Packages. WWGD want?

[Frankensuby 10+ year member]

It's long, read on if you like reading //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif Also, please read and comment with sincerity. I enjoy the audio world greatly, and this is an idea. I'd like not to get thrashed for my entrepeneurial(sp?) spirit //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

I've come to the realization I love to design audio packages. I love to shop around online and create packages that are a good value per dollar, or designed around specific model vehicles. I've designed 4 alone today!

Anyways, I have an idea to build and sell these packages. The thought is in its' infancy, and It is only an idea that I'm trying to work out. The goal would be to build a few packages with a certain target audience in mind for each individual package. I would also build brand type packages. I.E All Alpine packages, etc... For example, a few off the top of my head would be:

Introductory/Budget - for those not too familiar with audio, but need something reliable and easy on the wallet. This would include something like an install video or pamphlet to make the install easier. This would be a kit including wiring and necessary hardware for the install.

Normal - This would be basically a midrange quality system. Built to make the car thump well for the daily driver. Basically, the 'impress your friends' kit made with a balance of SQ and Loudness in mind. The goal would be to make the system sound 'warm' and natural, without making one area of the install particularly more pronounced than another. This would come with necessary wiring and the factory literature, but no install video...etc... This would come with or wothout deadening.

Advanced SQ - This is an area I need to research on. But the basis for this would be to throw a package together with all the componenets being of companies and product lines known specifically for their accurate reproduction of the best music in their perspective areas. High End CD Player with all the add-ons (need to research) 5v pre-outs, etc., Components for the same purpose, etc... and so on so forth. offered with either 1 or 2 rolls of deadening

Advanced SPL - The same concept as the SQ, with the exception of possibly the components. These would be More SQ oriented, with silk dome tweeters and a set not known for 'harshness' on a whole. This System would be made to pound the windows out of your car. 1 or 2 rolls of deadening.

All of these packages would be customizeable to a certain extent. I'm thinking of talking with a bunch of company representatives, and upon an agreement, creating a website with the necessary coding to be able to add and subtract each component to your liking, adjusting the pricing at the same time.

Now, many of you might be thinking that people could just do this on their own. I agree, it is what most people on this forum would do. There are some out there that would rather buy the package and get it over with. I feel I would be doing a service and researching the products and completing a package that would be reliable and strong within its' design. An educated build bought by an uneducated person is going to have better sound results than an uneducated purchase.

Of course, there would be other incentives. Hopefully I will be able to offer the entire package at a discount making it worthy to purchase. Also, I would look into trying to get shipping discounts for the packages

I would also most likely have a separate store for the products on an individual level.

If I was to get this off of the ground, there are other products I have in mind to create myself such as door adapters, tweeter brackets, etc.... personalized for the vehicles I can get my hands on //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

I've always wanted to start a store online dealing with car audio, based on being in touch with the car audio enthusiast. I'd like to build these packages based on what the consumer wants, not on what I think they should want. Of course each package would have a basic recommended set of equipment, but with the software I would like to get ahold of, it would make the entire designing easy and personal.

I see other online companies who have package deals but they are all over the place, placing Lanzar amps with JBL drivers, etc.... Just stuff that would work, but the sound quality of the mixed equipment in question.

The business plan is only an egg, but I'd like to grow an elephant out of it //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

I'll be looking into funds come this Monday, and attempting to get ahold of companies regarding inventories.

So do you guys have any words of encouragement? Any suggestions for a better idea regarding this? Improvements?

I have 2 generations of a Self-Employed family. I have many resources in the area of business management. I'd probably have the Old man in on it too //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif

Anyways, I'm going to the paper and pencil now. Time to design //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/up2something.gif.dd110ecf3ae4b76050d87598f2f8de7c.gif

Click to read more...

 

[baseballer1100 5,000+ posts]

Holy word count batman!! sparknoteS?

 

[Frankensuby 10+ year member]

Holy word count batman!! sparknoteS?

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif With the Info involved, it would be hard to CN.

I gave a reading warning at the beggining, it is a little choppy to read though. My mind is bouncing all over the place currently.

 

[nismos14 5,000+ posts]

I don't know how many people would be interested in packages made on-line considering how much these things can cost, not having a manufacturer's warranty will be a determining factor.

 

[crow 10+ year member]

I like the idea of system design consulting, many companies do it on a local level for home theaters. As nismos14 wrote, one of the difficulties is that a good number of companies do not warrant online sales. Many customers who are not familiar with the brick and mortar vs. online market may not be understanding when they contact Alpine and find out they won't warrant the unit that just fried. Internet stores say they provide their own warranties but they are moving the volume of product to take the loss if they have to. I also doubt even the internet shops will honor the warranty if the product is resold as part of a package.

