Starting a business, have sone questions

[2broke2ride]

I am currently in the process of starting a legitimate, part time (for now at least) small engine repair business. I plan to be working on all power equipment, not just saws.
I'm trying to come up with a list of things I should keep in stock and a couple things I think would be good as far as saws go is fuel line and fuel filters. My question is, what sizes should I stock? Anyone who is experienced with this am have a vendor they like to use?
Thanks.

 

[user 122190]

 

[HarleyT]

Get a hold of these folks. They will set you up with an account without you having to get a tax number, to start out. They are good folks.
https://www.rbicorp.com/

 

[2broke2ride]

Thanks Harley. It's a starting point anyway.

 

[mogulmasher]

Hey Kevin, good luck with this endeavor! If I deal with anyone your way looking for a saw shop I'll be sure to recommend you!

For about a 10 yr period a number of years ago I was running a snowmobile repair business part time out of my garage. It was a lot of fun, I really enjoyed the challenge of getting guys back up and running. I'm far too busy to do it much anymore, but I still get a handful of sleds to work on each year by word of mouth.

 

[HarleyT]

Yeah, request an Oregon catalog.

Also look at Stens, the other big aftermarket supplier.

 

[Huskybill]

Stems for sure.

Air filters, oil filters, spark plugs, bar covers, saw chain loops and reels. Sell off the reel, make chains, sometimes chain loops on sale is cheaper. Sell huztl chain and bars. Even archer chain n bars. People like deals and fast reliable service. I started selling at the flea market. Even sharpening chains.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

Get a hold of these folks. They will set you up with an account without you having to get a tax number, to start out. They are good folks.
https://www.rbicorp.com/

Never heard of them. What do they sell? Website just comes up with needing a log in.

The shop I'm at has been at it since the late 80s, though it's more part time now, with logging/land clearing and milling lumber the main thing.

Usually use Scotsco or Madsens

Amazon alot too these days. Pretty bad when Anazon has it free shipping for fair bit less than dealer price and it's here in a week, sometimes quicker.

 

[HarleyT]

Never heard of them. What do they sell? Website just comes up with needing a log in.

The shop I'm at has been at it since the late 80s, though it's more part time now, with logging/land clearing and milling lumber the main thing.

Usually use Scotsco or Madsens

Amazon alot too these days. Pretty bad when Anazon has it free shipping for fair bit less than dealer price and it's here in a week, sometimes quicker.

Go to the link I provided, and click on "products".
For phone numbers, click on "contact".....

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

Go to the link I provided, and click on "products".
For phone numbers, click on "contact".....

There's nothing like that, just a login opens up.

 

[HarleyT]

Look at it on a computer then, not a phone.

 

[HarleyT]

Here is a screenshot.

 

[Brent Nowell]

If I were to start up what you want, I would become a certified tech. Having a piece of paper goes a long ways when your advertising a business.

I would make sure I have all of the specialty tools

Gear puller
Case splitter
Compression tester
Spark tester
Piston ring tools
Voltmeter
Chain breaker
Chain press
Chain grinder (cause u ain’t gonna make any money sharpening chain by hand)
Mighty vac



For supplies I would absolutely have

This will be your bread and butter imo
Loops of chain
3/8 low pro in 050
.325 semi chisel in 050
3/8 full profile in 050, 058
I would carry Oregon and stihl chain initially
Spark plugs in the most common types.
Bar oil in winter and summer flavours
Two stroke oil, I would stick with one brand initially

—————


This is what you are gonna need for repairs occasionally
Fuel line in all sizes, a spool of each
Fuel / oil caps of various sizes, go aftermarket initially

For a business model
Focus on what you know best initially, sounds like saws from viewing your logo. Focus on a brand of saw that you are familiar with. Offer a warranty for your repair work
Your gonna need some connections to make this profitable. Imo I would advertise to your local logging companies in that area and or your local free care specialists.
Look em up and get their address. Talk to them in person, their office will probably reject solicitors. But if you come in and read their body language you can make things happen. If they look annoyed your there, don’t push it make it short and sweet.
“Just wanted to let you know, I fix small engine equipment, here’s my card if you are interested in quick and quality repair” leave the card and walk out.
If they seem receptive tell them the same thing but throw in some questions about who is repairing their equipment. Are they happy with them? If they are tell them that you are a good price and make a sacrifice in your rate to get their business.
Training in sales goes a long way here I know it sounds dumb but after being a salesman for ten years long ago I can tell you it gives you a great skill. People skills, the art of perception, and the ability to close a sale without being pushy


That’s a long post but it made me think what I would do in your shoes.. something I may just do one day

 

[2broke2ride]

If I were to start up what you want, I would become a certified tech. Having a piece of paper goes a long ways when your advertising a business.

