How do I become that guy that imports Toyota 86 badges from Japan to USA
 

I was just thinking about all the people that will buy the FRS and want to put on the JDM 86/Toyota badges. So how do I become that guy that can supply them. :)

Same thing with the headlight. I think I could make a lot of money. :lol::lol:

fwiw: Already working that angle along w/ having the 1st custom set of headlamps (GT86) working on BRZ and will have custom side markers.... :D

Simple, have a connection w someone in Japan & they can supply those items.

Honestly I like BRZ headlights much better than the GT86 version. I guess one could argue BRZ=GT86>>>>>FRS headlights. But that is personal taste.



FYI, I'm not being serious about importing those parts as I don't have the time/energy to do that with my already busy life. But I really do think someone could make bank off of it.

You really think having somebody buy and ship them from japan is going to be cheaper than me going to japanparts.com or something and eliminating a middle man?

With the reach of the internet it seems like it would be simple enough for the individual consumer to get them directly from the source in Japan. If you add value (like JDLM is planning with the headlights) I could see some profit being made over here in the states.

Aren't those websites run by some middle man anyways? Is japanparts straight from the manufacturer?

Yeah true but if you got them from the manufacturer (toyota) do you think youll make much profit? How is shipping costs from japan to here?

What Ichi said. :P


I got some friends in JP that are willing to help me get those parts. :)

It all depends on volume. I couldn't see more than a couple hundred people a year buying the badges to switch their car over. I have no solid information of facts to back it up, but I don't think the profit margin would be big enough to make it worth it.

I am going to try to do both (custom paint/led/HID upgrades)

Yeah (or just offer OEM and let people have them)

Yep

It's expensive (you do a "crate" or a bulk order)

Here's an example

The year in 2003 I have a Hyundai Tiburon (yes laugh away) anyway the US Spec cars had black head lamps and the Korean cars had silver well people wanted the silver lamps .

I was the 1st American to successfully order/arrange 60+ sets, I opened and customized 40 sets and went from there.

^ yeah unless youre just doing it to be a nice guy or girl. which is nice

Do it!! lol

Of course (I made really nothing on doing my bulk order from Korea)

I just did it to do it :thumbup: (I had to charge a little more for shipping, the port duties etc..) but it was worth it.

Just like my situation now:

I have a friend in the UK (Have known him for 10+ years) we swapped US spec and UK spec parts back and forth back in the day. He went to the BMW dealership and priced out a part for me (so I can enable my rear fog lights) and I got a "bulk order" price the more I would order.

JDLM sounds like you have some ideas. Go for it. I'm sure there are going to be people looking for something different.



Btw, we will have to have a meet sometime once we get our cars as we are probably 2 of the few people in KS on the forum.

Didn't Scion already beat you to it with the 86 badge?

Yeah I have some ideas and going to attempt to work with some of the bigger shops I have ran across through the years and try to make things happen.

Sounds like a plan, even if my plans get delayed some always car stuff going on somewhere

I was thinking the steering wheel badge and the Toyota badges on the front and rear of the car.

I know I have said this before but I will say it again

we are friends right? hook it uppp

Do you speak Japanese or have hookups there? If not, you'll probably end up doing more harm than good.

You can buy the Toyota badges here in the US. You just have to make sure it's the same dimensions.

This would probably be the best way to get those parts. Or the US shops that already ship JDM parts here like how ICB is to Honda.

http://site.icbmotorsport.com/New/IC...isplay_800.jpg

Truth right here! :thumbsup: I'm calling it now "GiccichiJDM.com The one stop shop for all of you BRZ and 86 whores!" :D

my point exactly. but who am I to stop somebody from potentially doing some good ^_^

That damn steering wheel is going to cost a fortune to convert. It'll be the airbag assembly and probably sell for $600, plus the exchange rate, and shipping. I bet they sell for $850.

have to see I guess or are we going for more speculation (like the rest of the site) :bellyroll:

The langauge barrier would be the main problem, unless tranzformer can transform into a japanese dude! :lol:

I'm not sure if there is a thread and I don't want be "that guy" for the sake of a thread or post that is already made. What are differences besides RHD? Am I missing anything else?

-headlights (LED might be an option)
-tailight reflector
-fog light (more than likely be an option)
-badges
-steering wheel
-temperature controls
-gauge cluster
-front fender reflector

I would love to get some badges from Japan. Maybe the best way is going to Japan? I would love the 86 logo as front and rear badge.

Nope, just English and German for me. I do have a buddy who lives over there, so he could help me out. But really this was more of a thought exercise. Didn't think the thread would go this long. lol

On the R6 forum, there was one member who was stationed in Japan and posted up that he can get the JDM Yamaha R6 key for $20. He filled hundreds of orders for US members.

The US R6 key is on the right and the JDM key is in the middle.
http://i52.tinypic.com/2ib155k.jpg



I'm sure if you have a buddy over there who can hook it up, then I can see a GB taking place to help those who want to do the JDM conversions on this forum. You just have to make sure to follow up on any/all issues but all it takes is one, esp here on the forums. I've seen it happen frequently.

Yep CS was a little headache at 1st w/ my past stuff, it helps I am online or near a computer/cell 24/7 now w/ work

Don't suppose you can just get them from England and for go the language barrier ? lol it's the same thing.

I see what you've done! You've already appointed Leeky! ;) :D

Yea, that would be a better option since we have members from Europe.

It's all coming from Japan anyways.

Yeah.. I mean HID from Europe is the one that doesn't blind people here right? and the badges and everything else is the same so yup.

yeah but I did say if you have a language barrier problem, it would be easier to get it from an English speaking country like... I don't know

England?

LOL

You could always get them from Australia, it'd be fairly hassle free, the only problem is you'd be subject to the ridiculous prices Toyota charges Australians.

It will all depend on the price conversion between the Japanese Yen and the British Pound and shipping.

Even though it's all coming from Japan, I'd rather order it from the UK. I've ordered a lot of motorcycle parts from the UK and to be able to communicate both over the phone and email is a bonus. No offense to the Japanese but dealing with someone who can't speak or understand English fluently is a nightmare.


That would be the main reason NOT to get it from Australia! :thumbdown:

Tons of Japanese ESL students here, Jay. You just have to know where to look. (hint: Everywhere downtown...)

I have put in an inquiry for the side marker lights (I want to smoke some/paint some body color) Also for tail lamps (UK spec for the rear fogs) and seeing the functionality to that. Also headlamps (I would like BRZ because of the "halo" and my custom idea for a pair)

thread revival. I'm hoping they don't screw us by making the scion badges not match up with the size/shape of toyota badges. Some may say it's dumb or still going to be a scion legally and mechanically, but I'm by all means doing a badge swap if I choose the frs over the brz.

Japanparts.com is too expensive..... :thumbdown: