The simplest six figure offline business I've ever run across

AmericanMuscleTA

9 years ago

Drug Dealer?

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Sonomamike 9 years ago

drug dealers require inventory last I checked...haha
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- AmericanMuscleTA 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Sonomamike
  
  drug dealers require inventory last I checked...haha
  
  You said, "no inventory to buy."
  
  Steal a plant and reproduce it. Haha
  
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SalesGod

9 years ago

An imaginary one??

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SashaLee

9 years ago

Tax Collector?

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Virtualghost

9 years ago

U.S Government

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Sonomamike 9 years ago

The U.S Government is not profitable...hello
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yukon

Banned 9 years ago

Fortune teller at a flea market?

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socialentry

Banned 9 years ago

Hitman ?

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Claude Whitacre 9 years ago

prostitute? I'm asking for a friend.
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Sonomamike

9 years ago

hint: how would you monetize an empty parking lot?

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Kay King 9 years ago

Flea Market on weekends
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- Sonomamike 9 years ago
  
  Nope...not a Flea Market...that would require some selling, on going customer service and some work during the week...this one folds up at 4pm on Sunday and the rest of the week is free time until Saturday morning.
  
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umc

9 years ago

Farmer's market? Paid parking because it's near a hot weekend spot? Car show? Midget wrestling?

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Sonomamike 9 years ago

Parking lot....does involve cars...getting closer
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zoro

9 years ago

Parking Guard Dog Security...just needs food and water (:

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TakenAction

9 years ago

Sporting events

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John Durham

9 years ago

You have the perfect business concept my friend. Come on. What gives? This play has gone on long enough. What is it?

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Sonomamike

9 years ago

This is too much fun...one more massive hint: the concept is similar to Ebay...bringing buyers and sellers together...

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ewenmack

9 years ago

Buy sell car fair.

Best,
Doctor E. Vile

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Sonomamike

9 years ago

Yep that last hint was pretty obvious. I remember when it first started on a corner lot...then moved to a bigger lot...then to a bigger lot...then...you get the idea. It's so freaking no brainer I was shocked when I started to count the cars and add it all up. Anyone could do this and start it basically risk free. That is, if you know how to negotiate the right deal with the lot owner.

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AlphaWarrior

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Sonomamike

Yep that last hint was pretty obvious. I remember when it first started on a corner lot...then moved to a bigger lot...then to a bigger lot...then...you get the idea. It's so freaking no brainer I was shocked when I started to count the cars and add it all up. Anyone could do this and start it basically risk free. That is, if you know how to negotiate the right deal with the lot owner.

Did you ever set up one of these lots?

If so, what was your experience?

Was it as good of an experience as it sounds?

What kind of problems did you have?

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Sonomamike

9 years ago

No I haven't set one up. I've had my own businesses doing very well and this one is already here in my town. I have done my research however and it's quite a profitable venture especially if you know how to make it a win win situation with the right lot owners AND you have the right contract.

I am actively helping one of my kids look for a great location in another area. I'll probably negotiate the deal for them.

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AlphaWarrior

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Sonomamike

No I haven't set one up. I've had my own businesses doing very well and this one is already here in my town. I have done my research however and it's quite a profitable venture especially if you know how to make it a win win situation with the right lot owners AND you have the right contract.

I am actively helping one of my kids look for a great location in another area. I'll probably negotiate the deal for them.

Sounds great - good luck with the project.

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Sonomamike 9 years ago

It is as good as it sounds. I can see the proof every time I drive by on a weekend. It's been there nearly thirty years...through every economic downturn. I didn't really grasp how well they were doing until by brother in law came to town a few years ago and was looking for a boat or truck... We went over the car fair and as I was walking around I started counting all the cars and doing the math...hit my like a ton of bricks.
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AlphaWarrior

9 years ago

I say rent parking space for someone to sell his/her car. The car owners/sellers put their own for sale sign on the car and their own phone number. You, as the owner of the parking lot, do nothing.

In my area, we have had several people do this with corner lots. Unfortunately, there have been several cases where a buyer called the car owner, they set up a time to meet at the lot, and then when they did meet, the buyer either robbed the seller, stold the car or even killed the seller (this is absolutely true). So people here are skiddish of selling their cars this way.

