Should I or Shouldnt I??

[VectraMat]

Hey guys

just a quick question - Im thinking about setting up a proffessional car valeting business, but im just trying to find out if theres a market for it, so would you guys take your car to a valet centre and pay between £15 for a basic valet and up to £80 for the full works plus extras.

Might even think about offering a 10% discount to vec-c members!

Any feed back would be appritiated

[Spikey©]

A lot depends on what's already available in the area you're thinking of starting, I know for example that in the area that I live there are lots around. If there's lots of competition in your area then you'd need to be offering something that those do not already offer. For example you could aim yourself at the higher or enthusiast end of the market and offer a high quality finish such as detailing and multi coat waxes/polishes etc.

[bobbyboy]

there is a place near to where i live doing what youre thinking about, and every time I pass its packed...(even in summer). I like to clean my own car as its done to my standard..but if it ever got really manky Id be prepared to pay for a good valet....hefty discount mind!!!!!

[VectraMat]

Cheers Andrew - ive been doing a bit of research on the Internet and have found only a few valet centres in Hull, so one would assume that there is a market for this business. Ive also found that for a basic wash and leather, some companies charge £15, and for a full valet inside and out, for a 4x4 it can cost around £100.

My idea has arisen from people i know all asking me to do guvvy valets for them and also building up expreience from working part time in the industry.

I have looked at the set up costs and have found that its well within my budget, exept i havnt found a garage/lock up/small warehouse that i can lease as yet.

Ive also noticed that none of the places ive looked at have the Clay Bar option on their price list, or show car glazes, and none have even mantioned a scotch guard for the inside fabrics.

I know you are a businessman your self andrew, so would you mind giving me a few tips for being self employed???

cheers

[The Doc]

Oh he is a talker alright

Good luck mate

[The Doc]

LOL!

Not last time mate wiped my credit off the phone!!

No mobile at the moment mate just incase you tried to ring.

[gb2004uk]

Hey Matt

its your first official customer, can you get in touch with me gb2004uk@hotmail.com

speak soon

[Ian]

Matt,

what about trying to tap into local dealerships - many sublet the valeting side - that way you could employ staff and get them making money for you!!

dont forget to look into all the health and saftey aspects - especially COSHH regs, Human resources and proffessional indemnity insurances - you will need all these to be a legal buisness.

I think local colledges will have contact details for organisations that can help get you started.

[markspark]

hi matt, the best bit of advice i could possably offer you would be to give it a go! try a small ad in your local paper , i do it every week and it really works,costs about £25 some weeks are better than others but it pays for itself everyweek, if your already working then stay where you are until you get too much work to do both, then you are still getting a wage and building up a business at the same time!! i pay £40-60 for my vec doing, so i would think £15 is a bit too cheap!! most people would be willing to pay as long as the service is good.
good luck.

[bruceybonus]

have a look at how many small car dealers there are in your vacinity...a m8 of mine's just set up and is getting the cars in on transporters now! mainly from small dealers. also look to see if you can get contracts with local government and institutions like that which have large fleets... also it just aint a case of washing the cars... you'll need to know how to buff, the types of chemicals needed on different surfaces ... look at getting supraguard accreditation etc etc etc... anyway good luck with it