Bicycle service in Gauteng.

[coops]

Hey Hubbers

 

I would like to do a quick two part survey. The first question is, Will you take your bike to a service center in Johannesburg? The service center will not focus on retail but only on providing you with the best possible service to get your bike ready to roll.

 

The second question is, would you like to have the option of pick up and collect?

 

Thank you

[Bundu Ric]

Yes and No

[Chris_]

Interesting. I think probably yes, and yes (assuming that second one means they pick up the bike from your house, and drop it off again).

[DR ◣◢]

Experience and credentials of the service center? 

 

What is offered? Full suspension rebuilds? Wheel builds?

Which brands are supported? For example do you have experience in rebuilding VPP or DWLink suspension linkages?

Edited January 14, 2021 by DR ◣◢

[slickjay007]

I'm sure one of these surveys has already been running the forum?

[madmarc]

Just my 2c worth

 

"Build it and the they will use it"

 

So getting customers to use or support your workshop is the least of your worries.

 

I have done this same exorcise - Start a service center only. something similar to Robbies in PE or at least how he started.

 

Professionally kitted out workshop - 4 workbays (tooling; stands; workbenches etc etc)

4 Fully qualified mechanics at Torqzone academy.

All the other requirements, bits and pieces to start a small business

 

Initial investment 750K

 

And then !

 

Start talking to the importers and agents for brands like SRAM / FOX / Rockshox / Campy / Shitmano etc about parts supply at wholesale and access to specialized training on their products ie. be approved as a service center by each of them - well that's a whole other rabbit hole you will go down.

 

End result - Business case shelved.

 

Basically you would probably make a small profit or break even on the labor aspect of the workshop - but if you not able to make what other bike shops make on spares and components its not a business worth opening.

 

Don't be asking if owners will support you - go ask the importers and agents if they will support you. If you get their commitment then you on to something.

[ChrisF]

Just my 2c worth

 

"Build it and the they will use it"

 

So getting customers to use or support your workshop is the least of your worries.

 

I have done this same exorcise - Start a service center only. something similar to Robbies in PE or at least how he started.

 

Professionally kitted out workshop - 4 workbays (tooling; stands; workbenches etc etc)

4 Fully qualified mechanics at Torqzone academy.

All the other requirements, bits and pieces to start a small business

 

Initial investment 750K

 

And then !

 

Start talking to the importers and agents for brands like SRAM / FOX / Rockshox / Campy / Shitmano etc about parts supply at wholesale and access to specialized training on their products ie. be approved as a service center by each of them - well that's a whole other rabbit hole you will go down.

 

End result - Business case shelved.

 

Basically you would probably make a small profit or break even on the labor aspect of the workshop - but if you not able to make what other bike shops make on spares and components its not a business worth opening.

 

Don't be asking if owners will support you - go ask the importers and agents if they will support you. If you get their commitment then you on to something.

Three such maintenance only bike workshops in Bellville.

 

Fast access to a WIDE range of spares is essential

 

 

Big challenge is that most bike importers require you to service the bike at the "bike shops" while under warranty....

 

 

Still these three maintenance outlets stay BUSY.

 

 

These specialists also are traveling mechanics for events such as the Epic .... important part of the business model.

 

 

One even has a lathe to make custom tools ....

 

 

You can make a good living, but it is hard work ....

[rorydewet]

Hey Hubbers

 

I would like to do a quick two part survey. The first question is, Will you take your bike to a service center in Johannesburg? The service center will not focus on retail but only on providing you with the best possible service to get your bike ready to roll.

 

The second question is, would you like to have the option of pick up and collect?

 

Thank you

 

just service YES

 

collect NO

 

i want to see service place see bike when it went in get told exacly what was done and look to see myself what was done.

 

I guess I need to see a face and talk.

[kk6gan]

just service YES

 

collect NO

 

i want to see service place see bike when it went in get told exacly what was done and look to see myself what was done.

 

I guess I need to see a face and talk.

I think having the collect / return option available is good for certain clients but I tend to agree with the above. I want to see the workshop before I drop my bike.

 

Been to a couple of stores where after seeing the state of workshop I would never send my bike there. I also want to see if it looks secure as I am leaving something very expensive (at least expensive to me) and I need to know it will be safe.