2007 Thoughts on Starting a Mobile Oil Change Business

For those of us who love cars and are mechanically inclined starting a small business, which has to do with auto-maintenance, makes a lot of sense. Many folks would love to own their own business as part of their American Dream. The question is what type of business can we see ourselves enjoying and excelling at and how on Earth would we come up with the $500,000 to $1,000,000 to start an Auto Maintenance Shop? Even renting a bay and buying all the equipment can be costly and run $100,000 to $250,000.

This is why many just starting out consider running a mobile oil change business instead. By running a mobile oil change business you delete the need for an expensive shop and can rent a small industrial space to park the equipment and store the bulk oil and waste oil for pickup. Starting a Mobile Oil Change Business sounds rather easy and everyone owns a car and there are many fleets of vehicles out there too that need preventative maintenance care such as oil changes. Getting business should be fairly easy right?

Indeed, there are certainly a lot of cars out there and they all need oil changes however there are issues, such as most of those vehicles do not get their regularly needed oil changes and there is an abundance of competition as well. Additionally, most people drive their cars different amounts of miles and that makes the routing and scheduling a little tougher, but all these issues can be overcome.

There are some really great Mobile Oil Change Business Manuals and Books you can buy. I recommend a few of them such as; Melric’s Book; http://www.melrics.com . Consider this a supplement to such well-written books on the subject and not necessarily a replacement. If you are going to start your own business you need to soak up all the information available. Having been in the Oil Change Business nearly a decade I have learned that efficiency, route-scheduling, marketing and referrals are the key to success. Of course you still need the fundamentals and this is why other books are also very good.

I appreciate you reading this book and I sincerely hope that you will use it as not only an operations manual but also as a thinking tool when developing your business plan, marketing plan and strategizing your future success. Although, this is my first article for 2007 on this subject, I doubt if it will be my last. Perhaps this article is of interest to propel thought in 2007?

Mobile Massage Business Tips – Take the Stress Out of Outcalls

Imagine this. You’re digging through your outcall massage bag for your oil holster and, with a sinking feeling, you realize that you left it at home. Your only options are to set the oil on the floor or on a side table across the room, both of which force you to break the flow of the massage to apply more lubricant. An unexpected stressor is introduced into the session, and your normally peaceful state of mind becomes flustered. Your stress then transfers to the client, who tenses up in response to your subtle irritation.

Here’s another stressful scenario. You arrive at the client’s home for a massage appointment and make several trips up and down a flight of steps to carry in all of your equipment. By the time you’re ready to start the massage, your muscles are aching and your energy is fading. You pour yourself into the session and leave exhausted after lugging all of your equipment back to the car.

Outcall appointments can be stressful and exhausting. Without the convenience of a permanent location, certain factors affecting the massage may be out of your control. But with a little organization and the convenience of accessories designed for the mobile therapist, you can do all that is in your power to make each appointment as successful as possible.

The Convenience of Mobile Massage Equipment

You love being able to bring your massage therapy into clients’ homes, and your clients love the convenience, but carting your equipment from place to place can take a toll on your body over time. The right mobile massage equipment, however, can ease the wear and tear on your body and make transporting your supplies easier.

One of the most practical and back-saving accessories for outcalls is a rolling table cart. A portable massage table, no matter how lightweight, is a heavy item to transport, and the longer you carry it, the heavier it feels. Save your energy for the massage by rolling your table with a cart. You still have to do a certain amount of lifting, but the cart will ease the overall strain on your body.

A high quality massage table bag can also reduce the strain on your body. A deluxe carry case includes a thickly padded shoulder strap for superior comfort, durable fabric and stitching, and extra padding on the bottom to protect your table from bumps and minor impacts. One of the biggest benefits of a deluxe case is that you can keep all of your main supplies in one bag, with large pockets for a massage bolster, linens, oils, and other accessories on the outside of the case.

If you’re still struggling under the weight of your table, consider purchasing a lightweight aluminum massage table. Aluminum is a lighter material than wood, which makes it perfect for an outcall table. Depending on your size and strength, you may be able to handle a heavier table, but for therapists who prefer the lightest weight possible, aluminum is the way to go.

Organizing Your Mobile Massage Equipment

Even though you can’t always control your environment, there are steps you can take to ensure a relaxing experience for both you and your client. One idea is to make a list of supplies you need for outcalls. Check off your list before each visit. You’ll be less likely to forget something important. Another idea is to keep all of your outcall supplies together in one place. If you do both office sessions and on-site massage, consider keeping one bottle of massage oil in the office and one in your outcall bag. Store your outcall supplies in your vehicle if possible, except for lubricants, which should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment. Keep samples of lube in your vehicle, just in case you forget to pack some.

Use the following checklist as a starting point for your own list of items to remember. Add or subtract items as needed.

List of Items for Outcalls:

Massage table Bolster pillows Linens (sheets, face cradle covers, light blanket) Oils, lotions, or creams Product holster Towels Folding massage stool MP3 player and speakers Clip watch Hand sanitizer Bottle of water Intake forms Business cards, brochures, and gift certificates Appointment book Pen and paper Nail clippers and file

If you want to make your outcalls extra special, consider including a few of the items in the list below. Your clients will appreciate these luxury add-ons.

Optional Items:

Massage table warmer pad Oil warmer Essential oils Hot stones Small crock pot for hot towels Scented candles and warmer

As a mobile therapist, you deal with a constantly changing work environment every day. Use these tips to reduce the stress of outcalls and ensure a relaxing home massage session for both you and your client.