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Sonomamike

9 years ago

It's actually the safest way to sell your used car. This is an event...not some half empty lot in the middle of nowhere. There are tons of cars and people walking around every Saturday and Sunday

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AlphaWarrior

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Sonomamike

It's actually the safest way to sell your used car. This is an event...not some half empty lot in the middle of nowhere. There are tons of cars and people walking around every Saturday and Sunday

I am not sure that it is the safest way.

The instances that I mentioned are true and real. According to newspaper accounts, the meetings were generally at a time when few people were around and people passing by in their cars were completely unaware that a crime was being committed.

In fact, if I remember correctly, the way the police knew what had happened in the 2 murder cases was that a relative said that the seller was going to meet a buyer at the lot. Eventually, the police spotted the stolen car and pulled over the driver/murderer.

I do not know if the lot owner faced any liability. A good contract would probably have the lot owner in the clear because he/she did nothing wrong.

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Sonomamike

9 years ago

You're not getting it. As I said this is an event. There are tons of people everywhere on the lot. You think it's safer to meet someone off of Craigslist? Come on

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mojo1

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Sonomamike

You're not getting it. As I said this is an event. There are tons of people everywhere on the lot. You think it's safer to meet someone off of Craigslist? Come on

He gets it but appears to be simply looking out for you that's all.
I don't know where he's based but several people have been robbed and killed in Georgia after meeting up with others to sell their cars and even lowly game consoles & iphones.
A lovely elderly couple during the spring and two young military vets on separate occasions were killed as well.

What would be robbers and all around evil people are now doing is to follow business owners home
from their places of business to rob them. So yeah, the weekend car fair sounds like a winner but
it does pay to be aware and avoid being a big sitting duck at the end of your car sales fair.

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Sonomamike 9 years ago

Sellers don't put their own sign in the window...that's one of the few things you as the car fair owner provide. Your expenses are these: Insurance, Pens, Signs, Tear off sheets (phone numbers) Scotch tape...balloons and overnight security.
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yukon

Banned 9 years ago

I kinda doubt they've never done advertising in 30 years, especially when first starting up. They might not advertise today If they've been established in the same location for 30 years, same as local flea markets.

I've never seen or heard of a buy/sell car fair.

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Sonomamike

9 years ago

They've never advertised. Ever. They did have a story in the newspaper back some 30 years ago when they got started but they never advertised. They simply called people selling their cars and had them come down to showcase them. It started small but grew quickly.

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yukon

Banned 9 years ago

Originally Posted by Sonomamike

They've never advertised. Ever. They did have a story in the newspaper back some 30 years ago when they got started but they never advertised. They simply called people selling their cars and had them come down to showcase them. It started small but grew quickly.

That's advertising.

Why not post where the car fair is located?

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SalesGod

9 years ago

Originally Posted by yukon

That's advertising.

Why not post where the car fair is located?

You need to "sell" people on why they should come down there with their car right? Or do they telepathically sense that they should go to this spot with there car they want to sell?

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SalesGod 9 years ago

Didn't mean to quote what Yukon said sorry
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Sonomamike

9 years ago

Originally Posted by SalesGod

You need to "sell" people on why they should come down there with their car right? Or do they telepathically sense that they should go to this spot with there car they want to sell?

They haven't had to sell anyone on anything. As I've said over and over. They did not advertise. It shouldn't be that hard to understand. As I stated...the only thing they did was have a story in the newspaper and call some people to bring their cars down...for FREE...that first week or so. They tied some balloons to the cars and put up some signs.

People figured it out pretty quickly. And it grew ORGANICALLY.

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SalesGod

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Sonomamike

They haven't had to sell anyone on anything. As I've said over and over. They did not advertise. It shouldn't be that hard to understand. As I stated...the only thing they did was have a story in the newspaper and call some people to bring their cars down...for FREE...that first week or so. They tied some balloons to the cars and put up some signs.

People figured it out pretty quickly. And it grew ORGANICALLY.

so if im understanding correctly they ADVERTISED in the newspaper by putting a story, called people to SELL them on the idea of bringing there cars down for free and did some more ADVERTISING by putting up signs and balloons is that correct? because thats what im reading above... Heres an example of a business that doesn't need to sell or advertise.

