category : Automotive:Mobile-Audio-Video

Thanks to modern electronics, we now have, more than ever, multiple options for buying an audio system for our car. We only need to go to an electronics store like Best Buy or Circuit City and find tons of options. Or check the web. There are so many brands to choose from that it may drive you nuts.

So, today it isn?t about what should you buy, but how much money do you have to invest in my car audio. It?s a complex balance between what do you want and what can you really afford, especially if you are an enthusiast of these babies.

Let?s say that you have five hundred dollars. That let?s you buy a decent receiver, an amplifier and a nice set of 4-way speakers. But reality says that you want more. Ok, you may buy this basic kit and save some more money until you have enough dollars to go for a subwoofer or a couple of tweeters with a dedicated amp. The thing is that you may not want to wait one or two years for it.

In that case, you should consider buying an used car audio system. For some men it may be considered as a sacrilege. After all, an audio system is considered by many of us as a physical manifestation of ourselves. It is the mean to make the world know what kind of music we hear.

But relax. You don?t need to be such an extremist with used car audio. First things first. Look for some prices. One of the first places to look on is Ebay. You may find a good price on a complete used car audio kit. Another option is retail stores. Some years ago I found a complete kit: receiver, speakers and amplifiers for 60% of the price. Why? Because the guy who bought it didn?t like how it sounded and spent more money on a more sophisticated system. But for me it was more than enough. This guy?s bad choice was my bliss.

You can also check the classified ads in the newspaper. You will find lot?s of local sellers looking for buyers for their used car audio. Electronics advances very quickly and consumers are so eager to use new technologies, that you will not find a shortage of them.

Finally, try your friends. Maybe they were already considering selling their system but needed a final push to do it. Ask those that have a good sounding system and check how much the same equipment would cost at a store.

At the end, it doesn?t matter which source of used car audio you use, the thing is that you find yourself comfortable with the deal you have made. Not only on the bucks you have saved, but also feeling that your second hand system does sound good after all.

Advice on car sound systems and anything related to car audio is provided on http://www.car-sound-systems.com

By : Sebastian Schneider
Support by Car Technology

Keyword : used car audio

category : Automotive:Trucks

It is impressive to see how technological advances have changed the world in the last few years. Never, in the history of humanity, have human beings been so united from the point of view of the advances in telecommunications and information. Geologic Solutions is a company that has served as a bridge between these advances and the trucking industry. In today’s world, it is very important to have the ability to understand the needs of customers and to have the speed to offer the best solutions. For this reason, this company is a leading provider of new technology for the transportation industry.

Geologic Solutions is directed by an executive team with wide trucking history that offers the most complete, cost-effective, technological solutions for its clients. Recently, two important trucking companies have decided to purchase equipment the new GPRS technology. Sitton Motor Lines has purchased MobileMax units operational with new GPRS, while Fikes Truck Line decided to extend its agreement with Geologic Solutions and buy additional MobileMax Multi Mode communications and tracking systems for the its dedicated owner-operators.

With only a month of being offered in the market, the new GPRS have received excellent commentaries from customers that are satisfied with the speed of the network. For this reason, Sitton Motor Lines have required this new technology and system equipped in its 500 vehicle fleet. As said by John Lewis, CEO for GS, “the network is performing exactly as we expected and we are pleased that carriers like Sitton are realizing the benefits of using it”.

On the other hand, Fikes Truck Lines has increased its number of units as a direct response to the rising number of independent drivers that have requested this advanced technology. Jerry Davis, vice president of safety and insurance at Fikes, has said that the main reason numerous contractors have decided to take the system is because it improves the productivity and efficiency. In the case of this company, it is worth to emphasize that they principally work with owner-operators and by the end of this year they expect to have installed about 280 of the Geologic systems.

So, if you want to improve your equipments with a fine technology, Geologic Solutions is going to offer you a premium quality service verified by the testimonials of representatives of several trucking companies. Some companies pleased with the GS systems are such as J&R Schugel Trucking, Trailiner, Garrison Trucking, among others.

Visit http://www.us-truck-driving-schools.com and submit your contact information to Trucking Schools all over the US. We offer CDL Training and Information.

By : Mauricio Lizama
Support by car sport
Keyword : transpotation, companies, radio, comunication, GPRS,

category : Automotive:Mobile-Audio-Video

How to get a good deal when buying car stereo equipment?

In this article, find out:

1. How to save at least 25% on expensive stereo equipment at your local stereo shop

2. How to save up to 50%+ (!!!) on stereo equipment from eBay

3. How to save even more on stereo equipment buying from auctions.

4. How to save money buying used equipment

5. How to save money buying refurbished equipment.

6. How to get sponsored, and get stuff for free

7. How to form a business, get stuff for cheap, and make money!

The situation:

Stereo equipment is expensive. In fact, autosound is the most expensive hobby I?ve ever had. As such, most of us who don?t make tons of money want to find the best deals possible, without going through tons o? trouble.

Bet you didn?t know?

