How much of a market for smaller budget rebuild engines?

[blykins]

I guess those issues are the crux of selling an engine: advertising and marketing.

I'll look more into working on the website. I guess I don't have much of a creative mind when it comes to that sorta thing.

As for listing each and every part, I myself think that's very important. There are so many engines out there that are offered and you have no idea what's inside or how they were machined/assembled. I guess a list like that also gives the buyer knowledge of what all they'd be getting....."Hey, I thought this would come with a water neck and thermostat, but it doesn't...!!"

[patrickt]

Brent, we love you. The last thing we want to see is for you not to make money. That said, engineers do not make the best salesmen, nor the best businessmen. It's best to keep them locked up in the back of the shop, fed well, and paid well -- and don't let them talk to the public. Of course I'm joking a bit, but not completely. Remember my balancer? I tried my best to give you my business, and I was happy to pay you a premium, and what happened? Out of the kindness of your heart you ended up making a sale for Keith Craft! And you didn't even take a dime for all you did! Now that was nice. Very, very, nice. I appreciate it; you're a sweetheart. But that's not the way you make money. Trust me. That's not the way you make money. Quit thinking like an engineer. You can turn that part of your brain on when you strip down to your shorts, crank up Iron Butterfly, and break out the torque wrench.

[azfordman]

Originally Posted by blykins

I'll look more into working on the website. I guess I don't have much of a creative mind when it comes to that sorta thing.

You don't have to be fancy and it's not critical to be creative. The best thing you can do is spend some time online as a customer. Set aside some time and go "shopping". It does not matter if you are looking at engines, garden supplies, or tee shirts. Just look at other web sites...and ask yourself as a customer...what do I like about this site, is it easy to understand? Is there enough info about the product? Did it answer all of my questions? What did you not like or find aggravating? What was missing? Just try to apply what you learn to your own site. Also, ask friends/family to look at your site and ask their opinions.