Car storage space/business
Discussion
Evening all,
I had posted something about this earlier but it appeared to contravene one of the forum posting rules about surveys, so this is strictly NOT a survey!
Until about a year ago I had an old UR Quattro which I was forced into rebuilding after a garage changed the cambelt for me and neglected to sufficiently tighten the crank pulley bolt which long story short worked loose and the engine ate itself.
The only place I had to work on my car was our garage which was barely big enough for a 1980's coupe so removing and rebuilding an engine was a complete pain as I had to push the car out each time I wanted to work on it and then back in at the end. Whilst I consider myself lucky to have had a garage at all to work on it I'm aware that many don't have garages at all which got me thinking as to whether there is a market for providing storage for your pride and joy, either a restoration piece or simply to store.
I've been looking at some largeish units around south Hampshire (Winchester/Southampton) with a view to offering both somewhere to store you car and work on it also.
I had originally thought about allotting a larger space, say 20ft x 10ft plus some secure storage per plot so people could work on their cars with some space but I'm now thinking it may be better to offer slightly smaller spaces say 18ft x 8ft and having a separately bookable workshop that could be booked out for when you want to work on your car, potentially with a ramp.
On top of those I would be looking to provide some more specialist tools for rent - i.e. engine hoists, specialist tools, etc.
I've eyed up a site that could be useful but I wanted to get peoples thoughts, feedback & advice.
Thanks
Dave
I had posted something about this earlier but it appeared to contravene one of the forum posting rules about surveys, so this is strictly NOT a survey!
Until about a year ago I had an old UR Quattro which I was forced into rebuilding after a garage changed the cambelt for me and neglected to sufficiently tighten the crank pulley bolt which long story short worked loose and the engine ate itself.
The only place I had to work on my car was our garage which was barely big enough for a 1980's coupe so removing and rebuilding an engine was a complete pain as I had to push the car out each time I wanted to work on it and then back in at the end. Whilst I consider myself lucky to have had a garage at all to work on it I'm aware that many don't have garages at all which got me thinking as to whether there is a market for providing storage for your pride and joy, either a restoration piece or simply to store.
I've been looking at some largeish units around south Hampshire (Winchester/Southampton) with a view to offering both somewhere to store you car and work on it also.
I had originally thought about allotting a larger space, say 20ft x 10ft plus some secure storage per plot so people could work on their cars with some space but I'm now thinking it may be better to offer slightly smaller spaces say 18ft x 8ft and having a separately bookable workshop that could be booked out for when you want to work on your car, potentially with a ramp.
On top of those I would be looking to provide some more specialist tools for rent - i.e. engine hoists, specialist tools, etc.
I've eyed up a site that could be useful but I wanted to get peoples thoughts, feedback & advice.
Thanks
Dave
I'm in the middle of that area, and have been looking for a place myself, with limited success. My concerns would be your insurance,access restrictions, location and security. I'm coming to the end of my project, but will be looking for secure storage afterwards. For me, some sort of secure area per 'plot' would be essential, ideally, broken down into secure plots,mbut I guess that comes at the cost of space. Have you seen these guys?
http://www.classiccarstorage.co.uk/index.html
What do you think of their model?
I'll be interested in where you go with this, and possibly your services,
http://www.classiccarstorage.co.uk/index.html
What do you think of their model?
I'll be interested in where you go with this, and possibly your services,
I think you keep the storage & ramp facilities separate this will help in two ways you won't need as many lifts plus you can keep track of which part of the business is more viable, I'm not sure there are that many people that will use the garage side of things you might find more people want you to carry out the work for them.
I hope you make it work.
I hope you make it work.
normalbloke said:
I'm in the middle of that area, and have been looking for a place myself, with limited success. My concerns would be your insurance,access restrictions, location and security. I'm coming to the end of my project, but will be looking for secure storage afterwards. For me, some sort of secure area per 'plot' would be essential, ideally, broken down into secure plots,mbut I guess that comes at the cost of space. Have you seen these guys?
http://www.classiccarstorage.co.uk/index.html
What do you think of their model?
I'll be interested in where you go with this, and possibly your services,
I had come across that company before and have had a look at a few others ooop north.http://www.classiccarstorage.co.uk/index.html
What do you think of their model?
I'll be interested in where you go with this, and possibly your services,
As for model I was thinking along similar lines though perhaps not with so many tiers, say a boggo option where you just get the space to put your car, next option being a trickle charger and tyre check/top up and later once a bit more established I would offer a higher tier with fluid level checks.
I've seen one site that offers a run on an indoor rolling road every couple of weeks to bring the engine up to temp and keep the oily bits moving!
Insurance is going to be the biggy as it will massively dictate the price I'd have to charge and the restrictions placed on the site and its operation. H&S will also play a part too (as it always does!).
Being honest with the sort of units I was looking it I would find it difficult to secure each plot unless I bought in a raft of containers (which isn't the worst idea) so I was thinking more along the lines of ensuring the premises are secured and alarmed with CCTV in operation.
