{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Alek & Vitaly From JDMSupply.com EP.177","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/alek-vitaly-from-jdmsupply-com-ep-177","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/2145436/episodes/18994530-alek-vitaly-from-jdmsupply-com-ep-177.mp3","description":"Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Right Hand Drive Guys Podcast, we sit down with Alek and Vitaly, the team behind JDM Supply — a growing marketplace dedicated to connecting enthusiasts with JDM cars around USA.Beyond the platform, they also run the coveted @JDM handle on Instagram and TikTok, putting them right at the center of the culture and giving them a front-row seat to trends, demand, and what enthusiasts are really chasing right now.We talk about how they built JDM Supply, what it takes to run a marketplace in today’s import scene, and how their passion for JDM cars drives everything they do. From sourcing cars to shaping the online community, this episode is all about the intersection of culture, business, and pure enthusiasm.🎙️ From scrolling to sourcing — this is how JDM culture lives online and in real life.Find us on Facebook groups - RHDGUYS-JDMBOYSSocials - @RHDGUYS Merch - http://RHDGUYS.COMWant a discount on Nissan parts?Use code \"RHDGUYS\" athttps://nizmopartsplug.comNeed An ECU? Visit Haltech!"},"annotations":[{"startTime":1.7,"endTime":8.5,"type":"concept","title":"right-hand drive","url":"/glossary/right-hand-drive","quote":"Hey, and welcome back to the next episode of the right-hand drive guys podcast the podcast for guys who like right-hand drives","canonicalId":"concept:right-hand-drive","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Right-hand drive” means the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. It’s common in countries like the UK, Japan, Australia, and many others, and it’s a big part of the JDM (Japanese domestic market) enthusiast scene.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some cars have the steering wheel on the right side instead of the left. That’s called right-hand drive, and it’s common in places like Japan and the UK."}},{"startTime":200.3,"endTime":208.8,"type":"concept","title":"classifieds","url":"/glossary/classifieds","quote":"And then once we learn that we decided to hit it and get into the classifieds\nAnd then that's kind of where we've been focusing more just the classifieds on the goal","canonicalId":"concept:classifieds","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Classifieds are listings where vehicles are advertised for sale directly (often with set pricing or seller-controlled terms). They say they shifted focus to classifieds after learning auctions alone weren’t producing the results they wanted.","simplifiedExplanation":"Classifieds are like online car listings—cars are posted for sale and buyers browse them. They moved toward classifieds because it fit their audience and goals better."}},{"startTime":294.1,"endTime":296.0,"type":"concept","title":"cars and bids","url":"/glossary/cars-and-bids","quote":"[288.8s]  2021 I would say right the tally. I feel like we launched a couple months after\n[294.1s]  cars and bids\n[295.9s]  Right. Wow. Yeah. Yeah, and the first car that we did was actually Alex's","canonicalId":"concept:cars-and-bids","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Cars and Bids” is an online auction platform for enthusiast cars. The hosts are comparing their launch timing and early traction to that kind of marketplace model.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Cars and Bids” is a website where people buy and sell cars, usually through auctions. The hosts are saying their site grew around the same time that kind of platform was getting popular."}},{"startTime":324.9,"endTime":337.0,"type":"concept","title":"unicorn","url":"/glossary/unicorn","quote":"[316.9s]  And it ended up selling for I think over 200 on the platform. Yeah on your platform on our platform. Yeah, that's sick\n[324.9s]  But it was like a unicorn, right and the quick silvers were\n[329.6s]  Just what how many of them made I think","canonicalId":"concept:unicorn","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Unicorn” is enthusiast slang for a rare, hard-to-find car or configuration that stands out in the market. Here, they’re using it to explain why the listing generated unusually strong interest and bidding.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Unicorn” just means something rare that most people can’t easily find. They’re saying this Supra setup was uncommon, so it got a lot of attention."}},{"startTime":332.8,"endTime":339.0,"type":"concept","title":"organic hype","url":"/glossary/organic-hype","quote":"[329.6s]  Just what how many of them made I think\n[332.8s]  26 or something. Yeah, 26. So we got a lot of hype a lot of organic hype around it\n[338.5s]  Yeah, so was that your was that a planned sacrifice on your behalf to","canonicalId":"concept:organic-hype","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Organic hype” refers to attention that grows naturally—through word of mouth, social sharing, and community interest—rather than paid promotion. In this context, the rare Supra color helped create that kind of buzz.