Example: You wake up one day. you walk down to a empty parking lot, you stand there, people somehow know to bring there cars down to the parking lot and sell them, it just pops in there head out of no where that they need to go down to a precise parking lot and sell there cars. and other people magically show up without anyone telling them to or seeing anything about it, they just randomly get the idea to go down to that parking lot and a bunch of others randomly have the same idea haha see how ridiculous that sounds?

and even in that model theres selling involved because you first have to be sold on the idea yourself to even take action. the first person you sell is yourself.

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Sonomamike

9 years ago

Originally Posted by SalesGod

so if im understanding correctly they ADVERTISED in the newspaper by putting a story, called people to SELL them on the idea of bringing there cars down for free and did some more ADVERTISING by putting up signs and balloons is that correct? because thats what im reading above... Heres an example of a business that doesn't need to sell or advertise.

Example: You wake up one day. you walk down to a empty parking lot, you stand there, people somehow know to bring there cars down to the parking lot and sell them, it just pops in there head out of no where that they need to go down to a precise parking lot and sell there cars. and other people magically show up without anyone telling them to or seeing anything about it, they just randomly get the idea to go down to that parking lot and a bunch of others randomly have the same idea haha see how ridiculous that sounds?

and even in that model theres selling involved because you first have to be sold on the idea yourself to even take action. the first person you sell is yourself.

My god...are you serious? How about this...they have never PAID a fee to advertise the service. And don't do any active marketing or advertising.There...is that more clear for you?

I mean really...I offer up an idea and I get nothing but ridiculous naysayers focusing on whether I'm telling the truth about advertising the business??? You clearly can't see the opportunity I've laid out before you. It really is amazing, I guess I should have known better. 99% of the people here take no action on anything. EVER

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DABK

9 years ago

Did you run with the idea before posting it here? After posting it here?

How about now?

Great ideas are a dime a dozen. I know because I have 'bout 7 or 8 dozens before breakfast.

I shared some of my ideas with some people too. And they thought they were awesome.

The devil is in the implementation.

I tell you an awesome idea I saw someone do: He bought a a house in bad shape across the street from a big lake. Razed the house. Rezoned the property. Split the lot in 2. Sold the lots to a developer/builder. The first one one lot for the price he paid to acquire the whole thing 3 months later.The 2nd one for $00k more.

He bought for $1,250,000 got $2,600,000 when he was done (less closing costs and carrying a mortgage for 3 months).

Brilliant and simple. All you have to do is:
1. locate a backer
2. locate a suitable property
3. rezone the property
4. find a buyer.

If you invest none of your money, like the guy I'm talking about, the profit is out of this world.

4 simple steps. But you don't see that done by everybody, do you?

Originally Posted by Sonomamike

My god...are you serious? How about this...they have never PAID a fee to advertise the service. And don't do any active marketing or advertising.There...is that more clear for you?

I mean really...I offer up an idea and I get nothing but ridiculous naysayers focusing on whether I'm telling the truth about advertising the business??? You clearly can't see the opportunity I've laid out before you. It really is amazing, I guess I should have known better. 99% of the people here take no action on anything. EVER

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Sonomamike

9 years ago

That's hilarious. That's exactly what I do for business. I'm a real estate investor. Foreclosures are my specialty. Implementation in the RE business is 100 times more complicated than this little operation.

Now...did I run the idea? I just told you it's being done right now here in the city that I live in...this isn't theoretical. I don't deal in pie in the sky opportunities. Although anyone reviewing the WSO's on this site would conclude that pie in the sky is for sale all day long everyday.

Maybe that's the problem here. So much BS is pushed on the members they can no longer see something that's real.

Oh well.

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DABK

9 years ago

At the same time that 1 guy made more than half a million, I (a real estate appraiser at the time), made none doing things his way. And a bunch of other investors for whom I'd appraised houses did it in this 6 easy steps:

1. scour selected neighborhoods (or pay bird dogs) to locate properties that needed a certain amount of work
2. buy a suitable property
3. put together a crew (or reactivate one)
4. get permits
5. send crew to fix property
6. put property on the market

And one guy was doing this
1. create ad as buyer of accounting firms
2. create ad as seller of accounting firms
3. place ads in appropriate magazines
4. talk to callers to narrow down to actual sellers and buyers
5. broker a deal every time he got 1 of each that were a match.

