Perhaps I'm posting this a little preemptively, but I want to include my development process through to going live and, if all goes as planned, going from the curb (sidewalk/slowlane) to the fast lane.
Every time I search for a new mechanic or body shop, I get the google maps listings, then yellow pages, then individual SEO'd shops. Now, this really pisses me off. I want to fix this!
I found a few domains that are available, I also own a domain that would translate well for custom shops. I feel that the best model for this business would be similar to @MJ DeMarco's limo referral site, but as a subscription service.
I've talked to a few body shops and mechanics this week, including the one I work for, and interest in my idea has been positive so far. I still need to do my diligence on more of a national scale, but I feel that, particularly in highly populated areas, I should receive somewhere around 35% positive response. Now I know that there's a very good chance that it won't amount to a 35% conversion rate, but that's ok.
Ideally, I want to create a site that utilizes a user's location to suggest shops by specific need. Need an oil change? Why go to a full service shop to pay a higher price and wait longer? Need a bumper painted? This shop specializes in 24hr turnarounds. Conversely, you would want a lube shop to replace your motor, or that quick turnaround body shop to repair the crushed side of your BMW.
I don't see referral fee being an efficient model because many repairs are infrequent, and shops need to do their own scheduling based on their availability.
This fills the need of more customers for the shops, and finding the shops for the consumer.
The biggest issue I can foresee is pricing structure. I figure I will offer my site's services free or as a referral structure for three months, and convert to a monthly or yearly subscription after. Any thoughts? I will be updating this thread regularly as I develop my concept further and as I build my Fastlane opportunity. I will be keeping my day job, but will probably limit my hours as things begin to come together.
Thanks for any interest you may show in my journey!
-Jeff
Every time I search for a new mechanic or body shop, I get the google maps listings, then yellow pages, then individual SEO'd shops. Now, this really pisses me off. I want to fix this!
I found a few domains that are available, I also own a domain that would translate well for custom shops. I feel that the best model for this business would be similar to @MJ DeMarco's limo referral site, but as a subscription service.
I've talked to a few body shops and mechanics this week, including the one I work for, and interest in my idea has been positive so far. I still need to do my diligence on more of a national scale, but I feel that, particularly in highly populated areas, I should receive somewhere around 35% positive response. Now I know that there's a very good chance that it won't amount to a 35% conversion rate, but that's ok.
Ideally, I want to create a site that utilizes a user's location to suggest shops by specific need. Need an oil change? Why go to a full service shop to pay a higher price and wait longer? Need a bumper painted? This shop specializes in 24hr turnarounds. Conversely, you would want a lube shop to replace your motor, or that quick turnaround body shop to repair the crushed side of your BMW.
I don't see referral fee being an efficient model because many repairs are infrequent, and shops need to do their own scheduling based on their availability.
This fills the need of more customers for the shops, and finding the shops for the consumer.
The biggest issue I can foresee is pricing structure. I figure I will offer my site's services free or as a referral structure for three months, and convert to a monthly or yearly subscription after. Any thoughts? I will be updating this thread regularly as I develop my concept further and as I build my Fastlane opportunity. I will be keeping my day job, but will probably limit my hours as things begin to come together.
Thanks for any interest you may show in my journey!
-Jeff
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