I could also assist with dealership negotiations, and provide advice on various dealer add-ons based upon their wishes.
I think this is a great idea! Everyone hates negotiating with dealers, especially in the U.S. where haggling is not a thing that we ever do.
You could negotiate some percentage payment. Like, if you are able to knock $1,200 off the price, maybe you keep 25% of it. The customer saves money either way.
I have thought a lot about pricing, and have come to the conclusion that I would rather simply price my service at an hourly rate. This way, the customer can buy as little or as much of my service as they would desire, and it ensures that I do not get caught up in a long drawn out situation where they can't make a decision, or end up buying nothing, and I don't make anything in the end. My strategy would be to provide an estimate upfront based upon what the customer is looking for, however clearly indicate that is only an estimate, and that the final cost may vary based upon my actual time (sort of like an attorney). This ensures that the customer receives everything they pay for, and conversely, I am paid fairly for my time.
Also, if I either assist with or perform purchase negotiations, I am not planning on providing any 'lowest price guarantee', or any of that other nonsense that will generally cost extensive amounts of time, and can lead to bitter situations. My plan is to help get a really good price based upon market demand, typically within a few hundred dollars of the absolute best deals. However, my real benefit will be in providing advice on dealer services, such as warranties, protections packages, insurances, etc., as this is where the real money is made.
If you let us know the type of business you are considering, I'm sure we would be able to help you find resources.
What I am thinking about doing is providing a service whereby I help people with all things automotive. This could range anywhere from providing help with automotive purchasing or leasing, sale of a current vehicle, or assistance with servicing, including providing pick up and delivery.
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So there you have it......thoughts?
I think it is a great idea. I'm sure you've thought a lot about this, but my first thoughts go to single women and widows. (And I know that there are lots of women who feel very comfortable with car buying and repairs, but I also know there are a lot that would just as soon outsource this to a trusted person). I suspect if you get a few happy customers, the world will spread quickly. Keep us updated!!
Funny you mention this, as I can imagine this may end up being my largest audience. One of my main selling points is that in hiring me, I will be the ONE person in the entire auto industry
who will be constantly looking out for their best interest at all times. I have nothing to upsell, and quite the contrary, I am most successful if I am able to save them some money.
I also plan to target folks who are disinterested in the any of this process, and those who are simply just to busy to make time in their schedule for automotive issues.
I am actually thinking that servicing portion may be of the greatest interest, as most often, people do not understand what needs to be done and why. I will clearly explain this to them, and assist with prioritization of needs. Also, since having work done is usually a real pain to schedule, I could even pick up their car at their home/office, and have it serviced for them.
...and market and promote it as being a high-end care concierge service.
Yep! I have thought a lot about this also. That said, I plan to charge what I feel the service is worth, and not just what I would be willing to work for, as these are 2 entirely different figures.
I think the real beauty of performing this type of work after FIRE is that I will have no stress to obtain work, and that I can completely control my schedule, working as much or as little as I wish. The only reason that I have not started this business today, is that I am still working a full time job, and I am not interested in working any more hours (lacking ambition?). Also, if I can hold out five more years at my current job (which I do not mind), I will receive quite a few more benefits for retiring at age 55 than I would today.