All of my examples, like yours, are missing the steps between the steps. And the set of pre-requisite skills.

In my example #1, the success had to do with the guy knowing that the city made exceptions to the 50 feet frontage rules, and when.

The 2nd example has a lot more moving parts and more, though less important individually, bits of knowledge...

I like the idea you presented. I'm glad you presented it. But you didn't just present it. You set a particular tone to your presentation and you presented it here, on the WarriorForum, where lots of people read about an idea and present it.

Hence, your responses.

No, I do not expect you to give a step-by step... but, like I said, good ideas, by themselves, are not much.

Even if based on something you've seen done or done yourself.

2 Mortgage brokers in the same building here. One does 6-10 closings a month, one does 140. They opened 1 year apart. They're following the same great idea... same great main ideas... The difference is in the ideas in-between the main ideas.

Originally Posted by Sonomamike

That's hilarious. That's exactly what I do for business. I'm a real estate investor. Foreclosures are my specialty. Implementation in the RE business is 100 times more complicated than this little operation.

Now...did I run the idea? I just told you it's being done right now here in the city that I live in...this isn't theoretical. I don't deal in pie in the sky opportunities. Although anyone reviewing the WSO's on this site would conclude that pie in the sky is for sale all day long everyday.

Maybe that's the problem here. So much BS is pushed on the members they can no longer see something that's real.

Oh well.

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Sonomamike

9 years ago

Originally Posted by DABK

At the same time that 1 guy made more than half a million, I (a real estate appraiser at the time), made none doing things his way. And a bunch of other investors for whom I'd appraised houses did it in this 6 easy steps:

1. scour selected neighborhoods (or pay bird dogs) to locate properties that needed a certain amount of work
2. buy a suitable property
3. put together a crew (or reactivate one)
4. get permits
5. send crew to fix property
6. put property on the market

And one guy was doing this
1. create ad as buyer of accounting firms
2. create ad as seller of accounting firms
3. place ads in appropriate magazines
4. talk to callers to narrow down to actual sellers and buyers
5. broker a deal every time he got 1 of each that were a match.

All of my examples, like yours, are missing the steps between the steps. And the set of pre-requisite skills.

In my example #1, the success had to do with the guy knowing that the city made exceptions to the 50 feet frontage rules, and when.

The 2nd example has a lot more moving parts and more, though less important individually, bits of knowledge...

I like the idea you presented. I'm glad you presented it. But you didn't just present it. You set a particular tone to your presentation and you presented it here, on the WarriorForum, where lots of people read about an idea and present it.

Hence, your responses.

No, I do not expect you to give a step-by step... but, like I said, good ideas, by themselves, are not much.

Even if based on something you've seen done or done yourself.

2 Mortgage brokers in the same building here. One does 6-10 closings a month, one does 140. They opened 1 year apart. They're following the same great idea... same great main ideas... The difference is in the ideas in-between the main ideas.

Prerequisite skills? You really think one needs prerequisite skills to pull this off? My friend, I gotta tell ya, this ain't that hard. If someone posted this idea and I had never heard it before I would've figured it out in about 2 seconds.

Once this thing is up and running, it can be operated by a couple of skate board riding college freshman. It's only as complicated as your mind makes it.

It's really striking how few people can recognize opportunity when it hits them in the face and even fewer do anything about it. I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

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DABK

9 years ago

So, why are you not doing it, seeing you've been hit by a great and simple-to-implement-opportunity you recognize as such?

Originally Posted by Sonomamike

Prerequisite skills? You really think one needs prerequisite skills to pull this off? My friend, I gotta tell ya, this ain't that hard. If someone posted this idea and I had never heard it before I would've figured it out in about 2 seconds.

Once this thing is up and running, it can be operated by a couple of skate board riding college freshman. It's only as complicated as your mind makes it.

It's really striking how few people can recognize opportunity when it hits them in the face and even fewer do anything about it. I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

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yukon

Banned 9 years ago

Originally Posted by DABK

So, why are you not doing it, seeing you've been hit by a great and simple-to-implement-opportunity you recognize as such?

Lol, yea, it's a shit ton of work.

Swap Meets might be easy but multiple people are still doing a lot of nonstop work orchestrating the show.

