Customers before you've started business?
Discussion
Hello PHers.
I'm looking at starting a form of car workshop (not repairs as such), and was wondering how one might know there are customers in my area that would be interested or willing to book into such a service? Or is it simply a case of jumping in the deep end and doing the best you can to attract customers when you've started? (There are multiple businesses doing the same work around the country, but none in my surrounding areas.)
Scary business if the latter, especially as I'll definitely need premises to do this kind of work!
Sorry for vagueness of what it specifically is, not willing to shout about it yet as im just researching at the mo.
I'm looking at starting a form of car workshop (not repairs as such), and was wondering how one might know there are customers in my area that would be interested or willing to book into such a service? Or is it simply a case of jumping in the deep end and doing the best you can to attract customers when you've started? (There are multiple businesses doing the same work around the country, but none in my surrounding areas.)
Scary business if the latter, especially as I'll definitely need premises to do this kind of work!
Sorry for vagueness of what it specifically is, not willing to shout about it yet as im just researching at the mo.
What you're referring to is Market Research - establishing the presence and scale of a potential market for your idea before you commit. It's certainly worth investing time, if not money, into this before committing to the venture.
I'd start by looking for and at existing, similar businesses in your catchment area - what are they offering that you could do better or cheaper. A bit of 'mystery shopping' is useful - get a quote from them, go and see them, ask questions (covertly) about the business. This sounds underhand and it is - but they probably did the same.
If there aren't any, try to establish why. It's either because there's no market or nobody's had the gumption to do it before.
Attend local Car Meets, Car Clubs events - chat to the owners and get a feel for their thoughts on the idea - how much they'd pay, for how long, etc.
You'll not get an absolute answer and is worth keeping in mind that someone saying something's a good idea and someone parting with money to avail themselves of that idea are two very different things. But, you will get a good feel for the level of demand that exists and this can be useful in shaping how you proceed or if you proceed.
HTH.
I'd start by looking for and at existing, similar businesses in your catchment area - what are they offering that you could do better or cheaper. A bit of 'mystery shopping' is useful - get a quote from them, go and see them, ask questions (covertly) about the business. This sounds underhand and it is - but they probably did the same.
If there aren't any, try to establish why. It's either because there's no market or nobody's had the gumption to do it before.
Attend local Car Meets, Car Clubs events - chat to the owners and get a feel for their thoughts on the idea - how much they'd pay, for how long, etc.
You'll not get an absolute answer and is worth keeping in mind that someone saying something's a good idea and someone parting with money to avail themselves of that idea are two very different things. But, you will get a good feel for the level of demand that exists and this can be useful in shaping how you proceed or if you proceed.
HTH.
StevieBee said:
What you're referring to is Market Research - establishing the presence and scale of a potential market for your idea before you commit. It's certainly worth investing time, if not money, into this before committing to the venture.
I'd start by looking for and at existing, similar businesses in your catchment area - what are they offering that you could do better or cheaper. A bit of 'mystery shopping' is useful - get a quote from them, go and see them, ask questions (covertly) about the business. This sounds underhand and it is - but they probably did the same.
If there aren't any, try to establish why. It's either because there's no market or nobody's had the gumption to do it before.
Attend local Car Meets, Car Clubs events - chat to the owners and get a feel for their thoughts on the idea - how much they'd pay, for how long, etc.
You'll not get an absolute answer and is worth keeping in mind that someone saying something's a good idea and someone parting with money to avail themselves of that idea are two very different things. But, you will get a good feel for the level of demand that exists and this can be useful in shaping how you proceed or if you proceed.
HTH.
Thank you for your reply!!I'd start by looking for and at existing, similar businesses in your catchment area - what are they offering that you could do better or cheaper. A bit of 'mystery shopping' is useful - get a quote from them, go and see them, ask questions (covertly) about the business. This sounds underhand and it is - but they probably did the same.
If there aren't any, try to establish why. It's either because there's no market or nobody's had the gumption to do it before.
Attend local Car Meets, Car Clubs events - chat to the owners and get a feel for their thoughts on the idea - how much they'd pay, for how long, etc.
You'll not get an absolute answer and is worth keeping in mind that someone saying something's a good idea and someone parting with money to avail themselves of that idea are two very different things. But, you will get a good feel for the level of demand that exists and this can be useful in shaping how you proceed or if you proceed.
HTH.
I have actually tried contacting a few for quotes, via their email or contact forms only, but with no response from any of them. Which could be a good thing if they're not desperate for customers?! I'll try a few more. I did contact one guy who's running a business at the other end of the country, was open about whether I should start the same business as his as we wouldn't be competitors, basically he said i should do it...
More research required. Thanks for the tips!
Good luck.GiantEnemyCrab said:
I think crosseyedsealion did a thread on him starting up a workshop in this subforum a while ago, focusing on TVRs (perhaps?). Worth a google.
Hello!3 methods I can think of:
-Be your own customer - embed yourself in your niche or just see how far workshops are booking ahead. if its 1-2 weeks there isnt much work around. If its a month or more theres plenty.
-Stalk other similar businesses - are they looking for staff. If they're consistently looking for staff in the same area and/of niche they have confidence there is the custom available.
-If niche - are many garages indulging in going racing or other money pits? Yes its marketing - but it shows they have confidence the work is out there OR can afford to do it after overheads.
JMbalbon said:
Other, erm, work? What it is is neither here nor there regarding this topic...
What a bizarre attitude when it is entirely the topic. This site is chock full of car enthusiasts by definition and by the law of averages some have to be near by where you are. So you are in effect touting for business/work here, yet you're being extremely coy about what it is you plan to do. How strange.PistonBroker said:
On the contrary, it seems to me that asking on a car forum about the potential of an automotive business idea would be ideal market research.
that's a fair point! I'm looking at a rust proofing / chassis sealing business, with an aim of learning how to weld down the line and offering that, too.Tam_Mullen said:
What a bizarre attitude when it is entirely the topic. This site is chock full of car enthusiasts by definition and by the law of averages some have to be near by where you are. So you are in effect touting for business/work here, yet you're being extremely coy about what it is you plan to do. How strange.
Not strange at all - as I said, very early stages so didn't feel it worth mentioning. Was simply asking how people found customers before they had started business, not touting for business/work.Garages are like hairdressers, lots of sole traders and limited compaines of one person in a market massive with not really one leader. plenty of space for 1 man bands to enter and leave.
IMO becoming an expert in repairing electric cars may be a huge money spinner as it seems insurers are short of garages that can do this.
IMO becoming an expert in repairing electric cars may be a huge money spinner as it seems insurers are short of garages that can do this.
JMbalbon said:
Toaster Pilot said:
Run adverts with a made up name and a disposable phone number. Tell anyone that rings that you can’t fit them in for a while, you’ll soon gauge demand….
Not a bad idea to be fair We do it with ecommerce ventures frequently before we actually buy any stock….
Gassing Station | Business | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff