Business Idea

[Pete]

Here in Western NY where we are seeing a really cold winter, the idea came to me about building a facility where backyard mechanics can come in out of the cold and rent a space and lifts. I’d also provide air tool rental, oil disposal, and things like fluids and filters. Eventually also have a car wash and parts store. Do you think there is enough folks out there to make this work? What pitfalls do you see?

Thanks

Topic

[Aaron Abajian]

I like your thinking but, I would be very concerned about insurance and liability issues. What if the “mechanic” renting the space is doing jobs for “customers” and is charging money? If the customer is dissatisfied with the repair or the repair fails and more severe damage occurs, the “customer” is going to go after everyone involved. What if someone gets injured in the facility while working on their car? Plus, there might be licensing issues and the local government might object. I really don’t want to piss on your idea, just that people are very litigious these days.

[Lorrin Barth]

Here we go – off the wall.

The little business I see popping up around the country either provide aftermarket performance parts or some service either better or unobtainable from the dealership.

1. Years ago the second generation Trans Am had a clock in the tach. After a few years the clock would fail. Thousand of these cars were made. Well, there was a guy who would replace the clock if you sent him the tach.

2. There’s three shops in the United States that rebuild the transmissions and transfer cases for Lancer Evolutions. You can maybe get the transmission repaired at the dealership but the transfer case is a replacement part. These shops can install upgraded bearings and gears.

3. There is also an electric hydraulic pump on the Evo that frequently fails. This too is a replacement part and goes for 2 grand. I think there was a business that would rebuild these things but maybe no longer around.

The point is, find an expensive part that frequently fails on some expensive vehicle that is around in reasonable numbers, a part the dealer only wants to replace, find a source of service parts, figure out how to repair it and advertise on the boards that support the vehicle and you have yourself an automotive business. The internet and UPS make this all possible and you can have access to customers all across the country and maybe around the world. Ask Eric how many places he hears from.

[Pete]

Oh I understand there are plenty of legal and insurance issues to overcome, thats why we have attornys and insurance folks. whether or not, these costs and potential liabilities make this a non-starter is something I’m pursuing now. I was just checking the universe of gear heads if this was a good idea. don’t worry about peeing on my parade, but now than later. thanks

[Ryan]

There are some places like that out there (Google “Self-Serve Garage”), but I think it’s a great idea. I would definitely use a place like that (I’m in Central NY, would love a warm place to wrench on stuff), I’m just not sure how many people would take advantage of it. Perhaps in certain areas of the country it would work better than others. And of course the liability issues.

[Pete]

Yea Ryan my issue too. As much as I really love working on my back in the snow or rain, figuring out the answer to your question is key. I’m looking into hooking up with a car wash and, or parts store.

[Wayne]

This is essentially what the old NPR program car-talk started from (now in re-runs). They wanted to provide a self-service shop many years ago. That portion really just didn’t work out, but that garage is still around:
http://www.goodnewsgaragecambridge.com/about-us.html

Liability shouldn’t be that big an obstacle with a bit of insight with a lawyer and forms to sign away self-serve stupidity. I’m not sure you’re weighing reality in far enough though, let me paint you a picture:

Imagine yourself working at a local popular chain garage,
then remove the sales staff,
the rest of the service staff,
and then the customers waiting out in the chairs watching the TVs are the ones doing the work
with your tools,
and only you to ask for help…

[Rick]

You should definitely look up existing businesses. If you rent tools you get a credit card deposit. You make it clear that you are not there to answer questions or help, but you can have rent-a-mechanics available. Look at what others are doing. Think about visiting one if you get serious.

[Author]

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