I like many people, I have a childhood memory of going on car trips that seemed to last forever. Usually about 15 minutes into the trip, I would ask: "Are we there yet?" This question would be delivered with the accompanying whine that only very small children and some wild animals are capable of making. My parents in their infinite wisdom would turn to me and say: "We're almost there, it's just around the next bend." Fast forward to today. As a shop owner or a technician you are no doubt looking for ways to improve efficiency, speed and profits. And, as a shop owner or technician, you know how frustrating it can be to have to depend on outside providers to make a living. How many times have you had to wait hours or even days for parts to be delivered?

One such area of frustration (and opportunity) is custom pipe bending and cutting. As a shop owner, you have always had a couple of options. The first is to stock inventory based on best guesses as to what vehicles will come into your shop needing pipes. This is fine if you have lots of room, money and a pretty clear crystal ball for deciding what stock to carry. Even if your parts distributor offers you a consignment program on exhaust parts, it still takes time, space and lots of aggravation to keep stock in your shop.

Another solution for this problem is to depend on your local jobber to supply you with the components you need. This solution presents the same probl...