Your model sounds more conventional than most of the members of this group, who generally do not work on bikes for customers. More than semantic, for most operations in this group, the community members work on their bikes under the supervision of volunteers (less frequently staff) to accomplish repairs. Thus, input is matched to output. Some volunteers also work on bikes for donation/sale/gifting.

In a conventional Independent Bicycle Dealer, repairs are a function of mechanic availability. Typically, a shop will have a work order/repair tag that is placed in a file/hook/slot, representing a day of the week. When the order is created, a time value is assigned and the file/hook/slot is capped at a total time value based on anticipated mechanic availability. It is useful to have a 20% time value contingency. Parts and labor are noted on the work order as accomplished. Many IBDs have a limbo file/hook/slot for bikes waiting on parts, warranty, etc. When a bike is identified for assembly (IBDs deal in new bikes) a work order is created and placed on file/hook/slot.



On Fri, May 8, 2015 at 6:59 AM, Laura Biren <birenlaura@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello all,

Was wondering if any of you had any advice on backlogs and successfully quoting customers when their bike will be done?? We have a combination of repairs/tune-ups, as well as overhauls of bikes people are requesting to purchase from us. So far we have one giant list of bikes that need to get done in order of when people came into the shop and approximately when they desire the bike to be done.

Thanks a bunch!

--
Laura Biren
Outreach Intern at BF Community Bike Project

____________________________________

The ThinkTank mailing List
<a href="http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.org">Unsubscribe from this list</a>





--
Kevin Dwyer
The Bicycle Collective
SLC, UT


IMPORTANT:  This communication is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed.  It may contain information that is confidential and/or protected by the attorney-client or other applicable privilege.  If you are not the intended recipient, or if you are not responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that the disclosure of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately by telephone at (801) 647-0797, and return the original message to me at the above address via email.  Thank you.