New brand - Engine lubricants e-commerce - storage

[MichaelWins]

Hello, I am looking for information on the requirements for storing engine oils in 1L and 4L packaging (e.g. Castrol, Mobile 1, Shell, etc.). I would like to start an e-commerce business. I was refused self-storage, should it be a sea container? What are the legal requirements? I contacted various organizations and websites, but no one responded to my question. Please help!

Michael

 

[antropy]

I would like to start an e-commerce business.

If you're only just starting, why not just rent a garage?

Paul.

 

[LPB 123]

You should be okay with a shipping container.

Who are you planning on shipping the oil with?

How will you compete with the big players that are in this market?

 

[BusterBloodvessel]

There are no chemical related restrictions around storing oil so no reason to refuse you self storage. My bigger concern if I were you would be shipping, again no chemical restrictions but some carriers can take issue with liquids, the potential for damage/leaks if they do ship it, not to mention the costs involved with weight.

And then my much, much bigger issue would be working out now the hell to compete against the big boys in the car parts world, with a product that isn’t particularly known for being an e-commerce product as it’s generally a garage purchase (oil change) or distress purchase (oil light is on), topped off with it having notoriously low margins.

 

[fisicx]

If I need a litre of oil I can get it within 10 minutes from a garage, Halfords, motor factors or my mate next door. Can’t think of any reason why I’d want to order online and wait two days for delivery.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

If I need a litre of oil I can get it within 10 minutes from a garage, Halfords, motor factors or my mate next door. Can’t think of any reason why I’d want to order online and wait two days for delivery.

I'm with this.

Or do you want to sell in bulk to retailers/resellers?

 

[WaveJumper]

Well actually many a storage company agreement / T&Cs will have restrictions on storing chemicals, oils, petrol and ours in particular gas cylinders. Their insurance won't cover it and pretty sure you wouldn't get cover yourself.

If I need oil for the Land Cruiser it comes from the Rough- Trax and my other requirements (car & watercraft) for oil come from Opie Oils (down in Cornwall) and ive just taken delivery of two jets batteries today from Tanya Ltd, so yes I would say there is a market for online sales

Finding a wholesale supplier maybe the bigger problem and being able to compete on price with the big boys an even bigger hurdle, but best of luck with a new venture

 

[WaveJumper]

I have to laugh it never hurts to check out Amazon ........ I couldn't get the battery I wanted during the week but just had a look for motor oils one is spoilt for choice.

 

[MichaelWins]

Hello there!

First of all, I would like to thank you all for participating in the discussion. I would like to respond in this message to all the topics raised in the replies.

First of all, this manufacturer is not on the UK market. The product has been available in Poland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Germany market for 6 years. This is not a budget product.

@LPB 123 My target is the niche. If I get 0.5% of the British market in 20 years, I will be satisfied. Oils for sports, racing and drift cars. Of course, the products are also available for all vehicles. But I'm interested in the niche. I agree with you - most oils are available in garages. I'll take a risk and say that it is a luxury product.

How to reach customers? @WaveJumper - pumping money into advertising, social media, Google.

Storage - @BusterBloodvessel if it's not a problem, is there any regulation confirming this?

Shipment. Costs related to the weight of 1 litre and 4 litres - £ 3-5 if I take advantage of the EVRI offer. So how is the same product sent (different brand) via Amazon, eBay and online stores? Each supplier offers the same delivery options..

 

[MichaelWins]

I found a container where I will store my goods.

Running a business:

To run an e-commerce business and sell oils lubricants, should I apply for any permits, etc.? GPT chat gave me some directions (please don't laugh ) There are some of them:

1. to register LTD company
2. VAT registration

3. Quality Standards: - Ensure that your lubricants meet relevant industry standards and certifications (e.g., API, ACEA, ILSAC). This guarantees the quality and performance of the products.

4. Labeling and Packaging: - Products must be properly labeled with information such as the product name, specifications, manufacturer details, safety warnings, and usage instructions. Compliance with local and international labeling regulations is essential.

5. Chemical Safety: - Comply with regulations concerning the handling and sale of chemical products. This includes registration under programs like REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) in the EU.

6. Waste Management and Recycling: - Implement systems for the proper disposal and recycling of used lubricants and packaging. Follow local regulations for hazardous waste management.

11. Shipping and Handling: - Establish reliable shipping processes that comply with regulations for transporting hazardous materials, if applicable. Provide clear shipping information and delivery timelines.

