Fred50
04-04-2003, 09:58 PM
I would first like to thank all of the folks who have given me sage advice during the last 1-1/2 years that I have participated on this forum, especially Kitty, Howard, Pete F, Kitty and many others. Sorry if I left someone out, but I am a bit tired.
I opened my new mat 3-1/2 weeks ago and it has been a blast. I listened to everything that I have heard and read and took the best ideas that suited my situation. So far, so good!!
Now for the eye opening part for anyone who is looking to get into this business:
1- I spent almost 2 years full-time trying to find an existing mat or a location for a new mat that would meet my criteria.
2- I spent 9 months full-time (including nights and weekends) supervising the planning and construction of my mat.
3- I have not had a full day off in about 6 months.
I am enjoying every minute of this so far, but it is certainly not for everyone.
Note that my place is completely new, including the building. I have had false alarms, bra wires in drains, screws jammed in washers and dryers, crayons and candy in dryers staining people's clothing and about every basic complaint that you may have read here. Oh yes, and both of my Card Machines have had their bill acceptors jammed.
Note also that everything is under a full warranty now, but you can't wait on a Sunday afternoon for the mechanic to arrive, especially if it means losing revenue on your busiest day.
I used to laugh before when I went to some distributor's seminars and they called it an absentee business that you only have to show up to to collect.
Now it is really being driven home.
This business has gotten so competitive that you have to be involved and you have to take advantage of every possible opportunity to increase your market share and / or keep your competition at bay.
One last bit. I told you folks a while back about a small, neglected mat down the block from me that closed down the week before I opened. Well, someone bought it and cleaned it up a bit. They definitely didn't do their homework and they are suffering for it miserably. Their last wash is 9:00 PM, but it was lights out at 6:00 PM last Saturday!
Good luck to you all and to you newbies - DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!
Remember how much $$$ and time and effort is at stake before you commit to something and don't be shy about asking about anything that concerns you and get everything in writing. The cost of the business may be the least of your obligations. The cost of the lease can easily exceed that over time and you have to be damn sure that the business can cover it.
I opened my new mat 3-1/2 weeks ago and it has been a blast. I listened to everything that I have heard and read and took the best ideas that suited my situation. So far, so good!!
Now for the eye opening part for anyone who is looking to get into this business:
1- I spent almost 2 years full-time trying to find an existing mat or a location for a new mat that would meet my criteria.
2- I spent 9 months full-time (including nights and weekends) supervising the planning and construction of my mat.
3- I have not had a full day off in about 6 months.
I am enjoying every minute of this so far, but it is certainly not for everyone.
Note that my place is completely new, including the building. I have had false alarms, bra wires in drains, screws jammed in washers and dryers, crayons and candy in dryers staining people's clothing and about every basic complaint that you may have read here. Oh yes, and both of my Card Machines have had their bill acceptors jammed.
Note also that everything is under a full warranty now, but you can't wait on a Sunday afternoon for the mechanic to arrive, especially if it means losing revenue on your busiest day.
I used to laugh before when I went to some distributor's seminars and they called it an absentee business that you only have to show up to to collect.
Now it is really being driven home.
This business has gotten so competitive that you have to be involved and you have to take advantage of every possible opportunity to increase your market share and / or keep your competition at bay.
One last bit. I told you folks a while back about a small, neglected mat down the block from me that closed down the week before I opened. Well, someone bought it and cleaned it up a bit. They definitely didn't do their homework and they are suffering for it miserably. Their last wash is 9:00 PM, but it was lights out at 6:00 PM last Saturday!
Good luck to you all and to you newbies - DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!
Remember how much $$$ and time and effort is at stake before you commit to something and don't be shy about asking about anything that concerns you and get everything in writing. The cost of the business may be the least of your obligations. The cost of the lease can easily exceed that over time and you have to be damn sure that the business can cover it.