Collecting money at the gate
Directing traffic where to park
Keeping permits updated
Keeping emergency staff on location (some towns make it mandatory for large events)
Ordering Port-O-Pots
Doing Payroll
Property cleanup before/after the event
Security
Organizing staff
Checking in vendors & collecting payment
etc...

The list goes on...

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DABK

9 years ago

Thanks for reminding me about the port-o-potties... I'd have started an event without one and pretty soon, the pee puddles between the cars would have ruined my event!

Originally Posted by yukon

Lol, yea, it's a shit ton of work.

Swap Meets might be easy but multiple people are still doing a lot of nonstop work orchestrating the show.

Collecting money at the gate
Directing traffic where to park
Keeping permits updated
Keeping emergency staff on location (some towns make it mandatory for large events)
Ordering Port-O-Pots
Doing Payroll
Property cleanup before/after the event
Security
Organizing staff
Checking in vendors & collecting payment
etc...

The list goes on...

Thanks
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Ron Lafuddy

9 years ago

Originally Posted by DABK

Thanks for reminding me about the port-o-patties... I'd have started an event without one and pretty soon, the pee puddles between the cars would have ruined my event!

Not to mention the people recording those who are relieving themselves and posting it online.

Nothing like a couple of good photos or vids to create buzz.

Good family fun. Bring Maw & da kids.

What was that bit again about this being "simple"?

Thanks

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yukon

Banned 9 years ago

Originally Posted by DABK

Thanks for reminding me about the port-o-potties... I'd have started an event without one and pretty soon, the pee puddles between the cars would have ruined my event!

I'm sure the city Gov will remind you before they issue a permit.

Thanks
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DABK

9 years ago

You answered in earnest! Didn't expect that.

But, to keep it in the same vein, I've been at events where there were waaaay to few of those... to the point where some people didn't care and did it behind a bush...

I am in the USA, just outside one of its biggest cities. Next to a community who's mayor is in jail for taking bribes in exchange for easy permits.

I guess one of the not-so-special skills needed is estimating accurately how many potties you need.

Originally Posted by yukon

I'm sure the city Gov will remind you before they issue a permit.

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bizgrower

9 years ago

Originally Posted by DABK

You answered in earnest! Didn't expect that.

But, to keep it in the same vein, I've been at events where there were waaaay to few of those... to the point where some people didn't care and did it behind a bush...

I am in the USA, just outside one of its biggest cities. Next to a community who's mayor is in jail for taking bribes in exchange for easy permits.

I guess one of the not-so-special skills needed is estimating accurately how many potties you need.

"You peed on my Jag!"

Seriously, powers that be will tell you how many potties per estimated number of attendees.

OP idea has merit. The people he's looked at may have been grandfathered in on some zoning and permit issues.

Access to affordable land is always an issue.

There is a place near me that is open 6 or 7 days per week. I don't know if they own the land,
or lease, but it is a good spot for sellers to park their vehicles. It is in a rural area, so it's convenient for all.

Thanks

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yukon

Banned 9 years ago

Originally Posted by DABK

You answered in earnest! Didn't expect that.

But, to keep it in the same vein, I've been at events where there were waaaay to few of those... to the point where some people didn't care and did it behind a bush...

I am in the USA, just outside one of its biggest cities. Next to a community who's mayor is in jail for taking bribes in exchange for easy permits.

I guess one of the not-so-special skills needed is estimating accurately how many potties you need.

A legit local rental service should be able to calculate the amount of cans needed based on the traffic volume expected.

Here's a calculator, basically one can serves 250 people. I'd hate to be #249.

Michael Scott - Poop - YouTube

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Xkm 9 years ago

Not trying to comment on whether the story is true or not, but is this some kind of Cadini experiment post trying to test reactions?
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DABK

9 years ago

My brother held an event for his mortgage business. He estimated 200 attendees, 20 sales. He had 27 attendees, 1 sale.

Had he done what the OP suggested, he'd have needed 1 tenth of a port-o-potty but would have ordered a full one, thereby wasting money, reducing profit. And this is only one way of reducing your profits with such events. I'm sure people have found many more.

Sticking with port-o-potties, the park district that puts out one of the best 4th of July firework shows around here does not know that you need 1 potty for 250 people. I had to wait 23 minutes to take my turn. Others went behind the bush after 15 minutes. Others just look at the lines and made a line for the bushes...

