Repairing Guides

how to start a bike repair shop

by Dr. Hilton Gutmann Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Plan your Bike Repair Business
  • Form your Bike Repair Business into a Legal Entity
  • Register your Bike Repair Business for Taxes
  • Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  • Set up Accounting for your Bike Repair Business
  • Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Bike Repair Business
  • Get Bike Repair Business Insurance
  • Define your Bike Repair Business Brand
  • Create your Bike Repair Business Website
  • Set up your Business Phone System

Full Answer

What do I need to start a bike repair business in co?

Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your bike repair shop will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO. Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully.

Is a bike repair business a small business?

A bike repair business can remain a small business that’s run by just one person, or it can grow to have several employees who are constantly working on bikes. Business owners usually hire their first employee only after their business’ revenue can support an employee.

Why Start your own bike shop?

Bicycle shops help promote cycling as a beneficial exercise, a positive social activity, and a clean alternative form of transportation. Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services . Learn how to start your own Bike Shop and whether it is the right fit for you. Who is this Business Right For?

What do I need to start a bike lending business?

It’s important to build a team from the beginning. Typically, a team includes a lending institution, and at least one staff member knowledgeable about cycling products, and skilled in bicycle repair. Get more ideas with our Business Ideas Generator. Check out our How to Start a Business page.

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Is a bicycle repair shop profitable?

How much profit can a bike repair business make? Some bike repair business owners earn up to $35 per hour or more, not including any profit they earn on parts sales. Business owners who grow their business into full-time businesses may earn $1,600 per week or more.

How do I start a bike mechanic?

How to become a bike mechanicGet a high school diploma or GED. Like many other positions and industries, if you plan to work as a bike mechanic for a bike store or sporting goods store, you'll need a high school diploma or GED. ... Take a bike repair course. ... Get experience through work. ... Earn a certification. ... Grow your skills.

Can you make money as a bike mechanic?

On average, a bike mechanic makes $29,282 a year according to data from PayScale. Hourly, that's about $12.82. Pay can increase depending on a bike mechanic's level of experience, education, and certifications. They may also get commission, bonuses, and overtime pay that boosts income.

Do bike shops make a lot of money?

The average bike store employee generates $134,854 in sales, compared to $131,024 for high profit stores. It's not about prices on parts and accessories: Maintained margins on P&A are 48 percent for average stores, and 47.2 percent for high profit stores, very close to each other.

Can anyone be a bike mechanic?

You can work as a bicycle mechanic without formal qualifications. You would probably get some informal training on the job. You can also become a bike mechanic through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Bicycle Mechanical Technology or Bicycle Workshop Operations.

Is being a bike mechanic worth it?

Bike mechanics make a fortune Well, not really. Unfortunately it's not a super-lucrative job and in many resorts you'll make minimum wage or just above. If you work in a good shop, it's possible to make a good wage, but you'll never be loaded. You can however save a ton of money as a mechanic.

How much money do bike shop owners make?

The average bike shop owner earns $49,877 per year. This is well above the national average for all workers, but this is not easy work by any means.

How can I make money with a bike?

9 Legit Ways to Make Money With Your BikeDeliver Meals for DoorDash.Deliver for Instacart.Get Paid to Bike to Work.Start a Bike Blog or YouTube Channel.Lead Bike Tours.Be a Bike Messenger.Rent Out Your Bike.Work as a Pedicab Driver.More items...•

How do I become a bicycle engineer?

The qualifications that you need to get a mountain bike engineering job include design skills, an engineering degree, and knowledge of the sport of mountain biking. Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in engineering.

What makes a bike shop successful?

Hitchens added: “The successful independent bike shops are very service-orientated. “Customers have a choice where to buy their bikes, their accessories and their clothing from and the internet has made thing much easier. But the customer service aspect is really important, both during the sale and after the sale.

How do you value a bike shop?

