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Subject: OT: I have been throwing around a business idea with a few friends/partners...
Author: kapone : member since February, 2006 : 1124 posts
Posted on: 2009-11-03 13:34:29       		Bookmark and Share

The gist of the business idea is "DIY Garage". Keep reading.

This is not specific to people like us per se, who already love working on our cars, but geared more towards the fact that an automobile/motorcycle etc are all mechanical systems and require periodic maintenance to keep them in good shape.

In the United States there are over half a BILLION passenger vehicles, and that was just in 2006 (Wiki link), and the number of vehicles that are less than 2 years old, is under 15%. That leaves a vast majority of vehicles that need routine and ongoing maintenance.

Now, there's a whole demographic of folks who love to work on their vehicles and have the know how, inclination, tools and the facilities to make it happen. Then there's a whole demographic that would "love" to do all that stuff, but are hampered by the lack of tools, space, garage etc etc but have the know how and inclination as such. Then there's a whole demographic that would "love" to, because they think they "should" be able to, but lack the necassary know how/practice and the facilities to do so.

And the dealers, repair shops etc don't make it easy. How many times have you gone to a repair shop and asked them to fix something, and their very next statement is "Please wait in the _____ while we do your repairs." WHY? The most comon reason given is "insurance requirments". While that is certainly true, is it also not true that they are trying to conserve their intellectual property, and not letting you see HOW they are fixing things, in fear that it may be so simple that you may do it yourself in future?

What I'm trying to say is that there's potentially a huge demographic of people that could and would love to work on their vehicles but are hampered by lack of facilities (ever done repairs in your parking lot/driveway?? and/or guidance/know how.

The thought process knocking around in my head, is that why not give that to them? Enter the "DIY Garage". Imagine one of those self car wash places that have 10 or 12 bays and you take your car in, and wash it yourself.

Now instead of a car wash, imagine each bay is equipped with the requisite infrastructure to work on a vehicle. Namely, a lift, power tools, air tools, a full complement of tools/wrenches/pliers etc, normal shop items like towels, greases, cleaners etc. You take your car in, rent the bay by the hour, or a token based system etc, and you have full access to all the tools in the bay. Go in, do your thing, pay the hourly charge, and walk out. No messing up your garage, driveway etc.

Now, this may solve the infrastructure issue for folks who already know how to work on vehicles, but what about those who may not have the know how, or minimal knowledge, but would love to do it, if given some guidance? Technology to the rescue. What if each bay was also equipped with a big plasma TV, and a computerised system, where you enter your make/model/year, and choose from common maintenance tasks, and the system WALKS you through the process, complete with pictures, the required tool(s), torque values, tips and hints etc etc?

In essence, de-mystifying the whole car repair mindset, and providing the guidance (if needed) and the infrastructure to allow you to work on your vehicle in a clean, well maintained facility.

What do you guys think? Am I getting old and senile??


2001 740i Sport, Silver/ Kinda Grey (undergoing an interior transformation)

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