How do I assess a sporting goods store’s skate sharpening or ski tuning service?

Skate sharpening and ski tuning are skills as much as services. Ask to see a job done and note how long it takes, how the machine is set up and whether customers wait or leave items. Look at the equipment’s age, its maintenance and whether blades, wheels, stones or wax supplies are stocked and tracked.

Then ask who does the work. If one experienced person handles nearly everything, find out whether they are staying and whether anyone else could do the job. Training someone new takes patience, and customers notice poor work quickly. Ask how complaints are handled, and what happens if a sharpening goes wrong.

Next, study demand. Sharpening and tuning peak at certain times, so ask for service records by week across a full cycle. Is the service profitable by itself, or mainly a way of drawing customers into the shop? Both can be valid, but they lead to different decisions. Look at whether service customers go on to buy gear, and whether the booking system is simple or relies on memory. Your accountant can help you separate the service income from retail, and a ratio such as debt service coverage may matter if you borrow.

Key takeaways

• Watch a real job and inspect the equipment and supplies.
• Find out who does the work and whether they will stay.
• Use weekly records to see how seasonal the service is.