Interest in private shop in West GA

[2wTraveler]

I have been kicking around the Idea of starting up a private shop in the West Georgia area for some time now. I have been working for steelerships for far too long now and I am just curious if there is any interest? I will probably start up out of the house while still working for the dealer until I can get enough business to justify getting an actuall shop. Has anyone else tried this and if so, how did it work out?

Here are some of my qualifications:
Have attended various update and training seminars, including Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, SeaDoo, and Polaris schools.
MECP (mobile electronics certification program) Certified for basic, advanced, and level II advanced electronics.   
Attended Montana DOT Motorcycle Safety School.
Race prep. And tuning for several WERA road racers. (2000-2001)
Helped create the worlds fastest Yamaha Roadstar Warrior (6 world records) Bonneville, UT.
Built the fastest Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 (BUB Speed trials 2004)
Very competent in all Electronic Fuel Injection systems, as well as Carburetion
Experienced in use of Dyno and EGA for custom tuning.
Yamaha 5 star certified technician
Yamaha 5 star certified service manager
Yamaha Bronze certified
Yamaha Silver certified (received Top Technician award)
Yamaha Gold certified (received Top Technician award again)
5th Place in Yamaha's US Technician GP Contest
Kawasaki phase I completed   
Polaris Master Dealer certified
Completed Honda first step program and full cycle program
SeaDoo watercraft certified
SkiDoo snowmobile certified
Bombardier Atv certified
Completed Suzuki Pro troubleshooting  (week long course)
Proficient in the use of Lightspeed computer system
Pride myself with doing the job properly the first time, and have very few comebacks.
Have all tools needed for working with powersports…and then some.

[Snowbird]

I've not personally tired it, but a friend of mine I once wrenched with has run an independent shop doing only mechanical for about 20 years now. I say only mechanical because he used to be in partnership with a seller of used bikes and new accessories-- both of which are profitable, but one guy can only do so much in a day.

He says-- and I believe him-- that the best way to lose lots of money in the motorcycle business is to take on a new bike dealership; not that it cannot be done profitably, but the risks are enormous. Providing good mechanical service to those who are tired of their dealers is a good way to go. In fact, the dealer him/herself will tip some business your way if you maintain a good relationship. And you will need a good relationship, because you'll need to buy certain dealer-only parts somewhere.

Starting the business on your own premises is a good idea-- if your zoning will allow it,be sure to check local laws-- but you should move to a business location asap for the good of your family and neighbors.

HTH.

[Yankee Dog]

If you have any volume at all you will need a decent sized building to store the bikes you are working on.  Concentrate on customer service and you will have more business than you can handle.  

Yankee Dog

[zzr pilot]

Then hire me to run the business end of it!! I have experience in customer service, payroll, accounting, marketing etc!

[garry]

I think a private shop that specializes in basic mechanical stuff that applies to all brands has potential. Tires, brakes, chains and sprockets, etc. Easy to expand into go fast bits (exhausts, PCIII, dyno) and some handling bits (shock and fork upgrades). Just look at the usual list of mods and maintenance that your target market needs. Fair pricing and good customer service will you customers.

[Sign Guy]

With the SeaDoo experience I'd certainly be interested for my Aprilia. Duc Shop is the closest shop that I'd trust which is an hour and a half away.

Bill
Newnan
02 Futura

[MotoCommuter]

If I have a choice between a dealer or private shop, I'll take it to a private shop every time.  I do this with my two pick up trucks. Where in West  Georgia are you?

[gamountains]

I see your from Atlanta, I'm up in North Georgia originally from Fort Lauderdale. Don't know if you plan on opening this up in a small town or not but these small towns are vere clickish. First thing locals want to know is what church do you belong to,  that is where the networking is done at. If it is a small town would not brag about being from Atlanta. In my neck of the woods a transplant from Florida is the skerg of the earth and an Atlanta transplant is not to far from that. Good luck and do your home work. Would probably want to check in to becoming a member at the Chamber of Commerce, the fee is usually inexpensive and you will get to meet local business owners.

[2wTraveler]

If I have a choice between a dealer or private shop, I'll take it to a private shop every time.  I do this with my two pick up trucks. Where in West  Georgia are you?

I live in Villa Rica, which is about 30 miles west of Atlanta just off I-20. It is just west of Douglasville and just North of Carrolton.

[Snowbird]

check in to becoming a member at the Chamber of Commerce, the fee is usually inexpensive and you will get to meet local business owners.

And also (often) other benefits such as group health insurance plans.