PS By 8 o'clock, there was a line by the bushes and I felt sorry for the ladies. Turns out, they can't do it behind bushes.

I go and put my real funny hat on now.

Originally Posted by yukon

A legit local rental service should be able to calculate the amount of cans needed based on the traffic volume expected.

Here's a calculator, basically one can serves 250 people. I'd hate to be #249.

Michael Scott - Poop - YouTube

Thanks

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DABK 9 years ago

Maybe, but we're not talking about running it; we're talking about setting it up.

Once set up, a McDonald's restaurant can be run by a pimply kid with nothing but dreams of naked women on his mind. Setting it up... the McDonald's brothers, established restaurant owners, couldn't do it.

Just saying, ya know, buddy.

Originally Posted by Sonomamike

Once this thing is up and running, it can be operated by a couple of skate board riding college freshman. It's only as complicated as your mind makes it.
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yukon

Banned 9 years ago

Originally Posted by Sonomamike

My god...are you serious? How about this...they have never PAID a fee to advertise the service. And don't do any active marketing or advertising.There...is that more clear for you?

I mean really...I offer up an idea and I get nothing but ridiculous naysayers focusing on whether I'm telling the truth about advertising the business??? You clearly can't see the opportunity I've laid out before you. It really is amazing, I guess I should have known better. 99% of the people here take no action on anything. EVER

Ha, ha...

It would have been so much easier If you had simply posted the business/location. It's not like it would ever create competition.

Thanks

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Sonomamike

9 years ago

Originally Posted by yukon

That's advertising.

Why not post where the car fair is located?

They called a few people selling their cars and told them they could showcase their car for FREE That was before their 1st week in business over 30 years ago. No advertising was ever done. Their location was in a high traffic spot. It simply grew organically.

It's not that hard to understand....it's simple as pie.

Thanks
1 reply

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yukon

Banned 9 years ago

Originally Posted by Sonomamike

They called a few people selling their cars and told them they could showcase their car for FREE That was before their 1st week in business over 30 years ago. No advertising was ever done. Their location was in a high traffic spot. It simply grew organically.

It's not that hard to understand....it's simple as pie.

Yea, I get it, exact same as a local flea market.

Like already said, they still advertised. Odds are they even have a sign out on the street today in front of the lot (advertising).

Thanks

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SalesGod

9 years ago

you said no selling. seems like theirs some selling involved. I cant think of one business where selling isnt involved can anyone else?

Thanks
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Sonomamike 9 years ago

There is no selling...people come to them. I personally think they could make it bigger with a little advertising but they seem to think everyone knows it's there. It's not rocket science. The sellers park their car, fill out some signage, pay the fee...next.
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vndnbrgj 9 years ago

Originally Posted by SalesGod

you said no selling. seems like theirs some selling involved. I cant think of one business where selling isnt involved can anyone else?

ATM's.

It is an interesting idea... Seems a little more complicated than laid out, but that doesn't mean it isn't do-able.
Convincing people to bring their car down, finding people to come down and shop for cars, then pay that day.
It's just figuring out how to take a cut...
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sdentrepreneur

9 years ago

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Sonomamike 9 years ago

Originally Posted by sdentrepreneur

I'm bored with that already....I'd rather be an Digital Marketing Consultant to business owners.

Glad to hear you're happy doing what you're doing. Not quite sure why you bothered to post that shot about being "bored with that already" but hope your day gets better.
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Oziboomer

9 years ago

Car parks where there is traffic and other attractions in my neck of the woods are far too valuable to allow this type of operation to exist.

Even two car dealers lots that I enquired about recently...admittedly they have showrooms, offices and service areas rent out for for between $420 - 770K annually so a business that generated 2-300K would be just losing money.

I was talking to my finance guy who is a brother of one of the lot owners.

They used to have their own luxury vehicle business on the property but for the last 8 years or so leased them out to a major player who recently went bankrupt after 42 years in the business with 275 staff and a $70M collapse.

The lots remain vacant and the owner has knocked back significant offers so I'm not sure how valid the OP is in relation to running a simple 6 figure business when in many cases unless the site is in a backwater the rentals for sites alone run well into the 6...sometimes 7 figures.

