Independent servicing services - a viable thing?

[Mark Hooton]

Guys, not being short on resources (nor experience) I was thinking of turning a currently unused industrial unit I have into a `man cave` with all my bike servicing gear (hyd ramp, parts bath, benches, software and gizmo`s for resetting service reminders, full automotive toolkit etc etc) into a commercial enterprise.

I`ve been doing my own bikes for about twenty years now - not because I can`t afford BMW servicing but more so because I have all the gear most bike shops have (and then some) and I`ve always wanted to do the job myself (bad experience with a dealer and servicing.................)

Soooooooooo, for basic servicing & other things like rear diff oil change I was wondering if there would be a call for it in Lincolnshire at prices waaaaay below BMW?

I`d also use it as a facility to fit the parts I`ve been making for years too

I would welcome any comments positive or negative

 

[Joe narvey]

Sounds good. I know the model works in the US where you can hire a facility to do own servicing. Would also be useful as a classroom for structured how to sessions ( I'd happily pay to learn how to do somethings).

 

[(RIP) Tunneruk]

Do you have a 'day job' that you'd be quitting in order to embark on this enterprise?

 

[Mark Hooton]

Sounds good. I know the model works in the US where you can hire a facility to do own servicing. Would also be useful as a classroom for structured how to sessions ( I'd happily pay to learn how to do somethings).

Thanks for that - it may have a positively commercial `spin` on it anyway as I won`t be under the normal stresses and strains of finance, cash flows, targets etc and can indulge myself (like the bike parts) - this has already proved to be an advantage to the `customer` meaning that I can take all day to do a service and not charge anywhere near I would have to.

 

[Joe narvey]

Thanks for that - it may have a positively commercial `spin` on it anyway as I won`t be under the normal stresses and strains of finance, cash flows, targets etc and can indulge myself (like the bike parts) - this has already proved to be an advantage to the `customer` meaning that I can take all day to do a service and not charge anywhere near I would have to.

U might find this useful

http://u-spanner.co.uk/pricing/

 

[Mark Hooton]

My `day job` is as MD of my own engineering Company and I have worked hard for three decades to get a team in place to make myself redundant. This allows me to fekk around with 1/2 million pounds worth of laser profiling machinery and make bike parts and has done for three years so I suspect with al things being equal I can further indulge myself in this extension of the bike parts - I`m only ever a phone call and five miles away anyway!

So yes to answer a good question I do feel that I can do it without screwing `owt up!

And no, for the record, I would not give up my day job to do this.

 

[Mark Hooton]

U might find this useful

http://u-spanner.co.uk/pricing/

I`d actually charge £20 an hour (plus parts) AND do the job myself, considering it a very fair rate for doing something I enjoy!

 

[Mark Hooton]

in fact................

In fact, and REALLY stressing that I welcome and would respect all opinions I think I will possibly do it anyway - I`m already incurring the overheads, I have all the gear and no requirement for finance (lads, believe me I`ve worked every inch for it) so if on odd occasion I can provide my services for very fair rates that`ll do me!

But still keep the advice/thoughts coming - for many years I`ve always benefited from it

 

[The Grey One]

I`d actually charge £20 an hour (plus parts) AND do the job myself, considering it a very fair rate for doing something I enjoy!

Not wishing to put a damper on things as I think it sounds a great idea for you personally but have you costed things like liability insurance? I hope so and I wish you well, doing something you enjoy in life is something we all strive for. I am sure you will have lots of happy customers and make a few new friends along the way. Good Luck

John

John

 

[(RIP) Tunneruk]

Fella you know only too well that it's the overheads that are the burden. You seem to have the infrastructure around you to absorb your venture into your existing business. On that basis you're absolutely set!
Do a good job and they will come, it really is that simple!

 

[Mark Hooton]

Not wishing to put a damper on things as I think it sounds a great idea for you personally but have you costed things like liability insurance? I hope so and I wish you well, doing something you enjoy in life is something we all strive for. I am sure you will have lots of happy customers and make a few new friends along the way. Good Luck

John

John

Fella, totally support your kind observation - liability insurance is already in place for `all things bike parts` anyway, including the unit in question.

Thank you for your kind words!

 

[Mark Hooton]

Fella you know only too well that it's the overheads that are the burden. You seem to have the infrastructure around you to absorb your venture into your existing business. On that basis you're absolutely set!
Do a good job and they will come, it really is that simple!

yup too right fella - its fixed costs like that which kills most start ups. And yes I have a comprehensive infrastructure already in place including accounts and support staff from the main factory. And yes, I`ve enjoyed great success with the bike parts with many loyal customers and I would apply the same philosophy.

 

[Micky]

Mark .... best of luck with this. Whatever you do I know you'll make it work

 

[Mark Hooton]

IThanks fella, ride safe and if u r passing the kettle is always on.


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[timeandtide]

Sounds a great idea Mark.
I'd certainly be interested and can think of others who would be

 

[Mark Hooton]

Well let's see fella - I won't rush into it (don't have to) and will report progress to keep people informed and take it from there!


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[DrFarkoff]

Okay I have to say this .....

Don't!! "UNLESS" You can "absolutely" control your workload to suit you ??

I started on my own and whilst I learned loads (very quickly) I also turned what was my "Hobby" into a means of subsistence Which after yadaa yadaa yadaa blah blah blah

Made my "hobby" Tedious and Hard going and only "do-able" in the quieter winter months and even then you have breakdowns and the bigger restoration jobs to undertake

Mark If you Love motorcycles and you love "Tinkering" at your liesure??

Then carry on and do that "but" don't do it commercially it'll break your heart

You are likely not to have cashflow issues that I had, but still it grates on you trying to juggle viable jobs against what jobs need "time and concentration"

I now "Tinker" and am much happier hanging up my van keys at end of shift and going home and going for a ride on my bike instead of fixing someone else's bike

I have to say for the last few months before I found something that suited me it was a case of doing the jobs through gritted teeth and perseverance

NOW ??? I fiddle and Phooter at My leisure with a monthly income AND My Hobby i.e. "Bikes" is just that again and most ly everything is right with the world! :Thumb

Good luck to you Sir I just thought I would air another point that Might assist you?

 

[Deleted account Aberdeen GS]

Okay I have to say this .....

Do It !! "YESSSSS You only live once , you are fab at this stuff and you love it ??


If it gets tiresome , as the poster above suggested, then you can afford to stop!
"Go on! " It will be a blast !

 

[Mark Hooton]

Drfarkoff- very wise words which I will give serious consideration to - perhaps the huge overbearing weight of it not being 'the prime earner' may assist me in dodging what you went through? I would have the rare luxury of choosing my jobs and customers which I hope would help avoid such pitfalls. Thanks again - very wise words


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[DrFarkoff]

A wee read for you Mark

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/332647-Even-the-old-hands-can-fluff-it


P.S. You "really" need two ramps just in case you are waiting on parts