Stereo components don?t really cost their price. In fact, most dealers pay less than half of the MSRP (manufacturer?s suggested retail price) for a component. This doesn?t mean that a dealer can just turn around and sell the item for their cost. Dealers spend significant amounts of time and money to sell an item, and as such mark up the price of an item. I mean, if a dealer has a unit that sells for $500, they might spend $250 for it. HOWEVER, the dealer also has to pay rent, utilities, payroll, etc. in order to make that item available to you. On top of that, a dealer must also spend time locating the item, ordering the item, and storing the item. In short, the dealer is doing work, and needs to be paid for it. So, they mark up the price. This is to be expected. The good news is that many stereo shops won?t charge full MSRP if you bargain with them.

Bargaining?

So, you walk into mom and pop stereo shop in Anytown USA (or Anytown World), and see a unit that you like. The price is $499. You see a salesman hovering around, so you ask the salesman if you can buy it for $250. No way says the salesman.

Why did this happen?

You made a ?lowball? offer to the salesman. You basically asked the salesman to sell the item without a profit. Forget about it. Most salesmen earn a commission on what they sell, and as such this salesman will not accept your offer because he won?t earn a commission. Would you work for free? Of course not.

Instead, make an offer that is well above the wholesale price, but well below the retail price. Halfway between these two prices is fair. If wholesale is $250, and retail is $500, offer $375.

The salesman still says no. Wait a second! I thought you said that you could bargain with the salesman, what the hell?

I was correct when I said you could bargain. However, the salesman is still thinking commissions. Why should he sell it at a price lower than he is used to? Because you?re willing to do something for him. Tell the salesman that you?ll tell your friends. Tell the salesman that you?ll promote his business. If you scratch his back, he?ll scratch yours.

Now, don?t be shady about this. Don?t lie to the salesman telling him that you?ll refer your friends to him, and not do it. Think about it, you just saved $125 on a piece of equipment. To be 100% fair, you should do $125 worth of work for the salesman. One way to do that is to refer your friends. Ask for a few business cards, and pass them on to your buddies.

How do I go about this?

This is the phrase that has always worked for me:

?What kind of deal can you get me on that DEH-P960??

This phrase is highly effective because it gives the salesman some vital information:

1. You sound like you know what you?re talking about by using the model number

2. You are interested in buying?if the price is right

3. You want a deal

Many times, a salesman will come back with a slightly lower price. If the item was $500, they might say: ?Well, how about $475?? You know you can do better, so just be up front with the salesman. ?Come on, both you and I know you can do at least $400?. ?Better still, let?s make it $375, and I?ll tell my friends?do you have any business cards??

Chances are good that the salesman will say yes. If he says no, just raise your offer by a few dollars. Often times the salesman will make a counter-offer. Never accept it. At this point, the salesman REALLY wants the sale, and will be trying everything in his power to close the sale. Don?t be obnoxious or cocky, just be firm.

It has been my experience that I have been able to save about 25-33% on expensive gear at brick and mortar stereo shops.

Another hint: Don’t try this at a national chain, you will get rejected. Why? Because these chains are bad bad companies. They’ve got enough money, anyway. Do business with local shops who actually care about car audio, and care about providing you with good service, and don’t hire lame kids who don’t know a whole lot of hooey!

2.) eBay

eBay. This is it. eBay has the best prices, and best selection I have seen for stereo equipment. The main drawbacks are that the availability of some brands is extremely limited (such as the high-end brands), you’ll have to wait for the item to arrive (I know this can be nerve wracking), and some people are still concerned about conducting business transactions online, identity theft, fraud, etc. etc. However, with a few tips, you?ll be safe, and save big bucks on your stereo system.

First of all, if you don?t have an eBay account, GET ONE NOW. Go to www.ebay.com to sign up. While you?re at it, SIGN UP FOR PAYPAL, at https://www.paypal.com.

Now, let?s save some money! But first, a few tips to keep you safe.

First, check the seller?s feedback. I would hope that the seller would have at least a few hundred POSITIVE feedbacks, and no less than 98% positive. Many of the big time electronics dealers on eBay have THOUSANDS of positive feedback, and are very reliable.

Second, be sure that the seller is verified or certified by at least one online based third-party, that specializes in fraud prevention. These include BBB Online, ID Verify, and TrustE. This ensures that the seller is who they say they are, and do what they say they do. It also ensures that there are no major complaints against that merchant.

Third, look at the shipping price. Sometimes some of the less reputable sellers on eBay have seemingly great prices on stereo equipment, but have extremely high shipping prices. Usually, the total price comes out to about the same as other sellers, BUT this behavior is prohibited by eBay because the seller is fraudulently paying less eBay fees than they should. Do not trust people who do this.

Fourth, buy insurance. Many times sellers include this in their shipping price, or require it, but if they don?t, pay the few extra dollars for it. You would be quite upset if your $500 Alpine arrives with a cracked faceplate. This happened to me, and I was quite happy that I had insurance.

Fifth, be sure that the seller accepts Paypal. This is a great security point, and shows that IF the seller uses Paypal, then that seller has been approved by Paypal. You don?t have to pay with Paypal if you don?t want to, but?

Sixth, just pay with Paypal. The reason: They have powerful fraud protection built into their system. It?s just safer than paying through any other means.

