Diesel recyclers??
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Senior User
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From: HERE
Diesel recyclers??
Are there any and do you think it would be a viable business. My friend and I are kicking around business ideas and this one came to mind. His family has a long history in auto recycling and he has an empty piece of property (used to be a wrecking yard) that would be a perfect spot for one. My thought is to specialize in only light duty diesels (Ford, Chevy and Dodge).
What does everyone think? If your truck was out of warranty and you needed parts would you consider good used.
Any thoughts ideas appreciated.
What does everyone think? If your truck was out of warranty and you needed parts would you consider good used.
Any thoughts ideas appreciated.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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That would be a gold mine if you could inventory properly. Someone calling in must be able to get a response almost instantly. Otherwise they will go to another source. Supply and customer service would give that business model a great start.
Go for it!! They don't call it the land of oppourtunity for nothing.
Go for it!! They don't call it the land of oppourtunity for nothing.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,612
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From: Dunwoody, GA
i like the idea. i'm not sure what you mean by "specialize only in..." if you meant that you would deal with all vehicles and specialize in diesels that would be the best, but not solely deal with diesels as that would definetly limit your sales.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Southeast, Louisiana
I agree with riggz. My granddad did 'used truck parts' for many years and made a very good living with it. He 'specialized' in big-rig diesel, but also carried inventory for most all trucks, 1/2 ton on up. Ran the business for 30 years, then retired. Business actually generated revenue for about 10 years after he died with his trusted '1st employee' running the place.
I'd say go for it, but watch for gov't regs...they frown heavily on oil and batteries on the ground.
I'd say go for it, but watch for gov't regs...they frown heavily on oil and batteries on the ground.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,369
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From: Stuttgart, Ar
After being in the car shredding business and going through all the hassle with the EPA you need to check the gov't regs FIRST cause Walrus hit the nail right dead square on the head. You'll have to have a containment for oil and batteries and lets don't talk about fuel tanks--LOL. Done correctly though you can make big bucks doing it. Quality and customer service mean everything.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Southeast, Louisiana
One other thought, geeride. You said the site used to be a wrecking yard, be real careful if it's already dirty and/or contaminated. If you set up shop, EPA won't care if you made the mess or not, they'll expect you to clean it up when the time comes.
We had to do Phase I and Phase II environmental studies when it came time to sell the property. Basically looking for hydrocarbons (oil/gas) and heavy metals (lead) in the top 18" of soil. Fortunately, we had been planning for the eventual cleanup costs.
Don't want to discourage you, just would hate to see you step into a mess that's not your making.
We had to do Phase I and Phase II environmental studies when it came time to sell the property. Basically looking for hydrocarbons (oil/gas) and heavy metals (lead) in the top 18" of soil. Fortunately, we had been planning for the eventual cleanup costs.
Don't want to discourage you, just would hate to see you step into a mess that's not your making.
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From: HERE
The idea for specializing in a particular market is the trend in this area. My shop is off of recycle road and most of the recyclers deal in only certain markets. The majority only deal with one marque. Some deal with two.
The EPA regs we would definitely have to look into.
I came up with the idea for diesels because my friends idea is Miata's or Civic's.
I'd rather deal with something that I have an interest in.
The EPA regs we would definitely have to look into.
I came up with the idea for diesels because my friends idea is Miata's or Civic's.
I'd rather deal with something that I have an interest in.
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From: Alaska
In the area you intend to provide this service, how many people have these type vehicles? With a web site you might be able to reach enough people to make it worth while. I'm not sure what the percentage of people driving diesel only pick ups is but that is your market.
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From: HERE
It seems like there are alot of diesels in this area. I was sitting at a light this morning and there were 4 diesels at it, which is very common.
I do agree about being a truck recycler versus just diesel. So many of the parts other than the engine are interchangable.
I do agree about being a truck recycler versus just diesel. So many of the parts other than the engine are interchangable.