Originally Posted by Dave Mayer

Local shops will donate useful used parts and surplus inventory to you if you establish a good initial relationship. If you are serving a low-income/classic and vintage/cheap hobbyist demographic, then you will not pose a threat to commercial shops. In fact, they will refer business to you, which usually involves folks with overly complex bikes with intractable problems and no money. So old department-store full-sus bikes with auxiliary electric or gas drives bristling with ancient GPS systems, lights, computers and sound systems. Have to have a set of loud speakers on your bike strapped to 2 tiers of riser stems! Commercial shops send these folks immediately our way.


Starting a Co-op: you'll need open ground-level commercial space close to a bike path system. No stairs. You'll need insurance, and non-profit status. You'll need an account with one or more of the bike parts wholesalers.


You'll want to focus on used bikes sales (from donations) and DIY repairs and instruction. Most of your money will come from bike sales and grants/donations. DO NOT pay for ANY donated bikes or parts, or within hours you'll turn into a stolen bike fencing operation.


Volunteers: you'll need experienced bike mechanics and instructors, shop administrators and fundraisers/promoters. Whatever you do, do not allow WOKE social justice warrior volunteer types to highjack your shop mission. Not only do they not know much about bikes or business, they will not contribute to actually keeping the shop operating. Their underlying objective will be to consume all shop resources (shop profile, money and volunteers) to serve their personal crusades including anti-poverty, immigration, climate change, green energy, ban the car, deforestation, save the narwhale, etc. Plus tear the shop apart from the inside with divisive politics. My former favorite Co-op imploded this way.


Co-ops: well worthwhile and good luck!