Business Idea, Need Input

[iudelt89]

So my buddy and I have been tossing around the idea of opening a garage for people to work on their cars. With so many people searching endlessly for a place to get some lift time (really expensive at an auto shop if available at all) we figured this would be a great solution. No one likes working on their cars with it up on jack stands. It would be available for hourly rental, will have a lift and a set of basic mechanic's tools. There will be a legal liability waiver for use. I have been unable to find anything like this on the internet. Let me know if you guys have any input / criticizm. Thanks

[Mach Uno]

A lot like auto hobby shops on military bases. Fantastic idea!! Go for it!!:thumbup::thumbup:

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[np_mach1]

Used to be called DIY garage which is exactly as you are describing, but now it's this: http://sportscarshopinc.com/garageclub.html Slightly different set up. This shop is in Sterling, VA.

[MyFastMach]

Someone just started something like that here in DFW. You rent the booth, which has a left, and a set of tools I believe? I've never seen it so I couldn't tell you how well they're doing. Sounds good though. Many people lack the luxury of being able to lift their car to really get in there.

[vertigyn]

Just keep in mind there will be risks and costs - some that come to mind:

Insurance - could be pricey when you have people coming and going, putting cars in the air, and doing high risk activities

Tool security - how will you prevent theft and track the inventory?

[mach18604]

yeah the legal and libelty is the main issue..

as far as tools you should have a few sets of everything.. but keep them behind a counter .. have an employe check everything in and out.. so they dont get stolen.. buy tools with a lifetime repalcement on them so its a one time cost. Dont forget about bikes too.. offer a few lifts for them too

all in all a pretty good idea

[MyFastMach]

Originally Posted by mach18604

yeah the legal and libelty is the main issue..

as far as tools you should have a few sets of everything.. but keep them behind a counter .. have an employe check everything in and out.. so they dont get stolen.. buy tools with a lifetime repalcement on them so its a one time cost. Dont forget about bikes too.. offer a few lifts for them too

all in all a pretty good idea

Tool wise, I would ask for a credit card to hold, and you hand over a tool box. Kinda like a hotel. Charge them for the booth once they get there. If they need tools hold onto the card, and charge them for anything that might be broken or missing.

[Zack]

I considered doing the same thing years ago.

The 'what-ifs' are endless!!!

Bottom line, i dont trust the general public a bit. They can make your like a living hell.

[mach460]

Slip fall here come the law suits,putting cars on lifts that people don't
have any clue on how to use a lift,working on fuel tanks to put fuel
pump in another hazard ,let them supply there own tools or get out.

[iudelt89]

Originally Posted by mach460

Slip fall here come the law suits,putting cars on lifts that people don't
have any clue on how to use a lift,working on fuel tanks to put fuel
pump in another hazard ,let them supply there own tools or get out.

Ya, thats why my buddy is going to work with an attorney to draft up a pretty serious liability waiver.

[iudelt89]

Originally Posted by Zack

I considered doing the same thing years ago.

The 'what-ifs' are endless!!!

Bottom line, i dont trust the general public a bit. They can make your like a living hell.

There are endless what ifs in any business. And yes, people in general tend to suck. Especially lawsuit happy hippy libs.

[Tony Alonso]

A few questions for consideration -

1) why do you want to do this?
2) for whom do you want to do this (more specific than "people who can't find a lift")?
3) how much would this cost me and what do I get?
4) how are you going to market this?
5) what is your distinctive solution that makes you different than the business in Sterling, VA?

Good luck!

[TRMach1]

I hope you go through with it and are successful! I had the same idea several years ago, but now I refer to it as one of those "seemed like a good idea at the time" moments.

[stellasmechanic]

Sounds like an idea. I would use one many times. In fact I use the base ones every once in a while. They are nice and it's great to have additional services available to customers who may not be comfortable doing everything.

As far as liability, make the rules a little more strict....

Military ones don't let customers use the lift. Only employees raise or lower the lifts. They are always blocked as well.

You can always make certain tools off limits without employee supervision.

Tools walking off will be a problem unless you keep good track. Also you need a fast way to hand the tool out and return it. Most people don't know large socket sizes (not in normal toolkit) and will be coming back to the counter four or five times before they get the right one.

The bigger the garage, the more employees you will need.

I will tell you that oil change booths, engine swap booths (long term) and paint booths will provide more daily income then lift use. thats my thought but I could be wrong.

[rich1]

There was one near me for 6 months ... a car was knocked off the lift when some idiot let it down to far with a pole jack stand under it.Total damage.. 2 cars damaged ,three people hurt , 1 seriously. Owner sued .

[mach460]

Originally Posted by rich1

There was one near me for 6 months ... a car was knocked off the lift when some idiot let it down to far with a pole jack stand under it.Total damage.. 2 cars damaged ,three people hurt , 1 seriously. Owner sued .

Just what I said, you get people in there that don't
know how to use a lift and look out.
i would'nt want to be around them..