Bike shop stock

[gogo@]

A problem you might run into with getting parts stock is with distributors. Shimano for instance can be tricky regarding having fixed premises of a certain size and to purchase an initial amount which can be costly. There are ways around this, like making an arrangement to buy from another bike shop at some sort of discount, or to absorb that cost (or lack of mark-up) and make your money from servicing. There are some established mechanics around here that do this very successfully, so don’t be put of by apparent obstacles like accounts with distributors and competing with direct importing (CRC etc). Keep costs down (NO DEBT) and business model simple and focused. And keep evaluating what you’ve learned with where you want to go. And talk to everyone in the industry you possibly can! The idea of working at a bike shop, even if it’s Saturday mornings, is a really good one. Don’t underestimate what you can learn there. Good luck!

[ChrisF]

Hi all

 

I really do appreciate the positive advice!

For now i plan on doing it as a weekend type job and will be doing it as a mobile type bike shop, as for the business plan I have already completed one.

 

Yes I agree that due to my lack of experience in the industry it would be best if I could work for my LBS for a while, however I have my current job that I need to do during the week. So for now I plan on only doing this on the weekends.

 

I plan to get a small caravan that I can retrofit a bike shop/service Centre into and visit the busy areas on weekends and even the races.

 

As some of you have mentioned I don’t have experience in the industry for example where to get spares from and what I should keep as stock as I won’t be a full bike shop more a emergency service Centre

 

Thanks again for all advice

 

Mike I admire your ambition and wish all the best in your enterprise.

 

 

At the moment there are three types of bike shops :

- those that sell bikes ... unless you can sign an exclusive distribution deal you will buy from the same importers, and try to beat the next shops price to move stock .... tough business !!

- those that do bike services .... MOST of these actually have a supplier network in place, get the bike, find the fault, quote the client, order the part, fix the bike ... limited stock, and limited capital required.  These shops do as well as their service levels ....  Somebody like Knipe_Racing has an EXCELLENT record around here, and many travel past 3 or 4 other bike shops for Knipe_Racing to service their bikes.  It can be a good business, but no mercy if you cant fix the bike quickly and properly ....

- those that sell "bike related" stuff .... this becomes a stock and capital game .... Places such as EvoBikes actively target this market.  Obviously most bike shops do have a a couple of parts shelves .... Ironically those in the platteland has a much better variety than the typical shop around here.  Some of the larger stores have started their own importing to try and get more "related stuff" at a better price.  Remember this market now competes for the growing number of people that order directly from overseas .....

 

Clearly most "bike shops" are some or other combination of the above .....

 

 

As for setting up a "bike shop" at events .... The well knows bike maintenance shops already have the inside track for the large tours (dont know the financial model for this).  At the typical fun ride there is already some workshop stalls from the nearby bike-shops that are affiliated to these rides ....  Though they can do little more than fix a flat or tighten a loose bolt ... Mostly these stalls are QUIET !  certainly no money spinner ...

 

 

 

IF you can get a foot in the door with the event organisors it may be worth it ....

 

 

Hey, if it was easy money there would be many more doing it.  If this is your passion, go for it.  If you are GOOD at it the money may start coming in ....