I would make sure I have all of the specialty tools

Gear puller
Case splitter
Compression tester
Spark tester
Piston ring tools
Voltmeter
Chain breaker
Chain press
Chain grinder (cause u ain’t gonna make any money sharpening chain by hand)
Mighty vac



For supplies I would absolutely have

This will be your bread and butter imo
Loops of chain
3/8 low pro in 050
.325 semi chisel in 050
3/8 full profile in 050, 058
I would carry Oregon and stihl chain initially
Spark plugs in the most common types.
Bar oil in winter and summer flavours
Two stroke oil, I would stick with one brand initially

—————


This is what you are gonna need for repairs occasionally
Fuel line in all sizes, a spool of each
Fuel / oil caps of various sizes, go aftermarket initially

For a business model
Focus on what you know best initially, sounds like saws from viewing your logo. Focus on a brand of saw that you are familiar with. Offer a warranty for your repair work
Your gonna need some connections to make this profitable. Imo I would advertise to your local logging companies in that area and or your local free care specialists.
Look em up and get their address. Talk to them in person, their office will probably reject solicitors. But if you come in and read their body language you can make things happen. If they look annoyed your there, don’t push it make it short and sweet.
“Just wanted to let you know, I fix small engine equipment, here’s my card if you are interested in quick and quality repair” leave the card and walk out.
If they seem receptive tell them the same thing but throw in some questions about who is repairing their equipment. Are they happy with them? If they are tell them that you are a good price and make a sacrifice in your rate to get their business.
Training in sales goes a long way here I know it sounds dumb but after being a salesman for ten years long ago I can tell you it gives you a great skill. People skills, the art of perception, and the ability to close a sale without being pushy


That’s a long post but it made me think what I would do in your shoes.. something I may just do one day

Thank you for this!!!! I have most of the tools covered already being an auto mechanic for 20+ years. I do need to get gear pullers and case splitters.
I dont intend to sell retail at least not initially. I just want to make sure I am stocking basics so I can make the usual basic repairs in a timely manner.

I do intend to do Sharpening and bar maintenance. I already have a basic chain grinder and a bar grinder.
I also have a spinner breaker setup.

As far as clientele, there is only one other shop around for about 20 miles and they are husky and Stihl dealer and are well known for telling people their stuff is no good if a spark plug wont fix it.
I have a friend who owns a tree service and he is kind of the one pushing me to do this. He has a lot of tree friends that are looking for a saw mechanic.

 

[Cliff R]

I've been doing this full time now for coming up on 17 years. Get a business license and Federal Tax ID number. I highly recommend insurance as well. I carry $500,000 limited liability, if they want more tough ****.

I've grown my inventory over the years, and for the items I sell on-line I make sure I never run out of them. Stuff that comes in over the counter it's not such a big deal to have all the parts on hand, suppliers are quick to ship and it's easy to find most things and have them in here in a hurry if needed. If you "side-line" you might get away not claiming some of it, or adding the inventory to your tax return. If/when you get big, or add employees things get more complicated and you need to be smart about that sort of thing.

Don't work cheap, your driveway will be FULL all the time. Be fair, do good work, and you'll always be busy. Once you start charging folks you'll find yourself having a LOT less friends hanging around. You'll also find that when folks bring you stuff many have tried all other no or low cost avenues to fix it first, including all their relatives, neighbors, and any local "guru" who does that sort of work for a 6 pack of Budweiser! I've been completely BURIED in work since nearly the day I opened even though it's somewhat a "leap of faith" taking a hobby that you're good at and making a living at it.

Small power equipment and engine repair isn't my main deal, just a side-line but I get enough of it I don't want any more. Ethanol is your friend with this sort of thing, it clogs up the very best small power equipment made, eats anything that even thinks it has rubber in it, so plan for it.

I highly recommend a good ultra-sonic cleaner with a heater in it, commercial model, or work up to one. It will minimize your exposure to cleaning chemicals which will be a blessing in the long run.........Cliff

https://cliffshighperformance.com/

 

[Brent Nowell]

Thank you for this!!!! I have most of the tools covered already being an auto mechanic for 20+ years. I do need to get gear pullers and case splitters.
I dont intend to sell retail at least not initially. I just want to make sure I am stocking basics so I can make the usual basic repairs in a timely manner.

I do intend to do Sharpening and bar maintenance. I already have a basic chain grinder and a bar grinder.
I also have a spinner breaker setup.

As far as clientele, there is only one other shop around for about 20 miles and they are husky and Stihl dealer and are well known for telling people their stuff is no good if a spark plug wont fix it.
I have a friend who owns a tree service and he is kind of the one pushing me to do this. He has a lot of tree friends that are looking for a saw mechanic.

Your welcome!

After I wrote it I kinda felt like “why am I telling this guy how to do things, he probably already knows” but I kept it anyways just to see.

That should be your sales pitch when talking to the small business’s. “If you are tired of buying a new machine when something goes wrong with it out of warranty, come see me and it will be cost effective”
This imo is a good advantage to make them come to you and not the other guys
Having dealer access for auto tune and mtronic would be beneficial as well but I don’t know what that entails or if it costs that much.

It’s gonna be hard to diagnose a saw for a rebuild and promise the guy it’s gonna be fixed and come out with a profit. But if your diagnosing skills are good and you have a set plan of parts to replace decreasing your chances to lose money in the quote you should be good.

I wish you the best sir!! Keep us updated

 

[2broke2ride]

Good advice from everyone, thank you.
I recieved a PM suggesting I post my location. I am in Townsend Massachusetts. Small town about an half hour north of Worcester, right next to Fitchburg.

 

[blackoak]

What should you stock you ask????? A lot of beer for your new business.

 

[2broke2ride]

Getting off the ground. Like and share
https://www.facebook.com/Simpsons-Saw-Shop-and-Small-Engine-Service-100573001310186/

 

[mogulmasher]

Awesome job Kevin! Good luck.