Things are a'changing... - Page 2

xelasnave · #21 02-11-2016, 01:19 PM

Hey Brent I wish you all the best.
Do a spread sheet showing bad reasonable and good sales projections.
This can suggest if it is a hobby or a business.
I have done many projections and often one finds you can get a better return from bank interest and an unskilled job.
Many of the small businesses you see are slowly going broke eating away their home equity until they silently disappear when the bank says sell up.
I did a projection for a fire wood business for two friends.
It told me they had to cut wood all summer and sell and deliver one load each hour of each working day during the winter selling period all to make $650 a week each pre tax...and that was if everything went perfect, no sick days, no break downs sales every hour.
It turned what seemed like an easy quid into something you would only do if there was nothing else.
Think of the unit profit and how many you can physically process.
I don't want to put you off and you probably have thought it through but maybe you have not thought about the reality of business many don't, and think a good idea is all you need.
Good luck and best wishes
Alex

raymo · #22 02-11-2016, 01:20 PM

I'm pretty sure that only assist electric bikes are legal in W.A. The motor
must automatically cut out if you stop pedalling. There is also a max legal
top speed, but I don't recall what it is. I think a fully motor powered
bike would be legal, but would require a motor bike licence.
raymo

PCH (Paul) · #23 02-11-2016, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymo

I'm pretty sure that only assist electric bikes are legal in W.A. The motor
must automatically cut out if you stop pedalling. There is also a max legal
top speed, but I don't recall what it is. I think a fully motor powered
bike would be legal, but would require a motor bike licence.
raymo

.....and be made to a recognised standard I would think Ray

raymo · #24 02-11-2016, 08:12 PM

I would think that you could build your own Paul, and then get it inspected
by the transport people, like you do if you do mods to your vehicle, or
import one from overseas.
raymo

ZeroID (Brent) · #25 03-11-2016, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymo

I'm pretty sure that only assist electric bikes are legal in W.A. The motor
must automatically cut out if you stop pedalling. There is also a max legal
top speed, but I don't recall what it is. I think a fully motor powered
bike would be legal, but would require a motor bike licence.
raymo

25 kph seems the norm for most places.
Heck, I can do 35 kph on the Cannondale without a motor !!
NZ doesn't run a speed restriction but motors must be no more than 300 watts or certified for offroad use only in which case you can get 1000 watt motors. MTB & Trail riders, farm bikes and the like.
Above 300 watts and you need a motorcycle license, registration etc so not impossible.

ZeroID (Brent) · #26 03-11-2016, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xelasnave

Hey Brent I wish you all the best.
Do a spread sheet showing bad reasonable and good sales projections.
This can suggest if it is a hobby or a business.
I have done many projections and often one finds you can get a better return from bank interest and an unskilled job.
Many of the small businesses you see are slowly going broke eating away their home equity until they silently disappear when the bank says sell up.

Good luck and best wishes
Alex

Alex, as I am still working fulltime this is based on being a 'hobby' leading to a small business later. It has a limited capital resource ($5000) to work from and only if it is going extremely well and I need more stock on hand to meet demand will there be any further temporary cash injection.

Fortunately the start up requirements are not too onerous and although the margin is small and it will need a few conversions before it pays for itself, if it goes bust the least I will end up with is an electric bike and a clean workshop

Long term if I get 1-2 a week ( about 10 hours work ) it will be quite adequate for my purposes. Plenty of time for other pursuits and even manageable if I keep up full time work for a while although that is not the intention.

Cheers
Brent

PCH (Paul) · #27 03-11-2016, 01:15 PM

Brent,

aren't there any rules and regs in NZ that govern the manufacture of motorised vehicles? Even those with power outputs below the limits that you mentioned where the driver/rider needs a license and insurance etc, what regs govern the manufacture?

Just asking

ZeroID (Brent) · #28 03-11-2016, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PCH

Brent,

aren't there any rules and regs in NZ that govern the manufacture of motorised vehicles? Even those with power outputs below the limits that you mentioned where the driver/rider needs a license and insurance etc, what regs govern the manufacture?

Just asking

Not if it is under 300 watts and bikes do not require registration or road testing in any form. No license or insurance for the rider required for under 300 watts.
Most bikes come from China\Asia, there is no local manufacturer. Some like my Cannondale, from USA and Europe.
I guess sub 300 watts is not considered motorised and it would just be a hassle to administer. Several schools are running EV Tech classes and races for students. Roll cage and helmet required for tests off road but no other regs to stifle them.

And update:
Enquiry to do two bikes for Xmas ...

This is getting out of hand ...

ZeroID (Brent) · #29 07-11-2016, 07:14 PM

Just an update.
First confirmed sales, 2 installs for husband and wife. ASAP.

The other double install mentioned above, the bikes were not suitable, childs, too small. But they may come back with upgrades and two more later for the parents.

Just shows what a bit of targeted marketing and good information can do.

xelasnave · #30 07-11-2016, 08:42 PM

Fantastic news Brent.

I am very happy for you.

Remember word of mouth is the best marketing.

One of my sales training courses told of an insurance salesman who upon completing his sale and had impressed his client with good service etc would ask say...

I know you are happy with my service can you think of ant friends or family who may be in need of my service....

I would always ask when I took in a new property management and it really paid off.
Alex

ZeroID (Brent) · #31 08-11-2016, 10:56 AM

Cheers Alex,
I'm working the channels as my good lady recommends, she is an expert !

Re your earlier comments re returns on effort, I only need to make about $1500 to break even. Tools and hardware are minimal and handy anyway. 5 or 6 conversions will do it. Limited stock holding required, bring it in as necessary. Even if it just trickles along it's a bit of extra cash now and then but the way the whole EV industry is going I suspect I may become busier than I expected sooner rather than later.