KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: KennyT on October 21, 2012, 12:37:05 AM
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I recently purchased my first scooter, a low mileage 2009 Kymco Agility 125...
(http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/8/6/7/9/ar135076392697684.JPG)
-My 2009 Kymco Agility 125 posing for a picture outside of my office...
I bought the bike looking for a cheap form of transportation. As a Naperville real estate agent, a fair amount of my driving I do alone, either meeting clients at showings or running errands that are a necessary part of the business.
I was spending a lot of time at gas stations, too, and at $4 per gallon, I found the cost of gas fairly painful...
I knew that scooters were relatively reasonable to purchase, and that they got great mileage, but I had no idea how much I would love my scooter!
Honestly, I have owned several high end vehicles, and none of them put a smile on my face like my Kymco. I share that joy with anyone that is interested...
About 3 weeks ago, I started a business page on Facebook, Naperville Scooter, looking to build a little community of local riders with similar passion. As of today, the page has 24 fans and is progressing nicely. I use the page to post pictures, reviews, good deals I find, and pretty much anything else scooter related...
The other day, a young woman called me asking if I (Naperville Scooter) sold Vespas, a popular brand of scooter. She had seen me post as Naperville Scooter, liked my profile picture (a red Vespa), and wanted to buy one.
We talked for about 15 minutes. I explained to her that scooters were a hobby for me, not yet a business. I enjoyed sharing the information I had regarding bikes, brands, and riding. I encouraged her to call back if she had any more questions, and I expect her to buy a scooter soon.
I love reading about these bikes, taking pictures of them, talking about them, riding them, and I know I can sell them..
My dream? To open Naperville Scooter, a retailer specializing in scooters and scooter products, right in the heart of Downtown Naperville...
The nearest stores that offer a decent selection of bikes are 30-40 miles from Naperville. Too far for me and other local enthusiasts.
I figure, "Why not me?" Without even trying and without advertising, I had a customer call looking to buy a bike. In a tough economy, there certainly is demand for low cost, enviromentally friendly transportation, and boy are they fun to ride...
Naperville also has great demographics for both small business and scooters, and would be an awesome town to open such a business.
With a population of nearly 150,000 spread over 35 square miles, Naperville is made up of subdivisions that are a short ride from it's centrally located downtown. The downtown is buzzing with stores, restaurants, and nightlife. Perfect for shopping, dining, people watching, or just walking along the River Walk...
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/419258_308950302493718_1696226422_n.jpg)
-The Naperville River Walk on a beautiful fall day...
Naperville is also built along the Burlington Northern train tracks, which makes it convenient for commuters to Chicago. However, the train station near downtown has a 10 year waiting list for car parking. There is no wait list for motorcylce/scooter parking. It is free, no permit required, and spots are available...
(http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/3/5/2/ar135076469925312.jpg)
-Scooters and motorcycles parked at the Naperville Train Station
Just east of downtown lies North Central College. North Central is a private Division III university with an enrollment of just over 3000, many of which commute from nearby towns. Commuting college kids love scooters...
Finally, Naperville is a fairly affluent town, with a median household income of $101,894. Perfect for starting a small business...
I have even selected a potential site for my business. Located on the Washington Avenue, the main street through downtown, is a dilapidated building, boarded up and covered with weeds. This building is an eyesore, and certainly doesn't belong in Napeville's otherwise beautiful downtown...
(http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/9/8/5/ar135076618258913.JPG)
-420 Washington Street, Naperville IL 60540
The building backs to the beautiful DuPage River, and is currently for sale (a short sale). I believe the city would offer some generous incentives for a small business like mine who wanted to improve the property.
I would like to buy this property, either rehabbing the building or knocking down and starting fresh. Large glass windows, filled with lights and beautiful shiny scooters would tempt those driving by. The property is even zoned for a 3 story building, so I could rent out space in the back or above my store to other businesses.
Yes, there are several obstacles between me and Naperville Scooter. However, I prefer to focus on the finish line, not the hurdles.
Why not me?
Chase your dreams.
Ken
Have fun and enjoy the ride!
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Yes, why not you! 2 thumbs up to you for following your dream!
Being in real estate you have great insight as to what questions need to be asked and answered before you lay down a deposit.
I wish you all the luck in the world if you make this undertaking and please, if you do follow up with us so we may be encouraged to do the same one day.
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Hi 08087. Thanks! I appreciate the encouraging words...
That property has always intrigued me...
Thanks again!
Ken
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I say, and I am paraphrasing Field of Dreams here, "Build it and they will come."
