Small Business: Industry: Transportation & delivery
Our experts try to jump-start a struggling auto services venture.
Eddie Freeman II, Lube N Go Michigan!, Mich.
I started a mobile oil change business. We change your vehicle's oil at your location, work or home, for $24.95. I am having trouble launching the business – the phone is just not ringing, and I am having no luck with fleet businesses. I've tried word-of-mouth marketing and handing out fliers. I started the business with my own money when gas was $4 a gallon to save customers money and time. Everyone thinks the idea is great, but no one is using it. I quit my job as a dealership service manager to start this business. What advice do you have to get it going?
Environmentally friendly practices can help your business grow – and grants and low-interest loans are available to help.
John, Lynnwood, Wash.
“I'm looking to make my auto detail shop very green. Are there any government grants that I could get to convert everything to the greenest detail shop you've ever seen?”
A downturn can be a great time to become an entrepreneur – but only if you're prepared, financially and emotionally, to wait out the economic turmoil.
Charlene, Fort Myers, Fla.
I'm interested in buying a small pack-and-ship company. It's for sale for $70,000 with a gross profit of $245,000 a year. As an owner, after making all my bills and deductions, I would make about $60,000. My husband and I want to run it ourselves, with no employees, but we are worried: Is buying a business in the current economy a smart idea? Read more…
Leonard, Russellville, Ark.
For four years I was production manager of a business which is now up for sale. I want to buy it. This business never showed a profit until I took over, then made money 2004-2008, while I worked there. I don't have the money/credit to buy it, and I have been seeking out investors who would be willing to help me based on my track record as manager. Would appreciate any advice or input.
Start by gathering information from trade groups, say our experts.
Pat, Trego, Wis.
I am interested in starting a company catering to the recreational vehicle industry. Where can I find business consultants to help me? I’d prefer to find consultants who are willing to work for free.
Read more…
Reader Tim is questioning overtime laws for driving. How do you handle overtime pay at your business? Does Tim need to rethink his overtime pay to employees?
Have you tried targeting local businesses with direct-marketing mailers? How did it go?
Do you use GPS? Which one did you pick?
Bill in Michigan is looking for software solutions for the trucking industry. Have any to suggest? Have you installed GPS in your company cars?
-
These 7 entrepreneurs are bringing tech, medical research and design jobs to the Detroit metro area. More -
Arson. Scrappers. Blackouts. It's part of business for the last tenant in Detroit's Packard Plant. More -
Inventing is the easy part. Marketing? Trickier. Experts tell how they'd advertise 5 hard-to-tout products. More -
Every restaurateur knows about Cursed Locations, the addresses where no venture survives. More -
Detroit's churches are plowing millions into redeveloping local housing and businesses. More