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Organic hype” means people got excited on their own, not because the sellers paid for advertising. The rare color made more people talk about it."}},{"startTime":346.8,"endTime":346.8,"type":"car","title":"Supras","url":"/cars/toyota/supra","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Toyota_GR_Supra_Racing_Concept%2C_Paris_Motor_Show_2018%2C_Paris_%281Y7A1779%29.jpg","quote":"Exactly. Yeah, because it's one of those Supras where it's not every day\nOne of these goes up for sale and the fact that mine had 17,000 original miles","canonicalId":"car:toyota:supra","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Supras” refers to the Toyota Supra, a JDM sports car that’s especially popular in right-hand-drive and enthusiast markets. In this segment, the hosts are talking about a specific Supra listing that drew heavy attention because of its low mileage and condition.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about the Toyota Supra. It’s a popular Japanese sports car, and here they’re saying one particular Supra sold really well because it was in amazing shape and had very low miles.","imageAttribution":"Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)"}},{"startTime":436.9,"endTime":444.1,"type":"concept","title":"auction house","url":"/glossary/auction-house","quote":"Like the the trust factor is lacking space for like just the whole transactional thing and agreed\nSeven days is not enough to vet some of these cars as a as an auction house. Like you have seven days","canonicalId":"concept:auction-house","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An “auction house” is a platform or business that sells cars through bidding rather than a fixed price. The discussion highlights how auction timelines affect buyer confidence and the ability to properly vet cars before bidding.","simplifiedExplanation":"An auction house is where cars are sold by bidding. Here they’re saying the auction process needs enough time for people to check the cars so they feel comfortable buying."}},{"startTime":436.9,"endTime":444.1,"type":"concept","title":"seven days","url":"/glossary/seven-days","quote":"Seven days is not enough to vet some of these cars as a as an auction house. Like you have seven days\nEven if the listing is great","canonicalId":"concept:seven-days","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Seven days” is the time window being criticized for vetting cars in an auction-style process. The speaker argues that a week isn’t enough to thoroughly inspect, verify details, and reduce the risk of surprises.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying the process only gives about a week to check the car. They feel that’s too short to really confirm everything before buying."}},{"startTime":537.4,"endTime":542.4,"type":"concept","title":"JDM cars","url":"/glossary/jdm-cars","quote":"Yeah, and I feel like JDM cars. I don't know why but I feel like they get a bad rap [542.4s] specifically just because there's been","canonicalId":"concept:jdm-cars","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"JDM cars are vehicles from Japan, often imported for their unique models, trims, and enthusiast appeal. The segment discusses how JDM buying can carry reputational risk due to past “shoddy” import experiences, even when the cars themselves are legitimate.","simplifiedExplanation":"JDM cars are cars that come from Japan. People like them because they can be special or rare, but the buying experience can be stressful if past sellers weren’t honest."}},{"startTime":623.7,"endTime":637.4,"type":"concept","title":"JDM stuff","url":"/glossary/jdm-stuff","quote":"The biggest thing for us is that they have the audience that are interested in the JDM stuff... From the exotic to the European stuff","canonicalId":"concept:jdm-stuff","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“JDM” stands for Japanese Domestic Market—cars and parts originally intended for Japan’s domestic market. In the enthusiast world, it usually refers to importing and selling Japanese models (and often their OEM parts) outside Japan.","simplifiedExplanation":"JDM means “Japanese cars for Japan.” People use it to talk about Japanese car models and parts that enthusiasts import and buy."}},{"startTime":662.5,"endTime":671.1,"type":"concept","title":"title sponsors","url":"/glossary/title-sponsors","quote":"We need to put JDM supply as one of the title sponsors... But you're not paying title sponsor money because you're partners","canonicalId":"concept:title-sponsors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A title sponsor is the brand that gets the most prominent naming rights for an event (e.g., “X Event presented by Y”). In marketing terms, it’s a high-visibility placement that can be valuable enough to command large sponsorship fees.","simplifiedExplanation":"A title sponsor is the company whose name is used as the main sponsor for an event. It’s a big marketing spot, usually more visible than smaller sponsorships."