- do you have separate sign-up sheets for quick repairs vs. say building
a bike up from scratch?
We've experimented with a single list versus a split list for looking for a bike versus working on a bike. I personally prefer a single list, since it prevents having to police what people do once they are in the shop - i.e. I don't have to worry whether truing your wheel is going to be a quick task for you or not.
- do you offer a comfy area to wait for those who need to?
We have a shelf with bike books/magazines/pamphlets, some chairs, and some water. Mostly people just stand around though.
- do you let people work on bikes without a volunteer?
Yes - we have one person greeting people at the door while other mechanics work with people. Each mechanic works with 1-3 people depending on the level of assistance needed and the mechanic's preferences. When a mechanic is sure they can take an additional person they let the greeter know to let someone else in.
- if so, do you make them "prove" that they know how to use the tools
properly or respect the shop?
No. They check out the toolbox with an id, and the easy to break expensive tools are locked up, but generally if you say you know what you're doing we'll let you go at it without interference. In fact during really busy days we'll let people check out a set of tools with the explicit understanding that they will not be able to ask questions and that they will work outside the main shop area. Sometimes this leads to people taking apart a bottom bracket all over the floor and not knowing how to put it back together, but it also saves a lot of frustration and waiting for people who just need to adjust a brake and know what they're doing.
We also let people call ahead to get on the waiting list.