Bike shop idea. Thoughts?

[1.21GW]

The liability seems huge. Some guy comes in and works on his own brakes or throttle, your tech gives him some advice, the guy leaves and ends up a quad because his brakes didn't work correctly. That's the end of your business and likely your house.

I agree that the liability potential is definitely something to investigate ahead of time.  Probably will have to talk to a lawyer at some point and of course they aren't cheap even for simple startup advice (ask me how I know).  However, there are ways to limit your personal liability by incorporating (e.g. LLC or S corp) rather than setting up as a sole proprietorship.  Your business still goes belly up, but you get to keep your house (unless, of course, you put that up as collateral for your bank loan).


Don't you just love how we DMFers just rained all over your idea, memper?     That said, if every entrepreneur listened to all the naysayers, no one would ever launch a business and we'd all still be living in caves and using stone tools.   So good on you.  I still like the idea, but of course for previously mentioned selfish reasons.   

[memper]

Yeah, but could also rising costs, causing garages to raise prices out of need.  Specifically, RE prices: in this city they continue to climb at head-scratching rates.

Don't think it's completely demand but ridership is rising. It's probably greedy building owners

[memper]

Not rain just reality. Every dream must face it if the dream is to become real.
Liability can be covered in type of business set up and insurance coverage. Then there will be waivers for customers to sign, security cameras, and staff to check work for safety before leaving the shop. Even if nothing bad happens, slander on your rep can take a business down.

Client base. Yes, it will include engineer types, shade tree types, and total noobs. Genuine student types, know it alls, and posers. Plenty of types of people.
If there is storage and an option to hand the bike over to a mechanic because they are too lazy, afraid, too busy, or can't bother with it, I think it will be ok if not great.

[Raux]

Oh and have couches and big screen for moto race day

[memper]

Oh and have couches and big screen for moto race day

[1.21GW]

Given your professional talents, you probably could make some pretty awesome graffiti for the place, too.

[memper]

Given your professional talents, you probably could make some pretty awesome graffiti for the place, too.

[Privateer]

you might be able to side step the liability if you only provide the space.  no tools.  no equipment.  no advice.  Just provide the space and let the tenants decide how much help they want to give each other.

you could lease space to anyone that way, shade-tree mechanics in from the cold, small builders, etc.  kind of like a motorcycle think tank/incubator.

[memper]

you might be able to side step the liability if you only provide the space.  no tools.  no equipment.  no advice.  Just provide the space and let the tenants decide how much help they want to give each other.

you could lease space to anyone that way, shade-tree mechanics in from the cold, small builders, etc.  kind of like a motorcycle think tank/incubator.

Yeah, that's kinda what the guy who I mentioned is doing with his huge space. He has storage and some tools big and small but it's work at your own risk.
I'm gonna try to figure out my plan somehow.
Anyone ever try or know anyone who has tried Rocket Hub for funding?

[froggert]

there's a huge motorcycle co-op on the nj side of the holland tunnel.  no signage and the building looks a bit decrepit, but there are some amazing bikes inside.  google spannerland for more info.

[memper]

there's a huge motorcycle co-op on the nj side of the holland tunnel.  no signage and the building looks a bit decrepit, but there are some amazing bikes inside.  google spannerland for more info.

yep, Ive seen that before online. Sweet looking place.

[JohnEE]

spannerland

Awesome name, might have to steal it for my own garage some day.

[memper]

Found this:
http://www.indianmcinfo.com/Indian_stuff/pdfs/Lesson/nbr29_your_motorcycle_repair_business.pdf

Its been very informative

[Ducatamount]

Thanks for that shared link.

[memper]