business offer , should we go for it? long but need advice

[Lulu]

6) If people are slowing down buying the cars that you will the in future be servicing, this will impact - maybe in 3-5 years, but it will impact. Get the IBIS report on the state of the 2nd hand car industry and service industry. Don't automatically think people will search for a cheaper mechanic, it's not necesarrily true at the upper end. In fact lots of people feel happier paying more iykwim? This is where the IBIS report comes in.

8) As part of handover, get the wife to train you in the books - a course will come in handy later but that's the bestest training you'll get to start with

9) DO get an independent expert to look at the books - WELL worth any $$$ it will cost you. Not necesarrily an accountant, a business growth expert...

[*charmalea*]

thanks Lulu , i will be meeting the wife this week .

what does IBIS stand for how do we obtain a report ?

[Lulu]

Hmm, not sure - I belong to a Business Enterprise Centre and get them freeeeeeeee woo hoo! Maybe Google IBIS World and go from there? It dpesn't necesarrily mean you shouldn't go for it, you might just have to adjust your approach with the knowledge of whats ahead.

I think the first port of call would be finding a business enterprise expert - they can lead you from there. They should be good (if they know their marketing etc) for helping you though the 'Under New Management' stuff - making sure people know there is a 'Merc trained Specialist' on board - that Larry has happily handed on the business because he knows his customers are in good hands yadda yadda yadda...

[*charmalea*]

thanks for the advice Lulu , we are into our 2nd week of business and tripled what we estimated to get us by so fas so good !!