[celltech2000]

About a year ago, I came up with this great idea while waiting for a friend to get an oil change at our local Jiffy Lube to start a mobile lube business. We were waiting for a good 30 minutes in the store, and he ended up shelling out $50.00 for a basic oil change, top-off, and air filter.

I thought to myself, "Why don't I start a mobile lube business?"

So many working adults procrastinate when it comes time to get an oil change; sometimes driving an extra 1000 miles over the 3000 mile recommendation before coughing up the $30-40 for their vehicle. Well, what keeps them from going to get an oil change?

1. Convenience

Many times, working professional want to avoid waiting 30-1hr at their "10-minute" lube center or dropping their car off at a dealer to get an oil change. They end up spending their entire lunch sitting in a lobby of a Jiffy Lube or going directly after work, which takes time from other more important activities (dinner, leisure, time with family, etc...)

2. Lousy Service

Many fast-lube centers do not take pride in their service. They have the McD's kind of mentality when it comes to service... in and out!

3. Cost

They find that fast-lube centers try to SELL them on all these extra services (such as wiper blades, top-offs, tire rotations, window cleaner, air filter, etc...). A $20 oil change turns out to become a $75.00 ticket. They seem to prey on women!!!...

I am sure there are many other reasons why customers try to avoid the fast-lubes. Nevertheless, I see great potential for new businesses to spring forth that take pride in helping customers buy back their time. How great it would be to go to work, drop your keys off at the front desk of your office, and come back knowing you just saved 30-60minutes of your life and you didn't have to spend anymore than you would have going to a fast-lube?

I would like to get all your input on this idea. It is a lot like the mobile detailing concept, but a little bit more technical. There are already a lot of mobile lubes businesses around, but none of them are operating on a grand scale.

Let me know what you think.

Celltech2000

[jasaunders]

There are already a lot of mobile lube businesses. I'm not saying there isn't room for more competition, but it isn't a new idea.

The key to the business becoming successful is to partner with companies in the area so that their employees use your service. Both my current company and my previous employer offered mobile lube services to their employees. They think they are offering their employees a convenience (benefit) and your mobile lube business will gain as well.

[jpaynecr]

There are several big ones out there. One is called Oil Butler and you would be better off buying your stuff form them. Not a new idea at all. Not a bad one though. I seriously thought about getting into it not to long ago. They def. pray on women. You can turn a $25 dollar profit with just the oil change into a much bigger one with all that stuff added on.

[youngmarketplace]

it does take me awhile to do an oil change but it costs me $14 USD to do it. Not bad for 10 minutes plus its fun to get all durty and show your woman you know what your doing.

[RPM Enterprises]

If you have interest in it go for it, I sell windshield wipers and all oil and filter supplies out of my garage to locals and farmers and people that just wanna save some money. Email me at ronald.watson@elpaso.com if you want some pricing on my products, and yes we are talking name brand.

rock-

[crud3w4re]

What kind of money would be required to start something like this up? hm. I bet I'd fare well getting a loan under my LLP My company is primarily online-based, but I would love to propose automatic revenue to my partners. What are the maintenance costs involved Franchise/new always a decision.

[danbu1]

I don't think there is a company like that around where I live. I would definately use a service like that. But, I am different than many. Time is very important to me.

A suggestion: maybe you go sell your service to large companies as a convenience to their employees. Make it every other monday or something and that would be convenient to you as well. Get about 50 companies selling the concept to their employees.

If that works, couple your service is picking and dropping off drycleaning for people as well. Oil change and dry cleaning are the two things that I wish there was a more convenient way for me.

Good Luck.

[jpaynecr]

For a good setup it is about 15 grand. Sometimes it is hard to get a loan for a mobile business. Where do you live, I may be interested in talking to you more about this. PM me.

[crud3w4re]

Would it be hard to get a loan for an LLC?

[jpaynecr]

Maybe. It depends on so many factors. Does you LLC have credit history? Do you have a solid business plan? How much money down from the LLC? You will need to come up with money. Because it is an LLC if the business goes under you walk away with your hands clean and the bank eats it all. Find a local SBA office and go talk with them. They can even help you get money.

[Geckert221]

jpaynecr - Just a correction. Even if your an LLC you are still personally liable for debt you take on. LLC is liability protection in the event you are sued - someone cannot go after your personal assets. They bank will still go after whatever they secure the loan to.

[Mega B]

The last post on this thread was 10 months back !!!