Becoming a motorcycle dealer?

[haydes55]

Thanks, I like the way you think.



Trademe is awesome but I dont wish my potential future career to depend on tradme only,



where might be my other source of buying the 2nd hand bikes?



Cheers

You'll need to register as a motor vehicle dealer obviously.

If you want to sell new bikes you would need to find a brand that hasn't got a dealer nearby with an agreement to be exclusive dealers in a set area. Judging by what I can see, you could be a Yamaha dealer almost anywhere in the country.

Buying used bikes would be easiest from turners/other auctions. However most profitable from Japanese auctions and bulk shipped over (more paperwork, but converting paperwork into profit isn't too bad).

Poach a decent mechanic, get a couple of other qualified mechanics and an apprentice. Then spend thousands upon thousands on tools, lifts, equipment and consumables.

You might want to have a half pub/café, half dealership, locate it at the end of a fun twisty road, and call it mecca.

[DODO``]

My wife Anne and her first husband started Warkworth Motorcycles in the 80's, a Suzuki/Kawasaki dealership. I'll point this thread in her direction.

Thank you that would mean the world.

[James Deuce]

Becoming a Yamaha dealer is not easy. Yamaha NZ expect a substantial initial financial input. Your entire financial picture is under constant scrutiny and you'd really want to have a limited liability company setup before entering into any agreement.

[DODO``]

You'll need to register as a motor vehicle dealer obviously.

If you want to sell new bikes you would need to find a brand that hasn't got a dealer nearby with an agreement to be exclusive dealers in a set area. Judging by what I can see, you could be a Yamaha dealer almost anywhere in the country.

Buying used bikes would be easiest from turners/other auctions. However most profitable from Japanese auctions and bulk shipped over (more paperwork, but converting paperwork into profit isn't too bad).

Poach a decent mechanic, get a couple of other qualified mechanics and an apprentice. Then spend thousands upon thousands on tools, lifts, equipment and consumables.

You might want to have a half pub/café, half dealership, locate it at the end of a fun twisty road, and call it mecca.

This is gold. Thank you sir.

So just like the 2nd hand car yards huh?
I will want the workshop its just in my nature but its not a must right? (I only ask because I know some CAR dealers don't have any workshop)

will have a small workshop at the back.. showroom in the middle and some tables and coffee machine at front.

[Swoop]

Add to the fact that stocking/selling multiple brands of motorcycles will normally end up with one brand demanding that you cease-and-desist associating with other brands. This then ends any form of profitability, resulting in you going bust.

[AllanB]

Best to have a marketing angle the others do not have.

In Sydney maybe your could specialise in the gay motorcycle market?

[Katman]

The motorcycle industry is a bitter and twisted one even at it's entry level.

To enter into it with zero experience is a cute but shockingly naive notion.

[Katman]

I will want the workshop its just in my nature but its not a must right? (I only ask because I know some CAR dealers don't have any workshop)

Motorcycle dealers survive (or die) on their workshops.

To think anything else is showing a total lack of understanding of the whole 'selling bikes' business.

[bogan]

Motorcycle dealers survive on their workshops.

To think anything else is showing a total lack of understanding of the whole 'selling bikes' business.

And pursuant to JD's earlier advice, make sure you get the most ham fisted spanner monkeys you can find so you can charge out long times, and lots of re-work.

[EJK]

Motorcycle dealers survive (or die) on their workshops.

To think anything else is showing a total lack of understanding of the whole 'selling bikes' business.

+1

Don't quit your day job DODO.

[merv]

My wife Anne and her first husband started Warkworth Motorcycles in the 80's, a Suzuki/Kawasaki dealership.

Does that have something to do with why he isn't her husband any more?

[Katman]

Does that have something to do with why he isn't her husband any more?

Either that or Anne just lowered her standards.

[DODO``]

Add to the fact that stocking/selling multiple brands of motorcycles will normally end up with one brand demanding that you cease-and-desist associating with other brands. This then ends any form of profitability, resulting in you going bust.

But this don't happen in Car yards right? So its just a motorcycle thing is it?

[fridayflash]

nice dream mate, but seriously..ask any investor with cash if eh/she would buy a motorcycle shop and the answer would be no! stick with your job and buy and sell on trademe to fund your riding lifestyle like the rest of us do. seriously, a mate of mine could tell you what its like to have a dozen new bikes sitting on the shop floor when the 'new' model year rolls around
the advice your getting on here isnt a case of quashing your dreams...its bonafide warnings against a bad idea

[Katman]

nice dream mate, but seriously..ask any investor with cash if eh/she would buy a motorcycle shop and the answer would be no! stick with your job and buy and sell on trademe to fund your riding lifestyle like the rest of us do. seriously, a mate of mine could tell you what its like to have a dozen new bikes sitting on the shop floor when the 'new' model year rolls around
the advice your getting on here isnt a case of quashing your dreams...its bonafide warnings against a bad idea

Shssssh.

You're ruining the fun.