Would you used an auto garage like this?
08-28-2007, 11:44 AM
#21
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A friend of mine was seriously looking in to opening up a civilian hobby shop, but decided after some research and working up a business plan that it just isn't that feasible. Much like rprsntng above wrote, it would take a long while to break even. The main problem is that here (at least in the Hampton Roads area) there are a TON of military people that already have access to the hobby shops on base. Most of them would not pay 5 or 10x more to use the non-military shop, even if it were a lot nicer. So you're basically looking at people who aren't in the military, and don't have tools or a garage of their own. While that would definitely cover a lot of people, it just wouldn't be enough to actually make a profit.
He also thought about running a dyno at this shop, but that's another huge cost, plus you need people to run it. That's more overhead and staff that you'll need to pay for.
Finally, the insurance costs would be high, because the last thing you need is someone hurting themselves there and then suing you because of it.
It's a good idea, and would be nice if there was such a thing for us civilians... but I just don't see anyone putting up the money to get something like this off the ground.
He also thought about running a dyno at this shop, but that's another huge cost, plus you need people to run it. That's more overhead and staff that you'll need to pay for.
Finally, the insurance costs would be high, because the last thing you need is someone hurting themselves there and then suing you because of it.
It's a good idea, and would be nice if there was such a thing for us civilians... but I just don't see anyone putting up the money to get something like this off the ground.
08-28-2007, 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by 1AP12NV,Aug 27 2007, 07:11 PM
I think opening a private one would be a FANTASTIC idea. However, just make sure you speak with some experts before taking the plunge as I thin the single largest expense for a place like that might be insurance against customers' injurys.
08-28-2007, 05:53 PM
#24
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Originally Posted by Aze85,Aug 28 2007, 02:48 PM
i thought about this idea many times before. it just doesnt seem like it will be profitable enough to actually do.
Now on the other hand, if you have your own house, and have a large garage, and happen to have a lift and tools there and you charged people (non friends) 15/20 bucks an hour to use. That would be a better idea/plan.
08-28-2007, 06:41 PM
#25
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Originally Posted by blue03s2k,Aug 28 2007, 09:50 PM
It's called a waiver form.
08-29-2007, 04:24 AM
#27
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That would be very great... but is there an entry fee planned?
My question is... how do you guard against theft of tools? I know that on a military base there is decent accountability, but when you deal with civilians, they might be more apt to steal some tools.
With regard to OnlyHonda4Me's comments, perhaps offering the space at a lower price (< $15) and ditching the idea of providing tools. That eliminates the theft threat and also cuts your overhead drastically.
Rprsntng757,
thanks for the advice, but in my business plan thus far, it's nowhere near $3mil. but thanks for the thorough explanation...get some sleep man!
first, the feedback you guys are giving me is AWESOME and i really appreciate it! i've been thinking of this for some time now and i think i'm going to do something about it soon and put it into action. another question i have is location...i was initially thinking about doing it in hartford county near aberdeen proving ground, but i see an aweful lot of tuners in the laurel area as well so i'm thinking this area wouldn't be bad either.
08-29-2007, 04:35 AM
#28
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Originally Posted by animeS2K,Aug 28 2007, 09:55 PM
I'm pretty sure the military is losing money on their hobby shops... $3/hr probably doesn't even cover electricity.
Of course, the $3 million figure is in government-spent money, so maybe you could outfit a similar setup for about $50,000
Of course, the $3 million figure is in government-spent money, so maybe you could outfit a similar setup for about $50,000
A small portion of that is MY money. I'll shut up now.
08-29-2007, 04:52 AM
#29
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[QUOTE=blue03s2k,Aug 28 2007, 09:53 PM] Now on the other hand, if you have your own house, and have a large garage, and happen to have a lift and tools there and you charged people (non friends) 15/20 bucks an hour to use.
08-29-2007, 05:06 AM
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I think Rprsntng757's reasoning is faulty as the $3M figure was picked out of the sky (I'm guessing what you envision is probably going to be less expensive than a full blown military (backed with gvt money) hobby shop).
Keep crunching the numbers. Does this stand a chance of making you millions? I doubt it. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't bring in some money.
The subscription idea puts a whole different spin on it and changes the equation too. Now you're talking about getting your money whether the customers use it or not (great idea).
Keep us posted on your planning!
Keep crunching the numbers. Does this stand a chance of making you millions? I doubt it. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't bring in some money.
The subscription idea puts a whole different spin on it and changes the equation too. Now you're talking about getting your money whether the customers use it or not (great idea).
Keep us posted on your planning!