As some of you know that were in the chat last night. I am starting my own shop called Audio Intrigue. I am currently waiting on the paperwork from elevation audio (Thanks Justin you have been very helpful and kind of an inspiration for me), I have emails out to DEI, RE, and Hifonice (I'll get you that info today Bill I appreciate your help) and last night I talked to the Indiana Rep for Arc Audio and he recomended some other companies that I might be interested in so I thought I would see what you guys think.
First off is Interfire Audio http://www.interfireaudio.com
He said he thought Interfire would be a great help to me since the mark up leaves me a lot of room to play and they offer a wide array of products and good prices. I have never used their products so if any of you have let me know what you think of this company.
Second is Scytek http://www.scytek.com
This company offers mostly alarms, and some video products their dealer prices seem reasonable if the quality and reliability is reasonable but again I have never seen or used any of their products.
Third is Batcap http://www.batcap.net
This company has some interesting products and though the markup sucks I think it's very possible carrying their line could be profitable around here he also said something about kynetic being sued by batcap for using four of there 800 cca batteries in a different case for their 3200 amp and getting busted at a world championship or something. but all and all it seems like it could be a good addition
The last I have never heard of is American Bass http://www.americanbassusa.com
I don't know about this company. It's very hard to find any real specs for their products but they claim to hold a couple world records.
So if you know anything about any of these companies please share what you know. It would be a great help to a guy just starting out. I have a goal and I think that the most important thing for me starting out is the ability to stand behind what I sell because I don't want to get a rep for selling crap and not being there when my customers need me. Thanks in advance for all your help.
I think this maybe my most grown up post to date :P
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Starting a Shop, Need some advice.
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sinister audio
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GlassWolf
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Panasonic may have good products now. the problems I saw were in models 2-3 years old.
Interfire- good entry level brand.
Scytek- good plan for alarms (though DEI would cover you there) screens, etc. also look at PAC, and Metra for accessories.
AB- won SPL events. People seem realy happy with their subs.
batcap.. meh. they use a car battery and slap on a high ESR, high capacitance carbon film capacitor bank and try to convince you it's the answer to an expensive alternator upgrade. waste of money in my view. Kinetik and Odyssey/tinger make solid sealed batteries with tremendous discharge ability, that are deep cycles. Ideal for audio specific applications of dedicated batteries. I've yet to see anything that convinces me a batcap is anything but a gimmick.
There are a lot of good companies you're likely not familiar with who make tons of the little things you'll ned, that most buyers don't think of, like vid screens, distribution modules and so forth for custom fab work. Look into these suppliers as well. Things like automotive carpeting, vinyl, and raw materials you'll want to find at a distributor or wholesaler as oposed to buying from a namebrand company. same products, cheaper prices for stores.
Interfire- good entry level brand.
Scytek- good plan for alarms (though DEI would cover you there) screens, etc. also look at PAC, and Metra for accessories.
AB- won SPL events. People seem realy happy with their subs.
batcap.. meh. they use a car battery and slap on a high ESR, high capacitance carbon film capacitor bank and try to convince you it's the answer to an expensive alternator upgrade. waste of money in my view. Kinetik and Odyssey/tinger make solid sealed batteries with tremendous discharge ability, that are deep cycles. Ideal for audio specific applications of dedicated batteries. I've yet to see anything that convinces me a batcap is anything but a gimmick.
There are a lot of good companies you're likely not familiar with who make tons of the little things you'll ned, that most buyers don't think of, like vid screens, distribution modules and so forth for custom fab work. Look into these suppliers as well. Things like automotive carpeting, vinyl, and raw materials you'll want to find at a distributor or wholesaler as oposed to buying from a namebrand company. same products, cheaper prices for stores.
GlassWolf (aka KikiTheCat)
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Ryan from Ohio
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I would try getting Knukonceptz for wiring. They are wholesale priced to begin with, so maybe just carry them.
Also the skytec thing, thats for some lab not alarms...lol If you can install alrams good, if not I wouldnt venture into that market. There is a lot of risk involved...
But for Alarms compustar!
Interfire, think they have been brought up a few time sin the past. Not a big name really, but worth a try. Especially if you can get them cheap.
The key for you is inventory and lead time on orders.
Also the skytec thing, thats for some lab not alarms...lol If you can install alrams good, if not I wouldnt venture into that market. There is a lot of risk involved...
But for Alarms compustar!
Interfire, think they have been brought up a few time sin the past. Not a big name really, but worth a try. Especially if you can get them cheap.
The key for you is inventory and lead time on orders.
-Ryan
www.caraudiocentral.net - Your #1 Car Audio Resource on the Net!
www.caraudiocentral.net - Your #1 Car Audio Resource on the Net!
Hey thanks guys for the input. I have been doing research but could find little about AmericanBass but what I have found so far about AmericanBass and Interfire show that during testing they do what they say they will do and hold up well while doing it so I think between these two I will offer both. As far as scytek I'm going to keep that on the back burner until I see what I can do with DEI as I am on a limited budget I'm trying to avoid companies with a large initial buy in since to be honest I just don't have the money. I am currently looking for companies where I can get the little things but as far as install products since right now I'm running out of my house (will be sharing a storefront with my in laws soon as we can get me some space cleaned out) I won't be doing installs for a while. I think I'm gonna offer batcap but not push it. If people want it and won't listen to my advice then I will sell it to them. If there are any other comments or suggestions out there I am more than willing to here them and thanks again guys it's tough starting out with a very small budget and a customer base who still thinks Audiobahn is the shit.
I was thinking KnuConcepts for wiring and I also have a hook up through a distributor that we use at work to get mobile wiring at the prices my company pays. The company I work for is the largest RV manufacture in the US so I'm sure they get good prices but I'm supposed to have a price list in my hands soon. I figure if I can give my customers more options that the next guy and can provide them with equipment that no one else within a 3or 4 hour drive can provide some of these rich little turds around here will pay out the wang for something that no one else has mainly for bragging rights.
