A good and inexpensive small business to start in Southern California, due to the good weather might be a mobile carwash. You may not want a business that large, perhaps a couple man operation; yourself and a friend? Remembering of course it is a lot of work. You might have a few questions before you invest in such a business, such as what type of advertising should you use? We have found flyers work the best, with personal sales and referrals from your excellent work. If you are looking to decide the best prices you will want to do a quick survey of the mobile car wash industry, but remember that the prices in your area would be substantially higher. Since the business is very simple, there are few operational challenges. There are no operational challenges at all. Except Labor quality and work ethic, but that is to be expected in America right now; drug issues, laziness and lack of caring or responsibility. Expenses breakdown and profitability would be something that could not be determined until one knows the potential volume of business you will be doing. You should know this by about the fourth week into the business. Additionally once you determine your price points you will be able to better put together a proforma and know the distances on your route between clientele for proper fuel costs. Mobile car washing is a cash business generally no collection issues unless you do fleets in that case Government at all levels are very slow to pay almost to a level of fraudulent. Corporations may string you out if you have not made good upfront accounts payable policies in the agreement. One thing that is very important in the mobile car wash business is environmental concerns for wash water run-off. It is somewhat of a selling point in Southern Cal, as citizens are very concerned in California about clean water and the environment. But realize it is also required as per California Regional Water Quality Control Board. California Water code; see 13:260 - 13:380. The rule is simple; basically you cannot allow water to flow into a storm drain, that is the rule. Most water evaporates, if it is not evaporating then block storm drain and vacuum into storage container and make a deal with a Coin-Op car wash to dump there and trade for free pressure-washing services. Good luck in your mobile car wash business in Southern California if you decide to go for it, just remember it is extremely hard work and therefore although the money is good, you will be working your butt off, think about that if you are serious. |
