AlphaDogChoppers
Science is true whether you believe in it or not.
I am meeting with investors about setting up a new business model. The new venture will have three main components:
1.) Restomod/Custom Bikes
2.) Cycle Repairs
3.) Cycle Garage Co-op/Hackerspace
Restomod/Custom Bikes
This is pretty much what I do now. An example would be a recent build thread that I posted.
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=53441.0
The only trouble with this is that I can't seem to reliably make enough money doing the quality of work that I want to do with the level of attention to detail that I find satisfying. BUT, I think that restomod is the next big fad, and there there may be a lucrative market for such bikes. The other problem with me doing restomod work, is that it takes months to complete a build because of all the distractions of doing other, smaller jobs which generate cash flow.
Cycle Repairs
I would be hiring a new mechanic to handle most of this kind of work. Some supervision would be required, especially in the beginning, but this work should be a cash cow. As it is now, this type of work all too often languishes in my shop because I am too busy painting, powdercoating, polishing, and fussing over my custom work.
Cycle Garage Co-op/Hackerspace
This is a completely new element to the shop. Well, not completely new. I have a select few people who now come to my shop to work on their bikes. I help them out with technical assistance, welding, etc. when they are over their heads.
I have a few ideas for how this concept would work, but I need input on how best to structure this. I see it as having secureable spaces of around 250 sq. ft. where users can keep their tools, supplies, and bikes. Each space would be provided with heat, air conditioning, compressed air line, exhaust fan, plenty of power outlets, a sturdy workbench with heavy duty vise, some shelving, lift table, and two rolling shop stools. There could be small, cheaper spaces, too, but a 12' X 20' space, about the size of a one car garage, seems to me a good basic shop space for an individual.
Other spaces are accessible on a fee for use basis.
Fabrication/Metal Shop/Welding
Media Blasting (multiple cabinets with different media)
Paint Room
Powdercoat Room
Polishing Shop
There would also be some common area with things like a lunchroom/lounge with vending machines and a shop store where you can buy supplies like abrasives, solvents, carb cleaner, lubricants, rattlecan paints. (painting anywhere but in a properly ventilated spray room or outside would be strictly prohibited.) Shop store would be where you can sign out special tools like pullers.
Also, various services such as welding, painting, powdercoating, fabrication would be available at regular shop rates.
Ideas or any experiences with such spaces? It's not exactly like a bunch of guys renting a space together where everyone has access to everything. Too many things turn up missing that way.
1.) Restomod/Custom Bikes
2.) Cycle Repairs
3.) Cycle Garage Co-op/Hackerspace
Restomod/Custom Bikes
This is pretty much what I do now. An example would be a recent build thread that I posted.
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=53441.0
The only trouble with this is that I can't seem to reliably make enough money doing the quality of work that I want to do with the level of attention to detail that I find satisfying. BUT, I think that restomod is the next big fad, and there there may be a lucrative market for such bikes. The other problem with me doing restomod work, is that it takes months to complete a build because of all the distractions of doing other, smaller jobs which generate cash flow.
Cycle Repairs
I would be hiring a new mechanic to handle most of this kind of work. Some supervision would be required, especially in the beginning, but this work should be a cash cow. As it is now, this type of work all too often languishes in my shop because I am too busy painting, powdercoating, polishing, and fussing over my custom work.
Cycle Garage Co-op/Hackerspace
This is a completely new element to the shop. Well, not completely new. I have a select few people who now come to my shop to work on their bikes. I help them out with technical assistance, welding, etc. when they are over their heads.
I have a few ideas for how this concept would work, but I need input on how best to structure this. I see it as having secureable spaces of around 250 sq. ft. where users can keep their tools, supplies, and bikes. Each space would be provided with heat, air conditioning, compressed air line, exhaust fan, plenty of power outlets, a sturdy workbench with heavy duty vise, some shelving, lift table, and two rolling shop stools. There could be small, cheaper spaces, too, but a 12' X 20' space, about the size of a one car garage, seems to me a good basic shop space for an individual.
Other spaces are accessible on a fee for use basis.
Fabrication/Metal Shop/Welding
Media Blasting (multiple cabinets with different media)
Paint Room
Powdercoat Room
Polishing Shop
There would also be some common area with things like a lunchroom/lounge with vending machines and a shop store where you can buy supplies like abrasives, solvents, carb cleaner, lubricants, rattlecan paints. (painting anywhere but in a properly ventilated spray room or outside would be strictly prohibited.) Shop store would be where you can sign out special tools like pullers.
Also, various services such as welding, painting, powdercoating, fabrication would be available at regular shop rates.
Ideas or any experiences with such spaces? It's not exactly like a bunch of guys renting a space together where everyone has access to everything. Too many things turn up missing that way.
