Business Market Research Survey

commodorecollector

Hi All,
I am going to be opening my own shop this summer, however I am having trouble finding information on my target market. Due to this I have created a short nine question survey to get a better idea of my target market. The questions are pretty simple and due to this I have made it so all have to be answered - If any incomplete survey's are submitted I cannot count them.
I have posted this survey on the HET facebook group and VCCC-Victoria chapter facebook group and have gotten some responses. However I am in need of a lot more since as it stands right now my sample size is too small.

It would be much appreciated if those who have not already could complete the survey.

Here is the link to my survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9LSY9MR

Thanks,
Christopher

[Deleted User]

done!

commodorecollector

thank you!

RL Chilton

Did it, Christopher! Hope it helps and please keep us posted on your progress.

commodorecollector

thank you Russell! Of course I'll keep the club in the loop since I only want to work on classic and antique cars.

Browniepetersen

Done. Best of luck in setting up a business. It brings a lot of satisfaction to go it alone--make or brake you eat or starve.....

commodorecollector

thank you Brownie!

bent metal

Aren't you 'collision and refinishing'? Are you thinking of doing more than that? More people than just you?

I did the survey. Hope that helps.

commodorecollector

Bent - Collision and Refinishing carries quite nicely over to restoration. Street rod would have helped but... it has more to do with the customization of cars than bringing them back to stock.
I am going to be hiring a few employee's fairly soon, since I know I cannot do everything I want my shop to be able to offer.
Thanks for filling it out

54SuperWasp

Done. There is a big need for antique car restoration business. Good Luck! Michel

commodorecollector

Thank you Michel!

hudsn47

Just did the survey Christopher. You have the right attitude so think you will do great. Doug

commodorecollector

Thank you Doug!

MikeWA

Survey done. Good luck!

commodorecollector

Thank you Mike!

[Deleted User]

Just make sure you have a good back account to carry you for at least 6 months. And be ready to work at least 12 hours a day. Once the word gets around about your work you can then cut your hours. Don't go to big to start. After 38 years in business, doing Hudson's and AMC's I retired and here I amr still doing Hudsons 68 years later. Walt.

Val

C/W Christopher! Good luck in your endevor.

Glowplug

The best advice I can provide is find and listen to a mentor who has been successful in the business you plan to start. A single deep business is how much of the US business base began. The difference between successful and unsuccessful business is taking the time to learn from those who have been successful and modeling the successful aspects of that business in yours. While you are still in the US I highly recommend you take the time to visit a local business incubator or community business support office. Ask there to speak with the SCORE coordinator. Once you have returned to Canada the following website is a great asset. score.org/resources/business-plans-financial-statements-template-gallery.

Retiring after 45 years, I can unequivocally say my good fortunes were made better the day I found the SCORE office and began to obtain some of the best business advice available.

Hard and Long hours will get you part way, but without the right plan and business model the outcome can be disappointing. Best Wishes for success.

commodorecollector

Walt - Thank you for the advice I will keep that in mind. I'm actually looking forwarding to working 12-20 hour days 5-7 days a week. Also I am planning on opening up a small short to begin with, with 2 to 3 other techs with me. But I am going to start hiring after I open my doors, so I will have business coming in.
Val - Thank you! By the way what does C/W stand for? Never seen that before.
Oldfarmer - Back in British Columbia there is Small Business BC (http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/ ), I am going to get them to check over my business plan to fix anything. I have a feeling I may be a bit optimistic instead of realistic with the way I see my financial plan. However I do have a bunch of variables I do not know how much they are the moment. I could be right on track or having to re-think it if things cost a lot more than expected.

Val

C/W Complied With. Finished, done. Sorry, thats the Air Force term that we use for job is done. But best of luck to you.

commodorecollector

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks Val!