thtguy

Sorry I am reviving a Very old thread. I found this forum, which I am glad that I did and will be an active member moving forward, searching for DIY Garage Tampa Bay on the 'ole Google machine.
I was searching because I am trying to determine if enthusiasts, and all around Do-it-yourselfer's would be interested in a Garage where they could work on there cars.

I figure the Tampa Bay area is full of appt./condo/single family deed restricted communities that don't allow for you to do work on your vehicles in parking lots or driveways. My HOA allows only minor auto repair and it has to be consolidated to your garage.

I currently work in IT but want to get back to working on and around cars. So I was looking to open a shop up, but do it differently this time, I had a run of the mill Euro-Indie Shop in VA, rather than me being the one doing the primary work, I would rather help others when they need assistance doing their own work, but provide them with everything a high-end Indie would be able to offer. Here is my Idea.

Has anyone used a SelfServe garage to work on their cars/Would you use a Selfserve garage?

My thoughts are the following.

8 bay indoor Climate controlled, probably 6 bays with lifts. (Warehouse/Dealer Style if I can find)
Each bay would be outfitted with a basic 300 piece mechanics tool set and work bench with vise, basic complement of air tools and an exhaust evacuation system.

Specialty tools would be available to either rent or check out for use. (haven't gotten far enough to determine rental vs. lending)

Would have Mitchell or All Data Computers available. Would eventually have Star/VAGCOM/BMW Diagnostics and any other Brand that can be had if enough request for it.

Would have Hourly/Halfday/Fullday/Weekly/Monthly pricing structure.

ASE certified Mechanic on duty to operate lifts/ and equipment like tire changers/balancers/brake lathe (if/when we have them) as well as available for general questions and assistance at an hourly rate.

Hours would be afterhours friendly. But would be tweaked to fit the needs of the customers.
Tues-Thurs 12p-10p (open as early as 8a for guaranteed appointments)
Friday-Sunday 8a-10p

Free monthly workshops to teach people who don't know how to do basic maintenance, how too, like oil change how-tos, brakejob how-tos.

A membership program, annual membership will give members free use of Oil Change bay for up-to two vehicles, and discounted rates on bay rentals and such.

Still working on what I think would be profitable to me/economical to customers pricing structure.

So now I ask for your input, do you guys think it is a good idea, bad idea, and why?

Thanks,

Jeff

Niburu

It's a good idea if you can get the price structuring right.
You want it to make money but not be so expensive as to drive people away.
You also don't want it so cheap a bunch of low rent trash is always coming by and leaving the place a mess.
Your biggest concern should be liabilty, make sure there are waivers to be signed, get your insurance costs for such a venture budgetted first and foremost.

Also be prepaired to be spammed buy Senor Honda in all your postings here, you'll get used to it.

thtguy

Niburu
What part of Richmond you in? I used to live off S Davis across from Fountain Lake between Carytown and Maymont, back during the Y2K crazy.

Just thought I would post you this nice little capture of you have 911 posts... since you are Porsche owner. I kick myself everyday. I had a Long nose 911T that I got for like $3500 back in the late 90s, and sold about 2 years later after fixing it up for about $7K, and now they are shooting through the roof with price.

senor honda

I knew someone years ago who started with a couple rental/storage spaces
and one tool box, and actually started a car repair service. Over time from those two
spaces, they expanded by knocking out walls and moving over until they
had about eight back to back spaces, total of 16. They bought a lift and other equipment
as more business required it.
The context in which I tell you how they did it is that they started small and expanded
as business income supported it. One mistake that some people make is that they get
in debt over their head early on when there is not enough money coming in.

If nib thinks this is spam, he has more to learn about life.
You can decide for yourself what is spam or not.

Niburu

sadly my 911 just got sold this past weekend but it shall help with the move
and I have been pre-approved by the wife to pick up an Acura NSX or build a Factory Five Racing 818 Coupe
and though it's small consolation I still have my 90 Miata in storage

Currently I'm in a neighborhood right near the intersection of Patterson and Parham in the westend

thtguy

Yeah, My shop in VA started small and I never got very big. It was an old 2 bay service station with the pumps removed, specialized in Euro, specifically diesel... I also built and installed Veg-oil fuel systems conversions. I believe the model I want to go with requires at least 8 bays. figuring in around $20/hr +/- and figuring you are going to average about 30% utilization on average (certain times might be 100%, but many others might be 10% or less). I was thinking about a kickstarter campaign with rewards ranging from 1 yr Oil Change bay usage, annual membership that would include Oil change bay usage, and reduced rates, all the way up to a lifetime membership. I have about $35K to invest right now, but I realize that it will take at least 2 years to show a profit, and I figure with startup costs, legal fees, and all that stuff, I probably need another $85K to be able to start the shop up and have enough buffer money to keep the doors open until it starts to show a profit.

Niburu

Another thing to keep in mind is all the new EPA regs they're piling on.

senor honda

There are rumors of washington passing a law under some pretense to prevent
individuals from doing their own work.........legislation would be a death to auto
parts stores and junk yards. Who knows if anything we hear these days is true or not.

thtguy

I know automakers are trying to use the DMCA laws to keep people from modifying. That would even include independent garages... But that would never fly