}},{"startTime":723.6,"endTime":729.9,"type":"company","title":"JDMSupply.com","url":"/glossary/jdmsupply-com","quote":"Do you have the opportunities because I can imagine you're looking for exposure, right? That's the biggest thing is like people need to know who JDM supply is That's why we're talking right now.","canonicalId":"company:jdmsupply-com","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"JDMSupply.com is the JDM-focused marketplace being discussed. The conversation centers on getting more visibility for the brand and its inventory.","simplifiedExplanation":"JDMSupply.com is the website these guys run for JDM cars. They’re talking about ways to get more people to notice their listings and quality."}},{"startTime":764.3,"endTime":773.8,"type":"concept","title":"search engine traffic","url":"/glossary/search-engine-traffic","quote":"And I think the last like couple years like we our growth we've leaned so heavily on the on the search engine traffic and It's kind of been we've been kind of behind the scenes of it","canonicalId":"concept:search-engine-traffic","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Search engine traffic” means visitors who find the site through Google or other search results. The speaker says their growth has relied heavily on this channel rather than more direct, in-person or social exposure.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Search engine traffic” is when people land on a website after searching on Google. They’re saying they’ve been getting most of their growth that way, and now they want to expand into other ways to reach people."}},{"startTime":781.2,"endTime":784.3,"type":"concept","title":"JDM space","url":"/glossary/jdm-space","quote":"But there's this opportunity now like JDM the whole JDM space is so It's like a social network like everybody With JDM cars is on social platforms.","canonicalId":"concept:jdm-space","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“JDM space” refers to the broader community and ecosystem around Japanese Domestic Market vehicles. In this context, it’s treated like a social network where enthusiasts share cars, builds, and listings.","simplifiedExplanation":"“JDM space” means the whole world of people who are into Japanese cars. The hosts are saying it’s not just cars for sale—it’s also a community that lives on social media."}},{"startTime":1072.5,"endTime":1073.2,"type":"concept","title":"Instagram","url":"/glossary/instagram","quote":"groups we have a section that are where people can buy and sell\nInstagram\nAnd one day I was browsing so maybe 2019 2020 and I saw someone post like hey","canonicalId":"concept:instagram","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Instagram is another major social platform used by car communities for branding and sales. In this segment, it’s specifically tied to the idea of buying/selling a recognizable “handle” (a short username) in the car niche.","simplifiedExplanation":"Instagram is a social media app where people share photos and videos. In car communities, people use it to promote cars and parts, and sometimes to sell account names."}},{"startTime":1329.6,"endTime":1333.2,"type":"concept","title":"ROI","url":"/glossary/roi","quote":"I worked with several different other JDM accounts and try them out and you know See which ones would give me the best results as far as my ROI And then I just kind of like ran that until I hit 10,000 followers","canonicalId":"concept:roi","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"ROI means Return on Investment. In this context, it’s about measuring which paid shout-outs or collaborations produced the most follower growth relative to the cost.","simplifiedExplanation":"ROI is basically “did it pay off?” If you spend money on shout-outs, ROI tells you whether you got good results for what you paid."}},{"startTime":1523.2,"endTime":1527.4,"type":"concept","title":"jdm.com","url":"/glossary/jdm-com","quote":"So jdm.com is next for us. Yes\n[1527.4s]  That's cool.","canonicalId":"concept:jdm-com","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Using a short, brand-defining domain like “jdm.com” is a form of digital branding. For niche automotive businesses, the exact domain name can matter because it’s easier to remember and can attract direct traffic from people searching the term.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about getting the website address “jdm.com.” A simple domain can bring more visitors because people can type it directly from memory."