Setting up a small bike shop

[Dayvo]

There's a massive bike shop in Bergen op Zoom in southern Holland called Hopmans

http://www.hopmansfietsgigant.nl/

that sells top gear, equipment and accessories at very competitive prices indeed.

Definitly worth a look at buying from them as an individual, as opposed to them being a supplier, although, who knows, that might be a possibility, too.

 

[dellzeqq]

The wholesale/ dealer network seems to be a bit of a problem. How 'tied up' is it? i.e. how obliged is a shop to sell a product and not stock a rivals? I would rather remain independant if possible.

the problem is the reverse. It's getting wholesalers to sell to you....

 

[PaulB]

The owner of a bike shop in Harrogate I was in last week was showing me some Dura Ace brake blocks which were retailing at £42! For brake blocks! He told me that there'd been a 100% increase on anything coming in from Japan due to the recession and currency exchange between the pound and the yen. I don't know if that's relevant or a moan, to be honest!

 

[Brains]

What do your other businesses do ? Is there a cycling cross over anywhere ?
Is there one small item that you can really cover the market on ? (A mate of mine cornered the market in top end hand built wheels for a couple of years whilst paying off a loan)

 

[Over The Hill]

Sell BIG bikes too!


Actually I am put off some LBS that go for the too high spec gear. Go for a premium range in stock as well as a budget range. You can do both and get both lots of customers.

Market research- How about counting the number of bikes you see parked in your town and divide it by the number of bike shops. Factor in commuters etc. If you come up with a small number - go off the idea or do it somewhere else.

 

[Fnaar]

The only bike shop in my small town closed down about 2yr ago... it was good service, though I felt the guy was going quietly mad with the lack of custom... I used to buy stuff (blocks, tubes, tyres, rain gear etc) there just to try and keep them going... a real pain now they've gone... it was 150yards from my house...

 

[swee'pea99]

They only closed down because the guy just couldn't face any more of your terrible double entendres.

 

[Fnaar]

I did once ask him to check my nipples

 

[Speicher]

One of the lbs near here has just doubled in size. The premises (dog grooming parlour) next door to hem became vacant. How lucky is that, expand without moving.

 

[pij1979]

The idealistic part of me sees it as an opportunity to create some jobs and vibrancy in a small community. I wont really be competing with another LBS as there arent any nearby, but there are plenty of cyclists around.

My other businesses are property orientated and i just need some office space for them. I like trying to breathe life into old or unused buildings.

 

[mike e]

It sound's like you are doing this for all the right reasons and I wish you well, however in these days of watching the pennies your biggest competition may be from the large mail order outfits which can offer cracking deals.

 

[sheddy]

I've seen a new bike shop owner take over an existing bike shop. Trouble was - the new guy wasn't interested in servicing. I think he lasted about 2 yrs.

 

[Andy in Sig]

The idealistic part of me sees it as an opportunity to create some jobs and vibrancy in a small community. I wont really be competing with another LBS as there arent any nearby, but there are plenty of cyclists around.

My other businesses are property orientated and i just need some office space for them. I like trying to breathe life into old or unused buildings.

I think your idea of offering a cafe service as part of the whole set up is brilliant as it can only encourage spontaneous purchases of bits and bobs for bikes. As for the rest of it, I think the chief point has already been well made: offer excellent service.

 

[UKPhil]

If the location allows, try opening on Sundays, and at least one weekday evening until 8pm. That could fit in well with the cafe idea too.

 

[peanut]

I wish you every success but I have to say it sounds like a classic case of indulgence to me. Not all hobby/interests can switch to becoming a financially viable business especially in a recession.There are plenty of businesses you could start that don't require such huge stock investment and are so seasonal.


My advice would be the same as others. Look at the likely demand ,the location of the proposed shop and the likely annual footfall.

I would study a few successful bikeshops in your neck of the woods and ask myself why they are doing so well.

ps as sheddy says the servicing aspect is probably going to be a deciding factor. The most likely reasons new cyclists pay over the odds to buy a bike in a lbs is the personal service and the bike servicing on their doorstop.