Don't have a garage?

To employ someone, on average actually costs a company 2x their salary.

To be honest I don't see it working, it's just not viable.

If I was investing that sort of money, there are plenty of more profitable ways to invest it.

I've now heard of 3 different businesses offering that sort of thing, they have all folded long ago.
 
Are there currently any businesses offering this service?

The market has changed rapidly since the times they folded. Especially the younger people market!
 
How has the younger people market changed?

In my mind, 3 things have changed.

1. Property rental prices have increased.
2. Liability insurance prices have increased.
3. Car have become more complicated and as a whole, more difficult to work on.
 
Muncher said:
How?

The garage would have a positive duty of care, not just a case of "our staff didn't push the car on top of you so we're not liable".

There would be a duty of care but not to the extent of making sure people are working properly. You simply cannot watch customers none stop, if customers make mistakes that does not make you negligent. There would be ridiculous amounts of litigation (more so) if that were true. You have a duty to other motorists whilst driving, it doesn't mean you have to check their brakes are working.

The staff would have a duty of care to customers but it would be unfair to impose on the staff a duty to make sure every customer is doing everything safely. The disclaimer would enforce that point.

I'm not saying i'm right, i honestly don't know. But remember, public liability insurance is not mandatory, i would take the risk ;) and cut costs down. Nevertheless, i agree, it probably wouldn't be viable, but not because of the insurance aspect.

Employers liability insurance?

Wouldn't be that high seen as the employees aren't working on the cars and are in no real danger.

Occupiers liability insurance?

That covers the state of the actual premises, not acts done whilst inside. As long as tools, lifts etc are maintained there would be no problem.
Click to expand...
 
ooh ooh, i have a better example. I was trained how to use the machines at the gym. If I decide to get my leg stuck in a weight machine I couldn't sue the gym unless it was their negligence that caused the injury (e.g. inadequate training or dodgy machines).
 
Good points Jet.

Anyways the younger market.

Young people interested in their cars, nothing else. Disposable income spent on their neon washer jets, chrome wiper blades and cheap tools. They bodge their exhausts or pay others same with the brakes etc..

This market started growing in the 90's look at it now. You see more cars like this than ever on the roads today. Just go for a drive at night to see what I mean. It's this segment that would aid in the success of a business like this and it's growing. 'Doin up deyre motahs'..

Modern cars have become more complicated, but this is the wrong market for this type of job. No one would take their BMW M6 to a place like this would they? An enthusiast wouldn't even care about the level of complexity. A corsa is not hard to work on etc.. If there is a complicated car it goes to the garage or dealer, that's not the market this venture would be attracting... Why would a potential customer even contemplate working on a complicated car? The only way they would is if they were an enthusiast.
 
There was a company in Milton Keynes offering this service.

O.K. MOTOR SERVICES LIMITED
Status: Petition to Restore - Dissolved 11/01/2005
Date of Incorporation: 29/04/1959

Country of Origin: United Kingdom


Accounts and returns overdue since 2004.
 
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