Taking over the bike shop...

[tribanjules]

Always look forward to latest update and enjoy sharing your journey @Andy in Germany 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

 

[classic33]

You inherited the previous mechanics system and collection. You're now in the process of sorting those out. These may not have had as much ordering done, but did lead to the situation you found yourself in. Especially when it came to parts removed from bikes, bottom brackets were removed and "neatly" stored in a box. Most have now gone because they weren't kept together as they were taken off.

Ordering, who ordered all those spokes, who approved the order(s)?
Point out the waste of the previous system, how it's impacted you and the shop(extra work just finding out what you had that could be used).
Reviews of the shop/items bought there.
Not everyone leaves a written review, and word of mouth is still stronger than social media. All you need is one bad word of mouth "review" over something bought and your work could all be undone in an instant.
If something leaves the shop unsafe, it's been rushed through/not had the correct parts put on, and something goes wrong. To use your inner tube valve example, you sell a bike that has a Schrader valve on one wheel, Presta on the the other. The person who bought it only has a pump that fits a Schrader valve, guess which tyre will receive a visit first.

The cables:
Cut the last two inches and nipple off any cable thrown. You can build a collection of the different heads and cable sizes. Can be used to prove why you need to order new, and later as a means of identifying which cable fits what through non verbal communication.

Inner Tubes: Replacement rather than repair.
Repair is normally recommended to be done in a well ventilated place. There are solvents used in repair that aren't in replacement. One can often be utilized in a small bag, and not in the way it was designed to be used.
Repair slows things down, has the potential to introduce or create problems and if not done right can lead to a buyer getting that deflated feeling shortly after purchase. The latter goes back to the word of mouth "reviews".
I would be inclined to lean heavily on the health and safety aspects first, then on the ordering side. If you can show that you'll not have to order, whilst maintaining safety it will be to your advantage.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Andy, first things first.
Who is the "someone" and who are "some people"?
Are these in the chain of command?

If they are not then my advice is to develop tactics to either ignore them or shut them up.

If they are management then an explanation is needed and a discussion on the standards of bikes that you will be selling.

I was trying so hard not to dox anyone that I didn't explain the situation clearly. At least one of the people is in management. I don't have a problem with their concerns, obviously; they have to balance the finances of this place which must be a nightmare, and part of that is making sure my department doesn't spend too much, hence my plan to deal with the situation and communicate.

What I find difficult is the vagueness of the comment and apparent lack of understanding that different departments will have to operate differently: this is something that needs to be discuss carefully, with the relevant information, and kept to specifics, not the basis for vague broad brush comments.

Now, here's the thing. You may find yourself having to compromise so my suggestion is to prepare well for any discussion, preferably with examples. For instance take a bike and explain the issues with chains, cassettes and cables.

I've done that with parts. Maybe next time I'll put a bike on the table...

The issue with tubes/patches has been covered by @classic33:

Inner Tubes: Replacement rather than repair.
Repair is normally recommended to be done in a well ventilated place. There are solvents used in repair that aren't in replacement. One can often be utilized in a small bag, and not in the way it was designed to be used.
Repair slows things down, has the potential to introduce or create problems and if not done right can lead to a buyer getting that deflated feeling shortly after purchase. The latter goes back to the word of mouth "reviews".

My main concern is that as a commercial operation we have to be very sure things work for our customers; as Classic says, leaving aside the issue of speed and safety, I need to build a better reputation and that's word of mouth. A customer who finds their spoiled family outing was down to a poorly applied patch will pass that around: "They couldn't even fix a puncture..." et c.

To be fair, you have said yourself that some of your prices may be too low. Couple that with "the new guy" buying much more than the "old guy" and I can see where "people" would enquire.

Quite right too: that's the managers job after all.

One possible way out is to look at the achievable sale price of a bike and then assess the cost of making it ready for sale. Presumably there's a margin of profit required. Include that in the calculation.
If expenses mean that the margin cannot be achieved then the bike is shelved.

Another way is to have two similar bikes, one with new components (or as many as needed) the other not and both priced accordingly. Customers have a choice and understand why one is cheaper.

Right now I'm still working out what is achievable and/or how to find ways to make a higher price acceptable. I'd like to get different priced bikes out at some point.

 

[Andy in Germany]

If something leaves the shop unsafe, it's been rushed through/not had the correct parts put on, and something goes wrong. To use your inner tube valve example, you sell a bike that has a Schrader valve on one wheel, Presta on the the other. The person who bought it only has a pump that fits a Schrader valve, guess which tyre will receive a visit first.

The cables:
Cut the last two inches and nipple off any cable thrown. You can build a collection of the different heads and cable sizes. Can be used to prove why you need to order new, and later as a means of identifying which cable fits what through non verbal communication.

