New Bike Accessory Shop Maybe.....

[wildfire1]

So Fellow KB’s.

Next year I am starting my own business – based in East Auckland (just off Ti Irirangi Drive, Botany South). The business I am venturing into is the sales and service of Outdoor power equipment (lawnmowers, chainsaws, weed eaters etc). For the record I am a qualified mechanic and have previously worked in motorcycle shops.

I know that there is a serious lack of Motorcycle shops in the Eastern suburbs (ever since Howick Motorcycles and Panmure Honda closed down about 10 years ago) . And it can be a bit hard to obtain spares accessories etc without venturing into Ak city/Newmarket/Shore.

I’m keen to know for those of you who either live or ride out East, South East etc, if I was to reserve some shop space to cater for the riders out there – what do you need the most (I.e. – oil, helmets, spares, Cleaning equipment :love2: , luggage, spark plugs, tyres?). I know I will be able to deliver really good customer service, value for money and helpful advice, but as a ‘start up’ business on a shoe string budget, it is hard to plan what stock to carry without good market research – and some honest feedback from you guys would be great .

I will primarily be selling/servicing mowers etc, and space in the new shop is a bit limited, so the ‘full on ‘servicing and sales of Bikes is not really possible- but if I get enough interest I will look to cater for ‘same day’ fitting of accessories (although after reading the post’s on Zapf’s seat bag episode – I’m a little scared of recommending anything to anybody ). Is Auckland over catered for already?

So if you live or ride out that way – Please tell me what you think would be good for the area – and more importantly what would make you want to come out my way to purchase your bike and riding accessories .

Thanks.

[Coldkiwi]

Overcatered for?? Hell no!
I live out in Pakuranga and its a right pain in the backside to have to take the bike to the city or shore to get work done or new bits. For my money, the best things to have avilable out east to start with would be:
1) Oil (I tried to get some four stroke oil from a service station last year and after 6 shops, gave up completely... lots of bread but no sodding oil!! useless pack of $%#*&@#!!! (having said that, I later found out Gull have 4 stroke ELF oil - doh!)
2) Tyres - if at all possible, a tyre sales and fitting service would be awesome. When the bike has a flat/slow leak etc. the thought of doing motorway miles to get it looked at is pretty scary and if it comes to trailering, the closer the better.
3) Other high use items like chain lube, filters, visor wipes etc. would be good.
4) Another place that stocks helmets, gloves etc would be great but as an initial start up, you probably wouldn't get much turn over on items that people don't buy regularly... but i could be wrong because I need a new lid now!

The REASON'S for going there tho will be good service and a reasonable price. It won't matter how handy it is if its not a friendly service that I know isn't ripping me off. Doesn't have to be the absolute cheapest but it does need to be reasonable. Don't underestimate the value of a salesman who is happy to just have a chat for a bit without necessarily making a sale. for my money, I'll go where I enjoy buying stuff time and time again if the value is ok.

Keep us posted mate - sounds great!

[wildfire1]

Thanks ColdKiwi, I appreciate your comments - i have had exactly the same frustration when trying to find Oil/filters for my bikes - I will stock oil specificially for bikes - that is for sure!
Yes I intend to stock some expendable items, chains, sprockets, levers, mirrors,Visors, general accessories etc.
Will see how i go with tyres - Big capital outlay required for the right equipment to do the job properly, and also to be able to stock a comprehensive range - but who knows if the business can support it i might make the investment.
I undestand what you mean about customers being able to come buy for just a chat - I hate it when i walk into a bike shop and the staff have that 'make it quick I work for commission' look on their face!

Thanks - yes I will keep you guys informed once all the details are sorted.

[Zapf]

hate to scare you. :P but I am not that bad.

I live out east as well, and would be happy to be a customer. You'll be glad to know I am very loyal once a business have earned my trust.

I think consumables are the way to go, and perhaps things that people need quickly. they would be handy to have around.

[wildfire1]

Thanks Zapf - Not really scared- I was just just kidding around , and I'm the same as you , I'm also a good and loyal customer if I feel i am being treated fairly (trust) and my business is valued .I see lots of bikes out east- but it's hard to know exactly how many are based out there - thanks for the comments.

