Get Cashin 2009

Looking for an affordable franchise opportunity with low overheads, a massive untapped marketplace and real job satisfaction? You could do worse than consider a mobile valeting franchise

1. LOW OPERATING COSTS

As a 'man and a van' business, ideally you will be operating from a smartly liveried, fully equipped vehicle and should have no need for business premises. You don't need staff either - although if you are determined to develop your business into a multi-van operation, with support from your franchisor, the opportunity will most likely be available to you. Business costs include running your vehicle and purchasing your products, so you don't need to worry about high overheads.

2. MASSIVE MARKET POTENTIAL

With around 32 million cars on the road in the UK, the pool of potential customers is huge. At present the marketplace is fragmented with hardly any professional, organised companies providing reliable, high quality mobile valeting services. However, PCC have a targeted approach to ensure maximum return for franchisees.

PCC franchisees find that competitors tend either to be large static valeting operations, unable to offer flexibility and convenience of service to the customer, or self styled sole traders who turn up in a white van, scruffily dressed. In contrast when a well-trained, uniformed franchisee arrives in a liveried van and provides professional, high quality valets using specially developed products, there's really no contest.

3. REPEAT BUSINESS

It's no secret that a satisfied customer is a business's best salesperson and in a market where real quality of service is difficult to find, customers tend to be loyal to trusted suppliers, using them regularly and recommending them to others. This is particularly important in these challenging economic times. Valeting is a business concept based on regular, repeat custom, which means you can expect a reliable and growing income stream.

PCC franchisees provide regular valeting services both to individual motorists and local businesses, who typically require valeting services on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Accordingly, most of our franchisees have pretty full order books for several weeks - if not months - ahead, and fill any gaps with impromptu customers.

4. QUALITY OF LIFE

One of the biggest advantages of a valeting franchise is the flexibility and independence that comes with working for yourself. Organising your time is down to you, which means that work can be juggled effectively with family and leisure commitments. It's a very satisfying business too. The sight of a freshly cleaned, highly polished car puts a smile on most customers' faces and invariably you'll be paid on completion of the job, so you do not have to worry about unpaid bills and extended credit.

Another unexpected benefit is that a valeting business will help you keep fit, shed pounds and tone up! It's a fairly physical activity and many of our PCC franchisees have been transformed within a matter of months - some even running marathons for the first time!

5. WASH 'N' GO!

In summary, if you love cars and enjoy being outdoors rather than chained to a desk; if you are also a practical person with strong people skills, a valeting franchise could be just the opportunity for you. Whether you want to build a large business, or retain the flexibility of operating on your own, starting up is very affordable indeed.

About the Author:
Matthew Anderson is a franchise consultant and founder of The Franchise Shop, a UK business franchise directory featuring Automotive Franchises and Valeting franchises for sale in the UK

• Car Valeting leicester