Probably a lot more independents starting up.
Last bought parts direct from the factory in 2003, they have become too expensive in my opinion.
This year I needed a propshaft for a 5 speed conversion I was doing on my 1972 4/4. Factory quoted £326 plus VAT and delivery, local specialist quoted me 150 to make me a new one from scratch but was able to modify my existing one for 70 quid
Arwyn
Having been involved in the motorcycle parts supply industry for 20 years of my life I can say that parts suppliers, particularly in niche markets, do need to have a substantial parts mark up from buying cost to maintain a near 100% listed spares availability. Careful stock control can mitigate the need a little but there will always be some parts on the shelf gathering dust for 10 years or more. Leaving computer controlled stock control systems to apply across the board increases leads to these ludicrusouly high prices, especially on high value items, if left unchecked. I was always aware of this and whilst I left the machine to do most of the number crunching, always maintained a manual override, as well as regularly tuning the software myself.
Supply of heavily discounted warranty replacement parts aggravates the system given it may be caused by a bad batch leaving excess stock on the shelf when quality is improved. Writing off unsold stock against tax after say three years helps but its a balancing act.
