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PTRon · 05-10-08, 01:57

Do you already have a customer base that you're working with from detailing part-time or being a mobile detailer? When you say 'chemicals', do you mean detailing products? Define 'large accounts'. How long has the 'scratch & shine' been in business? Have you spoken to the owner? I ask because if he's been open for more than a few years he may have deep pockets and he may make it his life's goal to put you out of business. Are you in the position to go for a couple of years with no profit (please note - I'm only playing devil's advocate here. I am not trying to discourage you in any way. As a matter of fact, I applaud your efforts to follow your dream)? Will your establishment be approximately the same size as the other or considerably larger/smaller? Will potential customers price-shop (he is right next door after all)? If so, how will you be able to differentiate yourself? Will they think you're just a subsidiary of your neighbor (that he's expanding)? Do you have a great (not just 'good') marketing plan and budget? Here in South Florida there's a CVS Pharmacy almost directly across the street from every Walgreens. Same goes for supermarkets (Publix/WinnDixie) and big box stores (Home Depot/Lowes). But those are large corporations with lots of $$ and they are what's known as 'destination' stores. Is the location on a heavily traveled road? It's really very difficult to give an honest opinion without more information (and keep in mind that opinions are like @**holes, everybody's got one). In closing, I'd like to reiterate that I'm behind you 100%. I just don't want to see you open and close in 2-3 years like so many other small businesses. Good luck with your new endeavor!

05-10-08, 01:57	#4 (permalink)
PTRon Registered User PTRon is offline Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 139	Re: questions about shop location?? Do you already have a customer base that you're working with from detailing part-time or being a mobile detailer? When you say 'chemicals', do you mean detailing products? Define 'large accounts'. How long has the 'scratch & shine' been in business? Have you spoken to the owner? I ask because if he's been open for more than a few years he may have deep pockets and he may make it his life's goal to put you out of business. Are you in the position to go for a couple of years with no profit (please note - I'm only playing devil's advocate here. I am not trying to discourage you in any way. As a matter of fact, I applaud your efforts to follow your dream)? Will your establishment be approximately the same size as the other or considerably larger/smaller? Will potential customers price-shop (he is right next door after all)? If so, how will you be able to differentiate yourself? Will they think you're just a subsidiary of your neighbor (that he's expanding)? Do you have a great (not just 'good') marketing plan and budget? Here in South Florida there's a CVS Pharmacy almost directly across the street from every Walgreens. Same goes for supermarkets (Publix/WinnDixie) and big box stores (Home Depot/Lowes). But those are large corporations with lots of $$ and they are what's known as 'destination' stores. Is the location on a heavily traveled road? It's really very difficult to give an honest opinion without more information (and keep in mind that opinions are like @**holes, everybody's got one). In closing, I'd like to reiterate that I'm behind you 100%. I just don't want to see you open and close in 2-3 years like so many other small businesses. Good luck with your new endeavor!