questions about shop location??

[advs1]

ok i am in the process of opening a new shop, but i have a question about a possible problem. the site i have found is right next door to a scratch and shine. mind you, i am not opening a "car wash", but more of an appointment only detail shop and i will also be a distributer for a "chemical" company. but i want some pros and cons from, well, pros lol thanks all

[toyotaguy]

I think its all for the better....if they dont offer it, you can network a little. Plus with all the traffic it will get, you will receive the same looky-loo's I would do it, but all the car washes here offer crappy detailing along with the wash for dirt cheap...

[advs1]

Originally Posted by toyotaguy

I think its all for the better....if they dont offer it, you can network a little. Plus with all the traffic it will get, you will receive the same looky-loo's I would do it, but all the car washes here offer crappy detailing along with the wash for dirt cheap...

yeah thats what i was thinking as well. its just with the crap the do, i dont want the crappy customers. they offer a full detail for 179.99 and i didnt even see any buffers/polishers. just spray bottles and cheap terry towels. besides i want to focus on distribution and large accounts for the time being.

[PTRon]

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!

[advs1]

PTRon, thank you for your input! i am not going to "compete" with him, as i am mor eopening the shop to sell products and be a distributor for a company with the name "chemical" in its title. the few details i do will be by appointment only and i am not advertising this. it is mostly to serve customers i have and those that are referred to me. i am going to sell mainly to other detailers, mobile, location based, what ever. and the other end of the business is geared toward dealerships and other auto salon type shops. shops that will be my accounts and i will be their contact. fortunately the company i am partnering with is going to be providing leads and the territory will be protected. i just needed input, such as yours, to make sure i dont commit suicide in my business venture. and yes it has always been my dream to own my own shop! and i am prepared to endure anywhere from 6 to 12 months of slow business. but seeing as i am already selling and detailing, i am hoping it will not be that long before i see a profit.