}},{"startTime":1916.21,"endTime":1919.2,"type":"concept","title":"affiliate partnerships","url":"/glossary/affiliate-partnerships","quote":"Right now we have just affiliate partnerships with like carvax and The financing companies and our whole shipping module that you can get your car ship","canonicalId":"concept:affiliate-partnerships","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Affiliate partnerships are arrangements where a site earns a commission when a customer clicks through or completes a purchase/lead. In car sales/shipping, this often means referral links to financing or transport services.","simplifiedExplanation":"An affiliate partnership is when a company gets paid for sending you to another service. For cars, that can be things like financing or shipping."}},{"startTime":1946.8,"endTime":1955.3,"type":"concept","title":"Facebook Marketplace","url":"/glossary/facebook-marketplace","quote":"With the market like our biggest competitor. I would want to say is probably facebook marketplace or the groups the facebook groups","canonicalId":"concept:facebook-marketplace","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Facebook Marketplace is a consumer-to-consumer listing platform where people buy and sell locally. The speakers compare it as a competitor because it offers broad reach and is free to use.","simplifiedExplanation":"Facebook Marketplace is where people post cars for sale. It’s popular because it reaches a lot of people and doesn’t cost the seller."}},{"startTime":2013.3,"endTime":2020.7,"type":"concept","title":"google search traffic","url":"/glossary/google-search-traffic","quote":"So that's where yeah, that's where we're getting that opportunity like on the google search traffic is when people are searching","canonicalId":"concept:google-search-traffic","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Google search traffic refers to visitors who arrive via search results rather than social media. The speakers imply that people searching for JDM imports (especially niche categories) may be more reachable through SEO/paid search than through social platforms.","simplifiedExplanation":"Google search traffic is when people find you by searching online. They’re saying that some JDM buyers show up through Google searches instead of social media."}},{"startTime":2027.9,"endTime":2035.2,"type":"concept","title":"lead quality","url":"/glossary/lead-quality","quote":"They come to our website. They already have like an intent to purchase the vehicle. So the lead quality is much higher for us","canonicalId":"concept:lead-quality","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Lead quality” refers to how likely a website visitor is to actually buy. Higher-intent leads typically come from people actively searching for a specific vehicle, which improves conversion rates for dealers/importers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lead quality just means how serious the people contacting you are. If someone is already looking to buy, they’re a better lead than someone just browsing."}},{"startTime":2078.0,"endTime":2085.6,"type":"concept","title":"bootstrapping","url":"/glossary/bootstrapping","quote":"our bootstrapping are just So passionate about the culture that they can't help but Want to have a solid piece in it.","canonicalId":"concept:bootstrapping","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Bootstrapping means starting and growing a business using limited external funding, relying on revenue and personal effort. It’s common in small import/dealer operations where margins and cash flow matter.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bootstrapping means building a business without a lot of outside money. You grow it by using what you earn and working hard."}},{"startTime":2119.1,"endTime":2123.5,"type":"concept","title":"Fuji Speedway","url":"/glossary/fuji-speedway","quote":"They had me at fuji speedway twice to you know be able to enjoy the car on a legitimate japanese track and uh, we both got to drive it on track, you know, so","canonicalId":"concept:fuji-speedway","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fuji Speedway is a well-known Japanese racing circuit used for motorsport events and driver track days. Mentioning it signals the car was driven in a real performance environment, not just around town."}},{"startTime":2176.2,"endTime":2188.6,"type":"concept","title":"JDM tourism","url":"/glossary/jdm-tourism","quote":"Yeah, that whole thing it just kind of like opened my eyes. I'm like, oh, maybe we should start offering like something like\nJDM tourism on the side here where we could take guys out, you know, show them their car that they're buying and you know","canonicalId":"concept:jdm-tourism","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"JDM tourism is the idea of traveling to Japan to see and verify the specific car you’re buying in person. It’s presented as a future service that helps buyers connect with the exact vehicle and the sourcing process.","simplifiedExplanation":"JDM tourism means going to Japan to see the exact car you’re thinking about buying. Instead of only trusting photos or listings, you can check it in person."