I'm writing a business plan to start (or partner) a DIY bike shop. I have been discouraged by the lack of motorcycle educational places in NYC so my idea is to solve that problem. Ideally it would be a large garage with multiple lifts each with a workbench and their own set of basic tools. Tire changer, air compressor(s), outlets, welding area, etc, etc would be available too. People could come in and pay an hourly rate for the lifts or full day. Month long would also be available. The vision also has a high educational aspect as well (this would be the focus of the branding), with classes and workshops showing how to do stuff from basic maintenance to engine rebuilding taught by seasoned mechanics who would come through when workshops are being held. A couple of mechanics would be on staff to help out or to do the work if customers dont want to dive in themselves.
Other programming would happen like group rides, charity rides, art shows, bbq's, etc.
I have also been contemplating using the platform to help urban teens. Lots of teenagers in my area of Bed Stuy ride bikes or either stand on the corner doing nothing. I would love to put a wrench in their hands and teach them something valuable.
Small retail would be there too like tees, hats, coveralls, aprons, and consumables like oil, plugs, chains, lubes, and cleaners, etc.
Insurance would be a huge hurdle and the place would need lots of security cameras and waivers for if and when someone drops a bike on their head.
There are a couple of other shops sort of like this in Brooklyn. One is a massive storage facility with the ability to work on your bike but with limited lifts and a shared pot of tools. No classes or workshops. At your own risk. Another is a member only DIY space. Little to no programming. And the last one is a standard garage (run by a jerk) that has storage and DIY space but no lifts and no tools.
I am considering talking to the owner of the first mentioned one about a partnership. He is a stand up dude and would give me an ear. But he may not want the extra risk. His model is easy and successful. But he is a big community minded guy so maybe he'll be interested.
The business plan is nearly done and I'm slated to take some business courses by the local SBA and SCORE.
Just want to hear your thoughts about this idea.
To get an idea of what I'm thinking, during my research I came across this shop in San Fran that is doing pretty much exactly what I want to do.
http://www.motoshopsf.com/Granted, they are in sunny Cali and my idea is in seasonal NYC. But I think if I do it right it can work.
