The tone will turn some people off, but this is I think a really good comment, full of details about a specific business based on experience.
Also, coming from consulting, I think I agree with you on the dynamics of subcontracting. People are going to think you're being hyperbolic, but a reliable stable of 1099 subcontractors you can bill out over cost is, fundamentally, free money. Consulting firms know this because staffing a consultancy involves accepting the sales-side risk and paying your team rain or shine. I get a little irritated every time I hear someone brag about a real-world business based on 1099 contractors working on a fixed schedule.
I apologize for the tone. But Cherry just pisses me off because so much money was wasted on that really bad idea. It doesnt even compare to a Facebook for cats kind of thing (which was an un-tested market). Car washing has been going on since carriages were invented (300 years go?). I just hate seeing good money being wasted.
Your sub-contractor part does hit me straight in the heart, because I'm a sub-contractor right now. Its not all rosy and nice, but I do get to work remotely and make my own schedule. It also allows me to work on Nuuton without having to worry about IP issues with an employer. But would still consider a good remote job offer. ;)
Edit:
I also have to add that I studied this market from every angle. Even went as far as testing an android app to get customers to order car washes through it. People would download the app and just create an appointment through the app to get their car washed. Payment would be handled by the app itself. But it tested horribly and the local market did not want it. In the end, its just one more business that did not work out. After a dozen or so, it doesn't make you feel bad about it failing. :)
Subcontracting is fine, right? It's building a business that depends on staffing subcontractors reliably that isn't; those kinds of businesses are basically predatory.
Yes, sub-contracting is fine, as long as you find good people to work with/for. I'm very lucky in that regard because I work with a great team and we build incredible stuff. But yes, as a free lancer I get a lot of requests from those predatory businesses. Makes me angry that so many people just want to scam and steal with no regard to the bigger picture.
Also, coming from consulting, I think I agree with you on the dynamics of subcontracting. People are going to think you're being hyperbolic, but a reliable stable of 1099 subcontractors you can bill out over cost is, fundamentally, free money. Consulting firms know this because staffing a consultancy involves accepting the sales-side risk and paying your team rain or shine. I get a little irritated every time I hear someone brag about a real-world business based on 1099 contractors working on a fixed schedule.