet for $50 more than me, I should mark up my price, even if I have already made my "honest money" with what I'm asking for.

Retail is a different story. I know that they mark up the prices double or more sometimes. that's when you look and wait for it to go on sale and get the best price that you can.

I have no problem asking for retail price on an item that you are selling if it's new. But I do not see buying a new part from someone at full retail price if they bought it and didn't use it. If I buy it from the store at the same price, I get a guarantee/warranty if it doesn't work. If I pay the same price to an individual, I get no warranty/guarantee besides the seller running off with my money. My freedom of choice to look for the best price for my parts has not been taken away from me yet, and I choose to shop around for the best price. So why buy it for full price from an individual when you can get it for the same price from a retailer and get a warranty? America...

That's why I don't do ebay. I don't like that other people can bid the price up. It favors the seller, not the buyer in that aspect. Tell me what you want for the part. We'll try to bargain to meet on a fair price. If I don't like the price that you give, I will pass and move on.

I believe in putting in an honest day's work for my money, not taking advantage of other people to support me. I wouldn't want someone doing that to me, and I don't do that to others.


If you ask a reasonable price for your stuff, and then sell more quantity than if you mark it up, you will make more profit in the long run selling more parts at a reasonable price, than selling a couple of parts at a rip off price...
 
When it's in print some people see it as ripping someone off when
actually it's standard retail practices applied to todays resource availability.

The whole point was to show people who are interested and need it how to make money without having it in the first place. (not how to rip someone off)

KK, if it makes you feel better you could charge less markup on the item/s than anyone else. :)
Am I wrong in thinking what you have a problem with is the markup amount?
What amount of markup makes the difference between this being morally acceptable or not to you in this case?
Are you under the impression everyone always looks for and finds the lowest prices when they shop.
Hell no, as a ton of people shop with impatience and convienience being determining factors in thier purchases.
(not expecting an answer, just think about it (or don't) :)

If you were a customer wanting to learn how to make money using the internet without putting out money up front, we would have some work ahead of us. :D

I was only trying to "corner" you into thinking about it a bit differently.

Sorry if I stepped on your toes there KK, as I didn't mean to make it uncomfortable. (I'm serious on that)
 
My Uncle tells me all the time, "Rob, find out what rich people want, and provide it" and he's right. A lot of times people with money don't look for or care about the best deal fiscally, they just want what they want when they want it. I have what I think is a money making idea for the county where I live right now. No one provides the service as of yet for the county. But, as usual, I am without resources. I need a truck (or two) and have none. I know that it would be a money making proposition, but at this point in my life I cannot stand an investment.
 
goldfish65 said:
For me, there is a difference between a retail business where one can reasonably expect they have many expenses and they need to make a profit, versus a face-to-face deal between individuals. There's a code of honor that means more than a dollar, or $21 or.....(is there a dollar amount threshold where right becomes wrong?)

I had a friend who back in the '90's snatched up domain names to sit on and then sell at a profit. It's a mentality of looking out for yourself only.

It's just who I am, gives me a clear conscience. Not everyone agrees, obviously, or needs to.
Click to expand...

So when you buy something (anywhere) do you ask the seller how much his bills are before you determin if you are going to buy somthing from him?
What If the guy has close to zero overhead?
Is there an amount of markup that is moral, or are you just going to decide weather or not you will buy the product. (I suspect the latter)
We don't ask retailers what thier markup is, we just buy or don't for whatever reason correct?

Just asking.
 
People come back when they feel they are being treated honestly and fairly. If you're providing something that makes it easier for them, so be it. How you make money is all about how creative you think.
Not trying to rip people off, but providing something or a service they are needing.
 
TrailBeast said:
The whole point was to show people who are interested and need it how to make money without having it in the first place. (not how to rip someone off)

KK, if it makes you feel better you could charge less markup on the item/s than anyone else. :)


If you were a customer wanting to learn how to make money using the internet without putting out money up front, we would have some work ahead of us. :D

I was only trying to "corner" you into thinking about it a bit differently.

Sorry if I stepped on your toes there KK, as I didn't mean to make it uncomfortable. (I'm serious on that)
Click to expand...

No, I don't have any hard feelings against you.

I just don't like charging too much for a part if you don't have to. I like to help other people out, which makes me a bad seller. I realize that, that's why I don't sell much.
 