Thanks
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Sonomamike

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Oziboomer

Car parks where there is traffic and other attractions in my neck of the woods are far too valuable to allow this type of operation to exist.

Even two car dealers lots that I enquired about recently...admittedly they have showrooms, offices and service areas rent out for for between $420 - 770K annually so a business that generated 2-300K would be just losing money.

I was talking to my finance guy who is a brother of one of the lot owners.

They used to have their own luxury vehicle business on the property but for the last 8 years or so leased them out to a major player who recently went bankrupt after 42 years in the business with 275 staff and a $70M collapse.

The lots remain vacant and the owner has knocked back significant offers so I'm not sure how valid the OP is in relation to running a simple 6 figure business when in many cases unless the site is in a backwater the rentals for sites alone run well into the 6...sometimes 7 figures.

You're right, I've made it all up. I left out the part where it costs $750,000 a year for the lot rental...so yes, they're really losing $450,000 a year...in this backwater town of 175,000 people in a county of 400k plus. It can't be done. They've been losing hundreds of thousands of dollars every year for some 30 years now. Why do they keep doing it???

Oh and I didn't even get the chance to tell you about the "other" entrepreneurs doing the exact same thing in other areas making more money than this example.

You've got to think outside the box to find a win win location. That is the key. From the responses I've seen so far, I'm not optimistic anyone here has that capability.

Thanks

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umc

9 years ago

I for one appreciate the share and absolutely love the idea. I really hate the nitpicky bullsh!t way people try to disparage people that actually share something real on here. If someone really is just here to spam and self-promote, rip away. This guy shares something interesting and people rip it. I can see why nobody posts here anymore. Who wants to share to a bunch of people that just want to pick and put you on the defensive.

Thanks for the share. I personally love the idea and love cars and could see it working. I could see ways to offer services on the lot to help people clean up their cars too in order to make it more profitable. There are so many ways someone could add on to this and develop it even more if they wanted. Or we could all just piss on the idea. Evidently that's more fun.

Thanks
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Advanpro 9 years ago

How much do they charge for a space ?

A similar concept in the UK is car boot. The lot owner rents spaces for a tenner .......
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Sonomamike

9 years ago

Originally Posted by umc

I for one appreciate the share and absolutely love the idea. I really hate the nitpicky bullsh!t way people try to disparage people that actually share something real on here. If someone really is just here to spam and self-promote, rip away. This guy shares something interesting and people rip it. I can see why nobody posts here anymore. Who wants to share to a bunch of people that just want to pick and put you on the defensive.

Thanks for the share. I personally love the idea and love cars and could see it working. I could see ways to offer services on the lot to help people clean up their cars too in order to make it more profitable. There are so many ways someone could add on to this and develop it even more if they wanted. Or we could all just piss on the idea. Evidently that's more fun.

My god...we have a thinker here. Yes we do. Where the hell have you been? Haha, yes sir you're 1000% correct. You could and should offer addition services. In fact some are doing that very thing.

See, someone does recognize the opportunity and in fact is already thinking of ways to optimize the value of each transaction.

Congratulations and thank you.

[ 2 ] Thanks

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asyafikj 9 years ago

Hi Sonomamike.
I have been following the conversations here. I don't want to waste anybody's time. I'd like to try this idea out - gotta get your fingers in the fire. I have got a stadium in front of my house with thousands of empty parking lots most time of the year. What a waste. I figured if I can take to the management to collaborate with me on this, this can definitely take off. Please advise me on how should I do it i.e. step-by-step. I'm not sure if I am allowed to do this here but we can continue the conversation thru email. Mine is asyafikj@outlook.com. Thanks bro!
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gjabiz

9 years ago

Dave and Ed's Super Auto Events (www.autotevents.com):Canfield

We discussed this several years ago, even had much smaller operations, still doable, not that much involved.

A good place to clean headlights, detail of all kinds.

Thanks OP, the auto industry, no matter what, is still a big opportunity for those who do. .

gjabiz

[ 3 ] Thanks
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Oziboomer

9 years ago

Originally Posted by gjabiz

Dave and Ed's Super Auto Events (www.autotevents.com):Canfield

We discussed this several years ago, even had much smaller operations, still doable, not that much involved.

