Full Version: Used powersport shop
I am thinking of opening a shop in the Rutland area for used powersports specializing in atv`s / snowmobiles. Will sell new clothing/equipment/parts. I will sell used parts / atvs / motorcycles / snowmobiles/mopeds/ dirtbikes. I will run consignment deals as well. Can specialize in custom "wants" certain machines. I will also have a service department as well. I am interested in hearing all feedback in hearing if they think it will work or any ideas on the business. We have one shop in the area that deals used and they stay busy very busy.
I think it is a great idea. I have a place in Pittsfield, and use CVM as my dealer/parts people. The only issue that I could see with servicing sleds is the "propietary" software that you need to use to diagnose the newer sleds. It cant be cheap, and Doo will make sure that its dealers get dibs, etc. I like CVM alot. But certainly would like another "outlet" for parts and specifically oil. Vermonters are very loyal to their own, so if you do right, there is no reason why word of mouth wont carry you to the next level.
QUOTE (Thumb2bar @ Sep 18 2009, 08:42 PM) 
I think it is a great idea. I have a place in Pittsfield, and use CVM as my dealer/parts people. The only issue that I could see with servicing sleds is the "propietary" software that you need to use to diagnose the newer sleds. It cant be cheap, and Doo will make sure that its dealers get dibs, etc. I like CVM alot. But certainly would like another "outlet" for parts and specifically oil. Vermonters are very loyal to their own, so if you do right, there is no reason why word of mouth wont carry you to the next level.
CVM is good but parts are cheaper elsewhere if the customer comes in alot and buys from you. You can give them a discount not just because they bought a 12,000 sled/atv/motorcycle from them. As far as oil goes. Its bought in bulk so you set your own price as far as markup. I dont use CVM for service nor would I ever. I like charlie the service manager but I wouldn`t ever drop a wheel barrow off their for service. I dont like a bunch of kids working on my units. Dont get me wrong I have boughten many new atv`s / sleds from CVM but I go elsewhere for service. I am looking for feedback because I am looking to cater to the locals and what they want to see in a shop. Not what I want. This shop will be open 7 days a week as well. No other place is open 7 days a week.
As long as you're thinking about the employee's too and some good service workers.
Our local doo dealer use to have AC's too. Long story short they cracked my step dad's 600 triple head over tightening a bolt. They diagnosed this themselves, but because it left the lot there's no way to prove that we didn't do it when we got it home and wouldn't offer anything other than another rebuild within a day of the first one. Then charge full price for labor and parts. Coolant leaked in and got a cylinder and jug. I can get the "left premises" thing but even if he had offered 3/4 labor cost that would have let it all slide. Probably some kid they had helping that cranked one down and knows it cracked, but was to scared to tell anyone so just left it hoping it wouldn't cause a problem.
Love the parts and sales department guys but the service department is full of himself or something. Oh yea, I dropped off a crank to have the pto bearings removed for me. He had me carry and put it on his bench myself. Not a SINGLE machine in the shop, nor anything on the bench (actually looks like the ran out of work and cleaned up) and said he'd have it done tomorrow. I went in late after noon 2 days later and the cranks hadn't moved from where I set them. I walked right up, grabbed them, told them I'll do it myself and left. Buddy got it done for me that afternoon in 30 minutes.
...Don't do that kind of thing to any customer. Sure someone could have done it when they got it home, but it's not hard to judge ones character. Step dad knows how to start it and change plugs and could probably tell this right away talking to him when his sled came in in the first place. What makes anyone in that department think he went home and decided to reef down on those bolts for no good reason??
Sure you can figure that out yourself. But think they will ever remember me and these 2 things, nope, think they care, highly doubt it. Think I kept anyone I know away from their service department? You bet.
Our local doo dealer use to have AC's too. Long story short they cracked my step dad's 600 triple head over tightening a bolt. They diagnosed this themselves, but because it left the lot there's no way to prove that we didn't do it when we got it home and wouldn't offer anything other than another rebuild within a day of the first one. Then charge full price for labor and parts. Coolant leaked in and got a cylinder and jug. I can get the "left premises" thing but even if he had offered 3/4 labor cost that would have let it all slide. Probably some kid they had helping that cranked one down and knows it cracked, but was to scared to tell anyone so just left it hoping it wouldn't cause a problem.
Love the parts and sales department guys but the service department is full of himself or something. Oh yea, I dropped off a crank to have the pto bearings removed for me. He had me carry and put it on his bench myself. Not a SINGLE machine in the shop, nor anything on the bench (actually looks like the ran out of work and cleaned up) and said he'd have it done tomorrow. I went in late after noon 2 days later and the cranks hadn't moved from where I set them. I walked right up, grabbed them, told them I'll do it myself and left. Buddy got it done for me that afternoon in 30 minutes.
