Good time to buy small valet business?

[dirty doug]

As the title suggests, I have the chance to purchase a small, 1 man band valet business later in the year, for a relatively small purchase price, due to the owner semi-retiring to Spain. Everything is well set up, good equipment, leased clean unit with room for 1 car inside & 2 outside, business costs of approx £600pcm, good regular client base with top end vehicles and high repeat factor. I am a keen amateur at this ( I charge friends & family £35-50 for my 'special service' at weekends ) but have never done this professionally or even been self-employed before. So, I open this up to the good people of PH, good time or not? Are you seeing demand drop off? Or are people keeping cars longer but maybe still want that new car look?

[jkennyd]

Nothing ventured nothing gained. The business already has a stable client base and if its something you enjoy doing it will make it a bit easier. Remember its not just about doing the valet, there is a lot of admin behind it all. Saying that once you get into it it will be fine. As for the timing there isn't a great time for anything just now so go give it a bash.The only thing I would do is get an accountant to have a look at the books.

[360 detailing]

Go for it mate and I wash you all the best ( see what I done there?!? )

Seriously, getting the car washed is something people can't be bothered doing themselves, this will always be the case, if your going to provide a quality service and not the usual roadside "brush on a pole" (Ok another reference there...........) then it will work for you, you just have to get a good name at providing a top service at a good affordable price.

I'm in a positive mood today, can you tell??

All the best mate, keep us up to date with it!!

Ally