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It's the passion man.... nothing can stop that ! ;)
May you have the best of luck!!! :)
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Hi Vivo and Lucasan. Thanks! Passion is right!
Have gotten a fair amount of positive feedback on this from various sites...
Selecting brands (Kymco? Genuine?) to sell.
I keep spreading the word!
Thanks again,
Ken
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Often manufactuers will obligate a dealer to sell a certain number of units in order to hold them as their brand, while we obviously like the Kymco product you might want to go by the commuter lot and see what brands are most popular.
with an avg income as high as you state the area may be more inclined to purchase higher end scoots as sort of a status symble.
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Good luck. Sounds great if you can work it out and make it happen. Would be a pleasure going into work each day once you get it all up and running, and if business takes off. I imagine Kymco and other manufacturers will have a scheme in place for helping new dealers set up shop too, may be worth emailing them for info?
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Hi 08087 and Streido. Thanks!
Good idea on contacting dealers. Looked up Genuine, but they require seasoned dealerships...
Vespas are most popular at the train station, obviously higher end.
Kymco and Lance both intrigue me...
Thanks again guys!
Ken
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If you decide to pursue your dream, I wish you good luck. My wife was born near Naperville and still loves that area. You may also want to consider contacting local Technical schools for mechanics...you want to make sure you can service what you sell...I wouldn't buy from a dealer who doesn't.
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Customer service, after sales support... those are the main keys....
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Good luck.
Just some things to consider.
Naperville, Il?
Realistically how many months will you have true sales?
(overbudget for lean times)
The building looks great, but why not find a smaller rental site to keep your overhead low for the first few years?
Hire great mechanics!
Go get em!
lol sorry, I was the turn around, due diligence (acquisition) person for a large retailer ...
low overhead = much better chance of success!
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Accessories!!! mirrors! pipes! cleaners! wax! grips! gloves! stickers/decals! and lots of goodies! I'm sure this will be a unique sight in your part of town!!! ;D ;D ;D
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/castandiello77/2012-05-02150737.jpg?t=1338864658)
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The repair end or "return" business is what will keep you afloat when sales are down during the lean months. Also around holidays you can make out on sales of accsesories as mentioned by Vivo. You might want to do a demagraphic search n the area, what is the evg age of a scooter owner and how many of those are in your area.
Not ever have driven a Vespa, how does a Kymco stack up against them, would a seasoned rider of a Vespa look at a Kymco, would a Kymco be a stepping stine type of scoot for a Vespa or is Kymco a strong enough brand to hold customer loyalty.
Not looking to be a downer but I'd hate to see you make a rash dicision without having enough info to make a clear headed choice. This thread has picked up some steam and you'll get all sort of conflicting information to weed through, take your time, do your homework and remember it's you that has to live with your choice not one of us are going into our pockets on this.
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You can start small to get the "feel" of the business... monitor customer response... their wants (sometimes "needs")... and expand as needed... I'm in the import and retail business of car accessories and car care products... One big thing I learned is that you always think what the customers think, and what their wants are... you cannot impose to them what is good to you and not to them... they may want Hello Kitty seat covers or Transformers decals or headlight eye lashes... it's ok... it's the $$$$chi-ching that matters... ;)
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Not ever have driven a Vespa, how does a Kymco stack up against them, would a seasoned rider of a Vespa look at a Kymco, would a Kymco be a stepping stine type of scoot for a Vespa or is Kymco a strong enough brand to hold customer loyalty.
Its night and day, imo. Vespa has all steel body, Kymco is steel framed but all plastic panelled, a proper Vespa is geared, kymco is not, built quality on the Vespa is more "solid", its almost a bit like comparing a German car to a Jap car, Vespa is classic design, i can carry a spare wheel for my Vespa, cant easily do that on the Kymco. I have both but since i got my Vespa back on the road i have barely used the Kymco. All round the Vespa is a pleasure to take out for a ride, not saying my Kymco is bad, its not, its just not got the build quality, solidness and coolness the Vespa has, in my opinion. As long as i dont crash it then i know i wont lose money on the Vespa if i come to sell it at some point as it holds or increases its price, i will lose money if i sell on the Kymco. Saying all that Kymco is a trusted Brand name scoot and has a rep much better than most "cheaper" foreign scoots. I would prob place Kymco scoots as mid range scoots, not cheapo scoots.
But yeah, given all that, do some research and see if the markets there, maybe everone just wants a vespa round those parts? And as has been mentioned, find a real good mechanic to repair and service your customers scoots.
