I say, during these severe economic times, be weary of moving out of your lease, or doing and refi, etc. etc. unless the building is THAT BAD!
Does the building, functionally meet your optimal operational and storage requirements? Can you provide the best quality and reliable service to your customers given the building?
Sounds as if the outward appearance and the location are the only issue. Here's my advice just from the top of my head:
1. You're building isn't terrible. In fact, I think it's decent. It's not EYE-catching, but really I have yet to see any automotive servicer that has an attractive shop, unless they have the deep pockets and clients with deep pockets.
When it comes down to your local industry, it comes down to outreach, service, and customer relationship management. I can tell you, and I am sure you know this, finding "the mechanic" in your area. Since I've left Illinois I have not had a stable mechanic that a A) trusted, B) had great success with and C) liked.
The mechanic is as important and personal for people in our society, as doctor's and nanny's may be.
You, as an automotive service, must make sure you are that person for your market base.
Personally, I'd look deeply into my financials and accounting books. I would think of how much I can afford to do special temporary discounts to attract people against the business down the road. Right now, these economic times, most people are not buying new cars. In fact, they are spending more to make sure their vehicles run as long as possible, but as AFFORDABLE as possible. Can, on certain routine services, like oil changes, wheel alignments, tune-ups, you do a discount without a compromise to your business's future in this economy?
For instance, locally, there is a new auto servicer that only charged like $20 for an oil change and tune-up....it was the cheapest in town. They are still doing this, BUT, they recently raised the price, still more affordable.
Otherwise, there are many creative inexpensive ways to promote your business. Are you involved with local tuners? Car enthusiast communities? Auto webforums like thechicagogarage.com? It's all about networking.
I would say, host and sponsor car club events around ur place, some meets and so forth.
Where are you located?
Seriously, don't worry about the look of your building. If you have a budget to do some exterior and interior painting, new furniture, and a new brighter sign...then go ahead, DEFINITELY do it. Do it!
However, I don't know how your financial situation is, so I'm doing it from the point-of-view of someone a limited business budget.
Can you tell me more about your location? Looks like you're in a light-industrial, commercial zone. What's the traffic like on that road?
Now..lastly...if you can SAFELY and AFFORDABLY get out of your least and move into a better more profitable place that is AFFORDABLE and the leasing/mortgaging terms are the same or more beneficial than your current place, sure move.
But, right now, things are tough. If you feel you have to, talk with your personal bank manager about your thoughts on moving to see what financing will look like against your company.
"To walk in the shoes of a successful fellow, you must first walk in your socks to his shoe store.
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Originally Posted by JaytheCreative
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