In addition to selling new bicycles, many bike shops also purchase and restore used bicycles for resale. Most also stock replacement parts for the types of bicycles they sell as well as a variety of safety equipment such as helmets, gloves, and reflective gear. Bicycle shops help promote cycling as a beneficial exercise, a positive social activity, and a clean alternative form of transportation.
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Start a bike shop by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Bike Shop
- Form your Bike Shop into a Legal Entity
- Register your Bike Shop for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Bike Shop
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Bike Shop
- Get Bike Shop Insurance
- Define your Bike Shop Brand
- Create your Bike Shop Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your bike shop. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Bike Shop Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a bike shop?
One of the initial costs is obtaining any required business licenses and permits. Depending on the location and size of your shop, opening a bicycle shop can cost as much as $350,000, or as little as $10,000. Startup costs are usually lower in smaller cities where rents aren’t as high, since a substantial amount of space is required.
Once a suitable space is located, it must be outfitted to effectively display bikes and accessories. Purchasing initial inventory is also costly, but many wholesale bicycle dealers offer shop owners a line of credit at 0% interest for a limited time (usually 3-6 months), which helps finance the initial inventory. Other goods, such as safety equipment, clothing, and accessories must be purchased outright.
Read our bike shop purchasing guide to learn about the materials and equipment you’ll need to start a bike shop, how much to budget, and where to make purchases.
What are the ongoing expenses for a bike shop?
Ongoing expenses include:
- Rent
- License and insurance fees
- Inventory maintenance costs, which can be reduced by advertising more expensive items in brochures, rather than keeping them in stock
- Freight charges, which can be reduced by using local wholesalers whenever possible
- Sale and inventory management software designed specifically for bike shops
- Tool maintenance
- Staff training and salaries
Who is the target market?
Preferred customers are people who enjoy cycling as a form of transportation, a competitive sport, or a recreational hobby.
How does a bike shop make money?
Bicycle shops make money by purchasing bicycles and cycling accessories for resale. Most shops also offer replacement parts and bicycle repair services. Some offer bicycle rentals as well as sales. Customers rely on the extensive knowledge and expertise of bicycle shop staff members to maintain their bicycles in safe riding condition.
How much can you charge customers?
Bicycle repairs can cost anywhere from $10 to $150, depending on the complexity of the job and the cost of the replacement parts. Simple beach cruisers cost anywhere from $199 to $700, while complex, rugged mountain bikes can range from $700 up to $10,000. There are also hybrid electric bicycles. Although they may charge more, most people choose bicycle shops over big box stores for the quality of their products, the superior knowledge of the staff, and the high level of customization they offer.
How much profit can a bike shop make?
On average, the retail profit margin for bike sales is 36%, although the margin is somewhat higher for other types of cycling-related products, such as clothing and accessories. By selling a combination of bikes and other goods, the average bicycle shop earns a profit margin of about 42%.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Many bike shops have begun expanding their businesses, by making their stores available for other types of community events. According to a recent survey of 4,000 bike shops, 12% now have coffee bars, 11% offer cycling/spin classes, and nearly 1% partner with other service providers to offer massage and yoga. Your profits can increase in direct proportion to the community involvement your store makes possible.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your bike shop is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your bike shop were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?
Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a bike shop business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting the Small Business Administration’s reference to state licenses and permits.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Liability Waiver
If a bike shop is considering renting bikes, liability waivers are essential since consumers will be in high-risk environments, operating potentially dangerous machinery. For this reason, it is best to require protective gear.
Certificate of Occupancy
A bike shop business is generally run out of a retail store. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
- If you plan to lease a bike shop:
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a bike shop business.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
- If you plan to purchase or build a bike shop:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your bike shop will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Bike Shop needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Bike Shop.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a bike shop
A great way to promote your shop is by partnering with other local businesses to sponsor bicycle races and other community events for charitable causes. Part of what makes bicycling so attractive to people is being outdoors, interacting with nature and other members of the community. Providing more opportunities for them to do that is sure to increase your customer base.
Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are excellent platforms to advertise both community and sales events. Many bike shops also make it possible for their customers to purchase items online by maintaining a page on Shopify, or another sales platform. Creating and maintaining a website is a good way to inform regular customers about new products and services, as well as upcoming sales.
How to keep customers coming back
Purchasing used bikes from local community members is a good way to build a local reputation, establish customer loyalty, and lower your inventory costs. People who sell older bicycles that their children may have outgrown are apt to use the money to purchase a new one.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
This business is ideal for environmentally conscious people who want to promote physical fitness and enjoy interacting with others.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a bike shop?
Bicycle shop owners perform a wide variety of activities, including:
- Tracking sales and inventory
- Purchasing bicycles and accessories
- Scheduling and performing bicycle customization and repairs
- Creating sales promotions
- Arranging and participating in community events
- Researching new products and current trends in cycling
- Training staff
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful bike shop?
Some skills that will help you succeed in this type of business include:
- Bicycle repair
- Customer service
- Knowledge of cycling products and accessories
- Accounting skills
- Managerial skills for training staff
The National Bicycle Dealers Association provides a number of educational resources on their website.
What is the growth potential for a bike shop?
The bicycle industry is demonstrating continuous growth, with the majority of bicycle manufacturers enjoying an increase in profits for 2016. Depending on location, it is possible to achieve enough growth to offer franchise opportunities.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
How and when to build a team
It’s important to build a team from the beginning. Typically, a team includes a lending institution, and at least one staff member knowledgeable about cycling products, and skilled in bicycle repair.
Useful Links
TRUiC Resources
Industry Opportunities
Real World Examples
- KLM Bike & Fitness – Birmingham, MI
- Bike Doctor, a bicycle shop specializing in repairs, serving the Mid-Atlantic area
- Wheels in Motion, bike shop