Exactly.

I've just sold a bike and it is great that when customers ask "Do the gears work?" and "do the lights work as well?" I can keep saying "yes" because I know they do, and I can also add "and if they don't we will fix them". For people on a low income I'm aware a bike is a big expense so it's good that they know they have some support if things aren't working.

The problem I have is less different non-standard parts,, more that bikes coming in have a lot of rust in the cables and/or twisted/broken cables.

I get the impression that often people find the bike doesn't work and they donate it rather than faff with the (cost of) repairs.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Do cassettes need replacing unless they don't change well or look excessive worn?

That'sx the problem, it's hard to tell and I have to be sure they won't be too work within six months of so, which is "how long is a piece of string?" so I've tended towards caution where it looks worn and replaced.

 

[cyberknight]

That'sx the problem, it's hard to tell and I have to be sure they won't be too work within six months of so, which is "how long is a piece of string?" so I've tended towards caution where it looks worn and replaced.

Has management a view on the standard they expect a bike to be leaving the shop compared to other second hand things they sell ?
Would they sell a table that would break due to worn bits at a discounted price or mend it ?, sounds like you have been left to carry the can without a clear expectation from them of the level of mechanical worthiness they desire .If they want to do it on a shoestring thats fair enough as long as they realize quality and safety level they are happy to pass onto the customer .

 

[CharlesF]

I would first ask the person what is "too much", they need to quantify with an Euro figure; an annual budget?

Say you have two similar bikes, Bike A only requires cleaning and adjusting and its good to go.

Bike B needs new brake pads, and you only have brand new replacements. For the customer, attached the old pads to the bike so that the customer can see what was replaced and the reason for the higher price compared to Bike A. For the person saying you order "too much", or any other manager, have a break down showing that you at least recovered the cost of the new brake pads when the bike was sold.

That gives you definite proof that you're not ordering with abandon, but are making sure you recover the costs, and maybe make a small profit on the "too much" ordering.

Facts and figures always beats vague comments. With your attention to detail, I do think you are in the stronger position.

Good luck!

 

[Jameshow]

I think a bike needs to be functional when it leaves the shop. Safety is paramount. If it's worn but still works that's fine. I they want a new bike then decathlon is down the road!

It's a second hand bike which has marks and wear and tear on it.

Putting new parts on an old MTB is like putting lipstick on the pig! (Sorry retro bike!)

Neither can you control how it's looked after once brought.

So aim for solid reliable bikes any beyond that is a bonus!

Btw your setup looks alot more organised than my local bike library!!!

 

[Reynard]

I get the impression that often people find the bike doesn't work and they donate it rather than faff with the (cost of) repairs.

Funny you should say that... There was an item on the local TV news a couple of days ago about a Repair Cafe in Bedford. They interviewed a bike mechanic, who said pretty well much the same thing. Namely that people don't want to faff around with repairs, ergo they bin the old bike and get a new one, and that lot of folk don't seem to realise that parts on a bike *are* consumables.

And bikes are infinitely more repairable than a lot of other things.

 

[Reynard]

Putting new parts on an old MTB is like putting lipstick on the pig! (Sorry retro bike!)

Oi!!! *cough* *cough* *cough*

 

[Gillstay]

I do a few bikes and move them on just for the fun of it. I have noticed the following.
Its best to quickly replace a cable that doesn't feel right or or look right or else it slows the repairing down badly.
Tubes the same is a must.
If it's a new tube with a puncture I will patch it once.
Some parts are worth selling alone and just chucking the bike sadly.
I have had a single water bottle holder make me more money than a bike I worked on for 4 hours.
Most children's bike have too long a cables on them and shortening them makes the gears and brakes instantly better to use with small hands.

 

[HobbesOnTour]

I was trying so hard not to dox anyone that I didn't explain the situation clearly

I think you may be overthinking
It's a UK cycling forum - unless you've told anyone over there the chances of a doxxing are slim.
If it helps you feel better, ask a Mod to move the thread to Personal Matters - only viewable by members.

The thing is if you supply vague info the responses will be less than useful.

least one of the people is in management.

OK.
But the others? Can you ignore them?
Do you want suggestions to deal with them?

making sure my department doesn't spend too much,

Spending is only one side of the equation. Earning is the other.
To be honest, the refusal to buy a dustpan and brush in the time before a health & safety inspection confuses me. Panic? Someone out of their depth?

What I find difficult is the vagueness of the comment and apparent lack of understanding that different departments will have to operate differently: this is something that needs to be discuss carefully, with the relevant information, and kept to specifics, not the basis for vague broad brush comments.

