I am sure most of you started off detailing in small open air places be it out in the drive way, under a car port or in the back yard garage such as I have. I am looking for advice in what I should be looking for in a "Store Front" shop. I am looking around town for a small garage hopefully fitting around 2 to 3 cars. Does anyone have advice/tips that they have come across to have a more productive atmosphere in a smaller place? What should I be looking for, what would be good to have, what not to have. Anything like that would help me greatly in my search. thanks
Good to have you hear, I would really figure out what your costs are, do you have enough business to support a location at this time.
I as of right now, do believe I have a good bit a clientele on board as I have been mobile for a bit over a year now. I am thinking that having a shop to work from will bring in more customers and help grow instead of hurt the business.
Working from home is not a viable option? I know where I am there are many customers who want the mobile services that way its convenient for them. I have been offering this service to them for years now. I also do work from home (home based business) but what I find is the clients that have been using my mobile services are far more inclined to keep using it because its just more convenient for them. Having space to have 3-4 cars inside and ample parking for other clients is a must IMO. I find that I will have a number of cars on the go inside and need the space to move from one to the other quickly. Being that I work out of my home when doing this I don't need much for street parking but I do have space outside for around 7 cars if need be.
In my current location, the business is set up as strictly mobile due to licensing and zoning issues with the city. That being said, I am still able to do cars at the house, but clients seem to be slightly apprehensive about bringing vehicles to the residence. I am just thinking that having a small garage, 2 - 4 cars and ample outdoor parking would be the next step in boosting business. Signage and front office space would be beneficial no doubt. Just trying to get a feel for things.
Has anyone had any luck in industrial parks, not much visibility of the store front? Where are your shops located?
