| "Bring it to me" service business is rapidly
becoming a business of high demand. A business that was once only provided to major fleet
owners has now become more mainstream. My wife and I were motivated to start this
business in 1999 while working in a manufacturing plant. Myself, as a supervisor on salary
(means being paid for 40 hours - worked up to 80) and my wife, an hourly worker where
overtime was required. We always had a ton of "to do" items on our list that we
couldn't find time TO DO. Of course most things just kept getting put off because we
simply didn't have the |
 |
|
| time. We kept wishing that we could find a way to
start our own business that would help others in the same "no time" boat as we
were in. |
A GREAT NICHE WITH HUGE MARKET POTENTIAL
After much searching we heard of one company that offered on site oil change services. We
kicked that idea around and mentioned it to various friends, family and co-workers and
everyone thought it was an excellent idea! The list of who could benefit from a Mobile Oil
Change Service continued to grow, fleet owners, apartment complexes where people aren't
allowed to do their own oil change in the lot, even the average individual who simply
didn't have time or the knowledge to do it themselves, the list was endless!
LOW START-UP COSTS
The start up costs for this type of business are very low. It could be run from home using
our own garage for product so there is no added overhead for a "shop". We were
able to fumble our way through getting our trade name, business license, insurance -all
the "legal" things. All we needed was a van, some equipment to do the job, our
garage, inventory (oil and oil filters) a computer to print brochures, fliers, and price
lists. We had some business cards and invoices that we designed made up by a local
printer. We used a free site to build a website (low cost to have banners removed) and we
were on our way.
 EXPAND
YOUR SERVICES FOR MORE INCOME
The first couple of years were tough, no denying that, we had no idea of how to advertise
and no one to turn to for help. With much determination and prayer we learned what worked
and what was a waste of time and money. Eventually we found our "niche" and our
business became such a success that we added a wider variety of services. From tire
rotations, air filter and wiper blade replacement, to bulbs, headlights and serpentine
belt replacements also.
NO-COST ADVERTISING WORKS WELL
Our customers love the service and we were glad that we were able to leave our factory
jobs and start helping others save valuable time. Word of mouth is the best way to promote
this type of business, so we started out by telling family, friends, our insurance agent,
dentist and other businesses about our services we now offered. Once we had our foot in
the door with some fleet owners word of mouth then spread to other fleet owners also.
Starting our own business was challenging, there was no info out there to tell us what we
needed to know so we learned the hard and costly way. However, we are living proof that if
you set your mind to it, you can do it. Starting our mobile oil change business was the
best move we ever made - for ourselves, our family, and our future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Eric Johnson co-owner with wife Melinda of Melrics Mobile Lube started their Mobile Oil
Change Business in Oct.1999 and found no resources out there to help them with their
questions. After finding out on their own by trial and error they started helping others
via email. In 2002 They decided to write their own copyright version of "How To Start A Mobile Oil Change Business"
manual. To read more about this business please visit our site at http://www.melrics.com
Do you know someone who would benefit from this article? We can
send your friend a strictly confidential, one-time email telling them about this article.
Your privacy and your friend's privacy is your business... no spam! Click here and tell a friend!
|
|
|
| Real-world, common sense strategies
for small and home based business success. Your issues... real answers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