A good place to clean headlights, detail of all kinds.

Thanks OP, the auto industry, no matter what, is still a big opportunity for those who do. .

gjabiz

Thanks Gordon...just had to say I love your sig.

Earlier I was talking about some lots that became available when a car dealer collapsed.

It does go to show that even though they had 42 years in the industry they could still fail.

Sometimes the dude on a skate board analogy used in a previous post can get you so far but then there are some skills that even the so called experts fail to use.

If you are inclined to read a short news article where...

...it was revealed how accounts showed the cash flow of said business had only made a $1.19 million profit in 2013 off sales off revenues of $152 million.

it is here...No Cookies | The Courier-Mail

Not to dissuade anyone from getting up and giving it a go but just to illustrate that sometimes car sales even for serious long term players is not necessarily a path to easy riches.

[ 1 ] Thanks
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jgsketch 9 years ago

I saw this idea here on WF before. It's a good concept.

Wonder if there was a way to keep track of sales of the cars. I would rather get car owners to come in and park for free and collect a higher commission on sales of each car. Then charge a bunch of vendors, like detailers, headlight cleaners, car accessories and maybe a food truck to two to come in for the weekend.

I would make the whole event bigger and maybe only have it once or twice a month.
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gjabiz

9 years ago

My older brother was a car guy, a CARie (since I'm a foodIE)...and I've observed there are a few common things about car dealers....many NEW dealers are born into it, or are celebrities or have a like if not love of cars.

I am NOT a car guy, but, we did flip a lot of them, and only if they had at least 2500 bux in quick, turn around profits. Between all the family, we could do several a year, that is, without a license.

For me, this idea has a lot of mess and slop to it, and my OPINION is...it may appear simple; empty lot, people selling cars...put the two together...BAM, easy profits.

Being a middleman is a tested and proven way to making some moolah, and I appreciate the OP and the sharing, there are just so many better and even EASIER ways to go...but, if you like and or love cars and PEOPLE (I don't care for either)...then look around for an empty lot and do SOMETHING with it.

But, one thing, at least this thread got some action, good to see the activity, even the negatives help shine light on what we are all trying to do here...learn a new trick or two to make an extra buck.

gjabiz

Originally Posted by Oziboomer

Thanks Gordon...just had to say I love your sig.

Earlier I was talking about some lots that became available when a car dealer collapsed.

It does go to show that even though they had 42 years in the industry they could still fail.

Sometimes the dude on a skate board analogy used in a previous post can get you so far but then there are some skills that even the so called experts fail to use.

If you are inclined to read a short news article where...

...it was revealed how accounts showed the cash flow of said business had only made a $1.19 million profit in 2013 off sales off revenues of $152 million.

it is here...No Cookies | The Courier-Mail

Not to dissuade anyone from getting up and giving it a go but just to illustrate that sometimes car sales even for serious long term players is not necessarily a path to easy riches.

Thanks

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yukon

Banned 9 years ago

Originally Posted by gjabiz

Dave and Ed's Super Auto Events (www.autotevents.com):Canfield

We discussed this several years ago, even had much smaller operations, still doable, not that much involved.

A good place to clean headlights, detail of all kinds.

Thanks OP, the auto industry, no matter what, is still a big opportunity for those who do. .

gjabiz

Finally someone broke down with a link.

That's just a typical swap meet. Earlier I thought OP was talking about something else.

I bet there's advertising considering the schedule isn't every weekend for a full year (ex: auto part store flyers, etc...).

YEAR 2016 DATES!
- April 29 & 30 - May 1, 2016
- July 22, 23 & 24, 2016
- September 16, 17 & 18, 2016

Nothing in May, June or August, so traffic would be guessing swap meet dates unless there's advertising. All the traffic wouldn't know the domain URL (online schedule).

Thanks

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tigerbait

9 years ago

Interesting thread SonomaMike.

How much would you charge each seller/vendor to use your lot?

This seems like a very viable idea, though obviously a lot of work if just to cover your butt.

I'd be interested in learning more about the numbers as far as lot rental fee, vendor fees, insurance cost, security cost, etc.

Is this something someone could do on a shoestring budget, or would there need to be some sort of large investment up front? If so, how large of an investment?

Pretty neat concept for sure, sounds much like a gun show.

Thanks,
T