“I love what I do!” explains Billy Bird of Bird Imports, who opened his shop five years ago. His dad, Bill Bird always had hot rods and fun cars and Billy worked with his dad in the car dealership during and after high school. Ten years ago the two went to an auction and bought a yellow Rally 350 Cutlass which got Billy started in the classic car business. He decided to pick up a few cars and started the business.
Bird Imports provides turnkey services for collectible cars but doesn’t provide restoration services. He buys the classics (nothing newer than the 1980s) that are in good shape and resells at a profit. Unlike modern vehicles which depreciate while driving off showroom floors, these classic collectibles increase in value. Bird has a wide variety of vehicles on his floor ranging from the $20Ks to the $60Ks to his highest priced car at $175K. “I have something for everyone.”
Classic cars are a huge hobby in the Hill Country. “My real competition is whether someone wants to use their disposable income for purchase of a hot rod or a ski boat or a hunting trip to Argentina. I try to understand the motivation and provide what they're looking for.” Bird has built up a great reputation and 90% of his sales are online; he ships a car and gets a wire transfer. He’s had no returns because he is honest and transparent in his transactions.
Bird streamlines the purchasing process for his clients. He has good working relationships with financiers, insurance companies, vendors, shipping logistics companies, and inspectors. He took the old business model for honest service and is applying it to the younger buyers who do business online. His assistance takes the uncertainty away from the client. He wants everyone to experience the satisfaction of purchasing a collectible – there is always some story that goes along with the desire for a classic car.
He presents the car business as a career opportunity to children in young entrepreneur programs. Special education classes enjoy visiting the showroom. Bird also offers vehicles for charity auctions and golf tournaments. https://www.birdimportstx.com/