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Its night and day, imo. Vespa has all steel body, Kymco is steel framed but all plastic panelled, a proper Vespa is geared, kymco is not, built quality on the Vespa is more "solid"
Not all Vespas are the "classic style" metal body and geared.. My parents have a Vespa LX150 which is plastic bodied and twist-n-go. The LX series is built on one of the Piaggo platforms (Vespa is owned by Piaggo) and although it's a plastic body the overall fit and finish is considerably "more quality looking" than most other brands, if not all.
Being so close to Chicago I would also definitely consider the scooter brand "Genuine", which if I am not mistaken is distributed in the US from Chicago so your shipping costs would be minimal.
The Genuine "Stella" model is a steel body/geared scooter modeled after the Vespa P series and is a very nice clone of one (LML in India, the manufacturer if the Genuine brand scooters, used to make Vespa P series sold in India under license from Vespa/Piaggo). Genuine also makes sport/plastic bodied scooters in addition to the classic styled models.
I plan to visit Naperville on a future Chicago trip - will have to stop in and say Hello..
Brent
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A couple of thoughts:
The "Geared" scoots, are they auto trans or a manuel shift?
To the OP and others, the Vespa brand may require a certified mech. to have gone through one of their schools or other certified process which also costs money, money the OP may not have as a start up.
My neighboor owns a Piaggio (spelling) 350 model and it is much more solid looking then my people's 200, I tink his is twist and go but I'm not sure. I'd love to talk with him but he's kind of standoff'ish.
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Before in my previous post regarding the Genuine brand I had missed the info on page one of thread stating you had already checked into them - sorry about that.
08087: Most of the Vespa-type geared scooters you shift by twisting the left handgrip.
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Hi bdrannik, 08087, streido, vivo, donut, and bleys. Thanks!
Wow! Great advice!
Yes, a good mechanic is a must. He could service mine! :)
The location would be expensive, but I think it is an opportunity in itself due to its poor condition and great location. I may need to rent small storefront, but would love to own this property...
I think the Vespas would be great, and again the train station is loaded with them...
Naperville has 5 high schools, and I could see them scooting to school.
Yes, the winter months could be slow, but I bet scooters and accessories would do great for Christmas...
Thanks again everyone, and please...
Visit http://www.facebook.com/NapervilleScooter (http://www.facebook.com/NapervilleScooter), and click like!
Ken
p.s. any thoughts on Lance? Nice looking and reasonable...
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Hi bdrannik, 08087, streido, vivo, donut, and bleys. Thanks!
Wow! Great advice!
Yes, a good mechanic is a must. He could service mine! :)
The location would be expensive, but I think it is an opportunity in itself due to its poor condition and great location. I may need to rent small storefront, but would love to own this property...
I think the Vespas would be great, and again the train station is loaded with them...
Naperville has 5 high schools, and I could see them scooting to school.
Yes, the winter months could be slow, but I bet scooters and accessories would do great for Christmas...
Thanks again everyone, and please...
Visit http://www.facebook.com/NapervilleScooter (http://www.facebook.com/NapervilleScooter), and click like!
Ken
p.s. any thoughts on Lance? Nice looking and reasonable...
What is the markup on a typical scoot you might sell X's number of units you hope to sellper month on avg. that number should cover your nut plus expenses electric, front end salary(s), matreial. What you make on your parts and service will cover your mech and your income. This will be sparce in the early days, so will you be keeping your real estate job for awhile?
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Kenny i know one guy not too far from me who deals in the LML Scooters and parts, he has a direct link with India and gets parts and complete scoots from there no probs. The accessories/parts market is huge and prices are pretty low compared to UK prices anyway (I got an LML Flasher relay direct from India for under 1/3 of the UK price). May or may not be of use to you?
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a good mechanic is a must. He could service mine!
Hard to think of anything more worthless than a motor scooter shop proprietor that lacks preventative maintenance and troubleshooting abilities . . such as knowing the difference between ac-cdi and dc-cdi ignition systems. The high school and college crowd may be a "slippery slope" . . typical "laws don't apply to me" mentality trying to make their 50cc 4-stroke "30 mph moped" go 50 mph.
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trying to make their 50cc 4-stroke "30 mph moped" go 50 mph
??? ??? ???
Isnt that what its all about? Its a big part of it for me. Making something slow go fast is fun and unique, anyone can go out and buy a big fast scoot but tuning up a little putt-putt to go zoom-zoom is what i like. You can polish a turd, it just takes time ;D
On the other hand i kinda agree with young kids being annoying. At least 1 scooter shop near me stopped selling and dealing in vespa and vespa parts cos he said it wasnt worth all the hassle. Every day some scooter boy was in complaining about parts being wrong, trying to return worn used parts for a refund or just basically being abusive to staff over petty stuff. He had enough and stopped selling parts/accessories unless THEY fit them. Was my local Vespa shop, now hes gone i have to order my parts online, but i get why he quit.
