If you need to repair or service your motorbike or car, what are your options? Well you can take it to a dealership, which is expensive, or you can do it yourself at home. The second option is cheaper, but many people don’t have the space or expertise to do the job. ‘Motormethod’ in Vancouver Canada offers a third option for motorcyclists.

It’s a fully staffed motorcycle repair shop that also rents out bays for bikers to carry out their own DIY repairs and servicing. ‘Motormethod’ provide the space, the tools and even the tuition to help DIY enthusiasts do the job themselves. Bikers pay an annual membership fee and are then able to rent bays by the hour.

At first the business seems counter-intuitive, almost like going into competition with yourself…but I’m not sure that it is. The bay rental fee is extra revenue, and DIY enthusiasts may never spend a penny in the garage if it wasn’t for this facility. Also, by getting them on site, it’s a good opportunity to sell them parts and accessories. In addition, I’m sure some people will decide the whole thing isn’t worth the bother anyway, and hand their bikes over to the professionals.

This is definitely something that could be copied by any car or bike repair facility with spare space. I also wonder what other businesses this principle could be applied to….i.e. providing DIY facilities for new customers and thereby opening up a new revenue stream. Something to think about.