The more I think of it the more offering up the storage only option makes more sense as I'm just imagining the insurance/legal nightmare should one owner drive into another car in the units so it'd be a case of drop off car and we would move it into place inside.
eliot said:
Problem with ramps is that you could have a car on there for weeks whilst the owner slowly fixes or waits for parts - and if it's got no suspension etc you cant get it off.
Valid point, should have said the ramp/workshop area would be bookable/chargeable by set time periods, probably the half day at least if not the whole day to avoid the disappointment of another person rucking up half way through the day only to see half a car on the ramp 
QuattroDave said:
eliot said:
Problem with ramps is that you could have a car on there for weeks whilst the owner slowly fixes or waits for parts - and if it's got no suspension etc you cant get it off.
Valid point, should have said the ramp/workshop area would be bookable/chargeable by set time periods, probably the half day at least if not the whole day to avoid the disappointment of another person rucking up half way through the day only to see half a car on the ramp 
d and the motor factors have delivered the wrong parts.Next bloke turns up at lunchtime or the next day, having taken time off work, to find the previous person still there.
Roo said:
QuattroDave said:
eliot said:
Problem with ramps is that you could have a car on there for weeks whilst the owner slowly fixes or waits for parts - and if it's got no suspension etc you cant get it off.
Valid point, should have said the ramp/workshop area would be bookable/chargeable by set time periods, probably the half day at least if not the whole day to avoid the disappointment of another person rucking up half way through the day only to see half a car on the ramp d and the motor factors have delivered the wrong parts.Next bloke turns up at lunchtime or the next day, having taken time off work, to find the previous person still there.
DragsterRR said:
Wow, I even have the same hairdo and waistcoat!QuattroDave said:
DragsterRR said:
Wow, I even have the same hairdo and waistcoat!
Innowaybored said:
I know a couple of guys that have just got into car storage and they are already turning business away. Practically a license to print money if you're in the right part of the world.
If they're not down my neck of the woods I'd happily take advice from them on how they've gone about business!Great idea. How about slightly larger spaces and renting out mobile lifts, stands etc. ?
I've looked at a few in the past and they always worked out too expensive for my modest cars though.
The other thing that put me off is access hours. Some places only offer office hour access as default with out of hours available at request. 24 hr access would be great, as I rarely know when I am going to get a free couple of hours so just being able to turn up when I wanted would be awesome (shame you are so far away though)
I've looked at a few in the past and they always worked out too expensive for my modest cars though.
The other thing that put me off is access hours. Some places only offer office hour access as default with out of hours available at request. 24 hr access would be great, as I rarely know when I am going to get a free couple of hours so just being able to turn up when I wanted would be awesome (shame you are so far away though)
QuattroDave said:
Isn't that what I said, or at least alluded to :P
No. Just booking out the lift by half/full day bookings won't solve the potential problems.Another quick thought for you.
People who think they can weld. Sparks, petrol, flammable liquid. Insurance?
As mentioned, the storage side of the business would probably earn a lot more money with a lot less aggro.
I looked into this very seriously a while ago, but decided against it...
There are few things that cause many problems, one of which is liability and excusing yourself if someone performs poor work on their car and consequently crashes. (I'm based in the US by the way)
Tools is another huge issue - would you be expecting people to cart tools to and from the facility? Or would there be sufficient places to store tools on site? Or would you have tools for hire - that's what I wanted to do, but damage / maintenance can be an issue, especially with people not respecting your tools, like using screw drivers as pry bars etc.
The points about time on the ramp is something that always causes issues too, some jobs inevitably take longer than expected, or incorrect parts are ordered / delivered.
Training members on how to use lifts etc. to prevent serious accidents / death on your premises due to poor training and supervision.
Accident insurance for your business should someone having hired/rented tools from you makes a mistake and causes significant harm to themselves. You are essentially lending a tools and a facility to completely untrained individuals. I do not know how the liability side of things works in the UK, but I believe your own facility / premises could cause issues - as opposed to a tool hire shop.
Shop supplies such as paper towels, gasket sealer, oil-dry, brake cleaner etc. etc.
Disposal of used engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake discs... potential AC environmental mishaps....
Just a few things I thought of
Still - I'd love to open a for hire shop.
Chris
There are few things that cause many problems, one of which is liability and excusing yourself if someone performs poor work on their car and consequently crashes. (I'm based in the US by the way)
Tools is another huge issue - would you be expecting people to cart tools to and from the facility? Or would there be sufficient places to store tools on site? Or would you have tools for hire - that's what I wanted to do, but damage / maintenance can be an issue, especially with people not respecting your tools, like using screw drivers as pry bars etc.
The points about time on the ramp is something that always causes issues too, some jobs inevitably take longer than expected, or incorrect parts are ordered / delivered.
