Windshield Repair Forum

Would like to know if any WSR guys might have typed up a business plan to share with us. I think this will be a great idea for us newbe's on setting goals and so-forth.

Thanks,

Brad333333@aol.com

Brad I have been having trouble with this as well. Everytime I sit down to start I never get very far. Just to boring but I have been told that it is an important stap. I too would be interested in see a layout if anyone is willing to share.

Thanks Tim tlamb6463@yahoo.com

Im sure someone has some kind of business plan they thought of or something to help us out.

Personaly I have never had or even seen a business plan.

Just get out there and sell sell sell.

This is going to sound very harsh and possible upset a few people but the only way to make a good living is to get out and do repairs not just sit there reading and dreaming.

This is one of the cheapest ways to start a very good and reliable income business you just need a few days training plenty of practise and the will to succeed and the determination to keep going when it seems everyone is saying no.

You do not need someone elses plan it may not work for you everyone is different just get out there and do it.

It will only cost a couple of thousand $ to set every thing up and then you can earn that back in a week if you get established properly.

Just get out there and do it. I have spoken to so many people over the years I have been in this business who are going to start soon and never do, give yourself a start date and stick to it tomorrow never comes.

This business is a piece of cake you do not need plans only guts and determination to succeed.

Well I apologize to anyone I may have upset with this post but I am sure someone out there agrees with me.

Remember the golden words JUST GET OUT THERE AND DO IT.

No need to apologize, thats a great motavation speach. I just like set goals on paper which I can read when times are slow which in return makes me strive for what I want to accomplish. I really think a business plan has a good visual affect on some people. I know it would with me. I would just like some kind of format and insight on how some WSR guys might have done one.

Thanks

I did not compile a formal business plan myself but here are some comments and thoughts that one should consider and include in any business plan. Any business plan must be flexible unless, of course, you have experience in the business.

Finances: How much money are you going to need to start the business. Make a list of start-up expenses. Include your kit, training (include travel), insurance, stationery, business cards, invoices, advertising, car/truck signage, office equipment, telephone lines, appointment books, software, cell phone, uniforms, etc.

How much do you need in sales to make a living? If you had a previous job, do you have to make the same amount (more or less)? Don

that's a wonderful start, thanks for your input! this is really what i needed just some paragraph headings. this helps me brain storm my plan.

thanks bois

Bois made some good comments. Everything he listed I did. But, Screenman is right. You need to get out there and do it. I researched companies, kits, training, everything. I settled on a manufacturer, bought their equipment, went to their training, and got a practice shield. I obtained business licenses in two cities, got a business checking account, got the liability insurance, fliers, cards, UV bubble, everything I need to start this mobile business. I have about $2200. invested. Now the hard part. I can't seem to find the work. I've done several from referals of friends. It's hotter than hell here right now and I only work early in morning or toward evening.

You really have to get out there and sell yourself. Bottom line. This is something I'm not good at. I rely on a retirement pension so I'm not very hungry. This is a bad thing because now I'm too lazy to go out and get the work. Ive heard from everyone on this board that you can make up your investment in just a few short weeks if not days. Seems hard to believe. You need to bust yourself and not give up.

Marketing & Business Plan

CONTENTS

1. Overview of the market

2. The Marketing Mix

a. Product
b. Pricing
c. Positioning
d. Promotion/advertising

3. Distribution

4. Revenue

5. Costs

6. Income

7. Profitability



Market overview

 Territory: Decide on your market area, ie will you sell only in your local community, in nearby towns, across South Africa or even Internationally ?

 The market: Who will buy your products ? eg

 Local consumers
 Housewives
 Businesses
 Retailers
 Wholesalers
 Distributors

 Market size: You need to estimate how big each of your markets are. You can then see if the market is large enough to support your business, or if you need more products, expand the market area etc.

 Segmentation: This is a process that allows the business to match its products to selected market types. It will tell you what products to sell to what markets, how to price the products, quality required, how to advertise or promote your products, and which sales channels are most appropriate.

 Target Markets: Once you have segmented your market, you should decide on a few segments to target. These will be segments that are most likely to want your specific products, and will pay the correct price.



Product

Using your segments, you can now make some detailed decisions regarding the actual products that you will produce.

 Write a detailed description of the products that are to be produced
 List of the products and their major selling points
 List possible competitors for these products
 Make samples
 Take pictures of the samples

You need to make sure that you can manufacture the products reliably to a consistent quality. Remember that quality is relative to the needs of the customers and the price you will charge.



Pricing

The business must now decide on prices to be charged for each of its products. There are different ways to decide this, eg

o Cost plus basis: In this system, we calculate the input costs for products (ie materials, time, electricity) and then add a mark-up. This mark-up will range from about 15% for mass-produced items with high volume, to about 100% for specialised, time-consuming goods.

o Ruling price basis: Here we would look at the prices being charged for similar items by other producers or retailers, and set our price accordingly (usually slightly lower to attract more buyers). However, if your product is much better, or is fashionable and in high demand, a higher price can be set.

o Market research: Refer to pricing information for your area from focus groups, as well as looking at retailers

I hope the Bussiness / Marketing template - plan could be of assistance to you guys,
As a marketing Director of a company this helped me to acchieve some goals.
Remember "Always plan your work and then work your plan"
Good luck!!!