Any updates on this, did you guys ever get a shop. I'm entering into the same venture and it's tough going from mobile to a fixed location because we're so used to having insanely low overhead while being mobile. If a couple extra jobs per month can cover the overhead though, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. I'd love to hear any updates and words of advice from someone else who's just went through this process or if you're still currently in the transition mode.
Yes we did find a location, our first month was in June. First thing i noticed, no matter how long you THINK it will take you to arrange the place as you would like it....it will take you longer lol.
Things come up, jobs change, you're working both on cars and on setting up a building....theres just a lot of work to be done.
In our case our primary focus has been to make the shop our show piece and then market the hell out of it...while continuing to make enough $ to support both the investments in the shop...and the monthly overhead.
So far we've knocked out a wall...extended the reception area (built a new wall), painted a 2500 sq ft building top to bottom (LOTS of paint) that was bare block (which means even MORE paint!) that has walls over 20' high (more....paint....). We've purchased new lighting (which should be installed tomorrow) as well as extension cord reels to mount to the walls through out the garage.
We have other things in the works as well such as flooring, the office (desk, chairs, paint and new computer with internet/phone set up is now complete), reception (new tile as well as tape/texture/paint needed). Then theres the letting everyone know where you're at. Retention is huge so, reaching out to old customers, letting them know where you are, getting them in to stir some work up ...all that is important. Then stirring up NEW customers in the area is also important. Marketing, signage, networking with near by businesses etc.
Our goal hasn't been to bring in a ton of new customers...we take them as they come of course...but right now we want to make the shop a show room...THEN, draw in the new customers...wow them with our beautiful set up as well as our great work and service to them...and thus hopefully retain them for a very long time to come.
You also may have to consider employee's or at least part time help. Having room to do multiple jobs at once is something you need to take ADVANTAGE of...what good is packing 3/4 cars in a place at once if only one is being worked on? Sure you'll get to them eventually but if you can get them done sooner that means new ones can come in sooner and that means customers get their car back...sooner.
Finding an owner who was ok with our type of work, able to work with us on what we wanted and who actually lived in state was a huge plus. In our case, the owner actually works in the same complex...he's a small business guy like us so that worked out perfectly. Like many other small business owners told me - having an owner out of state who just sees you as a dot on a map isn't a good thing. Sometimes you have no choice, but building an in person relationship is priceless.
Ill be doing a huge write up with photos and all kinds of stuff once we complete everything. We have about 3 more major things to complete...once thats done, then i'll be posting pictures.