Seventh, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Use caution!

3.) How to find liquidators/seized electronics dealers/auctions, etc.

This is how you?ll save the most money. Before continuing, I will tell you that it is possible to get electronics for pennies on the dollar. I would recommend this route for people who are interested in being in the stereo business. You can find liquidators and auctions where it is possible to buy throusands of dollars worth of equipment for only hundreds. You can find a few pieces to keep for yourself, and sell the rest on eBay, or through Craigslist, and make back all of your money and then some! It requires a little work, but can be quite rewarding.

4.) Another option: If you want to save bucks, you can also buy used equipment. Now, I personally wouldn?t buy used stuff unless I knew it was in great condition (which is hard to do through eBay), but you can get good equipment at very great prices if you are selective.

One creative way to do this might be through competitions. Go to a competition, and talk to a competitor. Usually these guys change their equipment frequently, and know their stuff (so you?ll know it wasn?t abused, and you?ll know it was installed correctly). You could easily find some TOP QUALITY equipment at extremely good prices just by talking to autosound competitors.

Check local newspapers, craigslist classifieds, online classifieds, car audio forums, car enthusiast websites, the possibilities are endless! It might be a lot of work, but if you can find a well taken care of piece of equipment, you will save money.

5.) Refurbished goods:

These are sorta half-used. Usually if a product has problems, it is sent back to the factory under warranty. The manufacturer will fix the broken part(s), re-package it, and sell it to wholesalers at a discount. Refurbished gear is great because it was basically restored to like-new condition, and sold at a discount. There is no shortage of refurbished gear on eBay, and I highly recommened it as a money-saving option.

6.) Sponsorships:

If you have a good looking car in great shape, you might be eligible for a sponsorship. Basically, with sponsorship, different manufacturers provide you with their products, and you install them. In return, you show your vehicle at shows, and promote the brand that sponsors you. This is one of the few ways to get free gear. Some work is required, but ummmm FREE CAR AUDIO GEAR!

7.) Go Legit:

Form a business, and get access to wholesalers. Usually all you’ll need to do is get a “reseller’s permit”. Thisdocument is free to obtain, but beware! It also requires you to do certain things (like pay sales tax to the government). It’s not hard at all, you just need to keep records. Check with your state board of equalization for more info.

Conclusion:

If you?re willing to work for it, it is quite easy to find great deals on stereo equipment.

Alan Bayer is an entrepreneur and Car Audio enthusiast. He currently resides in some lame suburb in northern California.

He owns an eBay business http://stores.ebay.com/honest-aebs-autosound/, and the website http://www.honestaebs-caraudio.com/

To Read the “uncensored” version of this article, click over to: http://www.honestaebs-caraudio.com/find-car-audio-deals.html

I also have a newsletter at my website. Check it out!

By : Alan Bayer
Support by car sport
Keyword : car audio,deals,buy,speaker,subwoofer,sub,head unit,cd,alpine,pioneer

category : Automotive:Motorcycles

A lot of the motorcycle gear on the market today; clothing in particular is being made more for looks than protection. When you are sliding down the asphalt at fifty miles and hour it’s not about the looks!

In the United States it is pretty much “caveat emptor”, or let the buyer beware. There is no governing body watching over the manufacturers of protective clothing like they have in Europe where they have to go through extensive testing before they can me marketed as protective clothing.

In contrast to popular belief the vast majority of motorcycle accident injuries are to the lower portions of the body, especially the legs and feet. So in consideration of this you should definitely make sure that you have a good quality pair of riding boots along with a good pair of quality leather protective pants. When shopping for motorcycle pants make sure they have extra reinforcement in the knee and hip area and that they have an option to be connected to your jacket which also adds to protection.

When choosing riding boots, they should be made of thick but flexible leather and the sole should be made of a material that is resistant to oil and other petroleum based products as you ten to put your feet down on the road quite a bit.

Although leather is the material of choice by most serious bikers there are now other synthetic fabrics on the market that do a good job of protecting you in an accident. One choice is the new Kevlar reinforced jeans which have been tested to last more than five seconds in ana abrasion test as opposed to jeans with last about a half second!

Take the same care and precautions when choosing a motorcycle jacket as well. Many of the motorcycle jackets on the market today are for looks only and use thin leather which is not suitable for a protective motorcycle jacket. All contact points such as your shoulders and elbows should be reinforced and contain extra impact padding.

When it comes to your hands, they must be protected. A good pair of leather gloves is a necessity to keep you from tearing the palms of your hands off in even a minor accident. It is just natural to put your hand down to protect yourself when you feel your bike going down or if you get thrown. I have seen people with horrible injuries to their hands from a minor accident, injuries they would have never received had they worn gloves.

So, next time you are looking for protective motorcycle clothing, make sure you are buying it for the protection and not just for looks. Nobody looks good lying in a hospital bed or a coffin!

Gregg Hall is a consultant for online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida. Get reviews on motorcycle gear and accessories at http://www.motorcyclegearandaccessories.com

By : Gregg Hall
Support by car support

Keyword : motorcycles, motorcycle gear,