How to Open a Business
Starting an Ignition Interlock Devices Business
These tips are perfect for those who are thinking about starting an ignition interlock devices business. Read this advice before you begin your venture.
Wondering how to start an ignition interlock devices business? We take you step-by-step from start to success.
Overview of Ignition Interlock Businesses
Ignition interlock businesses market to a captive audience -- or more accurately, an audience that is trying to avoid incarceration by attaching breath alcohol analyzers to the ignition devices of their autos.
In an effort to give offenders a second chance, courts are often willing to allow convicted DUI drivers to install interlock devices, provided they meet certain criteria and are monitored by local authorities. As an ignition interlock business owner, you will be serving multiple constituencies, so it's important to thoroughly understand the industry before you jump in.
Ignition Interlock Marketing
If a driver is convicted of a DUI offense, he will be required to shoulder the expense of device installation, monitoring and service. That makes convicted DUI drivers a big part of your sales and marketing mix, but it doesn't tell the whole story.
In most cases, drivers have no idea how to go about installing an interlock device on their vehicle. Instead, they rely on their attorneys to direct them toward reputable interlock dealers in their area.
So even though you will ultimately sell and service drivers, your primary marketing audience is attorneys. Start by contacting local attorneys to inquire about the provider they are currently using to serve their clients. If you have an awareness of your product's competitive advantages, you can use that information to get your foot in the door with the legal community, and by extension, local drivers.
Getting Started
The majority of local ignition interlock providers are distributors for larger, national interlock device manufacturers. Contact the major device providers to learn how you can become an authorized distributor and service provider.
Once you have established a relationship with an interlock manufacturer, your manufacturer should offer advice about how to get your business off the ground. Devices need to be reliable, but they require periodic service as well as 24/7 visibility to monitoring authorities.
Your service model should be based on treating your customers with dignity and respect. Remember: Your products aren't punitive! They are designed to maintain safe highways and assist your clients in their rehabilitation. By investing yourself in the rehabilitation of DUI drivers, you present a friendlier image to attorneys and clients.
Best Ignition Interlock Devices Company Business Plans
As a startup small business owner, you need to have a business plan you can rely on for both external and internal purposes.
A shoddy business plan is a major misstep for a startup ignition interlock devices business. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the fact that your startup can't achieve long-term success without an accurate business plan.
Before you do anything else, perform a reality check on your startup business plan � and if it's lacking, drop everything and head back to the drawing board.
Investigate Competitors
Prior to launching an ignition interlock devices business within your community, it's a smart move to see how strong the competition is. We've provided the link below to help you get a list of local competitors in your city. Just enter your city, state and zip code to get a list of ignition interlock devices businesses in your community.
Prior to opening your doors for business, be sure you fully understand the competitive landscape and where your new business will fit in.
Turning Competitors Into Collaborators
Once you've finished assessing the competion, you really ought to have a conversation with someone who is in the business. If you think owners of nearby ignition interlock devices businesses will give you advice, think again. It'd be crazy for them to teach you the business.
However, an entrepreneur who owns an ignition interlock devices business in a different city will be much more likely to talk with you, given that you don't compete with them in their area. In that case, the business owner may be more than happy to discuss the industry with you. It can take a while to find an entrepreneur who is willing to talk, but it's well worth the effort.
How do you find an entrepreneur who is running an ignition interlock devices business who is willing to advise you because you live in different cities?
Simply, try our helpful link below, type in a random city/state or zipcode, and start calling.
Advantages of Using a Business Broker
Business owners are decision makers. And the first decision you'll need to make is between an ignition interlock devices business startup and an acquisition. In most cases, there are compelling financial and practical reasons buying an existing ignition interlock devices business.
A qualified business brokers can provide a range of services designed to ease your transition into business ownership.
The best business brokers will ensure that you get the right business for the right price, and will help you avoid common ignition interlock devices business acquisition mistakes.
Consider Buying a Franchise
The probabilities on your making a success of your new business increase if you opt for franchising rather than going it alone.
Prior to making the decision to open an ignition interlock devices business, a smart move is to investigate whether buying a franchise could help you on your entrepreneurial journey.
The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.
More Advice for Startups
These additional resources regarding getting started as an entrepreneur may be of interest to you.
Coming Up With Good Business Ideas
Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs
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Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs