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Old 09-24-2009, 04:35 PM   #1
invalidsession
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Default Cart repair shop

I could use some advice folks, I have been spinning wrenches for some 30 years now and apart from some some of the curiosities of golf carts there doesn't appear to be much which can't be tackled by a competent tradesman with a decent tool kit. In my area, we have only one repair facility which is a good 45 minutes away and yet, we are surrounded by golf courses and naturally, many private cart owners. Neither group appear inclined to either A, take the carts to the repair shop or B, have the shop trailer them away for maintenance. Any thoughts as to the viability of starting out a modest shop for the express purpose of providing a reasonable service in the local area ? It seems to me that most of our locals are just getting by on a wing and a prayer and having to pay through the nose when something inevitably goes bang through lack of proper servicing.
Your thoughts / experience would be much appreciated.

Chris.
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Old 09-24-2009, 05:55 PM   #2
DOOmsman
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Default Re: Cart repair shop

When you say wing and prayer is it the local economy? If you open a "shop" and work on motor vehicles you will want to have insurance and that can come dear. Some of our members here have shops and can or may tell you what it costs. I have not "opened" a shop for this reason.
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Old 09-24-2009, 06:47 PM   #3
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Default Re: Cart repair shop

Shops here are shutting down due to lack of business. People are doing without maintenance or minor repairs ... Definitely no upgrades But if you have the need you may want to look into a mobile repair service?
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Old 09-24-2009, 07:27 PM   #4
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Default Re: Cart repair shop

It's all or nothing! If there is a need for a shop in your area, then do it. FYI - It costs me $600.00 / day to keep my place open. It's a dog eat dog world out there - Treat people right, do honest and fast service, then people will do business with you. We have people drive past 2 or 3 other businesses to come to us. Customer referrals are our #1 source of advertising. It has taken 8 years to get there and each and every customer has helped.

Insurance is a MUST. W/O Liability Incurance, you are TOAST...

Ok, now who wants to place an order to help me pay next months rent?

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Old 09-25-2009, 12:09 AM   #5
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Default Re: Cart repair shop

Hey Mike, I'll take one 1/4-20 bolt please.........but I need to call you and talk for two hours first!
But then after I talk to you for two hours I'll go to ^$#&$& and get it .03 cheaper!
bawahahaha............
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Old 09-25-2009, 09:38 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DOOmsman View Post
When you say wing and prayer is it the local economy? If you open a "shop" and work on motor vehicles you will want to have insurance and that can come dear. Some of our members here have shops and can or may tell you what it costs. I have not "opened" a shop for this reason.
Not so much the economy, more the opposite in fact. Many of the cart owners are retired and most are modestly wealthy but here's the odd thing; At our local golf course, we have 140 private cart sheds not affiliated to the club and I would estimate that 95% of the owners have no trailer. They simply park their cars, hop on the cart and wing it to the tee box. With no power to the sheds and due to the age of the cart owners, I seriously doubt that much more than topping off the oil takes place.
Someone mentioned a mobile operation. Hmmm, maybe that might appeal to the shed/cart owners ? Larger jobs could be trailered away to the shop for a modest fee perhaps. That would sure as heck cut down on overhead and a reasonable generator would take care of lighting etc during the cold dark months.

Chris.
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Old 09-25-2009, 09:42 AM   #7
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Default Re: Cart repair shop

That sounds like a low cost startup plan You will NEED to carry a liability policy!!!

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Old 09-25-2009, 09:58 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikesmotortoys View Post
That sounds like a low cost startup plan You will NEED to carry a liability policy!!!
I'll check into that Mike. How is business for you right now ? Has the economy driven folks away ?

Chris.
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Old 09-25-2009, 10:03 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by invalidsession View Post
I'll check into that Mike. How is business for you right now ? Has the economy driven folks away ?

Chris.
We're running at about 60%. Sales are down and repairs are up, mainly due to Craigslist junk and people looking for that "bargain" cart in someone's driveway. Treat people right and they will tell others!

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Old 09-25-2009, 03:56 PM   #10
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Default Re: Cart repair shop

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikesmotortoys View Post
We're running at about 60%. Sales are down and repairs are up, mainly due to Craigslist junk and people looking for that "bargain" cart in someone's driveway. Treat people right and they will tell others!
It will take time but that is the best way to grow and suceed in business.

The "word of mouth" ratio is far greater and faster for those who try to get over on everyone coming in the door.
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