...Don't do that kind of thing to any customer. Sure someone could have done it when they got it home, but it's not hard to judge ones character. Step dad knows how to start it and change plugs and could probably tell this right away talking to him when his sled came in in the first place. What makes anyone in that department think he went home and decided to reef down on those bolts for no good reason??
Sure you can figure that out yourself. But think they will ever remember me and these 2 things, nope, think they care, highly doubt it. Think I kept anyone I know away from their service department? You bet.
QUOTE (Thejcode @ Sep 19 2009, 03:30 PM)
As long as you're thinking about the employee's too and some good service workers.
Our local doo dealer use to have AC's too. Long story short they cracked my step dad's 600 triple head over tightening a bolt. They diagnosed this themselves, but because it left the lot there's no way to prove that we didn't do it when we got it home and wouldn't offer anything other than another rebuild within a day of the first one. Then charge full price for labor and parts. Coolant leaked in and got a cylinder and jug. I can get the "left premises" thing but even if he had offered 3/4 labor cost that would have let it all slide. Probably some kid they had helping that cranked one down and knows it cracked, but was to scared to tell anyone so just left it hoping it wouldn't cause a problem.
Love the parts and sales department guys but the service department is full of himself or something. Oh yea, I dropped off a crank to have the pto bearings removed for me. He had me carry and put it on his bench myself. Not a SINGLE machine in the shop, nor anything on the bench (actually looks like the ran out of work and cleaned up) and said he'd have it done tomorrow. I went in late after noon 2 days later and the cranks hadn't moved from where I set them. I walked right up, grabbed them, told them I'll do it myself and left. Buddy got it done for me that afternoon in 30 minutes.
...Don't do that kind of thing to any customer. Sure someone could have done it when they got it home, but it's not hard to judge ones character. Step dad knows how to start it and change plugs and could probably tell this right away talking to him when his sled came in in the first place. What makes anyone in that department think he went home and decided to reef down on those bolts for no good reason??
Sure you can figure that out yourself. But think they will ever remember me and these 2 things, nope, think they care, highly doubt it. Think I kept anyone I know away from their service department? You bet.
Our local doo dealer use to have AC's too. Long story short they cracked my step dad's 600 triple head over tightening a bolt. They diagnosed this themselves, but because it left the lot there's no way to prove that we didn't do it when we got it home and wouldn't offer anything other than another rebuild within a day of the first one. Then charge full price for labor and parts. Coolant leaked in and got a cylinder and jug. I can get the "left premises" thing but even if he had offered 3/4 labor cost that would have let it all slide. Probably some kid they had helping that cranked one down and knows it cracked, but was to scared to tell anyone so just left it hoping it wouldn't cause a problem.
Love the parts and sales department guys but the service department is full of himself or something. Oh yea, I dropped off a crank to have the pto bearings removed for me. He had me carry and put it on his bench myself. Not a SINGLE machine in the shop, nor anything on the bench (actually looks like the ran out of work and cleaned up) and said he'd have it done tomorrow. I went in late after noon 2 days later and the cranks hadn't moved from where I set them. I walked right up, grabbed them, told them I'll do it myself and left. Buddy got it done for me that afternoon in 30 minutes.
...Don't do that kind of thing to any customer. Sure someone could have done it when they got it home, but it's not hard to judge ones character. Step dad knows how to start it and change plugs and could probably tell this right away talking to him when his sled came in in the first place. What makes anyone in that department think he went home and decided to reef down on those bolts for no good reason??
Sure you can figure that out yourself. But think they will ever remember me and these 2 things, nope, think they care, highly doubt it. Think I kept anyone I know away from their service department? You bet.
That is a perfect example of about 80% of the shops in my area. I have brought a few things in to a couple of different dealers. I got it back and it had more issues than when I brought it in. I am not the only one that feels this way in the area. I am sick and tired of people getting screwed by these guys. Its nuts. I want someone to be able to come in and sit down and shoot the "edit for bad language" for a minute tell there old sled/atv/motorcycle or whatever stories and enjoy the enviroment. Not come in and take a number. Be a name basis. Used powersports will be sold as is depending on what it is some will come with shop warranty . I will not own junk nor will I sell it. will try and keep things in the targeted price what most can afford. I wont sell something that someone can go get a brand new one for 1000.00 more. Its not logical. I will keep the middle class in mind and the kids that we once all were something they can afford as well to get out and enjoy the sport. Even will be treated equal I will go out of my way to make sure everyone is happy. I will also offer calls after closing if you need a part, oil etc. If your a loyal customer I will come in after hours to make sure you have what you need. My service department will consist of 2 guys not 10 guys standing around,. I dont have money to waste on someone who just changes tires. I am looking for the locals needs and wants .
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