}},{"startTime":2397.7,"endTime":2404.3,"type":"concept","title":"drifting","url":"/glossary/drifting","quote":"[2392.4s] Yeah, I mean it's it's cool. We got to go to fat five land with digocytoh and\n[2397.7s] He was drifting. Yeah, and it that was a really cool thing as well.","canonicalId":"concept:drifting","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Drifting is a driving technique where the car is intentionally oversteered so the rear tires lose grip while the driver maintains control through steering and throttle. It’s a major part of Japanese motorsport culture and often influences what cars and setups people build.","simplifiedExplanation":"Drifting is when a driver intentionally slides the car sideways while still controlling it. It’s a popular style of racing and a big part of the JDM scene."}},{"startTime":2685.03,"endTime":2696.2,"type":"concept","title":"left-hand drive cars","url":"/glossary/left-hand-drive-cars","quote":"I am for sure allowing Left-hand drive cars to be sold because I want that exposure and I'm not selling a cavalier","canonicalId":"concept:left-hand-drive-cars","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Left-hand drive (LHD) means the steering wheel is on the left side of the car, which is typical for the U.S. and many other markets. In the JDM context, LHD availability affects who can buy and how easily they can import or register the car.","simplifiedExplanation":"Left-hand drive just means the steering wheel is on the left side of the car. That’s the layout most people in the U.S. are used to, so it can make a car easier to live with or sell."}},{"startTime":2760.2,"endTime":2765.8,"type":"concept","title":"usdm section","url":"/glossary/usdm-section","quote":"...instead of Say like kind of pushing away those people that hey, they love supers just prefer left hand drive You know what I mean needs a usdm section","canonicalId":"concept:usdm-section","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"USDM refers to U.S. Domestic Market cars—vehicles originally sold in the United States. The speaker is arguing that a website should separate listings so buyers who specifically prefer USDM cars (or avoid RHD) can find what they want without wading through the opposite steering layout.","simplifiedExplanation":"USDM means the car was originally sold in the U.S. They’re saying the site should organize listings so people who want U.S.-market cars don’t have to sort through right-hand drive imports."}},{"startTime":2938.2,"endTime":2945.0,"type":"company","title":"eBay","url":"/glossary/ebay","quote":"Yeah, like ebay, but for just used used jdm parts. Yeah, I was gonna say that earlier But I just didn't want to throw too much at you.","canonicalId":"company:ebay","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"eBay is referenced as the comparison point for an online marketplace. The hosts imply that their platform would improve on the typical eBay experience for JDM parts by emphasizing trust and reducing common issues."}},{"startTime":3139.3,"endTime":3145.9,"type":"concept","title":"approval process","url":"/glossary/approval-process","quote":"Input the bin number upload a couple photos and then boom it goes into an approval process\n[3143.8s]  We get notified that a listing has been added\n[3145.9s]  Then we just go through it and accept it","canonicalId":"concept:approval-process","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker describes an approval workflow for listings after the seller submits details and photos. This is common in marketplaces where the site checks that the information is complete and meets their posting standards before going live.","simplifiedExplanation":"After you submit a listing, the site reviews it before it becomes visible. It’s basically a quick check to make sure everything looks right."}},{"startTime":3188.7,"endTime":3222.3,"type":"company","title":"youtube","url":"/glossary/youtube","quote":"Those are those are the good ways. Do you guys have a youtube or like anything like that?\n[3193.3s]  We do have a youtube but we just kind of kind of primarily use it to post like videos that users have sent us to embed\n[3199.3s]  Okay, but that is one thing that we do want to also focus on this year is getting our faces out there on our youtube channel","canonicalId":"company:youtube","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The segment discusses using YouTube to post user-submitted videos and to expand into more original content (recording trips and sourcing). For listeners, this helps explain the brand’s content strategy and how it may document vehicle sourcing.","simplifiedExplanation":"They have a YouTube channel where they share videos, including clips from users. They’re planning to record more of their own trips and sourcing content."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"RHDGUYS","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/alek-vitaly-from-jdmsupply-com-ep-177/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}