THESANTINI said:
Aurora thank you so much for your input. Sweetwaterwash operates on the same place as a gas station that may have something to do with why the are so sucessful. The owner is bringing in $250k+ in revenue/year one of my friends friends... knows the owner. Yea those AOL CEOs definately sold their options. Do you think it would be worthwhile to try and work something out with Human Genome Sciences or Medimune since they are around Rockville, Maryland even though I have not been in business for years?
I think the gas station aspect of Sweetwater only helps for the quick drive-through wash. Anything else requires leaving your car there, so it isn't any more convenient than any other place. The main thing is there isn't much else around. A Yahoo search revealed only Sweetwater and a place down in DC. There are some drive-through washes around, but they don't detail.
I think setting up in any large business could be a great idea. The company will appreciate it because their employees can have their car cleaned and stay working. That's why concierges are becoming more common at companies. The more employees stay on-site working (i.e. the less they have to leave to do errands and personal stuff), the better for the business. Places with a concierge are what you may want to focus on. They could help you out a lot in getting customers and in getting set up on-site. I wouldn't worry about not having been in business. Just make sure you can handle the demand. Maybe if you offered to detail the concierges car first? That way they'd know what sort of job you do, plus it would sweeten them up a bit... :nixweiss
If you go on-site, though, you may be limiting yourself customer-wise. All your time would be spent at that company. Or maybe you could just do it two days a week or something and spend other days going mobile or at another business. I would guess that no matter what you need to prepare yourself for starting out small and working your way bigger.
P.S. You didn't mention your major. Whatcha studying? Also, I believe that Lockheed Martin has a concierge. I can probably get you the number if you want (though I can't really get you an "in" there). They have their corporate headquarters in Bethesda, and have multiple buildings there.
P.P.S. Maybe it isn't my business, but what is your plan? You sounded like you were ready to hit the big-time right away, but then it also sounds like you hedge a bit and are planning on doing this some time in the future instead. Are you looking to make a career of detailing, or just something to do while in school? I hope you don't mind my inquiring.
