How do I judge the workshop side of a ski shop before buying?

Start with the people. A skilled technician can be the reason customers return, so ask who they are, how they trained and whether they plan to stay. If the owner does most of the work personally, the buyer needs to know how that will be replaced.

Next, the equipment. Walk the bench and note the grinders, waxing stations, mounting tools and storage. Ask for the age and service history of each machine, and have someone familiar with them look at the condition if you are unsure. The equipment guide explains how a machine’s value is judged.

Then look at the workload. Ask to see work orders over recent seasons, including turnaround times and how work piles up during busy weeks. Find out which services are offered and which are sent elsewhere. A bench that is always behind may need another person. Finally, check supplies. Ask what wax, edges, bindings and parts are on hand, and who provides them. Compare the cost of consumables with the prices customers pay, and ask your accountant to confirm the workshop earns its place in the shop. Ask whether any customers or local teams bring in work regularly, since those relationships help show that the bench is more than a convenience.

Key takeaways

• Find out who runs the bench and whether they will stay on.
• Check each machine’s age, service history and condition with someone who knows them.
• Review work orders, turnaround times and supply costs across recent seasons.