Can you agree with the above?

M

 

[LPB 123]

Shipment. Costs related to the weight of 1 litre and 4 litres - £ 3-5 if I take advantage of the EVRI offer. So how is the same product sent (different brand) via Amazon, eBay and online stores? Each supplier offers the same delivery options..

You should check out the Evri prohibited items list.

What You Can & Can't Send by Courier | Evri

Find out what you can and can’t send with Evri and which parcels carry their own restrictions. Our in-depth carry guide has everything you need to know.

www.evri.com

 

[IanSuth]

I order oil online for my motorbikes

Generally Silkolene/Fuchs Super4 (10w40)

I do my own oil changes as do many bike owners I know, so there might be a market there BUT i tend to look at price inclusive of an oil filter and carriage. So if you are just oil and i have to order a filter elsewhere i may end up paying 2 lots of carriage and getting 2 deliveries which would turn me against you.

So i suspect that would be a problem for you - few people buy oil (other than in an emergency) without buying some other form of spares, so unless you are significantly cheaper you will struggle to gain traction.

(PS my bike annoyingly needs 4.3l for a full change and the oil comes in 4l bottles/boxes which is really annoying).

 

[LPB 123]

I order oil online for my motorbikes

Generally Silkolene/Fuchs Super4 (10w40)

I do my own oil changes as do many bike owners I know, so there might be a market there BUT i tend to look at price inclusive of an oil filter and carriage. So if you are just oil and i have to order a filter elsewhere i may end up paying 2 lots of carriage and getting 2 deliveries which would turn me against you.

So i suspect that would be a problem for you - few people buy oil (other than in an emergency) without buying some other form of spares, so unless you are significantly cheaper you will struggle to gain traction.

The Motorcycle market is also very competitive and yes you are right they generally come in kits with oil filter as a minimum but usually other service parts.

(PS my bike annoyingly needs 4.3l for a full change and the oil comes in 4l bottles/boxes which is really annoying).

This is annoying but most sellers also offer a 4 + 1 as part of the same bundle where needed.

 

[AmazonGeek]

Re Amazon...

Yes there will be lots of people who buy this from the local garage as needed (just like they will buy lots of other products from the shops rather than online). But there are also people selling thousands and thousands of these per month. Just go onto Amazon.co.uk and type in 'engine oil'

This one is a brand called 'Mannol' which I have never heard of (although that isn't saying much)...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/MANNOL-MN7511-5-Mannol-Energy-5W30/dp/B01FURYYEU/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2IF6N6JZGKJ39&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XVUrRZ7sKHQt9JOpuJnEBwuuQ20ITBuRLdt0Mvf1El_PVwwqpNJi28DX11PzSMdn0GYhx8C2uer6JFLJ5tSTqL5R0Y9CbxbOxyIjBuT0dO4vi4SdX-91KjdOEzWFKn-n45WSfqA3sC54vaO73ZpxVyR0t2ktMJik2PqoqYdqecIrW-2Dgvye09uhqkD8GYf-6uGUdeyx4kWUF5qNM1c2VSV2VYZaI9h_NPM8kx17-MhPxYQD31_3FuaXj4mC_MiwTP9KvI6RjrKtfNMi6D5bkh3dIyVXbEYOiNzwZc-5mFA.SycMk3QzahJo7aa0TrHD9IjLbhqcoCl92ZoacUyhA1M&dib_tag=se&keywords=engine+oil&qid=1718720607&sprefix=engine+oil%2Caps%2C301&sr=8-5

2000+ units sold in the last month

So don't tule out selling this stuff online just because people also buy it down the garage. Having said that, you would still have to get over the fact that many people will prefer a brand name when buying something critical like this for their beloved car...

 

[IanSuth]

def for my bike I use Silkolene

Bikes have a wet clutch so some of the friction inhibitors (and even the stuff in magnatec) can promote clutch slip, so bikers will tend to be less willing to try a cheap alternative (i mean big bikes not a deliveroo rider on a PCX scooter)

It is not about buying "kits" of oil and filter it is about being able to go to a single site and get the service parts needed when i am doing an oil change, so generally filter every other change (with a sump bolt spring washer), 4 ngk spark plugs every 2 years and an air filter element at the same time as them

 

[MichaelWins]

What formal conditions must I meet for my company to sell engine lubricants online? What permits do I need to sell in the UK and what permits do I need to import products from European Union countries?

Already on my list is:

Establishment of the LTD company
Application for an EORI number

What else?