Starting a new valeting business makes sense in this current climate; there are so many cars on the road, and it only seems like a natural growth to see more valeting companies popping up. So, while there are many opportunities for business, there is also a lot of competition out there. You just need to find a way to make your business more desirable than theirs, by offering more than just a high-end cleaning service. You can add in cosmetic body repair, rust treatments and alloy wheel refurbishment to just name a few. It also takes more than just knowing how to valet a car to run a business; you need to know how to market your business, advertise in the right places, be able to manage your business finances and to be confident in the everyday running of the business.
Property
With a valeting business, you have the luxury of choosing whether you would like a fixed premises or a mobile one. The latter allows you to reach more clients and be more flexible. However, it does mean that you have to limit your services a little, as you have to carry your job with you. A fixed property can offer a secure unit, an additional motorised car washer for another level of service, but does limit your clientele to your location – which is key. City centres, partnerships with large shopping centres and along main roads are the best places to look at. However, that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be successful in a smaller town or village. Find an opening and take it.
Experience
You need to have the right business experience before starting out on a venture like this. A valeting business could require a startup cost of anywhere between £4000 and £30,000 depending on the equipment you need and the specialised services you provide. So you need to have a good head for money, and a deep trust in what you are doing before going ahead on this. When employing staff, you need to be looking for experience – particularly for your specialists. You can train people and teach them how to valet a car. But any repairs need to be completed by someone with the right skills and experience to do so.
Insurance
No matter whether your business is mobile or stationary – you will need insurance. You will have a lot of equipment either in your van or in your unit, and you need to protect them. A motor trade insurance would cover you to move your client’s cars and cover your equipment and premises from theft and damage just to name a couple of things. The more you have in your insurance contract, the more you’re covered, and the more your staff and clients will trust you.
Marketing
You need to be able to know how to present your company to the world. With so many competitors out there you need your voice to be heard. A great part of any job, and a key thing to ensure return business is customer service. And there are so many aspects of good customer service that you can apply to a marketing strategy.
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