So yes, you WILL need a basic knowledge yourself to manage the shop properly imo.
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Hard to think of anything more worthless than a motor scooter shop proprietor that lacks preventative maintenance and troubleshooting abilities . . such as knowing the difference between ac-cdi and dc-cdi ignition systems. The high school and college crowd may be a "slippery slope" . . typical "laws don't apply to me" mentality trying to make their 50cc 4-stroke "30 mph moped" go 50 mph.
I tend to agree with you, a basic way around the item you sell and service is important, but if your a good manager you can hire the right people to take car of this for you. Most car dealerships are owned and run by very well off men/women that have never held a wrench. They hire the right parts guy, service manager, sales manager etc. they manage their managers. Upstart funds are important though.
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Hard to think of anything more worthless than a motor scooter shop proprietor that lacks preventative maintenance and troubleshooting abilities . . such as knowing the difference between ac-cdi and dc-cdi ignition systems. The high school and college crowd may be a "slippery slope" . . typical "laws don't apply to me" mentality trying to make their 50cc 4-stroke "30 mph moped" go 50 mph.
I tend to agree with this member...
You really need to set yourself up for success not for ....
I grew up in retail (albeit perishable but that has an additional set of challenges), 150k pop (even with the college is lean), mean income is good, but in a SEASONAL part of the country...
I have gotten to know a scooter shop owner in my nearby college town, just over 150k with a higher mean income than yours... he can take a scooter apart and of course put it back together... shop is relatively small in a "b" location (near downtown/mall/campus) They sell Kymco, Genuine, Aprilia and a few others (new/used) ... it's a tough business and the $ are in repair ... also in a seasonal part of the US ... winter's are tough ...
If you are in a seasonal area of the country... scoots are not on the holiday gift list.... he just buckles down, keeps a skeleton staff (most motorcycle shops here fire and then rehire in the spring most of their staff... yes MOST)...
Lots to think about and plan... start building a simple excel spreadsheet budget... start listing every single expense you can think of ...
if you need some help, pm me...
Not trying to kill the dream but being prepared will help the dream some true...
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Ken, if this is the Naperville in Illinois, You might want to check out the nearby Vespa dealer on Ogden Avenue. It's a used car dealer that also has a showroom with Vespas, Piaggios, and Moto Guzzis. I've driven past it many times. Address could be in Naperville or Downers Grove.
You might want to stop by just to talk and inquire how the scooter selling business is. Also check out any other nearby scooter dealers. I believe DGY on Ogden carries a lot of scooters including Aprilia. Having owned several small businesses, you cannot do too much research!
If you ever get this venture off the ground, I will definately visit and support.
Wil B.
Broadview, IL
'71 Guzzi Ambassador
'91 Nighthawk
'04 Kymco Super 9
'10 Kymco Yager 200gt
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Hi Wil, donut, tort, 08, and streido. Thanks for all the input!
Don't worry (guys that sound worried)! I am not jumping into anything...
Just planning.
Thanks again!
Ken
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Worthless? Worthless is a mechanic that starts a shop but doesn't know marketing, sales, or how to run a business and is quickly out of business...
Thanks again!
Ken
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Worthless? Worthless is a mechanic that starts a shop but doesn't know marketing, sales, or how to run a business and is quickly out of business...
Thanks again!
Ken
Well said, I have a freind that is a great small eng mech. he started up a business selling and repairing those little skate boards with eng mounted to them, was doing great with sales but was not making enough on the markup, he was doing well on the repair end too. Another friend of ours (professional sales person) dropped by and showed him where he was going wrong on his pricing but the guy wouldn't budge, 6 months later he closed his doors. Total time from open to close a little over 1 yr.
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I have a degree in Agriculture, worked in the banking industry for one decade another decade in the textile industry. now, I'm making waves in the Automotive and Retail Store industry.... No marketing or engineering exposure whatsoever... just pure passion. You'll make it sir!... ;)
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Hi Vivo and 08087. Thanks!
I am pursuing the project. Worst case, nothing.
Mid level case, I sell the building (I am a real estate agent)
Best case, I put together some partners, buy the building, and beautify Naperville.
Thanks again!
