Easy Access
Okay, so excuse me for thinking out loud here... but I think I have a good business idea that I could realistically startup. I'm going to use this journal to get some of my thoughts straight and then let me know what you guys think...
My business idea, for the time being, is Manhattan specific since I think there's a much greater demand for it here than just about anywhere else (although there is definitely potential for the outer boroughs and other major cities).
It's called.... note the double entendres *cough*....
EASY ACCESS NYC
"Never lock yourself out of your apartment again!"
"We'll let you in every time!"
Basically, I'm proposing a low-cost, 24-hour, key storage & delivery service. In NYC, if you lock yourself out of your apartment, it's a major headache. If you need to call a 24-hour locksmith, the cost of getting back into your apartment is in excess of $200. Even if you don't have to call a locksmith, the headache of tracking down roommates and/or contacting the landlord can be just as time consuming and frustrating.
My business would offer the following services:
* $49.99 for a set of keys (up to 3 keys) to be backed up in the store for a full year. The store would be accessible 24/7/365 and at anytime a customer could enter the store and receive a copy of their key.
* $20 flat fee for key delivery in Manhattan. Locked out at 4am and don't want to travel to the store? Call our service and we'll delivery your keys to you.
* Additional keys can be added to a set at the price of $10 per key per year.
* Key copying capabilities will exist in-store. No need to copy your keys at a locksmith before signing up for our services.
* SECURITY will be a priority. Addresses will NEVER be asked and will never be associated with a specific set of stored keys. Each account will have unique account and pin numbers with the option of photo identification upon key pickup.
* If, for any reason, we are unable to get you into your apartment when you need it... we will cover your locksmith fee.
Ideal store locations would be in residential neighborhoods with high concentrations of brownstones, walkups, and young tenants.
Best neighborhoods:
1. Upper East Side around 2nd Ave
2. Upper West Side around Amsterdam Ave
3. East Village/Lower East Side/NYU Area
4. Murray Hill
The business would start with 1 location and then hopefully expand to multiple. Copies of all keys would be backed up at ALL LOCATIONS within 24 hours of signup. Keys could be redeemed at any location.
Marketing Plan:
Overall theme will be "Scandalous" (yet memorable) advertisements featuring guys locked out and beautiful women bringing them the keys... and vice versa. It will play on the double meanings of "Easy Access" and "We'll let you in every time..."
1. Postcards handed out to people in the streets in residential areas (also handed out to people exiting popular bars & clubs).
2. Mass mailings.
3. Business cards in hardware stores offering "10% off" a 1-year backup.
4. "Easy Access" t-shirts and stickers, playing on our "scandalous" theme.
5. EasyAccessNYC.com
Realistically, I think it's a pretty doable business on a smaller budget... at least compared to other small businesses. Startup costs would include:
1. Furnishing a very small store (like 300 sq ft)
2. Key cutting machine
3. Secure Key Storage Cabinets
4. Computer system with a secure database & cash register
5. Credit Card Processing System
6. Bulk selection of blank keys
7. Legal Fees
8. Security System & Cameras
9. Delivery Bicycles
And then regular monthly expenses:
1. Store rent
2. Employee Salaries
3. Insurance
4. Overnight Security Guard
5. Utility Bills
6. Advertising Expenses
7. A stock of blank keys
I think it's a good idea. Little overhead costs with a relatively high demand. Sounds like a good idea to me...
My business idea, for the time being, is Manhattan specific since I think there's a much greater demand for it here than just about anywhere else (although there is definitely potential for the outer boroughs and other major cities).
It's called.... note the double entendres *cough*....
EASY ACCESS NYC
"Never lock yourself out of your apartment again!"
"We'll let you in every time!"
Basically, I'm proposing a low-cost, 24-hour, key storage & delivery service. In NYC, if you lock yourself out of your apartment, it's a major headache. If you need to call a 24-hour locksmith, the cost of getting back into your apartment is in excess of $200. Even if you don't have to call a locksmith, the headache of tracking down roommates and/or contacting the landlord can be just as time consuming and frustrating.
My business would offer the following services:
* $49.99 for a set of keys (up to 3 keys) to be backed up in the store for a full year. The store would be accessible 24/7/365 and at anytime a customer could enter the store and receive a copy of their key.
* $20 flat fee for key delivery in Manhattan. Locked out at 4am and don't want to travel to the store? Call our service and we'll delivery your keys to you.
* Additional keys can be added to a set at the price of $10 per key per year.
* Key copying capabilities will exist in-store. No need to copy your keys at a locksmith before signing up for our services.
* SECURITY will be a priority. Addresses will NEVER be asked and will never be associated with a specific set of stored keys. Each account will have unique account and pin numbers with the option of photo identification upon key pickup.
* If, for any reason, we are unable to get you into your apartment when you need it... we will cover your locksmith fee.
Ideal store locations would be in residential neighborhoods with high concentrations of brownstones, walkups, and young tenants.
Best neighborhoods:
1. Upper East Side around 2nd Ave
2. Upper West Side around Amsterdam Ave
3. East Village/Lower East Side/NYU Area
4. Murray Hill
The business would start with 1 location and then hopefully expand to multiple. Copies of all keys would be backed up at ALL LOCATIONS within 24 hours of signup. Keys could be redeemed at any location.
Marketing Plan:
Overall theme will be "Scandalous" (yet memorable) advertisements featuring guys locked out and beautiful women bringing them the keys... and vice versa. It will play on the double meanings of "Easy Access" and "We'll let you in every time..."
1. Postcards handed out to people in the streets in residential areas (also handed out to people exiting popular bars & clubs).
2. Mass mailings.
3. Business cards in hardware stores offering "10% off" a 1-year backup.
4. "Easy Access" t-shirts and stickers, playing on our "scandalous" theme.
5. EasyAccessNYC.com
Realistically, I think it's a pretty doable business on a smaller budget... at least compared to other small businesses. Startup costs would include:
1. Furnishing a very small store (like 300 sq ft)
2. Key cutting machine
3. Secure Key Storage Cabinets
4. Computer system with a secure database & cash register
5. Credit Card Processing System
6. Bulk selection of blank keys
7. Legal Fees
8. Security System & Cameras
9. Delivery Bicycles
And then regular monthly expenses:
1. Store rent
2. Employee Salaries
3. Insurance
4. Overnight Security Guard
5. Utility Bills
6. Advertising Expenses
7. A stock of blank keys
I think it's a good idea. Little overhead costs with a relatively high demand. Sounds like a good idea to me...