400 small business ideas!

Starbucks Hot Coffee Vending Machines

CONCEPT: In their attempt to colonize the entire
coffee-consuming world, Starbucks have now introduced
their own branded hot coffee vending machines as a way
to reach places where their ever-growing branch of stores
cannot.

COMPANY/INVENTOR: Starbucks

FURTHER INFO: www.adcult.com/ads/starbucksintroduces-
hot-drink-machines/

I like this idea because a lot of people loves starbucks and with this it will be easier to get a coffe in any momment, without having to look for a store.

Umbrella Vending Machines

CONCEPT: In rainy cities, vending machines selling
cheap umbrellas are strategically placed to maximise the
need for protection from the rain.

STRENGTHS: If located in busy subway stations,
shopping or business areas, sales should be outstanding;
owner does not need to be present to operate business;
unique form of vending machine; no competition; more
profit per unit sold than normal vending machine
products.

WEAKNESSES: Dependent on rainy weather; the need
to secure strategic locations for maximum sales;
specialised nature of machines in terms of servicing.

REAL WORLD BIZ: www.umbrollys.com;
www.umbrellabox.sg

This is a good idea in places like Oxford, because the weather is unpredictable and it can be sunny and in a second start raining.

Mobile Car Repairs & Services

CONCEPT: Like other new or newish small businesses
mentioned in this book, bringing a service to customers
at their home or work can create a winning business
model. The concept of bringing automotive services to
customers isn’t new but it has proven to be a blue-chip,
perennial small business type that can clearly be very
lucrative if administered properly.

STRENGTHS: Various estimates suggest that there are
up to 200 million cars in the US and over 32 million in
the UK and they all need servicing.

WEAKNESSES: Mechanical expertise or the ability to
manage and administer mechanics; considerable set-up
costs.

REAL WORLD BIZ: www.mobileautoservice.ie;
www.mobileproautorepair.com; www.mobile-autoservices.
co.uk; www.emergencymobileautorepair.com

I selected this one because it will be really helpfull in case of a problem with the tires or the brakets of the car, you can just wait for the mechanic to come in place of calling a truck to move your car. It will be cheaper for the coustumer and they will prefer to do this.

High School* Student Tutor in Students’ Homes
(*Tutoring for Entrance Exams into exclusive {private}
high schools is also a booming sub-category).

CONCEPT: This small business involves academically
competent tutors travelling to students’ homes to coach
them in high school subjects - depending on their
individual strengths.

STRENGTHS: Home-based thus low overheads;
virtually all income is in cash - taxation declaration is up
to the individual entrepreneur; good hourly rates;
working relationships with students can be very
rewarding; word-of-mouth can build an excellent
business - often with siblings in same house or nearby
relatives/friends; good tutors can be booked ahead for
years; senior-friendly small business for retired teachers.

WEAKNESSES: Some college qualification is obviously
beneficial in convincing parents of suitability though even
attendance at a teaching course may suffice; need for a
reliable car; work is seasonal depending on school term
dates; difficult to find other competent tutors to earn
royalties from - the good ones have their own successful
tuition businesses. See the center entry too on Page 216.

REAL WORLD BIZ: www.CraigsList.org (many
examples there); for resource materials, try
www.sparknotes.com; www.enotes.com

A lot of students need help to do homeworks or to prepare themselves to do exams and this is the perfect option to them.