Ken
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Vey good, I don't know why but I'm excieted for you. I'll be following along on FB and will look for updates here as well. All the luck in the world to you in your new venture! Who knows maybe you'll inspire others to do the same.
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If you do not go for it, you will always regret it. So unless you are an attorney, hire one and get him or her to contact the city about the property. Don't do it your self, it will be your first investment. I can't wait until I can buy something from you on the internet. You're just too far from S. Jersey.
Richard L.
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Yeah! You got to chase that idea! That is one ugly-ass building and anything short of a bulldozer would be an improvement! I think there is plenty of room for an enthusiastic, reputable dealer. I would volunteer for your service dept if it was not so far away!
Karl
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Hi Karl, Richard, and 08. Thanks! I love when I hear any of my writing inspires...
It makes me feel great!
I laughed out loud about the bulldozer comment. It is horrible, and my office is about 200 yards from it...
Would love to do that property, but not limiting my business to it...
Would be cheaper/easier to start with renting a space, and am keeping my options open, and not ruling out anything. I want to have my scooter shop, and look forward to posting more...
FYI, Bintelli Scooters is my current pick to sell. I have been researching, and love what I hear...
Thanks again guys!
Ken
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Hi Karl, Richard, and 08. Thanks! I love when I hear any of my writing inspires...
It makes me feel great!
I laughed out loud about the bulldozer comment. It is horrible, and my office is about 200 yards from it...
Would love to do that property, but not limiting my business to it...
Would be cheaper/easier to start with renting a space, and am keeping my options open, and not ruling out anything. I want to have my scooter shop, and look forward to posting more...
FYI, Bintelli Scooters is my current pick to sell. I have been researching, and love what I hear...
Thanks again guys!
Ken
One thing I didn't think about (I'm a worrier) is the EPA requierments on how you collect and dispose of your fluids and oils. One thing you can do is have a shop heater that runs on waste oil, it'll save you some money even if you won't be collecting tons of oil from scoots it does help reduce costs.
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Hi 0807. I am glad you are a worrier, yet not a downer. You find solutions to your concerns, and I appreciate that!
I don't worry about anything. It is funny when people bring up the problems with opening a scooter store (or anything else for that matter). I can list a million problems. Special people find opportunities, and you seem to...
You mentioned you were following on FB. What is your real name?
Thanks again for everything!
Ken
p.s. my birthday is August 7th. 08/07
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Hi 0807. I am glad you are a worrier, yet not a downer. You find solutions to your concerns, and I appreciate that!
I don't worry about anything. It is funny when people bring up the problems with opening a scooter store (or anything else for that matter). I can list a million problems. Special people find opportunities, and you seem to...
You mentioned you were following on FB. What is your real name?
Thanks again for everything!
Ken
p.s. my birthday is August 7th. 08/07
Look for a PM, I'm a Scorpio if that helps. I got the joke 0807 lol.
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;D ;D ;D
Below, you'll find a little list of the zodiac signs and how likely they are to get into a car crash. With them, Allstate put together a list of words that they say define you as a driver. (The zodiac below is the one which has the 13th sign, Ophiuchus).
Scorpio (November 23 - November 28) - Passionate, resourceful - 26,833 crashes
Ophiuchus (November 29 - December 17) - Wise, ambitious, lucky - 83,234 crashes
Cancer (July 21 - August 9) - Compassion, sensitivity - 101,539 crashes
Aquarius (February 16 - March 11) - Progressive, independent - 106,878 crashes
Libra (October 31 - November 22) - Cooperative, gracious - 110,592 crashes
Aries (April 17 - May 13) - Impatience, determination - 112,402 crashes
Capricorn (January 18 - February 15) - Responsible, disciplined - 128,005 crashes
Gemini (June 20 - July 20) - Short attention span, nervous - 136,904 crashes
Sagittarius (December 18 - January 17) - Impatient, idealistic - 154,477 crashes
Pisces (March 12 - April 16) - Fearful, overly trusting - 172,030 crashes
Taurus (May 14 - June 19) - Uncompromising, possessive - 177,503 crashes
Leo (August 10 - September 15) Arrogance, inflexibility - 179,657 crashes
Virgo (September 16 - October 30) - Worry, shyness - 211,650 crashes
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Uh oh. As a Leo, it looks like I am the second most likely to crash. I can't believe the info available...
Thanks again guys!
Ken
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Uh oh. As a Leo, it looks like I am the second most likely to crash. I can't believe the info available...
Thanks again guys!
Ken
;D ;D ;D
I'm a Leo too... been riding since 1974... no major crashes, just some minor falls... ;D