Are you interested in starting a mobile oil change business? Do you need a sample mobile oil change business plan template? Then I advice you read on. Take a look around you, how many automobiles have you seen today? In the state where you reside, how many cars do you think are in your state or in your country as a whole?
In the united states for instance, it is estimated that there are over 100 million vehicles registered. For most vehicles, it is usually recommended that the vehicle oil should be changed at least after every 5,000 miles. So if there are over 100 million vehicles in the United States which need their oils changed every 5,000 miles that means there is a demand for oil changes to the tune of over 300 million in the United States alone.
So let’s assume that you are able to secure just one percent of the market, that’s about 3 million oil changes for you alone. Mobile oil change business is growing rapidly now because people have recently become aware of the huge demand for this service and the high level of profitability too. So if you want to start your own mobile oil change business too? This is how-:
Starting a Mobile Oil Change Business – Sample Business Plan Template
1. Get trained
You don’t have to be an auto mechanic to start a mobile oil change business. However, it is important that you learn all the business techniques like how to change oil, which oils are the best to be used and which oils you should avoid. By learning about the business, you would be able to determine if it’s the right business for you.
2. Buy the Necessary Equipment
When you have learned about the business and you are sure you really want to go on, then you should find out which equipment you would need to start up your mobile oil change business and purchase them. Some of the things you will need are-:
- A motor van to move you and your equipment around.
- Other small equipment like oil fitters, lubricants and good motor oils.
- A storage vessel.
- A place to collect used oils.
3. Decide on a business name
The next thing is to decide on what you want your business to be called. When you have chosen a business name, you can now register it with the business registration unit in your state. You can also consider buying a franchise to reduce start up costs.
4. Obtain a business license
It’s always advisable for people starting out a particular business to obtain a license from the government to show that they are licensed to operate that particular business. When you register your business, you will be able to avoid any form of harassment.
5. Source for funds
To start a mobile oil change business, you will need between $2,000 and $15,000 to purchase all the equipment you’ll need. This includes the van and other tools.
6. Determine the types of services you want to provide
There are different services required by customers, some of which include oil changes, filter changes, vacuum services or chassis lubrication. You need to determine which of these services you want to be providing to your clients.
7. Obtain insurance coverage for your business
It is important that you obtain insurance for your business, so that in the event that a clients car gets damaged by you and you are asked to pay for the damages, your insurance company can cover all the expenses on your behalf.
8. Secure a storage area
You will most likely need a place where you can keep all your work equipment.
9. Register with wholesalers
When you register with wholesalers, you will be able to get oils at a cheaper rate directly from them compared to when you buy from retailers.
10. Look for ways to dispose used oils
You will need to search for means by which you can dispose the used oils you retrieve from your clients vehicles. There are recovery companies which you may contact to handle this for you.
11. Build a customer base
Before you start, it’s important to build a customer base by speaking to potential clients and introducing your business to them. You must ensure that you leave your business card with them so that they can call you whenever they need an oil change.
12. Set up your prices
Determine prices for your services. At first, you should fix prices that would help you break into the market easily. This means that your prices should be competitive and comparatively cheap. You may now adjust your prices when you have been able to break into the market and gathered lots of customers.
13. Create a website for your business that would help you promote your business and increase your customer base.
14. Provide excellent services
When on the job, you need to perform your job to the best of your ability to make sure your customers return to you and refer other people to you. If you do a clumsy job, you may end of losing customers and your reputation too.