I've been offered a shipping container in a BMX park to use for a fledgling co-op. 

 

I want to hear from others who operate out of containers.  What has your experience been like?  What challenges does operating out of a container present that a traditional retail/warehouse space does not?  How do you address those challenges?

 

My plan is to provide tools and two or three stands (spaced very generously apart) for DIY service as well as a small selection of new consumables (cables, housing, ferrules, etc) on a PWYC basis.

 

Partially finance the above by selling refurbished donated bikes.

 

Provide a small selection of used parts (taken from donated bikes that aren't safe/worth refurbishing) on a PWYC basis.

 

All of this will be on a seasonal basis.  May-Oct.  If it lasts longer than this season, I'll grow it as I'm able in the future.

 

Right now my primary goal is to take advantage of the surge of interest in cycling to get more people on bikes.

 

I'm also interested in diverting as much waste from landfills as possible, and would love to hear any ideas about converting frames/parts to useable objects (repair stands, tables, clocks, whatever).