Starting a Bicycle/Moped/Scooter Service Shop

Summary: Perhaps vehicles and fixing/repairing them fascinate you. Well, you can go beyond mere interest and become an entrepreneur. Earn by providing repairs and maintenance services to owners of bicycles, moped and scooters. Don't know how to start the business?

Don't worry. We'll guide you through the basics of putting up your service and repair shop.

Have you observed the growing popularity of bicycle, moped and scooter in the neighborhood? That is because these light and handy vehicles are convenient and handy to use, aside from being inexpensive. While simple touch-ups and repairs can be done by owners, other fixing jobs are beyond the owners' ability. At this junction, your shop plays an important role -- a chance to earn!

Open a Shop at Home

Your garage or yard can be converted to a bicycle/moped/scooter service and repair shop. You can use the telephone, fax machines, Internet connection at home to contact and promote your business. You may even use existing repair tools and equipment. However, repair shop startup kits are available, too. To get started, you need to have ample knowledge about bikes (manual/electric), scooters (gas/electric), and moped and basic business skills. This is because the services you offer could involve detecting malfunction, replacing component, remodeling and repainting, among other things. Owners normally give high regard for their vehicles so you must be careful to provide professional and excellent work to satisfy your clients. You should also know where the best quality and affordable components and parts can be procured. There are online stores that specializes the sale of bike/scooter/moped parts. However, some owners may bring their own spare parts and just require you to handle replacement jobs.

Register Your Business

Every state or city requires you to register your business whether it's home-based or not. Hence, you should apply for a license, permit and other applicable papers to register your bicycle/moped/scooter service and repair shop. Every state or city has set their own procedures for business registration and licensing. You may need to remodel your garage or yard and have it checked by a fire inspector especially if you offer repainting jobs. As an example, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, you are required to submit a class N city license application, zoning business application, lease/rental agreement or proof of ownership, site/floor plan and required fee to obtain a license for a repair/repainting shop. The annual fee for the shop is $431 per shop location. The license expires after a year from the date of issuance but may be renewed. You also have to note that you are required to pay for sales tax (from 3% to 7%, depending on applicable laws) and other fees.

Startup cost for your home-based shop is estimated to be at least $10,000 covering working furniture/equipment, tools, initial parts/components/accessories, and utilities, among other things. Service rates depend on the complexity of the job and tools/parts needed.