Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa April 2018 - 100th Issue! | Page 61

CARS trade them to maximise returns for investors, I’m also a huge car fan, and this is my way of using my knowledge and abilities to help the industry as well as like-minded people looking to capitalise on this growth market. I also know what you can and can’t do regarding the acquisition and then resale of these assets in the South African context, and together with the oth- er specialists in the VCI team we offer customers a turnkey solution, from acquisition through to shipping it out to a buy- er, anywhere they happen to be in the world.” VCI’s efforts also support local job creation, as the com- pany imports vehicles from international markets as well as the parts needed to restore it to its full, glorious potential. All the labour involved is then undertaken at South African rates, which are still significantly lower than more developed mar- kets. “Compared to labour rates in the US or UK, SA labour is still significantly more reasonable, yet our expertise and the quality of our workmanship is at least on par with these plac- es.” Thanks to Nico’s shipping expertise, VCI is able to save cus- tomers significant capital on customs and import duties with the majority of this expense being deferred if the vehicle is going on to be sold to a non-South African buyer. Should the investor get too attached and decide to keep the vehicle, or sell it locally, those duties are brought into account, but for any- one intent on approaching their automotive investment with a pure profit motive, this customs strategy can make all the difference between breaking even and making a worthwhile profit on the trade. “We walk our customer through every step of the way. This is what I do. When the car arrives, we’re ready with all the necessary paperwork. Everything in this process has to be on point, one piece of documentation incorrect or missing and it can stall, with the asset then sitting in customs for weeks or even months before getting it cleared. In some instances, you don’t ever manage to get it released, and it will then just sit in a warehouse which is one of the saddest things you can imagine as a true enthusiast, or as a businessman!” He concludes; “For investment purposes the rules are sim- ple, just like any other commodity you buy low, sell high. But classic cars, for me, are easily the best commodity to trade. You become a part of the incredible stories these machines repre- sent, you get to enjoy them in both their not-so-great states and also in their absolute prime, and have a direct hand in that transformation. It’s rewarding as an enthusiast, and profitable as an investor, so for me it’s truly a win-win scenario! Bring your brand to the forefront. Sponsorship opportunities now available. Contact us at: [email protected] [phone]