Hey All! As the time grows near to open a shop here in Kokomo, Many ideas are begining to form. Last night my wife threw out an idea that I thought was Great! We would have a parts store where we keep parts in stock for the more popular cars. We will order everything else on-demand. This would be where 80% of our income would come from. We would also have a garage area with bays that can be rented out complete with tools. We would take safety deposits to ensure that the tools are returned. Specialty tools would also be available, if the part was bought through our store there would be no charge to borrow the tool, but if the part was bought elsewhere a small useage fee may be charged. This area would be for the "Do it yourselfers" that do not have a garage or the tools at home to get the job done. We will offer professional installation on everything so that even the people that do not have the mechanical skills can still have their cars customized.

What does everyone think of this type of shop? Would you buy from a place like this? Would you rent a bay to work on your car? The details still need ironed out but I think that this would be a great investment. I for one like to do all the work on my ride myself, am I alone? But I almost never have all the tools needed to get the job done. Many times I have wished fo a lift or even a roof over my head as I was working. Anyone else been stuck out in the rain as you were completing a mod?

Ideas and suggestions are welcome. I want our shop to be one that everyone talks about, hopefully in a good way.
Thanks, Shado

 

Sounds sweet dude, good luck with your new shop. If it were in so. california, you'd have my business for sure.

 

I think it's a great idea and I've heard of something similar - just watch out for your insurance needs for liability for the moron who starts an oil fire or drops his car off a lift... I hope that cost doesn't kill the idea ...

 

very good idea, the best way to keep costs down is having less in stock. this is how lots of internet companies do it. as long as you can get it in stock very soon after the customer places an order, i think this is a good idea. good luck with the company man! ill have to check it out when it opens Is it anywhere near Purdue Univ?

 

Yeah, in theory this would be the best! But unfrotunately we live in America where every other j4ck4ss wants to sue for something caused by their own stupidity. Think of the potential liability you face. I've worked at several service stations and that's why there is ALLWAYS a sign on the door that customers are not allowed in the service bays. Not only oil fires, think about someone doing something benign and leaving behind some grease or oil on the floor. Cleaning may even miss it. Then the next customer walks in the bay, slips and hurts himself. First thing on his mind is going to be lawsuit. He didn't spill the stuff, he just slipped on it, and no one warned him it would be there. SUE!

Sux that it has to be that way. I'm a man of my own actions. If I fall on my *** and hurt myself the last thing I'm thinking is lawsuit. But I'm definately the minority in this country. Make sure you have some good lawyer come up with some good contracts for cleints to sign, and hope for the best.

Best of luck!! It is a great idea!!

 

The Shop's location would be 35 miles east of Purdue Univ. in Kokomo, Indiana. Too bad most of this town is either Dodge or GM! We would service ALL makes and models.
L8R, Shado

 

When I was iin the military, most bases provided a shop like that for military personel and dependents. The place usually was busy, and it was great to have tools (and someone to do welding, etc.) available for a reasonable additional fee.

For me, that meant I was able to restore an old sports car and just call in someone to do some light welding and rent specialized tools as I needed them. It was a great.

 

I think this would be a great idea, but as someone stated there is the huge liability issue. I would also think that by having a mechanic doing installs that you would have more income at a higher percentage. Around the Chicago area most hourly rates are $70-$80 per hour and I can't see a tech making more then $30-$40 per hour. The margain on your mark up on parts can't be very much, especially since there are so many internet dealers. This is just my opinion.

 

i was in the milarary and i went to a shop just lke that and it was awsome so i would know how it work and how to help people out.

 

With a very good lawyer writing the waiver for use, you may be covered (check with a lawyer).

Get a good accountant day one too.

But over all I think it's a good idea.

It's good to see people using their noggins to start businesses.

The very best of luck to you and your wife. On a side note, with your wife in this with you, you are already ahead of the game. If she didn't support this...well, you get the idea.

Having your own business will be the easiest job you will ever work 14 hours a day at.

 

How much is the garage bay rental fee? Is it a time-based fee or is it just a flat rate? You should consider making the rental fee time-based because you don't want some kid taking the entire day to install an air filter. He'll be taking up valuable time and space.

Don't take too much work away from your mechanics because that's where most of your money will come from. Keep your mechanics happy so they don't leave your shop for another. It's hard to find good mechanics nowadays.

I have friends that own shops and they tell me that they hardly make any money from the parts they sell. Why? They can't add too much mark-up because they're competing against cheaper prices of internet shops. Believe me, most people nowadays are buying parts online.

Liability is a big issue at shops so you must proceed with caution on this idea. It's a nice idea, but make sure it's something you can profit from and have positive feedback. Sometimes a good cause can be painful in the long run.

 

Hey that sounds like a great idea. I have quite a few friends in Kokomo and would definitely stop by the shop and check it out. Give it a try!