This is really just such a great site, and I have enjoyed it so much, that it just occurred to me that you guys must be doing this for free. Can that be right?

Hi Tom-
The tech advice is free to all who ask! Our plan has always been and continues to be for MercedesShop to be the best source of quality, timely and free Mercedes technical information on the web.

We are funding this by selling advertising and very soon by offering parts for sale on- line. We have several quality, Mercedes related advertisers we are close to signing. (Rennsport was the first to sign with us) Our site is of interest to companies who focus on Mercedes because they can get very focused and cost effective advertising. They can also interact with potential customers via the Shop Forum. You can't get that with an ad in the Star or Autoweek.

We are also relatively far down the path of reaching an agreement with one of the top Mercedes parts distributors in the US. We had our first meeting last week and will have our second one this week to discuss logistics. We want to be able to offer a broad range of parts...everything from original equipment to aftermarket to used or rebuilt. Hopefully, we can cover a broad range of MB model years with alternatives in several price ranges.

Currently this site is a 2nd job for all of us with no pay and no benefits...except we all love Mercedes cars and we're having a blast doing all of this. The passion of seeing a dream come true keeps us going. Benzmac, for example, works all day as a lead tech at an independent MB shop then he comes home to eat dinner with his bride and the put his 2 infant children to bed...then he starts answering questions on the Shop Forum. So far he has posted 676 answers.

What can you do for us? It would help if you registered as a member in the Shop Forum so we can prove that you are supporting us when we try to sell advertising. It's not required but, it helps.

Regards,

Bill Wood - Webmaster

Another idea, which I saw on a Mountain biking site similar in style to this, would be to offer "www.peachparts.com" shirts, hats, or what not. I know I would sign up to get one (at least). The mtb site did theirs as jersies and hard a hard time keeping them in stock.

Just a thought, especially considering all the other items you will be offering.

I almost fell out of my chair when I saw your message!!!
We just finished - today - having MercedesShop shirts made for all of our professional techs as a small thank you for helping us reach over 15,000 visitors. They will be mailed out this week.
Maybe I should tell my wife to make more so we can sell them! (I don't know if she would hit me or not)
Interesting idea nonetheless...

Bill Wood - Webmaster