Idea 5 of 52 - Mobile Toilets (by MrEbis)
The Idea
Necessity they say is the mother of inventions. I believe if we observe our environments and see those things that we lack, or seem to be unavailable, whether due to non-performance by Governments (community leaders), or a collective negligence towards basic societal needs, We will be presented with opportunities to innovate and make positive impact.
Whilst you may have ready access to clean and healthy Toilets, some others may not be privileged to afford such luxury. Sometimes, some people could have an urgent need to use the toilet in an environment that could be far from home, e.g, in a Market place, etc.
This has led the 5th Business Startup Idea in our 52 weeks series being – Mobile Toilets.
Idea Summary
Understand the whole processes involved and total cost before jumping on this.
Look for a location that would need such. E.g. Markets, Motor parks, Abbatoir etc
Get all the licenses and registrations necessary
Find where to rent or buy a mobile toilet unit or units
Also arrange for where to dispose of the waste. (Their daily charges et al)
Mount your mobile toilet stations manned by an attendant.
As people pay, they are presented with assorted perfumes to wear (just spray) as a bonus.
2. The Market
Some market places in Nigeria are really crowded and rowdy. The traders mostly spend the whole of their day out in the Market and could have need of a clean, well-attended toilet. Some public places, markets and motor parks may have toilets built, but may not be in the best of conditions. You would have to look around, ask questions and see places where this service would be appreciated for a fee.
3. The Business
Value Proposition: Clean, and well attended to, mobile conveniences services.
Customer Segment: Traders and visitors to public market places,
Distribution Channels: Flyer distribution to all the traders and occupants of the park, markets, Word of mouth, etc.
Customer Relationship: Direct
Key Activities: Cleaning, Waste treatment and disposal
Key Resources: Startup funds, the mobile toilet and other work related equipment, Workforce (attendant) etc.
Key Partners: Market management, Motor park associations, Government regulatory agency.
Cost Structure: Mobile toilet rental/Purchase, setup and installation, Logistics (Transportation), Registrations & Licensing, Hygiene certifications, Marketing and promotions, Salary for attendant, Toiletries, Perfumes and Air fresheners.
Revenue Stream: Service charges paid by service users
4. Competition
If the public place has an eatery in close proximity, this could be a an alternative for some prospective customers to use for their conveniences, although they may need to make a purchase. It is therefore important the mobile toilet operator knows exactly who the target customer is so that the operator will focus resources on better satisfying the target segment and see those that would go look for a nearby eatery as outside the target customer segment.
5. Risks
Some markets, public events, motor parks could have fluctuations in volume of visitors; this can affect regularity of business activities. Good research, planning and forecasting would be needed to properly mitigate and cope with this.
Government and revenue collector agencies could interfere with operations. Nurture the relationship and settle those who matter.
Keep proper accounts and ensure the taxes and other levies are duly paid to avoid interruption of operations.
6. Financial estimates
A few things to consider while you make your estimates.
License and registrations
Mobile toilet purchase/rental
Installation and setup
Cost of waste disposal
Salary for workers
Toiletries
Service charge per use (100 naira), you decide
Summary
This Weeks’ Startup idea discussed about building a Business by providing convenience services for those in need of clean, affordable and hygiene safe environment to ease themselves while out and about, far away from home.
So until next week, Stay inspired…
For more information, comments or feedbacks, get in touch.
Twitter: @Mrebis
Email: mrebis1@gmail.com
