Independent servicing services - a viable thing?

[ianboydsnr]

It sounds too cheap, it will draw in the cheapskates,

You will get all the customers no one else wants, who question everything on the bill,

And want you to work for nothing, and come around every day and tell you their life story

And sell you a hard up story, wanting to pay you next month,

That and the pcp riders popping around asking questions about the merits of what oil and tyre recommendations

Good luck

 

[Wrinkly]

Go for it Mark...but, take control, only do what you wish to do.

I love servicing and repairing Skis, which next to bikes is my favourite indulgence.

So,5yrs ago after doing some proper training I set up a part time business servicing and repairing ski's.

The first couple of seasons where great. Folks brought me their ski's and many skiers also seem to be bikers, and as my bikes where in the workshop I'd spend many a happy hour talking Bikes and skiing.

By my 3rd year word had gotten around that here was this guy who would fully service your skis and do a great job for 20 quid.
It all became a bit frantic and by the end of the 4th season it had gotten so as I hardly had time to even have a quick chat with folks.

So last season, as much as it pained me to do so, I cut back and now only do the folks who came to me in the first couple of years. All is good again.

Can I book my 2006 Multistrada 1000ds in for a full service including belts please.

Steve

 

[Mark Hooton]

Point taken! I will try to choose customers carefully - it's kinda worked so far with the rare exception


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[adventuredon]

I have used these facilities in London. They charge £22 an hour and found that because I was slower to work out which torque spanner, setting, wrench etc to use, it took the same amount of money for me to do it, as it did for me to go to a independent. I loved doing my own work but it cost the same, so to save my time I took it to an indy...,if that helps?

 

[Mark Hooton]

Yup thanks


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[Nutty]

Point taken! I will try to choose customers carefully - it's kinda worked so far with the rare exception


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I'm on my way!

 

[Mark Hooton]

Ha - nuts it would be an honour to wash your bike..........


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[Nutty]

Ha - nuts it would be an honour to wash your cock.........


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Poof!

 

[Mark Hooton]

Poof!

Funny man

Anyhoo, i`m going to go ahead and get it all set up as a fully fitted workshop and see where it goes! If it goes nowhere then fine - I`ll use it as a better place to fit any of the lads farkles they buy off me.

Thanks for all the kind advice, geezers, positive and negative and if you are ever my way on then call

 

[lmg]

I say "why the hell not?". Your Cymarc products are great, you don't HAVE to make this an earner. Unless your tinkering with a mates bike, then charging a small charge is the right thing to do - charity begins at home.

The long of the short of it is this: if you find its not what you wanted or thought it would be, you can bin it and go play golf. If you don't do it then you will forever be wondering "why didn't I?"

Thats my 2pence deposited.

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

 

[Dainese Brave]

Having known Mark a few years now through his excellent bespoke bike accessory company, and having bought quite a few of his excellent products, I can only recommend him, and his services to anyone in this new venture.

I think the concept is a very good one...although generally Bmw dealerships are very good (...I know there are a few bad ones..I know cos I have dealt with one!), but do you really know what happens once that bike is taken from you?

To drive your bike to Mark for a service I can imagine it would be a personal experience from start to finish, and he would treat your bike like it was his.
This is a man unparalleled in work ethic, customer service, and customer satisfaction. He really does care about what he supplies to you, whether that be one of his products, or in this case a thorough service of your bike. I wouldn't hesitate in handing over the keys to my bike in order for him to undertake any of the services he is offering.

I really wish Mark every success in this new business. I know he will enter into it with total enthusiasm, and give total commitment to his customers. He really does do things the way things should be done! An endless list of happy, and loyal customers in his Cymarc business is testament to that.

Good luck Mark