A number of common rules-of-thumb do exist for such valuations and resulting sale prices. One states that a business is worth one year's gross sales. Another benchmark says that worth is two times earnings plus the value of inventory—this for a bike shop that gets about 2.5 inventory turns per year.

How can I increase my bike sales?

How to Increase Your Bike Shop Sales: 4 Tips that Actually WorkFind Your Niche. Ready for a truth bomb? ... Set a Steady Schedule. Dependability is one of the most important aspects of running a successful bike shop. ... Create a Sales Forecast. ... Understand the Trends.

What qualifications do I need to be a bike mechanic?

You'll need:the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools.to be thorough and pay attention to detail.analytical thinking skills.customer service skills.the ability to sell products and services.knowledge of engineering science and technology.problem-solving skills.the ability to work well with your hands.More items...

How do you become a pro bike mechanic?

0:2410:18How Do You Become A Pro Cycling Mechanic? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipExperience and eventually through networking. And getting really good at being a mechanic and havingMoreExperience and eventually through networking. And getting really good at being a mechanic and having that race mechanic.

What do you call a person who fixes bikes?

A bicycle mechanic or bike mechanic is a mechanic who can perform a wide range of repairs on bicycles. Bicycle mechanics can be employed in various types of stores, ranging from large department stores to small local bike shops; cycling teams, or bicycle manufacturers.

How do I become a bike engineer?

The qualifications that you need to get a mountain bike engineering job include design skills, an engineering degree, and knowledge of the sport of mountain biking. Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in engineering.

Due to the spread of the coronavirus, is this business essential?

Yes. Based on current information across multiple states with emergency orders, this business provides essential goods and services.For more inform...

What are the costs involved in opening a bike repair business?

Startup expenses associated with opening a bicycle repair business are fairly minimal, although you’ll probably need these essential items: Basic t...

What are the ongoing expenses for a bike repair business?

The ongoing expenses for a bike repair business are fairly low. They include: Employee salaries Workspace or storefront lease Utility costs

Who is the target market?

A bike repair business’ ideal customer is an avid cycler who doesn’t know how, or doesn’t want to take the time and effort, to repair their own bik...

How much can you charge customers?

Many bike repair businesses offer basic tune-ups for a set fee, and perform more advanced repairs at an adjustable rate. For example, Wheels in Mot...

How much profit can a bike repair business make?

Some bike repair business owners earn up to $35 per hour or more, not including any profit they earn on parts sales. Business owners who grow their...

How can you make your business more profitable?

Bike repair business owners can add new revenue sources and increase their profits, by offering workshops on fixing bikes and repairing old bicycle...

Is this Business Right For You?

Anyone mechanically inclined who is passionate about cycling may enjoy running a bike repair business. Enjoying the sport will help a business owne...

What happens during a typical day at a bike repair business?

Bike repair business owners spend a lot of time working on bicycles. This work includes: Testing bikes to diagnose issues Stripping bikes down Chec...

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful bike repair business?

Successfully running a bike repair business requires an in-depth knowledge of bikes, how they’re put together and how they work. Business owners mu...

Due to the spread of the coronavirus, is this business essential?

Yes. Based on current information across multiple states with emergency orders, this business provides essential goods and services.For more inform...

What are the costs involved in opening a bike shop?

One of the initial costs is obtaining any required business license and permits. Depending on the location and size of your shop, opening a bicycle...

What are the ongoing expenses for a bike shop?

Ongoing expenses include: Rent License and insurance fees Inventory maintenance costs, which can be reduced by advertising more expensive items in...

Who is the target market?

Preferred customers are people who enjoy cycling as a form of transportation, a competitive sport, or a recreational hobby.

How much can you charge customers?

Bicycle repairs can cost anywhere from $10 to $150, depending on the complexity of the job and the cost of the replacement parts. Simple beach crui...

How much profit can a bike shop make?

On average, the retail profit margin for bike sales is 36%, although the margin is somewhat higher for other types of cycling-related products, suc...

How can you make your business more profitable?

