Why are there no Mini Tuning companies in Aus ?

[Minipnut]

Well not that i can find anyway >.<, Jcw gear is so expensive

[Mike Clarke]

Have you tried mini-mods?
The local MTH distributor.

[Paul_T]

There are a couple - we don't have a Lohen, or a GTTuning - but we do have
Mini-Mods
EUROMINI AUSTRALIA

And sites like Mini Mania etc will ship internationally.

The hard part is getting someone in Aus to fit your parts.

[The Artist]

The main reason is that it's hard to make it a viable business idea if you're concentrating on just MINI's alone. We have looked into it with great depth, and the demand just isn't there to keep it running enough to make a decent profit. If it would work, we would gladly set up a shop that handled everything to do with MINI's (performance/styling etc).

[85NIXMIN]

I reckon if there was a mod shop people would use it...would beat paying P&H and paying prices into converted currencies

[Paul_T]

Yes they would, but the point is (that The Artist) is trying to make... there isn't enough demand to make the business profitable - infact, there isn't enough demand to keep the business paying the rent... hence why online shops like mini mods and euromini are about as good as we'll get as far as dedicated MINI speed shops.

Other business could compliment their business with MINI items, but realistically, they wouldn't draw a great profit just from the MINI parts.

Unfortunately, MINI owners are a minority in Australia.

[Paul_T]

On top of that, I think we are very lucky that Kevin (Mini-mods) and Corey (euromini) even run the businesses they do.

[n00b]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul_T (original)

The hard part is getting someone in Aus to fit your parts.

In Queensland, there's always the Sherrin boys. Afterall, they race MINI's and knows them inside out.

[Corey]

It is so right. There is no money in it, just an excuse to hide behind a business name so the missus doesn't get to suspect of whats really going on. haha

[Mr G]

Quote: Originally Posted by 85NIXMIN (original)

I reckon if there was a mod shop people would use it...would beat paying P&H and paying prices into converted currencies

you reckon? there's a company in sydney selling strut braces for $300, and there's a whole thread full of people organising a group buy to bring them in from the states and maybe save $10.

I certainly wouldn't be opening a shop.

there are people all around the place that know how to tune cars. if they're good at what they do, then a MINI is just another car. You don't have to work excluseively on MINIS to know how to make one go. As i said in the other thread, If I wanted my MINI strut tops to stop mushrooming, I'd take it to Stew Wilkins Rallysport in mulgrave, and get him to plate them up. (actually, I'd do it myself in about an hour a side - but you get the idea )

[n00b]

What's so difficult about...

1) shop online
2) get your hands dirty to do some work
3) be patient to wait for your parts to come

It's funny people wants parts quickly but whinge about the prices that local businesses are charging - there's GST, overheads and surprise surprise *incentive* for them to be in this business which is called profit. Yeah I'd stock heaps of stuff, using my capital and not making a cent outta it? GTFO.

Most of the reputable workshops I've come across are rubbing their hands welcome to service/repair the MINI. Comon, a car is a car, what's so different about the MINI? If you think the engine bay of a MINI is cramped and make it difficult to work in, try a 300ZX.

Now it's a good time to buy from overseas with our pretty strong AUD.

[MickyD]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mr G (original)

you reckon? there's a company in sydney selling strut braces for $300, and there's a whole thread full of people organising a group buy to bring them in from the states and maybe save $10.

EXACTLY

[Paul_T]

My sentiments exactly - which is why I've outlined in that thread I'd much rather deal with the local business and pay a bit more.

[Babes]

I have spent thousands upon thousands on aftermarket mods to my MINI. All bought online, all shipped out without too much fuss and all fitted at the local BMW dealership. I have also looked into a MINI only shop for WA but the biggest turn off for me would have to be dealing with MINI customers.

I know that sounds strange, but I know how much of a prat I can be if the mod isnt perfect and most MINI owners I know are just as anal about their car as me.