Starting a bicycle repair business?

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backinblackbi

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I'm thinking of starting a bicycle repair business at home first then hopefully expanding. I also had an idea about collecting bikes and opening a cycle salvage yard. Do you think these are good ideas and could work? Even in today's economy? Thanks.
 
Question to answer your question. Why would I go to your house to have my $3,700 Trek Madone 5.2 repaired when I can do this myself and save the trouble of worrying that you will scratch up my frame?

Another question to answer your question. Would I really trust anyone but the bike shop I purchased my bike from to hold my bike for 3 or 4 days while they are "supposedly" fixing my bike? I can tune up my derailleurs and clean up the cassette and chain all in one day. Why would I have someone else do this for me and take an entire week for the process? Not to mention the possibility of you SCRATCHING UP MY RIMS OR MY FRAME?!!?!?

If my questions dont answer your question then the answer is HELL NO I AM NOT LETTING SOME PHONY HANDLE MY BIKE!!!!
 
I think it's a great idea! Do it! If you have all the tools, equipment and most importantly skills, try posting on craigslist.org. If I new how to fix everything on a bike I would do this. Advertise as if you were the bikeshop doing business (of course mention that you are a guy working out of your house) i.e create a name, mission statement, price list. For price list go to an established bike shop, get their prices and then offer your services for at least 50-75% lower, or really cheap. Don't offer anything high-end or expensive, at least in the beginning. You will probably get a good response. See how you like it, change your business model may be, tweak you shop, get more tools. After a while you'll get known and have a good customer base. Now you ready to move up in the world and charge people more money for your services!
 
I think it's a great idea! Do it! If you have all the tools, equipment and most importantly skills, try posting on craigslist.org. If I new how to fix everything on a bike I would do this. Advertise as if you were the bikeshop doing business (of course mention that you are a guy working out of your house) i.e create a name, mission statement, price list. For price list go to an established bike shop, get their prices and then offer your services for at least 50-75% lower, or really cheap. Don't offer anything high-end or expensive, at least in the beginning. You will probably get a good response. See how you like it, change your business model may be, tweak you shop, get more tools. After a while you'll get known and have a good customer base. Now you ready to move up in the world and charge people more money for your services!
 
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