Advice on starting a business

[toby.cook78]

I was laid off my great paying job of about a year in the oilfield as a tool hand last week. I have been saying if I was laid off i was going to get out of the oilfield all together and try to start my own business. So here i am, I was thinking about buying a trailer mounted pressure washer with a burner and some scrubbers and starting a parking lot washing business. So my question is does anyone know anything about this or know anyone that does know about this type of business? Please if you have any suggestions of something else or good ideas that would set me back to much I am open to ideas. Thank you and God Bless.

[aggie2000tx]

Just a reminder that if you are going to try and do parking lots almost all the work will be in the middle of the night. I would think mobile car/truck washing would be a little better of an option. Every used car dealer uses one. I don't know if you have checked on the equipment but it will not be cheap. You also need to look into liability insurance as well

[DuckDogTrainer]

My advice is to find something that you think you can stick with over the long haul. One of the keys to success is longevity. As the old saying goes plan the work then work the plan. Stick with it even when it's tough and be sure to put money back along the way. Good luck!

[Doc Peter]

Be sure first to check with the city and county to see if you need some kind of permit to operate.

[deer farmer]

Fear of Failure stops most from taking the step. I always looked at it like " I was not going to fail"

[toby.cook78]

Thank you guys.

[talltexasshoote]

Make sure and check regulations on your waste waters. Lots of ordinances in that realm.

[catslayer]

Fear of Failure stops most from taking the step. I always looked at it like " I was not going to fail"

This is a big part... I want to find my niche before i jump in BUT once opportunity knocks... then put your head down and as my good friend says,

"keep on sucking until you do SUC-ceed"

[Heath]

I have always heard that self car washes and storage facilities are great ideas for starting a business. I would look into these two opportunities and see if there is a need in an area around you.

[txdukklr]

I have always heard that self car washes and storage facilities are great ideas for starting a business. I would look into these two opportunities and see if there is a need in an area around you.

7 figures for both investments but they pay big.

[Big H]

I know a guy that has the same equipment in East Texas and does well. Made an agreement with dealerships to clean trade in heavy equipment. He does very few cars. Also when the Oilfield picks back up there is money in cleaning drill pipe.

[Ivanite]

I'd also look into Washing construction equipment. The rock pit near us has a guy come in every other week and wash the dust off the Wheel Loaders.

[whitie]

Look into the steam wash rigs...they use less water and won't flood the parking lot.

[miket]

Good luck in your endeavor. I started my own shop on the side ( still employed full time ) a year and a half ago ( CNC machining ) and it was going well till recently. Unfortunately here in the Houston area almost all the work is related to the oilfield, and you know how thst is going.......

[TWOHunter]

Find others that's been very successful at what you're looking to do and call them up. Ask them if you can some tag-along with them for a week. Choose others that are far far away from you so they're not threatened by your new business. Most business owners are eager to help others and mentor them as long as you are professional, courteous, eager to learn, and appreciative.