I want to say there are a few coops out there that registered as for-profit
corporations instead of non-profits, hopefully they speak up. I also know
the IRS has forms on how to convert a non-profit to a for-profit because it
does happen.
As for the commercial side of it, you should contact or join the National
Bicycle Dealers Association (www.nbda.com) and attend their free seminars at
Interbike (www.interbike.com). I think one big difference (there are
others) between coops and collectives vs. local bike shops (LBS) is that we
find any space we can get for free or cheap, and the LBS will spend a ton to
get into the right location, location, location. So count on needing a
large amount of investment capital -- the days of mom and pop slowing
building a business from scratch using word of mouth and good service don't
exist anymore.
BTW, did these shops die?
Rudys Cyclery
(518) 235-2525
578 2nd Ave Troy, NY 12182-2532
Sycaway Bicycle Sales & Svce
(518) 273-7788
13 Lord Ave Troy, NY 12180-6700
--
Sincerely,
Jonathan Morrison
Executive Director
Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective
2312 S. West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
w: 801-328-2453
c: 801-688-0183
f: 801-466-3856
www.slcbikecollective.org
Get Addicted to Crank!
http://www.slcbikecollective.org/crank/
On Dec 17, 2007 9:26 AM, andrew L.
anyone@breathingplanet.net wrote:
> Hey Josh,
>
> i totally understand your comment.. in the case I am in, we are in a
> small revitalizing post-industrial town where there is NO bikeshop
> (other than walmart). I founded a nomadic recycling operation several
> years ago that has a great reputation in the community and now seeing
> where the town is going (lots of new real estate development, new
> demographics... essentially gentrification, but of a particular
> post-industrial small town breed/brand), i am contemplating that someone
> is gonna come in and open up a shop in the next 3-5 years. i can see
> it. my thought is... it should be us, dammit! we have been here doing
> the work. we have the people (who need the paid work.) and the
> expertise, and the drive necessary to make it happen.... etc.. and... we
> could create a 'commercial' shop that is community oriented as opposed
> to a crap shop that only exists to make profits, and maybe the owner(s)
> dont even work there.
>
> but of course, this would potentially change things in a big way and i
> am wondering if there are people out there who are sorting out the
> logistics of running dual financial entities simultaneously while
> maintaining a volunteer base and maintaining the all-important spirit of
> "community bike" work and community-building.
>
> this actually IS intended for the list :) i wanted to give a bit more
> context, and see what else people had to say. i am prodding a bit. I
> want to get peoples reactions. this very idea doesnt necessarily sit
> well with me, but i want to try think hypothetically and innovatively
> about it.
>
> overall, i really appreciate the thoughtfulness and haste of the
> conversation here. thanks everyone!
>
> andrew
>
> veganboyjosh@gmail.com wrote:
> > oops, that wasn't meant to go to the entire list. sorry...
> >
> >
> >
> > On Dec 17, 2007 8:26 AM, <veganboyjosh@gmail.com
> >
mailto:veganboyjosh@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > this is one reason why i think we shouldn't get into selling new
> > parts...
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On Dec 17, 2007 8:18 AM, info@re-cycles.ca
> >
mailto:info@re-cycles.ca < info@re-cycles.ca
> >
mailto:info@re-cycles.ca> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > We have avoided retailing any new bikes or parts to minimize
> > competition with the local retail bike shops many of which
> > support us
> > with donations of used bikes & parts and a deep discount on any
> > tools
> > or new parts needed to complete our overhauls.
> >
> > Chris
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Thethinktank mailing list
> > Thethinktank@bikecollectives.org
> >
>
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>
> --
>
>
>
> andrew lynn | media worker | 518-573-7947
> ---------------------------------------------
> troy new york |
http://www.breathingplanet.net
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