Setting Up A Fishy Business!

[aloaring]

Currently my cash flow hasn't been running in the right direction.
so i've been trying to think of ways of earning a bit more cash. I've been discussin it with friends and there seems to be a lot of people and businesses out there who have really stinky fish tanks cause they are too lazy to clean them themselves. So sensing an opportunity i'm seriously considering offering my Aquarium cleaning services. So the questions i have to ask you guys are:
1. How much would you pay someone to clean your tank?
2. Do you think its a good idea?
3. What should i call this business?
Thanks for you input guys

 

[Bloo]

I've seen such websites offering these services (can't remember them now) and they charge and absolute extortionate fortune. I can't even remember the figures now I'm afraid.

But I guess none of us here would actually pay anyone to clean our tanks - isn't that part of the enjoyment and hobby ?

Those with stinky tanks have obviously lost interest, so would doubt they'd actually spend money on something they've lost interest in....

Just my two cents, but good luck

 

[timmystood]

Very True - I enjoy cleaning my tanks too much!

Good luck though

 

[aloaring]

Thanks Bloozoo that was my thinking as well but i have friends with big tanks who love their tanks but hate the cleaning part so i was thinking of charging a fiver or something. what i have found out is that there are a lot of small businesses around here with really grotty fish tanks in their waiting rooms and i was thinking of sending them a leaflet or something offering to clena their tanks out, charging between £10-20

 

[smithrc]

I considered doing just this about 18 months ago... did a lot of looking but no doing and it didnt get off the drawing board.

Good luck with it

 

[aloaring]

well its at the drawing board moment with me, think i'll try some research with these small businesses and internally with work and see how far it goes .

 

[Bloo]

The only issue I can think of as well (that you'd have to look into) is insurance and liability. You could be taken to court if you break something or should any of the fish die etc. etc.

 

[timmystood]

Oh yes, very ture! I hadn't thought about that either.

 

[littleimp]

To make it a viable business you have to consider all your expenses, ie equipment, travel costs, insurance. I beleive these companies charge extortinate rates to cover these and they are obviusly covering the posher end of the fish keeping world. (i.e. tanks for decoration only & don't give a nuts about the fish)

Just think spilling some dirty water on someones £50/sq yd carpet??

 

[aloaring]

Ohhh very good point i hadn't really thought of that. Think i'll have to do some more research. But thanks for your help guys