DIY Cycle shop?
Road Master
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From: Central FL
check this out --> http://motopiacafe.com/ http://www.mybikersbay.com/
C
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Oregon
check this out --> http://motopiacafe.com/ http://www.mybikersbay.com/
This outfit would require that you do a lot of expensive promotions just to tell people who and what you are. They also require that you start big with a bang, and take a large risk on a largely unproven concept.
If I have to introduce a brand name myself and teach the community what the name even means and what I'm there for, they are going to have to pay me to do it.
$.02
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: NC
same here JB, i'd never buy into that franchise...nothing more than an indy shop w/windows, and they aren't cheap for the customer either...just looking for some ideas
i'm thinking something between an indy/dealer shop and hanging with friends at someone's garage...all i know is a lot of us would like to work more on our own bikes but don't have the tools a/o knowledge
i'm thinking something between an indy/dealer shop and hanging with friends at someone's garage...all i know is a lot of us would like to work more on our own bikes but don't have the tools a/o knowledge
Last edited by 2008FLHP; Oct 14, 2008 at 02:29 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Nice home on the NorCal Coast
I'm fortunate to have a friend who owns a shop and your idea is an interesting one but has quite a few issues you would need to deal with.
Liability issues I think would be high on the list.
Maintaining security of individuals property and equipment.
HAZMAT handling
Health and Safety (working under your roof, your responsible)
Tons of other things but I like the idea, just a lot of logistics to consider,
Krusr
Liability issues I think would be high on the list.
Maintaining security of individuals property and equipment.
HAZMAT handling
Health and Safety (working under your roof, your responsible)
Tons of other things but I like the idea, just a lot of logistics to consider,
Krusr
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: NC
a lot of you mention the liability/insurance issues...of course i'll talk with a lawyer 1st but wouldn't waivers cover that?...bad example but, if you go to a pool hall or bowling alley they can't sue you for getting hit in the head with the ball...if you scrap a knuckle, or more seriously you ride away and the wheel falls off, it's not my fault...
as far as tools, anything that can walk thinking i'd have people come up ask for what they need (yeah it's a pain, but can't think of another way)...losing a couple wrenches/sockets isn't that big of a deal
basically my idea is to rent out time and space, with a certified tech to help you and to oversee and check the whole process...anyone remember that TV show w/ Russell Mitchell (Exile Cycles) where people built their own bikes?...sort of like that, but for repairs, maintenance, etc
as far as tools, anything that can walk thinking i'd have people come up ask for what they need (yeah it's a pain, but can't think of another way)...losing a couple wrenches/sockets isn't that big of a deal
basically my idea is to rent out time and space, with a certified tech to help you and to oversee and check the whole process...anyone remember that TV show w/ Russell Mitchell (Exile Cycles) where people built their own bikes?...sort of like that, but for repairs, maintenance, etc
Last edited by 2008FLHP; Oct 14, 2008 at 02:47 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 571
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From: Colorado
I had a shop like that about 15 years ago. Net after the 1st year was $85K. Not a bad idea now a-days. The startup costs are something you really have to look at.
A mechanic advisor is also a good idea. Some of them are retired and just want to make an additional few bucks, say 15 to 20 per hour or buy the job with the cost passed on to the renter. He could even setup his own buss. in house and charge services himself. Eliminate you from collecting for him and have to do more book keeping.
A mechanic advisor is also a good idea. Some of them are retired and just want to make an additional few bucks, say 15 to 20 per hour or buy the job with the cost passed on to the renter. He could even setup his own buss. in house and charge services himself. Eliminate you from collecting for him and have to do more book keeping.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 541
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From: Clark County, WA
There use to be a place like that here in Vancouver, WA. It was a huge liability though and they ended up shutting down. They just couldn't get the insurance to cover the business. Good luck though. It really is a great idea. If you can find a good lawyer and business insurance agent that's willing to work with you, you should be golden. I know I would take advantage of a place like that in a heart beat. I do all my own wrenching. But sometimes my available space, tools, equipment, and even "know how" are limited.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 29,598
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From: Oregon
a lot of you mention the liability/insurance issues...of course i'll talk with a lawyer 1st but wouldn't waivers cover that?...bad example but, if you go to a pool hall or bowling alley they can't sue you for getting hit in the head with the ball...if you scrap a knuckle it's not my fault...basically my idea is to rent out time and space...
as far as tools, anything that can walk thinking i'd have people come up ask for what they need (yeah it's a pain, but can't think of another way)...losing a couple wrenches/sockets isn't that big of a deal
as far as tools, anything that can walk thinking i'd have people come up ask for what they need (yeah it's a pain, but can't think of another way)...losing a couple wrenches/sockets isn't that big of a deal
Also, courts have found that allowing waivers removes the incentive from a business to follow "best practices" or for that matter, just to be careful.
Believe me, if you or your employees are the cause of a fire that burns the building and hurts some people or their bikes, you pay, and that includes for the building. If the fire also burns down the adjacent businesses, you pay for that too.
Insurance.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: NC
btw thanks to you and all for the input...
oh yeah i realize insurance on building/equip, etc...indies do it (maybe that's why they charge $50-70/hr)...my big concern like i said is the medical liability, G-D forbid someone rides away and the wheel falls of or something...like a bartender being sued if you drink and drive
oh yeah i realize insurance on building/equip, etc...indies do it (maybe that's why they charge $50-70/hr)...my big concern like i said is the medical liability, G-D forbid someone rides away and the wheel falls of or something...like a bartender being sued if you drink and drive
Last edited by 2008FLHP; Oct 14, 2008 at 03:04 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 61
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From: wyoming
we have one for cagers around here it works out pretty good for the DIY'ers and the high school gearheads. I would not limit it to just bikes.... why cut your 2/3 of your prospective population out? 1/2 of dealer cost per hour is a bit high just for garage space. The local shop that does this charges about 10-15 per hour but the real $$ comes from renting specialty tools. Have someone who is a good wrench on staff for advice and help etc and charge for the help and advice.
good luck if you try it. They are nice to have.
good luck if you try it. They are nice to have.