Calling Shop Owners

[Badcop]

Hey guys, Im new to the area (fairly still) and I finally got my buisness license applied for. What I need to know from some of you is how much is your shop rate, shop insurance, and shop price. Also what state requirements are there for emplyees (mech certification wse). If you would feel more comfortable PM'ing thats fine. I dont want any of you to think I would in anyway move in on buisness, but I would like an idea if what Im getting myself into. I have my degree in criminal justice and buisness management, and (imo) am a pretty capable mechanic. I have some friends I work with now who I would like to see work with me on this that are also pretty capable.

Thanks in advance.
Brian

 

[Shawn]

The average shop rate around here is $10.00 per hour. And don't forget, there is a 75% discount for all RME Members.

 

[Vonski]

What type shop are you wanting to open and what would you say are your "specialties"?

 

[Tacoma]

The average shop rate around here is $10.00 per hour. And don't forget, there is a 75% discount for all RME Members.

77% if the member is from Tooele.

 

[Badcop]

LMAO, Im looking for starting with the aftermarket 4x4 parts and install, and possibly moving into restorations or fabrications, Im torn between both hobbies. Eventually be able to stock and ship over the internet.

 

[Badcop]

For example I found a 3 bay shop with 2 lifts in central Ogden, ample parking in rear, with fenced/barbwire containment. The shop needs minor updating, but is currently going for 2100$ a month on a 1 yr lease. The owner is not willing to sell, and will work it out after the first year to drop to 1800$ a month and do a multiple year lease.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

LMAO, Im looking for starting with the aftermarket 4x4 parts and install, and possibly moving into restorations or fabrications, Im torn between both hobbies. Eventually be able to stock and ship over the internet.

I would really look into your abilities prior to launching a business like this... seeing as their are thousands of them already, including dozens here in Utah that are well established and already have a majority of the maket share.

1. Do you have the cash to "buy-in" to any of your vendors products? Most small companies can buy product cheaper at 4WPW than they can from the actual manufacture, so what makes you more marketable than such a company? ARB for example requires a single order "buy-in" of ~$10k just to get JOBBER pricing... and from there you need to do $50-75k to stay competitive on your pricing, especially when you are trying to be an online competitor with some of the big guys.

2. Do you have the knowledge regarding all types of 4x4 vehicles? You can't just offer some items for sale and expect them to vacate the shelf, at least half of your time us going to be spent "supporting" the items you sell, and a good majority of those callers/customers will never purchase the product, just window-shopping or doing some research, all part of the business.

3. Do you have a reputation within the 4x4 communty? A reputation can make or break you... Threads about not wearing welding hoods and offering beer & pizza for someone to come bring their tools and set-up gears for you might not sit well with a customer that wants you to do some sort of install on their rig... just food for thought. Alot of shops have come and gone, you don't want to be one that leaves a painful scar on the local 4x4 scene. Utah has been blessed with some of the greatest shops/manufactures, but has had its share of shady ones too...

Take it from a small 4x4 oriented business owner... I took over Cruiser Outfitters 4 years ago and have been very happy with the outcome, but I took over existing vendor accounts (some over 15 years standing) that have been 100% responsible for my sucsess, without them, I would have been sourcing parts from customers from 4WPW ... Do ALOT of research before you get into some $$$ overhead (building with lease, inventory, tools, employees, etc).

Just my 2 cents

 

[Badcop]

3. Do you have a reputation within the 4x4 communty? A reputation can make or break you... Threads about not wearing welding hoods and offering beer & pizza for someone to come bring their tools and set-up gears for you might not sit well with a customer that wants you to do some sort of install on their rig

I appreciate the honesty, I really do, its exactly what I was looking for. Im not sure if this is even a route that I may be taking, whether I am the mechanic or I hire the mechanics. Im no professional in any way, but I lov eth ehobby and the sport. I want more just like anyone else.

 

[spencurai]

let me just say...being a resident of ogden for most of my life...there is no market for wheeling shops in ogden. Everyone here just wants bumpers and 20" chrome rims. Mt Logan has the top of Utah covered so your market is severely limited...I can count on my fingers and toes the number of wheelers in weber county....

If you do it, expect me to show up and support the local but every wheeler I know does their own stuff.

If you want some marketing info and market opinion, give me a call this weekend,

Spence 801-391-7485...I have personally been involved in about half of the upstart 4x4 shops in ogden...most of which went south shortly after conception due to lack of market.

 

[Tacoma]

I'd imagine the startup costs with all the buy-ins are pretty steep. Tough to compete with mail order and there is a ceiling on how many buggy shops can stay open. Profit margin can't be too hot either LOL...

Good luck though. This is America and steep odds are no reason to back down.

 

[radjeeper]

Never say never. Start small, be conservitive with financial obligations, commit to quality, service and integrity. If no one is in Ogden then why not you? Sounds to me that it is an open market. Mt. Logan after all is in Logan which is about an hour away. There is Sky's Extreme close by. However, if it is for you to do then do it, but do it well.