Here we go......

B

boywonder

New member
For several years, I have been contemplating opening up a shop. Being the (pun intended) detail-oriented person I am, I try to look at every possible angle to make sure things are going to be successful for me. Here's what I have in mind:



a) Storefront Detail Shop

b) Mobile Detail Service

c) Detail Supply Sales and Distribution for individuals and professionals



In addition, I am working with two partners who want to add selling performance parts and audio/video/security to the mix





One of the things I have been deliberating on is the name/identity of the shop. Here are the ideas



Avant Auto Werks

Elan Auto Appearance Centre

Concours Auto Appearance Centre

773 Automotive



Other things I'd like to offer in the detail end of things include paint chip removal, PDR, and even clear bra installation.



At this juncture, we are scouting out a place large enough to accomodate all of this. I am also formulating a business plan to make sure I am able to acquire the necessary capital funding so that we can cover all necessary expenses to get things rolling.



Is there anything that I could possibly be forgetting in my planning? I want to make sure that I am taking the best approach possible for this venture.



BTW, the clientele won't be a problem. :D
 
Of the 4 options, I read "Elan Auto Appearance Centre" as the best.



"paint chip removal" is a misleading term, and might cause some problems. Really good touchup can look great, but, invariably, it looks like a painted scratch...

Think it thru...



Sounds like you and your friends might be trying to be all things to all people. It can work, but...



Shop and mobile? Help me understand why you'd want to do both.



Jim
 
The reason I want both is that I am also looking into getting contracts with different businesses and you will need something mobile to accommodate.
 
PrinzII said:
The reason I want both is that I am also looking into getting contracts with different businesses and you will need something mobile to accommodate.
Click to expand...



you might want to start off with one or the other until you can afford the manpower to staff both a stationary and mobile operation. You'll not only save yourself equipment costs, but insurance, the headaches of training employees to work both parts of the operation, and etc.



also I might add that for the operation you're considering, I would start off as a storefront first for ease of establishment and incorporation of the performance parts and security/audio. Keep in mind also you will need a much different facility with lifts, different types of safety equipment, and a whole other ballgame depending on what types of performance work you'll be doing and what target market you have (import tuners versus domestic muscle, etc.)



all things you should be considering, although I'm certain you already have. :xyxthumbs
 
sorry to be a bit OT but...



Prinz II, your getting a ti edition 5th gen? lucky man you.



i dont know if you know me from maxima.org but i've been there for about a year and visit the detailing forum there on the reg.



oh and good luck with your plans...
 
It sounds like a great idea but I would say that your business plan offers way too much. Performance and appearance are two different things, and while there is a relation its a lot to bite off for the beginning. If I were in your post I would open up a facility for detailing with expansion in mind. Offer the best services and once you establish a customer base then you might want to consider expanding into mobile for instance. Also, as one final note. I'm sure you are an excellent detailer and you probably know some people who are also that would be interested. But remember that depending on the size of your operations you're going to need enough manpower, and each employee may not share the same exact enthusiasm as you. Shoot for the stars but start from the launchpoint.
 
SLD. We are already viewing a property that was formerly a tire shop that has lifts, compressor, etc. In fact, the last few properties I have looked at have been old tire shops with lifts, etc. Plus the last site one of my partners and I viewed is in a very high traffic area on the Southeast side of Chicago.



ncal: You are correct. I think starting out with the shop would not be a bad idea. I am still weighing things. However, the retail part is rather crucial because there are very few shops in the Chicago area that are dedicated to selling detailing supplies.
 
ncal said:
It sounds like a great idea but I would say that your business plan offers way too much. Performance and appearance are two different things, and while there is a relation its a lot to bite off for the beginning. If I were in your post I would open up a facility for detailing with expansion in mind. Offer the best services and once you establish a customer base then you might want to consider expanding into mobile for instance. Also, as one final note. I'm sure you are an excellent detailer and you probably know some people who are also that would be interested. But remember that depending on the size of your operations you're going to need enough manpower, and each employee may not share the same exact enthusiasm as you. Shoot for the stars but start from the launchpoint.
Click to expand...



Sage and logical advice in any business startup.
 
Another thing I am wondering is about contracts for limo companies, dealerships, and the like. The reason I am asking is that I have a broker who can guarantee me a boatload of business with some of his connections.
 
I like Avant Auto Werks, but frankly, all of the names are excellent. Don't really care for 773 Detailing, but that's just me. The others have a sophisticated feel; 773 detailing, since it is partially comprised of a number, is more generic.
 
I agree with Dude, 773 detailing is "less professional" than the rest, but then again, out here we have 310 motor sports....



If you have the connections for contracts, you might want to go mobile first and then "contract" your services with your friends as they need you. You could also rent a wall of space for products there, but remember, for most people, even the limited display at PepBoys overwhelms them. Keep your options simple for the public. Plus, it will be expensive to stock a large variety.
 
zzyyzx said:
I agree with Dude, 773 detailing is "less professional" than the rest, but then again, out here we have 310 motor sports....
Click to expand...



310 motor sports is easier to say though than 773 detailing.



I think my favorite name on the list is Elan Auto Appearance Centre. Sounds professional and the name gives the customer an idea of what you do.
 
As far as capital a bank will never give you a loan for a detail business startup. SBA loans may be possible but only after 2 years of successfull business. Make sure you don't go in business undercapitalizided. Chances of one making it in new business starts is one out of every 30 will not last 2 years.
 
you will make more money selling the products and catering to detaier needs then you ever will just doing the work guarenteed!
 
Our shop has been operational for 13 months already. We don't do mobile since it's not feasable here in Manila, not enough space, too hot of weather, too many traffic (foot and cars)... I'd say that if you have a fixed location, spend a lot of time looking for suppliers or retailers that are willing to consign items, they are easy money makers and helps a lot at the end of the month.



Offer more services that are usually tied up to detailing such as PDR, paint chip repair, etc... Check out Chipsaway, Rightlook, etc. as those services tend to NOT have lean days unlike detailing where weather usually affects people's will to avail detail services.



Discounted contracts with used cars, fleets, etc are also a good staple if you have a fixed location...
 
The three names I want to kick around are:



Elan Auto Appearance Centre

Avant Auto Works

Antares Auto Works



Once I settle on a name, I'll work on the identity. As for the location, my partners and I are looking at one particular spot on the East side of Chicago that was a tire shop.
 
Actually, the name for 773 is based on 310. Personally, I am trying to project a level of sophistication and class with this outfit.
 
Probably best to start your business in spring or early summer because it really slows down in winter. Be sure you have plans to weather the winter downturn.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top