At work the other day we were discussing a new service we are about to offer where we buy in certain components, assemble them into higher assemblies and then sell (and deliver) to customers.

It got me thinking and I almost came up with a fantastic idea.

What I though of was a service where people choose their furniture from Ikea (for example), then I could collect from the store*, assemble it and then deliver to the customer. I specifically though about assembly before delivery as it would make the actual time needed to deliver the product significantly less than delivering and assembling on site.

I would need an assembly area and a large van, I have the area (the garage) and I happen to know where I could get a big Fiat van for not much cash.

The more I think about it the more I think it's a good idea. I know the flat packed delivery thing is there to cut logistics costs, but I bet it doesn't suit everybody. I could deliver at an exact agreed time, no need to take the day off work or stay in waiting and no need to spend the day with Allen keys.

Having a look on Google I see it's been done already, but not that I can see in this area.

I'm tempted.

* Of course it would make sense for me to stock the popular items here to cut down on transport costs.