Many bike shops have begun expanding their businesses, by making their stores available for other types of community events. According to a recent...

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is ideal for environmentally conscious people who want to promote physical fitness and enjoy interacting with others.

What happens during a typical day at a bike shop?

Bicycle shop owners perform a wide variety of activities, including: Tracking sales and inventory Purchasing bicycles and accessories Scheduling an...

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful bike shop?

Some skills that will help you succeed in this type of business include: Bicycle repair Customer service Knowledge of cycling products and accessor...

How much does it cost to open a bicycle shop?

Depending on the location and size of your shop, opening a bicycle shop can cost as much as $350,000, or as little as $10,000. Startup costs are usually lower in smaller cities where rents aren’t as high, since a substantial amount of space is required.

What do bike shops do?

In addition to selling new bicycles, many bike shops also purchase and restore used bicycles for resale. Most also stock replacement parts for the types of bicycles they sell as well as a variety of safety equipment such as helmets, gloves, and reflective gear. Bicycle shops help promote cycling as a beneficial exercise, a positive social activity, ...

What is the profit margin for a bicycle?

By selling a combination of bikes and other goods, the average bicycle shop earns a profit margin of about 42%.

How long does it take to get a line of credit for a bicycle?

Purchasing initial inventory is also costly, but many wholesale bicycle dealers offer shop owners a line of credit at 0% interest for a limited time (usually 3-6 months), which helps finance the initial inventory. Other goods, such as safety equipment, clothing, and accessories must be purchased outright.

Why is it important to buy used bikes?

Purchasing used bikes from local community members is a good way to build a local reputation, establish customer loyalty, and lower your inventory costs. People who sell older bicycles that their children may have outgrown are apt to use the money to purchase a new one.

How can inventory maintenance costs be reduced?

Inventory maintenance costs, which can be reduced by advertising more expensive items in brochures, rather than keeping them in stock

Do bike shops need a liability waiver?

Liability Waiver. If a bike shop is considering renting bikes, liability waivers are essential since consumers will be in high risk environments, operating potentially dangerous machinery. For this reason, it is best to require protective gear. Attached is a link to a general informed consent form for a bike shop.

What is a bicycle repair business?

A bicycle repair business can be a reliable source of income for individuals who are passionate about cycling and bicycles. Cycling is also a popular sport in many countries. Bicycles occasionally break down while using and most people aren’t well-versed in repairing them. A bicycle repair business fixes and refurbishes bicycles for customers ...

How are bicycles used?

Bicycles are used by billions of people around the world as a vehicle of transport. They are the principal mode of transport in many regions of the world. They are also used for recreation, general fitness, courier services, racing, and stunts.

What are the two things that are required for startup costs?

Two more things are required in your startup costs, one is workspace and the other is replacement parts . You can avoid spending much on these two things, find a space in your home that can be dedicated to your workspace, it can be your garage or basement. This will help you to avoid leasing or renting a workspace.

What should be a timeline for a business?

There should be a timeline to guide your business, like when will you think of expanding and reinvesting in your business. Plan according to your strength and experience, effective strategy and planning will make your business successful.

Why do businesses face demand all year round?

Your business will face demand all throughout the year because people use cycles in all seasons and also need to repair in case of a malfunction. Research the market before you start to know the competition and find out the gaps in the market that you can exploit.

How to increase reliability of a website?

Also, mention your vision statement on the site, this will help in increasing the reliability among clients. Upload the images of replacement parts on the site and name their brand. Dedicate a section on your website for receiving feedbacks and reviews.

Can you take apart a bicycle?

You should be able to take apart any bicycle that comes to your shop for repairs, identify the problems, address the problems and put the bicycle back together again.

Choose a business structure

Establishing your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) or corporation will have implications on the amount of tax you’re liable to pay and your level of personal liability.

Decide on a business name and register the business

Once you choose a name for your business, you’ll need to register the business with state authorities to form a legal entity.