Training members on how to use lifts etc. to prevent serious accidents / death on your premises due to poor training and supervision.
Accident insurance for your business should someone having hired/rented tools from you makes a mistake and causes significant harm to themselves. You are essentially lending a tools and a facility to completely untrained individuals. I do not know how the liability side of things works in the UK, but I believe your own facility / premises could cause issues - as opposed to a tool hire shop.
Shop supplies such as paper towels, gasket sealer, oil-dry, brake cleaner etc. etc.
Disposal of used engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake discs... potential AC environmental mishaps....
Just a few things I thought of
Still - I'd love to open a for hire shop.
Chris
toohuge said:
I looked into this very seriously a while ago, but decided against it...
There are few things that cause many problems, one of which is liability and excusing yourself if someone performs poor work on their car and consequently crashes. (I'm based in the US by the way)
Tools is another huge issue - would you be expecting people to cart tools to and from the facility? Or would there be sufficient places to store tools on site? Or would you have tools for hire - that's what I wanted to do, but damage / maintenance can be an issue, especially with people not respecting your tools, like using screw drivers as pry bars etc.
The points about time on the ramp is something that always causes issues too, some jobs inevitably take longer than expected, or incorrect parts are ordered / delivered.
Training members on how to use lifts etc. to prevent serious accidents / death on your premises due to poor training and supervision.
Accident insurance for your business should someone having hired/rented tools from you makes a mistake and causes significant harm to themselves. You are essentially lending a tools and a facility to completely untrained individuals. I do not know how the liability side of things works in the UK, but I believe your own facility / premises could cause issues - as opposed to a tool hire shop.
Shop supplies such as paper towels, gasket sealer, oil-dry, brake cleaner etc. etc.
Disposal of used engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake discs... potential AC environmental mishaps....
Just a few things I thought of
Still - I'd love to open a for hire shop.
Chris
Thanks for your input Chris, much appreciated.There are few things that cause many problems, one of which is liability and excusing yourself if someone performs poor work on their car and consequently crashes. (I'm based in the US by the way)
Tools is another huge issue - would you be expecting people to cart tools to and from the facility? Or would there be sufficient places to store tools on site? Or would you have tools for hire - that's what I wanted to do, but damage / maintenance can be an issue, especially with people not respecting your tools, like using screw drivers as pry bars etc.
The points about time on the ramp is something that always causes issues too, some jobs inevitably take longer than expected, or incorrect parts are ordered / delivered.
Training members on how to use lifts etc. to prevent serious accidents / death on your premises due to poor training and supervision.
Accident insurance for your business should someone having hired/rented tools from you makes a mistake and causes significant harm to themselves. You are essentially lending a tools and a facility to completely untrained individuals. I do not know how the liability side of things works in the UK, but I believe your own facility / premises could cause issues - as opposed to a tool hire shop.
Shop supplies such as paper towels, gasket sealer, oil-dry, brake cleaner etc. etc.
Disposal of used engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake discs... potential AC environmental mishaps....
Just a few things I thought of
Still - I'd love to open a for hire shop.
Chris
Your first point is not really relevant (yet) here in Blighty, we have an annual MOT test to ensure the roadworthyness of vehicles so whatever work the car owner did would have to stand up to that. Of course that doesn't stop them getting an MOT then doing some "mod" work on their car that's dodgy but that's no different than if they did it at home either.
Initially I was going to offer tools for use but I had the same concerns you did so they're off the cards save for the potential specialist tools which I would have to do a lot more research on.
I fully take on board peoples concerns with time required on a ramp being much longer than first anticipated. I would really like to offer a ramp facility but it may be that it's unworkable at least in the short term.
I need to do more delving into insurances and liabilities on hiring equipment. Over here we have shops like HSS that hire out general tools that can mangle people in a thousand different ways so perhaps I'll take a gander at their small print and see what you have to sign away. May just be a case of ensuring that a sufficient waiver is signed stating something along the lines of "by signing this you confirm that you have sufficient training/experience to use this tool .. yadayada"
Shop for odds'n'sods, I like that, hadn't considered it, though it may need to be a vend thing in the short term to gauge whether there would be enough trade to warrant a store and its associated costs.
Much beard holding to do!
Check these guys out for a self-serve garage. Various options, consumables etc. and they're adding an MOT station. Never used them, but may give you some ideas:
http://www.pitstartgarage.com/index.html
http://www.pitstartgarage.com/index.html
mr_spock said:
Check these guys out for a self-serve garage. Various options, consumables etc. and they're adding an MOT station. Never used them, but may give you some ideas:
http://www.pitstartgarage.com/index.html
That's a really interesting website, thanks.http://www.pitstartgarage.com/index.html
The rates they are quoting for a day without a lift is in line with what I was thinking for my single area with a lift but without all those tools so it probably comes back to what I was planning on charging per day to theirs. Although I would only look to have one bay which could cause booking problems as has been mentioned earlier.
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