Operaton Laveur, the waterless home carwash specialist, has developed its network under a licensing agreement based on the micro-enterprise model.
Autonomy, flexibility, low running costs… the advantages are numerous. The disadvantages much less so. Martin Marie, the brand’s network manager, explains. At Operaton Laveur, “each washer is considered a micro-entrepreneur. They provide carwash services autonomously, managing their own schedules, work methods and clientele,” she sums up.
Since its creation in 2017, the specialist in waterless car washing at home or at work has been developing on the micro-enterprise model. Easy to set up and simple to manage, micro-businesses present a host of opportunities for network heads and licensees alike, who can perfectly well set up their own business while remaining salaried employees on the side.
Ease, safety, flexibility
“They set their own hours and decide how much work they want to take on. With an entry fee of 1,000 euros and a relatively low initial investment, since no premises are required, start-up costs are not a hindrance. A young person who doesn’t yet have much in the way of savings, but who feels like an entrepreneur, can give it a try. But he’ll also keep a source of income on the side, for security, if he feels the need.
“The great strength of the Operaton Laveur brand is that we can adapt to all types of entrepreneur. From those with a micro-business license who want to keep a salaried job, to the more traditional entrepreneur who wants to develop the service in a given area by managing teams,” explains Martin Marie.
For the network head, the simplicity of setting up a micro-business is a guarantee of easy integration of candidates, and therefore rapid development of the network. The format also allows for “agile expansion”, adapted to the geographical needs of the market.
Home car cleaning: low running costs
Another advantage: the operating costs of a home car cleaning business are low. For the licensee, who has very few fixed costs and management-related expenses (no rent or overheads). As for the network head, it doesn’t need a huge infrastructure to coordinate operations.
“Administrative and management costs are minimal compared with a salaried employee model. In the end, we can pass on these low costs by minimizing entrance fees and royalties,” explains Martin Marie.
Less control over service quality
The drawbacks? For the brand, the main risk comes from the autonomy and independence granted to licensees. This freedom has its advantages. The downside: “We inevitably have less direct control over the quality of the service provided”.
To protect the brand’s image, Operaton Laveur has put a number of safeguards in place. New arrivals are given initial training in the various washing methods. And a review system allows you to check customer satisfaction with different contractors, large or small.
“Be independent but never alone!”
For micro-entrepreneurs who have decided to devote themselves full-time, or even part-time, to this home-based vehicle cleaning business, the danger is a feeling of loneliness and isolation. But the brand has also designed a number of devices to compensate for the absence of colleagues.
A WhatsApp group connects licensees with each other. Regular meetings are organized “to create real support within the network. And, of course, the network head is always available to answer any questions (technical, commercial, etc.).” Without it, Operaton Laveur’s promise wouldn’t hold water. Its slogan: “Be independent but never alone!”
