New Business Venture

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stats007

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Having recently been made redundant I have decided that it's time for a change and to leave my industry behind and start my own business. With that in mind I'm thinking of starting a mobile alloy wheel refurbishment company in Surrey :eek: . A bit of a change, I know, but I'm tired of London and the commuting and want something hands-on for a change.

The business will be mainly for smart repairs - i.e cosmetic refinishing to the face of the wheel for simple kerbing and scuffs, though I plan to offer a 4-day service for full refurbs and specialist wheels that are heavily corroded or damaged.

I've researched franchises and looked into what's viable with a mobile service, however wondered if anyone has any comments or experience that may be of use?

Obviously if it gets off the ground then MBClub members will be offered a suitable discount!
 
All the mobile guys round here are quite good at everything apart from wheel repairs. They always look cack.
 
Are you looking to also set up a unit for people to send wheels to you for repair also?

Wheels having to be re-machined, powercoated, polished.. would you be able to do that kind of stuff?
 
That's my biggest concern, as I'm quite obsessive with that sort of thing. I have been to a few main dealers and seen some of their work (Porsche & Jaguar using the same process as I'm looking at) and I'm happy I can achieve a good finish.
 
Are you looking to also set up a unit for people to send wheels to you for repair also?

Wheels having to be re-machined, powercoated, polished.. would you be able to do that kind of stuff?

I would collect the wheels in my area - or accept sent wheels for full refurbs. Powder coating isn't actually the best finish for a wheel though will be offered of course along with wet painting after dipping, blasting, machining etc.
 
I know how fastidious you are so you will have my business and all best in your new venture.
 
Andrew,

In that business time IS money.

I just wonder if you'll you be able to overcome your perfectionist inclinations (see 190 thread) & make enough money for it to be worthwhile?

Best of luck if you do go ahead.
 
Best of luck, I recently got emailed about a franchise opportunity with a wheel refurbishment company (can't remember their name) following a quote. There seem to be a few companies floating about in the SE

I'll happily let you practice on mine in return for a glowing testimonial ;)

Hope it goes well.


Ade
 
I know how fastidious you are so you will have my business and all best in your new venture.

Ditto - If you get a good reputation for outstanding quality I'm sure you could charge slightly more than some of the competition - I'd pay a premium for a top-notch service :)

I think with more and more cars being fitted with expensive alloy wheels, plus the recent rise in popularity of specialist valeting/detailing you should have a steady amount of business. Main dealers also seem to acknowledge the importance of presenting second hand cars properly.

Good luck if you decide to proceed :cool:

Will
 
Cheers, guys. Obviously quality is a priority - if I can't achieve what I expect to be a good finish as a mobile unit then I'll rethink the idea.
 
There was a piece in Mercedes Enthusiast magazine a few months ago about a London firm that do high quality work, can't remember their name.
Interesting story though, they don't powder coat either and reckon a painted wheel is the best finish. I'm sure someone here must still have a copy.

Russ
 
I had the wheels on my last car refurbed and whilst they looked okay, when you got close the finish was very heavy and obscured the detail and i had to remove some of the finish on the inner bore before they would even fit over the centering hub.

When compared the the original wheel they were nowhere near as good.

Company called Lepsons from memory £60 a wheel.

To be fair they still looked the same 2 years later when car sold



Lynall
 
Will you be able to oven bake the wheel in a mobile operation?

If not, then its not going to be a satisfactory or long lasting job imho.

I would go further and say that I've never seen a good job on any of the mobile chips away or any other mobile outfit that use paint. The combination of paint and being mobile just dont mix.

You need an oven, you need a temperature controlled, dust free environment and you need time, lots of it. None of which can be achieved in a mobile practice.
 
The paint is cured with lamps in a booth; powder coating requires the wheel to be heated to a high temperature so isn't suitable for a mobile operation.

The paints and extraction equipment used are the same that Porsche and Jaguar are using for their forecourt cars for smart repair. All refurbs are guaranteed for a year which is the same as a full strip and powdercoat / paint.

I'm perfectly happy that a good, durable, finish can be achieved, so can't agree with your last comment. The thread was primarily about seeking advice about starting a new venture :).
 
Go for it Stats. Good Wheel Wizards are hard to find. I found one up here and won't use any one else. Its a lucrative business if set up correctly. Being you own boss too has its benefits. Good luck mate. If I can help in any way just give me a shout.
 
I have had some excellent invisible and long lasting repairs to wheels and paint from a mobile chap. Really good job!
 

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