I, like everyone else, have been hunting for my million. I've been thinking about a business that would fly in this economy and get me away from working for the man again.
The Idea:
To open a DIY Workshop that is basically a fully tooled shop that would allow you to come and work on your project without having to purchase a full bank of tools.
The given:
There would of course be waivers to sign stating, if you hurt yourself on the equipment, its your responsibility etc etc Lost or stolen tools and equipment will be your responsiblitity etc
The Shop:
Would include an extensive collection of tools that can be signed out for use on your project. Tool tags would account for tools checked out and of course agreements would be in place that lost tools and lost tags of course cost money. The tools would include a wide range of professional equipment. I would like 3 sides to this DIY shop.
1. Wood working would have routers, planers, pro tablesaw, pro bandsaw, and a wide range of hand & power tools, clamps etc. enough that would make the average cabinet maker drool.
2. Auto side, would include all the wrenches, pliers, jack stands, jacks, air tools, engine hoists, etc etc... pretty much anything you would need to take a car apart and put it back together. Professional series tools of course. A number of sets of everything would be required for a multi bay shop. A small library of Haynes or chiltons manuals. A car or project left in the shop for multiple nights would also have to pay a nightly storage fee etc etc Maybe later on a paint booth could be in the works.
3. Metal working side would include chop saws, welders, clamps, helmets, grinders, air tools, nibblers, torches, etc. The average teardrop builder should be able to completely drive out with their home made fully welded trailer frame.
The Clientele:
Anybody that lives in a multi dwelling unit that has no place to work on their cars / projects. IE Apartments, Rentals, Places with Home owners associations etc
Anybody that has the ability to change an engine, but does not want to buy an engine hoist or other specialty tools to use for one time use.
Anybody that would like to try their hand at building projects but don't want to buy a bank of tools before they learn that this, is, or is not their cup of tea. IE those who would like to teach themselves how to weld.
Additional thoughts:
I could occasionally hold workshops to show people how to change brakes on a car, or building a baby cradle, or welding a teardrop trailer. Anything of interest that there would be a professional in the area willing to come in and hold a 2 or 4 hour workshop for a healthy one time paycheck. There could be monthly memberships, or one time use fee's.
Anyway, I know there are a few entrepreneurs in this group and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this as a business idea. I'd also love to hear from those of you that don't have garages, or live in apartments etc to get your feedback as to whether or not you could use a service like this.