Mark101

I had started that process (in theory but very realistic) until this crisis hit with a target date of September 2021 (the date of my 3 year breakout clause from the lease). We had identified a potentially suitable property, a big ex-farm house of which most the land/barns have long since been sold off for development but still retains a decent plot of about 1.5 acres, just off a main road (easy to find) and an existing large outbuilding which could be redeveloped (STPP) to house around 15-20 cars. At the moment it is a pipe dream. The only thing that goes through my mind (bearing in mind that to fund this purchase would be existing equity plus a large mortgage equal to my current mortgage + my unit rent costs). What happens if I fail to obtain planning permission? Or what if I "wing it" then get shut down.

Very well said.

I was talking to my Dad (on the phone) last night. He starting telling me (he used to run several businesses) that one needs to plan for lack of sales, build reserves etc. He is right of course, generally speaking but then I reminded him. My turnover is anywhere between £50k and £150k per month. My monthly costs are between £10-15k per month (fixed costs + whatever stock funding is due payment). This is the nett margin (from the metal) I need from the turnover to pay myself a wage (to pay bills at home, as if I was employed), my valeter a wage, rent, insurance, advertising, stock fund capital repayments. Most months it is manageable, tight but doable. I told him I have 3 months worth of reserves to cover zero sales for the same period, explaining when your fixed costs are so high, there is only so many months money I can tuck away for a rainy day. I think it opened his eyes a little to how cash flow dependant this business is. I have no doubt that I have enough reserves to get through the initial lock-down but when I start trading again, I will be so close to the wire that the enjoyment will be completely gone, living in fear as to whether today is the last day. I still say, well done to the government, NHS and everyone else trying to resolve this terrible situation. I will be the last to complain, even if this crisis takes all my money because there is far, far worse situations. I am sat in a warm house, large garden, only one adjoining neigbour, recently installed Sky TV, a great girl friend who is like my best mate, my border collie and a few months money to live off (for now). I am also fortunate that my kids have grown up and have their own houses (and children) and are safe and well. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to entertain a couple of bored kids. Like I say, it would be wrong of me to complain when people are losing the battle.

I am sorry, I also disagree. Personally, I will get nothing as I fall in the 20% category. That said, the government has my full respect, I think they are doing an amazing job in pressing times. You cannot please all of the people all of the time and even if this bankrupts me, people have lost far more. If these people get £800, it is fair to assume their other half will get at least the same or if they earn benefit due to a number of issues or young children, they remain unaffected.

Personally, I think this is more likely. The investors are faceless individuals driven by profit, not what people are saying about them on social media. I am sure it didn't help. I for one am getting plenty of enquiries. I haven't responded to a single one because I think that is doing my bit for our health and economy long term. The answerphone message does explain everything. Still getting what is your best price for cash questions. I am not risking my health for a decent wage, let alone deal with bottom dollar offers.

I would be looking at a "big group" Kwik Fit for example is a good one. Rent paid on time (COVID 19 aside) and no concerns about upkeep, or midnight flits.

Did you ever manage to sell or let your place Ian?

Was that the beige piece of shite which they literally dragged out of a garage? What a joke.

The eye opener for me was 0.8% profit vs. 10% operating costs. Very interesting and what a business. Nice bloke too, glad I have bought a few of their swappers in.

No. You're trying to have your cake and eat it. Unlike most of us, you are still earning at least 80% of your salary. Most on here will be earning sweet FA and even if they do offer some "wage" support, what about my rent, advertising (after the free period), insurance et al. Be happy with the position you are fortunately in (guided by people on this forum, myself included to hold off resigning).

So Ebay has announced. Free April and 90 days payment terms for March. Does that make Ebay the winner?

I don't even bother with using the featured settings. Just attracts even more nonsense.

On the surface, I think this looks a pretty impressive gesture. However, I imagine AT are worried that many will cancel their package and may not return after the crisis is over. Is this a tactic to keep people on the hook for another couple of months before cancelling. If businesses reopen in a couple of months, they will have retained a good percentage of those lured to stay contracted for one free month, after which, surely they will have to pay two months together for the defered month of March - ouch?

I bet the auctioneer still cancels my bid and says, "in the hall first."

People always want what they can't have Anyway, I am enjoying not being chained to the place but I am equally bored sat at home. Perhaps I will go on holiday for some sun, oh wait.....................

I don't think it is professional, it isn't about that. It is personal for me, a choice (at the moment) I have decided to make for my own, my family, friends and contacts health. I have had so many enquiries and every one of them has appreciated my stance. Financially it will be tough but Health is Wealth.

I have actually taken it one step further and after Friday, will go into proper lock down. Just need these 4 gone to put some funds in the bank. New statement just gone live: XXX Ltd has taken the decision to suspend any and ALL casual viewing of vehicles and any non-essential activities in order to protect its staff, contractors, customers and suppliers against any unnecessary and potential exposure to any COVID 19 (Coronavirus). Until further notice, XXX staff will not be in physical attendance to perform viewings on vehicles or any other business activity but will retain an Online presence at: www.co.uk We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause but we feel as a responsible company and employer, these are sensible safety measures to help limit the spread of Coronavirus. We would like to thank All of our existing and new customers for their support and understanding during these troubling times and we wish you and your families our very best wishes.

All of my adverts have the company statement: XXX Ltd has taken the decision to suspend any and ALL casual viewing of vehicles in order to protect its staff, customers and suppliers against any unnecessary and potential exposure to any COVID 19 (Coronavirus). Until further notice, XXX staff will only be in attendance to hand over vehicles that have already been sold or for people whom have made a commitment to buy a vehicle from the description and pictures on the website by means of a non-refundable deposit. We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause but we feel as a responsible company and employer, these are sensible safety measures to help limit the spread of Coronavirus. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Typically, I have 4 cars going out on Friday which under normal circumstances I would be very happy. I have popped in for a couple of hours today (finish prepping one car) and one hour on Monday (a sold one collected by third parties for MOT and a smart repair). Other than that, I am working from home. I refused my Auditor from Next Gear entry today and just handed him a notice saying that we are not handling anything non-essential. His office agreed for him to leave. All shutters are down, door locked and a sign pointing people to our website if they want to "buy" a car - No casual viewings. This means I am still isolated (excpet my dog came in with me) and no-one should be aware that I am in.

I should be. I really rate the products to be fair. I can't be arsed with getting Windowlene (one for the older boys there) from place a, tyre shine from place b, wash n wax from c etc just because one is slightly better/cheaper/whatever. They come to me once a fortnight and replenish stocks.

No, good for plastics but you need Hi-Style for the tyres. Nothing I have tried comes close.

AutoSmart Finish. I imagine it is the same as that "Milk" mentioned earlier and it looks like Milk.

My valet likes Finish, I prefer WD40 so we use both

+1 Avoid ECU, Coil Packs or electrics in general but people really do buy into a clean engine and bay.

I think you got caught out a few weeks earlier, when you bought a Roomster