How To Start A Bike Repair Business In The UK: A Detailed Guide

The cycling industry in the UK has boomed in recent times thanks to various elements. People are more health-conscious, are more aware of helping the environment and the government has introduced schemes to promote cycling.

This has provided opportunities for those with bike repair businesses and those looking at starting a bike repair company. You might be a mechanic or a cycling enthusiast that wants to get more hands on.

This article will talk you through the important steps needed to launch and operate a successful bicycle repair business in the UK, whether you’re planning to do it full time or run your bike repair business as a side hustle.

Let’s delve into this opportunity and get the wheels turning!

Bike Repair Business Plan

Before you start any business, you need to know how you’re going to do it. Owning a set of spanners isn’t going to cut the mustard. You need to have a vision and a solid business plan that outlines the following:

Objectives: what do you want your business to achieve in both the short and long term?

Types of customers: identify your main customers. Are they local casual cyclists, road cyclists or mountain bikers?

Types of services: will you focus on repairs, maintenance, specialised bike builds or the whole lot?

Costs: this is the key factor in getting your bike repair business off the ground as it can be quite costly - so if you don't have funds available, you might want to consider an alternative side hustle. You need to factor in buying or renting a workspace, getting the tools needed and the cost of business insurance. You may need to consider funding options such as:

• Grants: check if you are eligible for any business grants in your area

• Loans: you might need a business loan to get going

• Savings: can you fund the venture yourself?

Understand The Market For Your Bike Repair Business

According to the Bicycle Association, cycling is consistently growing, with the public now more aware of the health and environmental benefits. What can that mean for bike shop owners?

Seasonal fluctuations: Spring and Summer will see spikes in sales and people getting their bikes ready. Consider using the off-peak seasons for promotions and maintenance.

Check the competition: see what your competitors are offering and their prices. Is there a gap in the bike shop market that you could take advantage of?

Demographics: can you offer quick fixes to commuters, seasonal bike checks for leisure cyclists or both.

The better you understand the markets, the better the chance you have of meeting the needs of your customers.

Consider A Business Model For Your Bike Repair Business

Choosing the correct business model will have a big impact on how you set up your operation and find clients.

• Mobile Services: as the amount of cyclists on the road increases, businesses that can go to their customers will have a good demand. A vehicle equipped with repair tools can offer a valuable service to customers.

• Fixed Location: a traditional workshop can appeal to local communities, provided you’re set up in the right location where customers can access your business.

• A Combination: if you have the funds and opportunity to offer both fixed and mobile services, you will maximise your potential.

Obviously, each option will have different costs and logistical considerations. For example, If you focused on mobile only repairs, you would save on property costs but incur costs for the vehicle and its maintenance.

If possible, start out small to test the business model. It could help you determine what might work and what doesn’t. You can always alter the model to suit.

Setting Up A Bike Repair Business

Let’s have a look at what’s needed to set up your bike repair business.

Location

Finding the right location for your bike repair shop can have a massive impact on business. The busier the area, the better.

Is there a neighbourhood with a lot of cycling routes or maybe a university close by? Being visible to potential customers is vital, so don’t locate your shop in a hidden spot that people can’t see.

• Foot fall: the busier the area is, the more chance you have of attracting potential customers.

• Activity: try and locate close to places that have plenty of cycling activity.

• Competition: don’t locate your bike shop too close to any competitors.

Equipment

This is non negotiable, as without the correct equipment, you won’t be able to carry out some of the bike repairs. Make sure you aim for good quality tools from reputable brands, as lesser quality tools could affect the quality and efficiency of your repairs.

Tools to consider are:

• Bike repair stand

• Wheel truing stand

• Crank puller

• Pedal wrench

• Chain checker

• Allen keys

• Air pumps

• Spare parts (cables, brakes, chains etc)

• Lubricants

• Cleaners

Manage Administration Effectively

It’s important you implement a system that keeps you on top of all admin aspects of your bike repair business, such as booking, equipment inventory, customer records, and finance (including tax).

This can be done using a computer and software such as Excel. You should also utilise a website to display your services, customer reviews and accept bookings if possible.

Alternatively, you could invest in software designed specifically for bike repairs, such as Workshop by Bikebook.

Pricing Structure

Check what your competitors are charging so that you don’t price yourself out of the market. It’s also important that you offer fair prices for your services so customers aren’t deterred.

Your prices should be based on:

• The repair complexity

• Local market rates

• Cost of parts

• Amount of time taken to complete the job

You should also have different tiers for different levels of jobs, for example:

Standard bike service (tune-up) - £30 to £50

Full bike service - £80 to £150

E-Bike services - as E-Bikes can be complex to fix, the prices would vary depending on the service required.

You may also wish to consider forms of promotions and loyalty discounts for returning customers.

Marketing Your Bike Repair Business

Marketing your new bike repair company well is imperative, as customers can't come to you if they don't know about you.

Digital Marketing

• Create a good website that can manage online bookings

• Set up a free Google Business profile

• Share your business details on all social media platforms

• Publicise any customer reviews or testimonials

• Add photos of your work on your website

Old School Marketing

• Post out flyers

• Hand out business cards

• Ask friends and family to spread the word about your new venture

• Ask local bike clubs to tell their members about your bike repair business

• Consider a reward scheme for referrals

Training

It’s not a requirement to have any qualifications to run your own bike repair business but it certainly wouldn’t harm you to have some.

There are quite a few companies that offer training courses in bicycle repairs within the UK. Having bike repair certifications can only enhance your reputation. It will also impress potential customers to see your qualification against your name or business.

It would take seconds to add your qualifications to your website and business cards, but it can make a significant difference.

Growing Your Bike Repair Business

Hopefully, your business flies out of the starting blocks, but you do need to consider how to keep it growing.

• Offer bike sales

• Offer trade ins (take old bikes in part exchange for purchases of new bikes)

• Renovate old bikes to sell on

• Consider offering training workshops

• Try to establish yourself as an authorised repair centre

Conclusion

Setting up your own bike repair business can not only be enjoyable and fulfilling, it can also be profitable.

The cycling industry is thriving so, with a clear business plan and high standards of service, there is a huge opportunity for a successful bike repair business if done correctly.

Keep customers happy and keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and the wheels will be well and truly in motion.