Question to the Group

[GlassStarz]

I have been looking at a old drive up photo booth located offthe main road (but visable from it)but set up in the same parking lot as a fairly large movie theater (5 screens). My question is simple if I were to rent it would it pay? Im thinking the constant flow of cars into the theater would be good they will be there awhile and if they left it with me it would be done when they came out. Also would give me some visable signs. The problem is I would need to sign a lease for a year and permits etc. On the days im out covering my fleet accounts I could have the son cover the booth. For bad weather im thinking a pop up to pull the car under. Rent would be about $500 per month combined with the lights,phone and insurance I think it would cost less than $1,500 per month to be there. The booth is behind but visable from a busy donut chain store and next to a busy pizza place. Thanks for any input I really am up in the air on this.
Mike

[StarQuest]

GlassStarz,

Just my opinion, but from past experiences I'd hate to sign again on a lease, even for a 1 year term. You have a great plan but think you should try and work out a 3 month minimum lease agreement and see how things go first.

[GRT]

Hey GlassStarz,

I agree with StarQuest. $1500 per month is a big nut to make before you earn $1 off of one location. How many locations could you get just using a pop up for $1500 w/o a long term lease. Just a thought.

Hey StarQuest, Thanks for having a sense of humor. It seems that too many folks can't take good natured ribbing anymore. Except for Desert, he is hilarious. He cracks me up all the time.

[DaveC]

Mike,

I would have to agree with GRT and StarQuest.

I always look at numbers. . . at $1500.00 per month, you would have to do 30 repairs (assuming $50.00 per repair) per month to just break-even. Of course, there can be certain advantages to having a dedicated retail location, especially if the wife decides that you need to spend a little time in the doghouse

[CPR]

See if you can talk the landlord int a 1 month trial, nothing to lose for either party. If not run like hell, you dont want to be in court in the near future getting your wallet cleaned out.

[desertstars]

All of the answers are good advice, Glassstarz.

Try it for a month with no more than a trial basis.

Better yet, a week and make sure that Jerry Lewis movies aren't playing on all five screens unless you expect a bunch of French tourists to show up with rental cars.

The week of the trial should be carefully thought out beforehand.

Select a week without Kung-fu, car-chase, feminist-revenge movies, sequels or anything that entails Ben or Jaylo.

Those ticket-buyers don't repair their windshields.

Most of them don't even have windshields.

Finally.

Try to ignore any advice from GRT. He seems to have a skewed and misplaced sense of humor and I suspect he is probably a plant by the CIA or some other insidious network.

[Coitster]

No the one to really be carefull of is DesertStar,
I suspect that he might be a plant from the insurance companies because of all the goodwill he talks about them. I wonder if he is ever going to say something negative about the networks. I actualy think they need to put him on the payroll.
David
Coitster

[StarQuest]

GlassStarz,

Are you going to let Desertstars chop you like that? I think it's a great idea setting up a repair stand outside the movie theater!

"Windshield Been Popped" "Free Box of Corn With Every Repair"

If that doesn't work....just sell the pocorn

[GlassStarz]

Thanks for the input I guess im gonna pass this time but maybe Desertstars can tell me why fat girls look so good at closing time?

[StarQuest]

GlassStarz,

I guess this is what happens when business slows down at this time in the winter. Some of us have too much time on are hands....so we start poking fun at each other! I can just picture DesertStars making the comment "It Ain't Over Till The Fat Lady Sings" at his local pub closing Just kidding DesertStars!!! Blame GRT and Colster for getting me started

Honestly though, I think your idea was great! Just scares the hell out of me to sign and be stuck in a lease if things go sour! Here's a few different ideas for you to consider during slow downs.

1. Trade Shows are fairly inexpensive. (you can set up a booth with some nice signage and handout material and make sure you include a windshield with your equipment attached) Much like Optic-Kleers example....show the before and after results. I've tried this before and have had very good results on referels.

2. Trade Centers. Not sure if you have these in your area but I have two within my area. A novice repair guy works one of them and he's been doing $1,500 to $1,800 Friday-Sunday almost every week. Not bad for only working 3 days! I'm considering setting one up at the other location this spring. Maybe even bring my 130 lb Bouvier Des Flounders dog to keep me company! She's a bear.

3. Fed EX independent facilities. Believe me....these guys will pay good cash to repair their windshields, since many of them carry high deductibles on glass replacement.

Just a few ideas! I'm sure many out there have more to contribute.