TrailBeast said:
So when you buy something (anywhere) do you ask the seller how much his bills are before you determin if you are going to buy somthing from him?
What If the guy has close to zero overhead?
Is there an amount of markup that is moral, or are you just going to decide weather or not you will buy the product. (I suspect the latter)
We don't ask retailers what thier markup is, we just buy or don't for whatever reason correct?

Just asking.
Click to expand...

Retail, I buy it based on what it's worth to me.


Man to man is different, at least to me. It's a gesture of goodwill to your fellow man to treat each other well. If the seller gets hostile if I ask questions and seems like he is only trying to gouge me, I pass. I admit it's hard to know and hard to quantify, you just hope the seller has roughly the same guage of what is fair as you do.

Not to take anything away from what you're saying, that there are ways to make money by thinking outside the box.
 
krazykuda said:
No, I don't have any hard feelings against you.

I just don't like charging too much for a part if you don't have to. QUOTE]

Sell Tinker Toys then, but sell them for more than you paid for them and don't put out any money until you are already paid for them thats all.

I feel the same way you do about the cars, parts and most of the people involved.
That's why I'm here.
And just so you know, I don't practice what I preach here on FABO because it IS all about the cars and the owners of them here. (not business to me)
Well, except for our ignition kits, but I sell those for what I think is a price that is totally worth what you get for the money.

I was just trying to put a little information and positive reinforcement out there so someone might be able to use what is available to them if they need it.
I did mechanic style work for a lot of years and I am paying for it physically, but what did I get out of it besides just paying the bills? (nothing but the knowledge and body damage and is one of the reasons I do computer work now) and I need to have other options for the future, so please let me tell you all something really honest.
If you see me selling something on the internet 10-15 years down the road I guarantee you could get that same thing cheaper somewhere else. (if it isn't a one of a kind product of course) Then it's on baby.:D

I am going to set things up where I can do whatever it is from wherever I want to be in the world and still have an income, so I will be using the same model to do it.
Clicking into my account while sitting on a beach somewhere to see my balances with a margarita in the other hand sounds like a good start.
I'll probably let out howl and clink drink glasses with my wife on that day.:)

Hope you are there also when it happens and we all clink drinks together.:D
Click to expand...
 
goldfish65 said:
Retail, I buy it based on what it's worth to me.


Man to man is different, at least to me. It's a gesture of goodwill to your fellow man to treat each other well. If the seller gets hostile if I ask questions and seems like he is only trying to gouge me, I pass. I admit it's hard to know and hard to quantify, you just hope the seller has roughly the same guage of what is fair as you do.

Not to take anything away from what you're saying, that there are ways to make money by thinking outside the box.
Click to expand...

Yea, it is to me also (man to man) but isn't that a little hipocritical of us?
It's kinda like saying you can trust us unless we don't have to face you.
It's human nature to be more honest face to face, so it is interesting how that is isn't it?
I like to think I'm about the same with others face to face or not, as I am sure you are.

I like the "Here it is and one can purchase it or not" approach in business.
The phrase you used above "Retail, I buy it based on what it's worth to me"
This is exacly the point, as worth is a variable from buyer to buyer.
Something worth 50 bucks to you might be worth 150 to someone else out of impatience, lack of time to shop more or whatever the reason.

Here's a little scenario,
A guy's wife want him to find and purchase a new wetmop and he doesn't want to screw with it.
So he jumps on the internet and orders the first wetmop that comes up.
I want my wetmop to be the first one he sees (and I'm damn sure not going to message him telling him he can get that mop cheaper at Walmart.) :)
 
Need more money? Of course silly LOL :)

Nothing wrong with your idea.

Some people have more time than $$....Others have more $$ than time...

They're both valuable assets right ??
 
its pretty cut and dry to me, if you are looking for a deal, shop around , price , and compare. if you want it or need now, and cost is not a factor , but time is, all you need to do is click "buy now" . it doesn't matter who is on the other end making a buck or two. you made the choice to buy it for whatever the price is. no body made that decision for you. people have choices, and if they want to pay more out of convenience, so be it. when I buy stuff, I spend hours looking for the best deals, because I have time to decide which way to go. some people don't, and some people don't care how much it is, they need it. if they buy from you , then that is a good thing. if I know someone in need of something, I hook them up , usually for free. im not running a business. if I list a part for sale, I am always willing to negotiate the best I can with it.
 
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