Obtain federal and state tax ID numbers

Also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), tax ID numbers allow you to pay all relevant taxes.

Apply for any licenses and permits

Check with local and state authorities to see if you’re required to obtain any licenses or permits to operate the business.

Create a business plan

Include your vision for the business, your proposed service model, your sales and marketing strategy and financial projections.

Organize insurance

Consider if you need general liability, property, income, professional liability or any other types of insurance.

Set up your systems

Work out how you’ll manage your point of sale, customer database, inventory and accounts to ensure the business can run smoothly.

What is the best way to start a bike business?

A sole proprietorship is the easiest way to start a bike business. The bike company doesn’t protect the owner’s personal assets, meaning if the company has legal issues, you could lose your home as well as your business.

Why do you need a business plan for a bike shop?

You need a bike shop business plan to help define your vision, objectives, and strategy.

What is the largest segment of bicycle sales?

Mountain Bikes are the largest segment of bike sales, with over 25% of cyclists saying their next bicycle purchase will be a mountain bike. Make sure you have a good variety because mountain bikes will be an easy sell.

How does price affect bikes?

How you price your bikes and services will impact how many people you draw to the shop. If your prices are too high , they’ll go elsewhere. Too low, you’ll lose money.

How much inflation does a business need to keep running?

Inflation occurs every year. To keep your business running, raise your prices 5% per year. It gives you room to increase wages and to make some extra money. Makes sense, right?

What does a new shop need?

A new shop requires inventory . Whether it is new bikes, replacement parts, or product displays for your store, there will be some costs associated with selling and repairing bikes.

Is a bicycle business an entity?

Your bike business is an entity now, but you still need more. The order you do the rest of the steps will depend on the resources you have, your skill sets, and the type of bicycle business you are running.

What does it mean to start a mobile bicycle repair business?

Starting a mobile bicycle repair business means having the right tools and equipment in place so that when your first customer calls, you’ll be able to respond quickly.

How to repair a bicycle?

Step 1: Know Your Bicycle Stuff. As the business owner, you need to be the bicycle expert. People are entrusting their passion and safety to you, and you’ve got to be able to figure out problems, detect issues, and do a thorough repair job. Before you start spending money on your business, make sure you’re confident in the art of bike repair.

What to do after you've been in business for awhile?

After you’ve been in business for awhile, make sure you’re actually making a profit and that the business is worth the time and money you’re spending on it. It’s easy to think you’re making money when people are buying your services, but a solid P&L may prove otherwise. If you find you aren’t generating enough revenue, see what you can do to change that if you want to stick with your business idea.

Can you get financing for a mobile repair shop?

a bike with a tool trailer). If you decide to get a box truck to double as a workshop, you may be able to get low-cost financing through a credit union.

Before you start

You need to have experience of working with bikes – lots of bikes. Cycles are a lot more complicated than they used to be, so you really do need to be up to speed. A recognised qualification in cycle maintenance and repair can help. Cytech, the internationally recognised bicycle technicians scheme, has information on training and accreditation.

Getting started

The cheapest way to set up in business is from home – or to work in collaboration with a local bike shop. Even if you’re planning on offering a mobile service, ideally you’ll also have somewhere to work from and store tools, though this isn’t crucial.

Getting the work

It can be as simple as just setting up shop. Wherever there are bikes, there will be demand. For instance, at a cycle race, triathlon, train station or university campus. You’ll obviously have to arrange for the right to work out of any particular setting, which may involve a fee.

The legal bits

You’ll need to register as a sole trader with the Inland Revenue and take out public liability insurance. Read more like this

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Take Experience

Costs of Starting The Business

Business Planning

Target Market

Launching The Business

Marketing Your Business

  • You have numerous marketing outlets in the bicycle repair business to ensure that your business is a success. You should set up connections with cycling clubs and bicycle groups before you are launching the business. This will help you in receiving the latest news and gain potential customer leads. Prepare and distribute business cards, attend meet...
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