Hello everyone...is it worth tapping into the customised car seat cover market? what are the pro's and con's? In which direction should I begin looking? A friend of mine has 17 years experience in the manufacturing of upholestary and we were wondering whether this would make a profitable venture? All replies would be appreciated. Thank you
An ex (girlfriend) who owned a sofa covering business looked into customised car seats, at the time I was convinced done correctly, there was a good market there. However with further inspection, the "easy" market was teenagers, who could not afford to have a seat upholstered and the "real" market was classic car recreation.
Plenty of money if you can do a genuine recreation, but you need to be in with the right people that will introduce the business while they are doing a full classic car refurbishment. Without those contacts you will struggle.
Thank you for the swift reply I have had a look at the going rate and I am positive that with the manufacturing quality, our prices can be kept competitive. Having said that, is it then the case of targeting the venture to those who are in the business of car modifications and classic car refurbishment? What do people want when looking for customised car seat covers?
Bare in mind, I did my research nearly 10 years ago Asad, so perhaps not correct any more, but what I spent most time looking at the cost of marketing to the expected return.
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Yes sure 10 years is a long time and it can be much cheaper to shop for customised seat covers abroad. Now if I set up the website and push my marketing through the correct internet channels, surely this would keep my costs to a minimum? Does this seem at all realistic or am I being naive?
I know quite a bit about this market place. I have a friend who supplies tailored car covers, car carpets and seats. You're right that the key market is the classic car market. Little Gary with his Citroen Paxo just wants blue and black seat covers to match his blue gear stick...veterans want more.
That being said, there's a number of UK manufacturers who are good, established and even drop ship as well.
My friend would vouch for the classic car market sticking to what they know. Also, there are some companies blowing £8 PER CLICK on adwords to get to the top of what is a hugely populated market place.
My advice to you would be start small and build up slowly. I'd also advise you to trade through a marketplace such as ebay and amazon initially to start to build up some cash and reputation. Websites are a lot of work.
If I were you, I'd have a very simple site, which links through to your amazon shop. Classic Car bods NEED reassurance all the way, so logos are important. I'd get some leaflets made up, and go to the classic shows and introduce yourself around. On your leaflets, go crazy with your logos such as "Buy with confidence through Amazon" "TUV approved" "UK Manufacturer" "As featured on..."
Try and get press, local press is easier..."Spruce up your motor with a fresh interior - local company offers a unique solution to make your car a more enjoyable place to be" etc.
It's an interesting idea but probably not one I'd touch as the market is probably quite niche and therefore limited.
I'm not saying it wouldn't work - but for the likes of Gary with his Citreon Paxo - as theflyerexpert put's it - it's not going to happen, especially not when the likes of Gary and his pals can pop down to Pound Stretcher / B&M and pick some up for a few quid.
If you think there is a market and they are willing to pay a premium price for customised seat covers though then go-ahead - you have to take a risk - so why not this one?!
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A thank you to everyone who has contributed and this has been helpful. I have decided that yes the market is very niche and limited and would need hard graft. These notes along with my research will be highlighted in my next meeting on Thursday and I will keep you all posted.
customised car seat covers 
you've fed me some credible info and I thank you for that. If anyone has any other information on this topic, it is most welcomed and appreciated.
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