John, I think this hobby has been largely populated by either car guys that didn't understand customer service, customer service guys that didn't understand how to properly manufacture a car, or a littany of others that created a "cobra like" body and thought the world would beat a path to their door. You come off as the rare exception that is totally committed to providing the best components and best customer service...your clients are fortunate (whether they realize it or not).
I attended my first Knott's show several years ago (around year 2000) when there were still plenty of choices and the event was well attended. It was on that day that I personally sat in many cars and learned that of all them there, the Superformance option was the best for ME. It actually fit my 6'3" frame the best and I also realized that I (probably) didn't have all the correct tools, time and patience required to build a car in kit form. It ended up being a very good choice for me personally.
Around that same time Factory Five was coming on stronger and really woke up the masses to the whole concept of a donor car for parts. Their kits are some of the most complete in the industry and they have done really well over the years and have a great following.
But when you consider all the lawsuits associated with this hobby (thank you, Mr. Shelby), one has to ask if the Smith brothers (and all the other players) are actually making any money at this? If you're in it "for the love of the game," then a profit may not be as important and breaking even keeps people employed and your passion at your fingertips every day. Not a bad trade-off if you can manage it correctly.
Then you have the whole "originality" debates. The ERAs and Kirkhams are dead nuts on dimensionally, but those of us with trained eyes can tell when a kit (i.e. FFR) rolls on by. I looked at your car, and based on the photos my trained eye can detect little cues that state just that. But, in the same argument, I can roll around town here and there and Joe Public would swear that my SPF is a real one. I just smile and say, "Yeah, it's a real Superformance manufactured replica!"
So you can build the best suspension, have the best construction, best components and all that, but you may not please the discerning buyer if the wrapper isn't a bulls-eye. Or non-Ford components, in some instances vastly superior as well, are being incorporated. Thus has been the issue with having choices in this hobby. Choices are good but they can also be confusing. Then the differentiating factors become price and customer support. Most buyers will give a little wiggle room on the former, but you can never waiver on the latter.
Yes, you have chosen a shall we say "unique" time to start a business like this one. But where some people view the water glass as half empty, there will be others that see opportunity and view it as half full.
Again, good luck with your venture and kudos to you for having both the resources and passion to follow your dreams.
Regards,
-Dean
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