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Business Idea - Mobile Mechanic

by mavisto
Thu, Aug 08, 2013 12:17
7

I currently work as an environmental engineer (no real engineering, just writing reports for other people) but I'm getting more and more fed up of sitting in an office all day doing something I don't really enjoy.

I'm in my early 50's and really don't want to be doing this till I retire, hopefully in about 10 years time.

Therefore, I've been wondering what I could do instead.

Although I've got a good education (Masters degree) I don't really have any transferable skills, so I started thinking of becoming a mobile mechanic. I can already build wheels and undertake most mechanical work, but I was planning on taking some proper formal training to get me to a level that will enable me to do this professionally.

I don't have a mortgage and I'm not too bothered about making a million out of this, however, I don't want to end up massively in debt either. I also thought that it would be something I could do to give me a little extra cash when I actualy reach retirement age and I'm only getting my beer vouchers from HM Government.

Has anyone else done this?

Any personal stories of success or failure would be appreciated.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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7 comments

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SlowSPDRider | 11 years ago
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Theres a young guy by us that does it and he services my bike. He is very good.

Its Harts Cyclery in Edinburgh.

Theres also the Bike Doctor offering a similar service too.

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samg123 | 11 years ago
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We have one hired by Bristol Uni for an afternoon every week to provide free repairs + services for students. You could maybe get in touch with the Bristol Bike Project and Roll For The Soul, who both have experience with mobile mechanic services and would be happy to share advice.

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morethansonglyrics | 11 years ago
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There's a few of these in London. Used bike ade (http://www.bikeade.co.uk/index.html) when I got a new bike the day before a club ride and Evans couldn't fit me in.

Would use him again. He was personable, chatty and knowledgable about all kinds of bikes. Great experience.

Just a little personal story. If there's nothing similar near you it's certainly a worthwhile venture - big investment though in an appropriate vehicle and all the tools etc.

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Sevenfold | 11 years ago
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There is a local one to me where I work in Coventry (http://www.bikewrench.co.uk) & another near my home in Sutton Coldfield but I cannot remember their name. You might want to check out Cycle Tech UK (http://www.cycletechuk.com) looks like some sort of franchise operation. At least you can check out the competition...

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Joselito | 11 years ago
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Speak to Dave at http://www.revolvemcr.com/
As long as you don't plan to roll into his territory.

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Gkam84 | 11 years ago
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I'm looking at something similar at the moment, but the call around here for a mobile mechanic wasn't really much, plus....I don't drive 19

So I'm about to set up a workshop in a large shed in the garden and have already sorted out work, taking all the overspill from the LBS, because they have so many bikes and too little space to service them all

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Wookie replied to Gkam84 | 11 years ago
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Gkam84 wrote:

I'm looking at something similar at the moment, but the call around here for a mobile mechanic wasn't really much, plus....I don't drive 19

The last mobile mechanic that visited my office arrived by bicycle with a small trailer on the back. So the requirement to drive may not be necessary depending on your location and without knowing your location how do you know there’s no call without providing such a service?

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