feed back requested
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,414
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From: Southern NY, known as Florida
I did not have enough time yesterday and wanted to add to what I posted
It is not meant to scare you off only to prepare you.
I know some really skilled folks in their fields. Top notch but they all failed in business because skills in your field of choice does not translate to knowing how to run a business.
Second, do not borrow money to start a business, you will already be in the hole. I have two businesses, one for 25 years and one for 6. Well known in that business but still hard to compete with the low ethics folks. The other business is building and restoring hot rods and limited work on Harleys. I also sell new parts for both. I am more of a boutique shop where I do not take in more then 2 cars at any one time. Some are complete ground up builds and some are repairs. Because I have two businesses I can pick and choose my shop projects.
I am saying this because you would have to find a shop thats big enough to take in a few bikes at a time to pay the rent.
As a few have stated, you should go work at a shop for a bit and learn. Learn how to deal with customers and learn how to run a business.
I never borrowed dime one to start either business. Every time I did a job I bought a tool, I advertised. I put the money back into the business. You will not make money the first three years and you are always the last to be paid. Can you survive without income? Do some real searching a of your soul and realize its not always fun and its never easy. But it can be rewarding. Good luck
It is not meant to scare you off only to prepare you.
I know some really skilled folks in their fields. Top notch but they all failed in business because skills in your field of choice does not translate to knowing how to run a business.
Second, do not borrow money to start a business, you will already be in the hole. I have two businesses, one for 25 years and one for 6. Well known in that business but still hard to compete with the low ethics folks. The other business is building and restoring hot rods and limited work on Harleys. I also sell new parts for both. I am more of a boutique shop where I do not take in more then 2 cars at any one time. Some are complete ground up builds and some are repairs. Because I have two businesses I can pick and choose my shop projects.
I am saying this because you would have to find a shop thats big enough to take in a few bikes at a time to pay the rent.
As a few have stated, you should go work at a shop for a bit and learn. Learn how to deal with customers and learn how to run a business.
I never borrowed dime one to start either business. Every time I did a job I bought a tool, I advertised. I put the money back into the business. You will not make money the first three years and you are always the last to be paid. Can you survive without income? Do some real searching a of your soul and realize its not always fun and its never easy. But it can be rewarding. Good luck
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 4
From: Florida
This is a really good point. People bitch and moan about paying in excess of 100/hr to a dealer but they do it and are put off by the indi that charges 20-30 /hr LESS. I think the perception is the big dealer will stand behind their work because they have more resources to do so. Dunno.
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Raven4Ever
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Mar 25, 2010 10:20 AM