I thought the recent meeting went well. This wasn't an issue then?
I think you know that you have to discuss this with them. And remember, you may be seeing the symptoms of something else entirely.

Take time, get your ducks in a row and you should be fine. If unsure, don't be afraid to say "I'll get back to you on that".

The thing is this is a bit like looking at a map at different zoom levels. On the most basic level you want an efficient, profitable shop. On another level is the nature of your work and that sometimes commercial priority is sacrificed to achieve something with a client. It must be very confusing and conflicting.

A customer who finds their soiled family outing was down to a poorly applied patch will pass that around: "They couldn't even fix a puncture..." et c.

With the greatest of respect to yourself and @classic33 I'll flip the argument around and ask would you buy a bike from a shop that wouldn't stand over its puncture repairs?

It appears I'm the odd man out in relation to patching tubes.

However, your argument is quite emotional. I'd stick with logic with management.

Right now I'm still working out what is achievable and/or how to find ways to make a higher price acceptable. I'd like to get different priced bikes out at some point.

Do you have any type of report card for each bike that shows the state it arrived, what was done, what parts were replaced (new and used), the costs of materials, who worked, how long (and those costs if calculated) and the selling price?
I think you're working on one, no?

have to be sure they won't be too work within six months of so,

In fairness, a chain or cassette isn't so much a time thing as a distance thing. Also riding conditions and maintenance.
In any case, this seems to be different from the standard before.

Has management a view on the standard they expect a bike to be leaving the shop compared to other second hand things they sell ?

This. In a nutshell.

have a break down showing that you at least recovered the cost of the new brake pads when the bike was sold.

Again, this.

Facts and figures always beats vague comments.

This.

Putting new parts on an old MTB is like putting lipstick on the pig! (Sorry retro bike!)

Ahem.
Some of us ride old MTBs. Pretty far, too!

Andy, other things that may have a bearing.....
Where do you buy your parts? Are you getting dealer prices or paying retail? Are there shipping costs? Is ther VAT involved?
Can you source cheaper parts?
Can you sell used parts?
I suggested before an artistic use for old components, chains etc. Did you ever consider it? Not for your department but another. Money for nothing, really.

If I was you I'd make full use of the focus on tidying and organising for now. Either approach (or wait for the next comment) and ask for a meeting to clarify the costs and spending.

I used to work for a guy, a well established leader in his field, and his method of management was to keep everyone on their toes. No matter how well prepped he'd throw a spanner in the works. He just didn't like to see people comfortable, it seemed. He seemed to thrive on the panic of others.
I say this because this may all be nothing, just somebody else's worries being projected onto you.

Good luck!

 

[classic33]

@HobbesOnTour,​

I'm not against repairing the innertubes, but trying to take into consideration that the clients are not the end user. And that "problems/issues" that they might have are also being dealt with at the same time as trying to get the bike shop up, running, and returning a profit. And to be fair to Andy In Germany, he's never actually said what these are(They fall outside this thread, and are confidential). I might even be over cautious in this, or thinking there's a problem that doesn't exist. But if it does, minimize any chance of that happening in the workplace.​

​

Everything has gone to bold, and won't change.

 

[Jameshow]

@HobbesOnTour,​

I'm not against repairing the innertubes, but trying to take into consideration that the clients are not the end user. And that "problems/issues" that they might have are also being dealt with at the same time as trying to get the bike shop up, running, and returning a profit. And to be fair to Andy In Germany, he's never actually said what these are(They fall outside this thread, and are confidential). I might even be over cautious in this, or thinking there's a problem that doesn't exist. But if it does, minimize any chance of that happening in the workplace.​

​

Everything has gone to bold, and won't change.

He's watching honey I shrunk the kids!!!

 

[HobbesOnTour]

@HobbesOnTour,​

I'm not against repairing the innertubes, but trying to take into consideration that the clients are not the end user. And that "problems/issues" that they might have are also being dealt with at the same time as trying to get the bike shop up, running, and returning a profit. And to be fair to Andy In Germany, he's never actually said what these are(They fall outside this thread, and are confidential). I might even be over cautious in this, or thinking there's a problem that doesn't exist. But if it does, minimize any chance of that happening in the workplace.​

​

Everything has gone to bold, and won't change.

Ooh! You've gone to bold..... I must be in trouble

I agree with what you say and there are a lot of issues to consider other than just pure economics.

I'm just proposing an alternative and I seem to be in a minority of one
The last tube I bought (Spain) was €5+ in Decathlon. Replacing two on a €50 bike is a huge element of the cost. Even one is 10% of the selling price.

There are a lot of spinning plates in the air at the moment and I'm sure there are limits to what can be taken on board. But with a new team of clients and the right processes in place it's an idea that could be revisited successfully.