Mobile Oil Changing; Viable Business?


By Lance Winslow


Have you been considering a Mobile Automotive type business lately? Many people like cars and consider starting their own business but may not have the $100,000 to $500,000 needed to start an automotive business. They consider perhaps starting a business that they can run from their homes. What about a mobile oil changing business? Is it a viable business to start and run?

Well, I think if you are not as efficient as hell, then it is not a good business, but realize also it takes time to develop new accounts and you must cluster them, meaning conventional advertising or blanket approach in TV, Radio and Newspaper or yellow pages does not work. Unless you go only for fleets or 80% or more fleets.

Then realize you would be better off with direct sales, walk in and hand them a brochure and business card. But you will still have a tough time marketing. For us it makes sense as we already wash www.CarWashGuys.com for all these people, for us it is an add-on service.

I do not think the business model with the problematic labor supply in the US and the shortage of auto-technician types, makes sense without pre-volume and scheduled routes already set up. Unless you have up-front capital and can wait 6 months until it gets going? Doubtful as that is not a common ability of a cash strapped small businessperson in my observations.

Many people wishing to start their own businesses are coming from Corporate World and are 150% their annual income in short term debt and wish to; Shoestring It, not wise. Obviously capitalization or lack of it is the cause of most business failures.

You know you need to be careful in considering this business model unless you have a captured audience, kick butt in sales and wish to go 80% or more fleets and know what you are doing? You can make it work and yes it is viable considering these comments up front.


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