OPINION: Facility where you can rent a stall/lift and check out tools

[flawless]

Hello,
I have been toying with the idea of renting out bays/lifts by the hour and checking out tools so you can work on your own vehicles. I would provide any fluids and filters there at the shop and maybe some common parts and tools would be free to use. I was just wondering if there was any interest in using something like this? You would be able to make an appointment and there would be minimum staff on hand to help. I would dispose of your oil/batteries/tires and you could store your car there short term for a fee. What do you think?

[gijoe69]

last place I remember when i was stationed @ MCRD San Diego there was a hobby shop where u can go use the lift and rent tools lol...so join the marines lol

[markapple0507]

great idea its just that you would have to be on top of everyone and keep them from stealing stuff. i know myself when there's temptation, it can happen

[Fonix36]

That and i think it would be hard to make sure the people that are using the tool, lifts, ect. know what they are doing so they dont ruin things or hurt themselves.
and if that would happen bam slapped with a law suit

[Shadowhunter]

If your planning to run something like this as business your insurance would be through the roof if you can even get anyone to insure you at all. It's a great idea and I have thought about it in the past, but even to insure mechanics that work in a shop is very costly. Best of luck to you if you do get it off the ground though!

[heavenboundkevin]

+1 on military base auto shops, i use em all the time for everything..

[Trap Star]

As said before the insurance would probably be pretty rough. You would definitely need to have people sign some sort of waiver as well. I've always thought that this would be a pretty good business if you found a location near a lot of car enthusiasts that don't have access to that kind of equipment.

[Rittmeister]

There was a business in my area that did this, but it folded. Each bay had power, water, and air; they rented tools by the hour/day/week/month. They only had a couple lifts, the other bays were all flat floor.

It was really body-and-paint oriented though, as opposed to a place to do engine swaps and other work, though you could do it there if you really wanted to. They had a paint booth, a couple of powdercoating setups, etc.

They changed ownership, then closed. I never heard why.

[flawless]

I am going to talk to my lawyer this week concerning liability. I have thought about the theft aspect as well, its just a shame that a few ruin it for the masses, but there has to be a way to keep theft down to a minimum or at least account for it in the budget. Do you guys have any particular area that you think this would work in?

Thanks

[ManoNegra]

Find a community college with an auto program
I took a few courses and students were allowed to use the lifts and borrow tools
they also have programs that allows students to buy brand name tools at a fraction of retail

[eh?]

As far as tools, you can do a program like autozone does. Charge them the full amount of the tool value and refund them when they bring it back less the fee for rental and cc transaction charges. Sound like an awesome idea but with the economy the way it is...

[flawless]

As far as tools, you can do a program like autozone does. Charge them the full amount of the tool value and refund them when they bring it back less the fee for rental and cc transaction charges. Sound like an awesome idea but with the economy the way it is...


Hey, that really sounds like a great idea! well, I thought with the economy, this might give people another option...alot of people cant afford to take their cars to the dealer or a repair shop for $90.00/hour so they are either letting the car sit in the garage, selling it or doing the work themselves. I am not out to make a heap of money, just want to help out, make a living and do things for the right reasons.

[at23]

good on you.i suggest you have tool issues...where each issue would have the exact same tools and people could check them out with a credit card or debit...and if they lose it just charge that card on top of the rental fee...that way no one is getting charged on there credit cards for no reason.

[flawless]

good on you.i suggest you have tool issues...where each issue would have the exact same tools and people could check them out with a credit card or debit...and if they lose it just charge that card on top of the rental fee...that way no one is getting charged on there credit cards for no reason.

Another great idea! I think I like this idea best, as opposed to charging people up front for tools they check out...I can change them on the back end if they dont check back in everything they checked out.

Location is my big problem at the moment...I know the LA area is a no brainer, but that area is also saturated with shops. It would be great if the location was central enough that it could service a bit of the more eastward areas also. I know down here is San Diego there is nothing really to speak of as shops go. What do you guys think?

[flawless]

Talked to my lawyer today...doesn't seem to be to much of an issue as far a liability is concerned as long as there is a waiver signed. It is similar to driving your car at somebody's track. I think its worth checking into a bit more...I will keep this thread updated for anyone who's interested.

[ixfxi]

Talked to my lawyer today...doesn't seem to be to much of an issue as far a liability is concerned as long as there is a waiver signed. It is similar to driving your car at somebody's track. I think its worth checking into a bit more...I will keep this thread updated for anyone who's interested.

yeah?


that covers 1 part of the liability, but what about if someones car catches fire... then what? you're out of a shop and now have to go after an individual? good luck.

better require that all users have insurance OR have a fee that covers them in case of a fire or explosion. shit, just at the superior nissan MEET a datsun truck cought fire because some dumbasses were working on the fuel tank and the electrical contacts shorted out and ignited the tank, lucky it didnt explode. and this was a meet, NOT a shop.

dont underestimate idiots from making mistakes, especially broke 240 owners

[flawless]

yeah?


that covers 1 part of the liability, but what about if someones car catches fire... then what? you're out of a shop and now have to go after an individual? good luck.

better require that all users have insurance OR have a fee that covers them in case of a fire or explosion. shit, just at the superior nissan MEET a datsun truck cought fire because some dumbasses were working on the fuel tank and the electrical contacts shorted out and ignited the tank, lucky it didnt explode. and this was a meet, NOT a shop.

dont underestimate idiots from making mistakes, especially broke 240 owners


Thanks for your comments,
Of course I will have to carry insurance, whether I lease the building or own it and will have to rely on my lawyer for any lawsuits. Lots can happen, I will have to stay on top of everything and everyone. Its gonna be a big job but I think the community is worth it.

[BustedS13]

the thing is, the community isn't worth it. you want to help people? buy a harbor freight lift and put it in your garage and charge people cash to use it. then when somebody drops their car or some bullshit, you were just a buddy helping and the family might not come after you.

[flawless]

the thing is, the community isn't worth it. you want to help people? buy a harbor freight lift and put it in your garage and charge people cash to use it. then when somebody drops their car or some bullshit, you were just a buddy helping and the family might not come after you.

I disagree...I mean, I know where your coming from, but I have had a love for this community and really all motorsports for quit some time now. I wont stop betting on them and I will never stop supporting them. I understand I will have to protect myself and the business, that's just good sense, but the rotary guys, 240 guys, evo etc...etc... gotta luv um! I sure hope we meet someday and I have a chance to change your mind...

[wickedjester]

UK entrepreneurs open Pit Start, the country's first self-service garage (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/uk-entrepreneurs-open-pit-start-first-drive-through-self-serv/)


someone in uk just recently did this... check it out

[turbo_dreams]

Goodluck w/ everything man, you're a real good person and i noticed your intentions are good, i'm still cringing over that cusco package deal that crimson scored off of you =(

[DaN_S13]

I've worked at a couple Auto Hobby shops on air force bases and have thought about starting my own shop many many times. I think it could be very profitable and great for everyone, but I think the biggest problems would be safety and legal issues. We get a lot of enthusiasts coming into the shop who know what they are doing, but we also get a lot of idiots.

[flawless]

UK entrepreneurs open Pit Start, the country's first self-service garage (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/uk-entrepreneurs-open-pit-start-first-drive-through-self-serv/)


someone in uk just recently did this... check it out


Thanks for the link, I like the idea of being open 24 hours, or atleast open late and reopen early. I am in the process of sorting through the details right now...if there is anyone interested in becoming part of this, please do not hesitate to call me at 619-436-8068.