Taking over the bike shop...

[Andy in Germany]

They're not under that mess on yer desk, along with yer cup, are they?

Now you mention it, something did seem to move earlier...

 

[Elybazza61]

Those rugs really tied that workshop together though,,,

 

[Andy in Germany]

New step forward today:

First training project with my current client: we're repairing this one together on the basis there's a lot wrong with it so he'll get plenty of experience.

 

[classic33]

Front light is pointing towards the ground, right where the tyre would make contact.
A bit too close I think.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Front light is pointing towards the ground, right where the tyre would make contact.
A bit too close I think.

That's the least of the problems, believe me: It was covered in Algae when it arrived.

 

[Andy in Germany]

It looks a bit shinier now.

Also:

Another client is working on this bike. This client is doing "community service". It turns out they are pretty good at fixing bicycles.

Finally I'm doing my job again and working with people using work, rather than 'just' fixing bicycles. At the same time, after discussing the parameters and standards required I've gone from 2-3 bikes a week to about 5 a week, so the manager is also happy. I'm still struggling to keep up with sales, which I guess is a good problem to have...

 

[Andy in Germany]

I'm getting up to speed now the stores work and I know where the tools are. The showroom is gradually filling up again and I'f finally broken the two bikes a day barrier.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Readers of this thread might be interested in this on Twitter, which is on a related subject.

Ned Boulting got his bike refurbished by an organisation called XOBikes that trains ex-offenders on their release from prison.


View: https://twitter.com/nedboulting/status/1630303444673216514

 

[sevenfourate]

View attachment 681742

I'm getting up to speed now the stores work and I know where the tools are. The showroom is gradually filling up again and I'f finally broken the two bikes a day barrier.

Trouble with all this success - is it will be expected to continue

 

[Andy in Germany]

Today is the bi-weekly drive to the bike collection centre. Currently planning to offer my client the choice of coming with me, which is a change of scene and chance to learn about the bikes we collect.
Alternatively, as he has started repairing bikes and are already doing a good job of it, I've prepared a couple of "easy" bikes to fix on their own.
This helps me in the short term because some repairs will still be taking place, and also in the long term because the sooner my client can repair bikes independently the better.
Also, because men tend to judge our worth on terms of utility and competence, it will hopefully help build self confidence; even if he elects to come with me, it shows I trust him to do a good job where he can.
Of course, he has been in a car with me driving before, so I expect he'll jump at the chance to avoid repeating the experience.
I'm still working with another client but any details would be a potential breach of confidentiality.

 

[richardfm]

Is the aim to make it profitable or to minimise the costs of the operation?

How skilled is the labour force and are they paid or volunteers?

What are the main sources of the bikes e.g. donations?

I have volunteered in a community bike workshop that renovates and sells donated bikes for 11 years and it is very satisfying and busy, but does rely heavily on volunteer labour and subsidies to keep it feasible, we are pretty successful and in recent years have diversified into running approved bike mechanics courses and taking on commercial repairs (only carried out by salaried staff so as not to disadvantage local bike shops).

An exciting challenge, and opportunity for you, and good luck.

That sounds very much like place that I volunteer at in Cardiff

 

[Andy in Germany]

Currently planning to offer my client the choice of coming with me, which is a change of scene and chance to learn about the bikes we collect.
Alternatively, as he has started repairing bikes and are already doing a good job of it, I've prepared a couple of "easy" bikes to fix on their own.
This helps me in the short term because some repairs will still be taking place, and also in the long term because the sooner my client can repair bikes independently the better.
Also, because men tend to judge our worth on terms of utility and competence, it will hopefully help build self confidence; even if he elects to come with me, it shows I trust him to do a good job where he can.

Client decided to stay and build a bike.

This was a tatty, rusty, semi wreck before I left:

A few details need tweaking, but we can do that tomorrow.

I give it a month or two before he's building bikes and just asking me to check them.

 

[Jameshow]

Client decided to stay and build a bike.

This was a tatty, rusty, semi wreck before I left:

View attachment 682663

A few details need tweaking, but we can do that tomorrow.

I give it a month or two before he's building bikes and just asking me to check them.

Rewarding I'm sure for you.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Rewarding I'm sure for you.

It's good to be back doing my "real" job.

To be clear, he's largely teaching himself; I'm just providing encouragement and assistance.

 

[Rusty Nails]

That sounds very much like place that I volunteer at in Cardiff

There's probably a very good reason for that. I'm in Cardiff.