Chase your Dream: The Naperville Scooter Store

[KennyT]

I recently purchased my first scooter, a low mileage 2009 Kymco Agility 125...


-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...


-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...


-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...


-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!

[08087]

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.

[KennyT]

Hi 08087.  Thanks!  I appreciate the encouraging words...
That property has always intrigued me...
Thanks again!
Ken

[Lucasan]

I say, and I am paraphrasing Field of Dreams here, "Build it and they will come."

[Vivo]

It's the passion man.... nothing can stop that !  


May you have the best of luck!!! 

[KennyT]

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

[08087]

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.

[streido]

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?

[KennyT]

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

[bleys]

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.

[Vivo]

Customer service, after sales support... those are the main keys.... 

[donut]

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!

[Vivo]

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!!! 

[08087]

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.

[Vivo]

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...