Idea 5 of 52 - Mobile Toilets (Accessorized with Perfumes)
1. The Idea
Necessity they say is the mother
of inventions. I believe if we observe our environments and see those things
that we lack, or seem to be unavailable, whether due to non-performance by
Governments (community leaders), or a collective negligence towards basic
societal needs, We will be presented with opportunities to innovate and make
positive impact.
Whilst you may have ready access
to clean and healthy Toilets, some others may not be privileged to afford such
luxury. Sometimes, some people could have an urgent need to use the toilet in
an environment that could be far from home, e.g, in a Market place, etc.
This has led the 5th Business
Startup Idea in our 52 weeks series being – Mobile Toilets.
Idea
Summary
- Understand the whole processes involved and total cost before jumping on this.
- Look for a location that would need such. E.g. Markets, Motor parks, Abbatoir etc
- Get all the licenses and registrations necessary.
- Find where to rent or buy a mobile toilet unit or units.
- Also arrange for where to dispose of the waste. (Their daily charges et al).
- Mount your mobile toilet stations manned by an attendant.
- As people pay, they are presented with assorted perfumes to wear (just spray) as a bonus.
2. The Market
Some market places in Nigeria are
really crowded and rowdy. The traders mostly spend the whole of their day out
in the Market and could have need of a clean, well-attended toilet. Some public
places, markets and motor parks may have toilets built, but may not be in the
best of conditions. You would have to look around, ask questions and see places
where this service would be appreciated for a fee.
3. The Business
- Value Proposition: Clean, and well attended to, mobile conveniences services.
- Customer Segment: Traders and visitors to public market places,
- Distribution Channels: Flyer distribution to all the traders and occupants of the park, markets, Word of mouth, etc.
- Customer Relationship: Direct
- Key Activities: Cleaning, Waste treatment and disposal
- Key Resources: Startup funds, the mobile toilet and other work related equipment, Workforce (attendant) etc.
- Key Partners: Market management, Motor park associations, Government regulatory agency.
- Cost Structure: Mobile toilet rental/Purchase, setup and installation, Logistics (Transportation), Registrations & Licensing, Hygiene certifications, Marketing and promotions, Salary for attendant, Toiletries, Perfumes and Air fresheners.
- Revenue Stream: Service charges paid by service users
2. Competition
If the public place has an eatery
in close proximity, this could be a an alternative for some prospective
customers to use for their conveniences, although they may need to make a
purchase. It is therefore important the mobile toilet operator knows exactly
who the target customer is so that the operator will focus resources on better
satisfying the target segment and see those that would go look for a nearby
eatery as outside the target customer segment.
3. Risks
- Some markets, public events, motor parks could have fluctuations in volume of visitors; this can affect regularity of business activities. Good research, planning and forecasting would be needed to properly mitigate and cope with this.
- Government and revenue collector agencies could interfere with operations. Nurture the relationship and settle those who matter.
- Keep proper accounts and ensure the taxes and other levies are duly paid to avoid interruption of operations.
4. Financial
estimates
A few things to consider while you
make your estimates.
- License and registrations
- Mobile toilet purchase/rental
- Installation and setup
- Cost of waste disposal
- Salary for workers
- Toiletries
- Service charge per use (100 naira), you decide
Summary
This Weeks’ Startup idea discussed
about building a Business by providing convenience services for those in need
of clean, affordable and hygiene safe environment to ease themselves while out
and about, far away from home.
So
until next week, Stay inspired…
ARTICLE BY MR. EBIS
Twitter: @Mrebis
Email: mrebis1@gmail.com
Got a question or idea to share? CONTACT US or drop
a comment below.
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