[Hitcher]

There are few golden rules for running a successful business. "The customer is always right" ISN'T one of them. But providing outstanding customer service is. If you constantly deliver outstanding service, the world will beat a path to your door. You won't even have to be the cheapest!

Offer piss poor service and your "customers" will leave their selected purchases on the counter, walk out and never return. Even worse, they will badmouth your business to any and everybody they meet.

Best wishes for every success with your new venture!

[JohnBoy]

the only golden rule i can add to the previous is that to remember that the NZ motorcycle world is small and you will be surprised how fast news good, or bad can spread through out the land.
keep us informed on when you plan to open up, will come up for a gander.
all the very best.

[vifferman]

Oil (I tried to get some four stroke oil from a service station last year and after 6 shops, gave up completely... lots of bread but no sodding oil!! useless pack of $%#*&@#!!! (having said that, I later found out Gull have 4 stroke ELF oil - doh!)

The servos used to be much better at stocking bike oil - I guess the turnover was a bit low. I rarely used to buy oil from a bike shop, but now it's the other way around. Having said that, my last purchase was Shell 15W-50 semi-synthetic bike oil from the local service station - two-thirds the price of the equivalent Motul, and no doubt just as good. I just needed a litre to occasionally top up my bike, and couldn't be bothered moseying on into a bike dealers.

[Zapf]

Are 4 stroke bike oil that different to a 4 stroke car oil?

[Motu]

There are few golden rules for running a successful business. "The customer is always right" ISN'T one of them. But providing outstanding customer service is. If you constantly deliver outstanding service, the world will beat a path to your door. You won't even have to be the cheapest!

Good on ya! No,the customer isn't always right,and as a business owner you have to stand up to aggressive customers and be prepard to just tell them to fuck off - you are in business to make money,not friends,and certainly not to bend over and be shafted by customers - offer honest no nonsence service,if they know where you stand,they will be back,even if they don't want to,if they know you know your stuff and don't rip them off they will put up with you not backing down....a greasy smile dosen't go a hell of a long way I reckon....

[Bonez]

Are 4 stroke bike oil that different to a 4 stroke car oil?

Apperently there is. Aint the marketing machine great?:confused2

[NinjaBoy]

I would be living just down the road in Botany Downs and it is quite a trek to either go over the shore or city to get some of those consumables. So the things you've mentioned: oil/filters, chains, chain lube and levers would be my main items. It would be really handy to have tyres for when you've got a slow leak or just need some grip. The closer the better.

Again without beating the line to death, Good customer service and someone who is willing to have a chat or pass on tips make all the difference. I thing hate most is when shop staff would treat you like an idiot when you just want some plain simple advice. There was no room for newbie's just hard core bikers.

Keep us posted, I'm really keen to check it out when you get setup.

[wildfire1]

Thanks for the comments so far -

Originally Posted by Hitcher
There are few golden rules for running a successful business. "The customer is always right" ISN'T one of them. But providing outstanding customer service is. If you constantly deliver outstanding service, the world will beat a path to your door. You won't even have to be the cheapest!

Thanks I agree and have no intention of being the cheapest. just good value and a damn good place to take your business.

[wildfire1]

Again without beating the line to death, Good customer service and someone who is willing to have a chat or pass on tips make all the difference. I thing hate most is when shop staff would treat you like an idiot when you just want some plain simple advice. There was no room for newbie's just hard core bikers.

Keep us posted, I'm really keen to check it out when you get setup.

Yes I understand the newbie thing - my wife is learning to ride at the moment, and one or two of the shops we visited when we were shopping for her bike had staff who's attitudes could do with some adjustment - especially when it comes to dealing with newbies (lots of wrong assumptions made - much to their detrement).

[wildfire1]

Are 4 stroke bike oil that different to a 4 stroke car oil?

My understanding is that it can be different as bikes have a 'wet' clutch, and cars have a dry clutch. I was told the manufacturers put an additive in the oil for bikes to assist the clutch when the oil is really hot. I'm not 100% sure on the specifics - however i know when I have tried 'car oil' - like Shell Helix in bikes in the past , the clutch would slip when the bike was hot. I’m sure someone in here can explain all the specifics- but the best advice seems to be - buy oil designed to run in motorcycles.