Originally Posted by
Dave Cutter
So.... maybe all it might take to lose our LBS's would be one major big box store to get a handful of big name bicycle makers to sign-on with them. I can see that happening following a couple bad sales years for bike makers.
I can see legions of [retiree] bicycle mechanics working out of their garages and trucks. That could even be promoted/coordinated via a Web Site like Angie's list or even just Craig's list.
You may be right! NOT a pleasant thought IMHO. Although I accept the fact that we could see the end of the LBS.... I don't like the idea. And I refuse to believe that there isn't marketable cycling related services that have yet to be exploited.
I explored the idea of working out of my garage or pickup when I first retired doing tune ups, trueing wheels, and maybe selling accessory as a convience to compliment the service work.
First thing I checked into was getting business insurance & yes it was available. Then I sat down with paper & pencil and did all the math to see if this could be done in the black.
Bottom line was the cost of insurance did not justify the liability, or return on time & effort. When you fix someones bicycle you better be dearn good, have great insurance, if you own a home, have a mbank account, pension, 401K, as if you mess up you might have nothing.