A Business

[inder]

Ian there's a guy who has just set up a garage in St Annes - he used to work for Mercs in Blackpool - might be worth checking him out to get an idea of what facilities he has? I can get you his details.

Best of luck - if I still have my 280 you can be assured of my continued patronage.

 

[grober]

This software might be worth a look. The lite version is £200
http://www.sws-solutions.co.uk/software_products.php

 

[Ian B Walker]

Thanks to everyone so far who has contributed to this post. yesterday the property I was eyeing up was let before I could do anything. Ok so been around this morning and found another, however it is expensive at £7k per year. (is it?) This Business is going to happen as not only do I enjoy working on Mercs but it could fit into a niche market. Our nearest indi as far as I know is in Formby. I will be no threat to him. Inder has said that there is a guy in St Annes. Once again I doubt if I would be a threat to him as my interests lay in pre 1995 cars although a general service and check over of others would be possible. I am not going to get involved in electronics as I know sod all about them. The slightest hint of fault codes would make me break out in a sweat. I have contacted a local parts shop and have managed to get trade discount on production of a letter head. I already get discount at Mb Preston thanks to an old friend. Advice from Zooman on Vat has been taken in. Advice about H$SE and oil disposal has also been taken on board. I now have to go to the Bank and see if its possible to obtain a New Business Grant, if one excists

 

[Howard]

Good luck Ian !!

 

[inder]

Also it might be worthwhile talking to your local Businesslink team. If you give them your details they can send you a list of a lot of the commercial property's in the area that are available or about to be available.

 

[Rob77]

Yep, all the best with it Ian.

 

[COUPE FREAK]

good luck with it ian,,

 

[Flyer]

Seconded, good luck Ian. There is certainly a demand for an honest, hardworking spanner monkey

I looked into business premises last year for a different business, and a small warehouse unit was c.£12,000pa. Might be cheaper to get a big Merc van and go mobile

 

[Ian B Walker]

Seconded, good luck Ian. There is certainly a demand for an honest, hardworking spanner monkey

I looked into business premises last year for a different business, and a small warehouse unit was c.£12,000pa. Might be cheaper to get a big Merc van and go mobile

Good point and well worth thinking about. Thanks.

 

[andy_k]

problem with mobile stuff is when you NEED a workshop or more importantly when your potential customer thinks that you can't do the job without a workshop.

Nobody is going to phone a mobile mechanic to change a gearbox

Mobile is fine for routine servicing but when the major work comes in you need a secure place to work and store cars whilst you work on them

Andy

 

[pammy]

The mobile service is actually a really good idea especially if you are looking at general servicing and on the spot repairs.

I'll be giving my mate a call this morning and will be in touch later

 

[Ian B Walker]

problem with mobile stuff is when you NEED a workshop or more importantly when your potential customer thinks that you can't do the job without a workshop.

Nobody is going to phone a mobile mechanic to change a gearbox

Mobile is fine for routine servicing but when the major work comes in you need a secure place to work and store cars whilst you work on them

Andy

Valid point Andy, another item to put into the equasion, thanks

 

[stever]

Would it be worth outsourcing electrical work to a good auto-electrician? You could offer more of a complete service then.

 

[mergli]

Ian, another benefit of having a workshop over doing the mobile thing is that you won't get rained on, it does tend to do that in Preston as I recall....

Good luck getting this going.
Adam.

PS: I assume you'll be willing to work on more modern cars when it's brakes and stuff?

 

[merc-c]

Good luck Ian :bannana:

 

[Ian B Walker]

Adam.

PS: I assume you'll be willing to work on more modern cars when it's brakes and stuff?

Thanks Adam, yes brakes, oils (all of them) and other things that dont need a star computer should fit in.



For now have toolbox will travel The birth of the W124 Works is immenant (got to learn to spell first ):bannana: :bannana:

 

[mergli]

Thanks Adam, yes brakes, oils (all of them) and other things that dont need a star computer should fit in.

For now have toolbox will travel The birth of the W124 Works is immenant (got to learn to spell first ):bannana: :bannana:

Right then, first time anything needs doing to mine that's not electrical/bodywork or covered under warranty (which is why I mentioned brakes) I know who I'm going to call

 

[Dieselman]

Ian
I'm sure there is demand for a MB specialist and wish you good luck if you go for it.
Although it sounds like a cosy idea I don't think the mobile route will work too well. You will need to factor in that all the time you are driving and unpacking/packing up you are not earning anything. In addition you won't have a ramp so all jobs will take longer and be harder work.

Take stock and check all your options to give a feasibility analysis.

Once again..GOOD LUCK!

 

[jaymanek]

Ian,

First of all best of luck matey, I know u could make it work from my first hand experience!

I would also advise against the mobile route. I had my SEC tuned by mastertune in Coventry (he is mobile)... He was saying that he started doing mobile servicing/repairs as the tuning wasnt paying the bills by itself. He is now packing in the servicing part of it as the weather, parts availabilty, tools required etc just dont work with a van...

My recommendation would be to start with a smaller place as possible... keep the financial risks low and build up some custom then think about moving to something more suitable..

Good luck matey!

 

[SimonsMerc]

Thanks Adam, yes brakes, oils (all of them) and other things that dont need a star computer should fit in.



For now have toolbox will travel The birth of the W124 Works is immenant (got to learn to spell first ):bannana: :bannana:

Hello,

By pure co-incidence, I am the current owner of www.w124works.com, and I have been considering selling it!!

Contact me via Private Message to discuss a very reasonable offer!!!!!!!1!!!!1!!!

-simon