The other problem is that you are talking about dealing with novices. Some may require significant hand-holding to get through even a simple install. If someone calls up trying to install the super spl special and they've ended up with a vehicle that won't start and may be on fire, the phone is going to be ringing. As you have seen on the internet, right or wrong, a few disgruntled customers can quickly trash a reputation.

Not trying to trash your idea, just some stuff to think about.

 

[kombat96 10+ year member]

can someone get me the cliff notes...lol

 

[Frankensuby 10+ year member]

I like the idea of system design consulting, many companies do it on a local level for home theaters. As nismos14 wrote, one of the difficulties is that a good number of companies do not warrant online sales. Many customers who are not familiar with the brick and mortar vs. online market may not be understanding when they contact Alpine and find out they won't warrant the unit that just fried. Internet stores say they provide their own warranties but they are moving the volume of product to take the loss if they have to. I also doubt even the internet shops will honor the warranty if the product is resold as part of a package.
The other problem is that you are talking about dealing with novices. Some may require significant hand-holding to get through even a simple install. If someone calls up trying to install the super spl special and they've ended up with a vehicle that won't start and may be on fire, the phone is going to be ringing. As you have seen on the internet, right or wrong, a few disgruntled customers can quickly trash a reputation.

Not trying to trash your idea, just some stuff to think about.

Extremely good point.

On that note, maybe I could strike a deal with the companies to honor warranties if I sell the package as a whole company package. I.E. All Pioneer system within safe wattage parameters of speaker vs. amplifier.

Another thought is if that doesn't pull, I could throw in like Sounddomain does, those install cards. Gives the company a peace of mind maybe.

I could just as easily explain that in a disclaimer sort of deal at the bottom. It makes sense for the warranty to be in question with certain situations with online sales.

Alot of people buy online without warranties, I do not see that large of a difference. I would be more concerned with actual sales and design. The software I have in mind would be extremely convenient for the customer and I would design a popup (much like when you hold your cursor over a file in Windows explorer for a second) that contains all of the information. This would have roughly 2 to 3 second delay, because I know how annoying intellitext can be.

All of this is is theoretical. I'm thinking of doing individual sales to start, work out all of the bugs on the site, get used to the whole business, and then when I feel comfortable, start the packages.

I'd prefer to start with the packages, but on internet sales, it is volume that drives the profits and creates the large discounts, not necessarily customization. If I had money to throw around, I'd do things my way, but unfortunately to start this I will be tight //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

Does anyone know of any sites that have information regarding Amplifier reliability, and build quality? I'm more concerned with return rates upfront.

Thanks for the info so far guys //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif I'm hoping to get started on researching domain hosting and software packages //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[saywhat? 5,000+ posts]

not bashin your idea, but isnt the fun part of car audio trying to build the best possible, through testing and tuning your equipment? Why have someone else choose your equipment?

 

[Frankensuby 10+ year member]

not bashin your idea, but isnt the fun part of car audio trying to build the best possible, through testing and tuning your equipment? Why have someone else choose your equipment?

I cannot tune someone's system from California if I live in PA. The idea is to provide a whole package that works well together naturally. Then, most likely the factory paperwork will tell you how to setup your system. From there, it IS up to the customer to tune by ear. I would only give safe parameters, much like the paperwork involved within the products packaging would.

It is more of an educated convenience.

An example is myself. I bought a set of Polk MOMO series coaxial and Alpine Type-R components. Both were reviewed well and are reliable products, so i went with them. Now installed and my system setup, I have come to the conclusion that the Polks noticeably outshine the R's in every department except midbass hit. Because I did not educate or test myself the sound beforehand, I chose 2 sets of speakers that do not blend well together watt per watt. The Polks steal high end frequencies from my front stage even with the gains set considerably lower.

Both products were good, their blending was not as spectacular. I'll have to replace the fronts with A set of MOMOs to blend much better. I've messed with the system enough to realize the R's just sound muddy compared to the MOMO's.

So the idea is not to take the fun from audio, just make it a bit easier for those who are educated enough to follow product names, but not as educated as the more elite audio guys here. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[explorer2 10+ year member]

For the lower end stuff it could work, but for higher end I dont see it being feasible. Most higher end companies will not sell to you unless you have a very well established store, and they dont allow online sales. I wouldnt buy a $1k plus headunit with no warranty or support.

 

[Frankensuby 10+ year member]

For the lower end stuff it could work, but for higher end I dont see it being feasible. Most higher end companies will not sell to you unless you have a very well established store, and they dont allow online sales. I wouldnt buy a $1k plus headunit with no warranty or support.

True. The head unit ordeal is what concerns me the most. From experience. Buying a Head Unit online is probably a bad idea unless you know what you are doing, because as stated you lose warranty in most cases.

Higher end speakers should not be that large an issue, but the amps could be another problem if the manufacturer does not warranty even the basic warranties.

Once again, I need to talk to company representatives and get all the facts on the table.