Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I have be an avid car enthusiast my entire life. This being said, I spend most of my time washing and cleaning my personal automobile as well friends and family vehicles. I grew up detailing a show car and have always felt a desire to open a business to provide people with the ability to take care of there automobile. My personal background is in small business and I have graduated high school with a graphic arts background as well a Technical college for marketing and sales.

My prior job, was with a small business that employed 16 employees with 3 full time office staff members ( including the owner ) long story short I feel I was being taken advantage of since the owner was one who was hardly around, so I was at times running the company, I dealt with sales, marketing, daily scheduling, appointments etc etc and took part in some of the financials as they had a full time financial person. I was so involved I even spent time sweeping the floor. Sadly I was recently let go ( of course after you help a company achieve a few million in sales they no longer need you ) and since then have put forth an effort into starting my own sole proprietorship business.

The business I am looking at starting would be a Car wash containing 2 touchless automatic bays, 3 self service bays, and 1 self service truck bay. I always have felt the desire to own a car wash. I’m looking into doing things slightly differently than your typical car wash as I’m a car enthusiast. The land currently I desire to open my business on is about 6 Acers next to a gas station and along a busy state road, that is currently growing with more traffic as the area is blooming with new homes, home developments and town houses. As well several businesses that employ an average of 1,000 people at each facility, with more businesses opening in the near future.

Do you feel a Car wash would be the right business for me ? I know people have told me to open a detail shop, but I do not see a “need” in the area for one. I have also been told by multiple people to open my own business, family and friends, as well previous employeers and employees have been very supportive of this idea.

( Sorry for being non descriptive, I’m trying to keep this short )

Absolutely! Car washes, laundromats, corner bars, and dry-cleaning shops are things I`ve thought I`d get involved with, if it weren`t for my interest more in writing! The car wash is like a vending machine business, where after it`s up and running, you don`t have to spend so much time being there. And with the increasing number of Baby Boomers retiring, they have the option of sitting in an office keeping an eye on things, instead of being a Wal-Mart "greeter."

I think you should definitely go for it, if you`ve got the investment capital.

GO FOR IT! Sounds like you ae familiar with all the market aspects and you have the support of family and friends. If you are interested in carrying the full line of Mother`s Car Care products for your business as well as several lines of auto/truck and heavy truck products, let me know.

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Forging the Awareness of Value and Quality of AMSOIL for People and Business.

Albert Rich, ADR Oil Company, Wholesale Jobber;
Office 321-287-1981
www.ADRoil.com
Email; ALrich@adroil.com

Bean,

Self-serve car washes are money-makers from what I know. With 6 acres, you have plenty of room to do more. I also know that full-service car spas do well, too. I`m referring to the automated systems where you drive up, they do a complete vacuum, then automated wash, then the full wipe down and window cleaning. Seems people here in ATL absolutely love this type of service. Might be something to consider.

Another area to consider since you have so much land to work with would be added services such as small repairs and other appearance enhancement services. Since I don`t know your financial situation, it may not be an option but I`ll throw it out anyway.

Take a look at a website called AutoXperience - http://www.autoxperience.com/. I have no financial interest in this company and I am not affiliated with it in any way. I do know a little about the automotive aftermarket.

Because of many reasons, small collision repairs are not being done by many consumers. It is estimated that 7 out of 10 vehicles need some type of body work: dents, dings, scratches, bumper repair, etc. Deductibles are much higher today so many people do not get these repairs done. Most collision repair centers concentrate on the bigger jobs - the average collision repair is about $2000. Most people do not want to be without their vehicle for days on end.

AutoXeperience has a system and products in their Micro Paint line that allows small repairs to be completed in a day or less. They also have a clear coat rejuvenation line of products. And many, many more enhancement products - Odor Removal, Headlight Rejuvenation, Paintless Dent Repair, Chip Repair, Windshields and Interiors.

Idea: Do the car wash deal but use that to bring and build a customer base for the more profitable enhancement and repair products. Does not take a lot of square footage beyond the car wash facility. Design and build a total car appearance facility. You have a captive audience with the car wash customers and they are the people who want their vehicles looking good. Take your own non-scientific survey and start noticing the vehicles on the road with dents, dings, smashed bumpers, etc. It is a huge untapped market.

If you have more questions - shoot.

R@

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