Thinking of starting my own detailing business

[AspenF150]

Current economic conditions aside, been thinking of starting this up. I've been detailing cars for people on the side for about 6 years or so.

Up to this point, it's strictly been a word of mouth thing. I'm having a hell of a time trying to find a full time job I want to do something that I like to do and make respectable income. I don't have all the tools necessary to do this as I had to sell some of my equipment last year to make ends meat.

Some questions I'd like to see answered.

-What brand of products do you suggest?
-How much to buy ALL necessary products and equipment?(I do plan on doing both mobile and my own garage)

Stuff like that.

[Dkblue05]

Not sure how to answer questions but do alot of reading, here is a thread that put things into perspective for me
http://www.autopia.org/forum/getting...nd-1500-a.html

[MobileJay]

Originally Posted by AspenF150

make respectable income.
Stuff like that.

Then don't start a detailing business. LOL just kidding.
Spend some time on here and read the different posts. There are tons of products and different options to go with. Some people start out heavy on products, others just what they need such as shampoo, vac, towels, etc.
This isn't easy to start up and make great money(especially now, people on here had to close up shop already). You have to know your s%^& cause if not then you are no different then the hacks and no one will call you back.
Use the search and look around for different products or techniques or whatever there is a lot of info and good people here.

[AspenF150]

I don't consider myself a hack. I think I have enough experience under my belt to know what I'm doing. Do I do it everyday day in and day out, no but take my truck for example. 2006 F150 I bought that was filthy to the max.

It tested my detailing skills considerably. Tar, stuck on concrete, bugs, oxidation and swirls etc... Nothing a Makita 9227c, 7.5" LC pad and Meguiars DACP couldn't handle. Looks better than new if you ask me.

My only weakness is the engine. So much computer power under the hoods these days, can be scary. I think I speak for alot of people when I say that.

[brwill2005]

More important than your detailing skills is your business skills and your ability to deal with people. You also NEED to have enough capital to advertise and support your self in tough times. It takes a while to build a word of mouth business. In the mean time, you need to advertise to get new customers. Do not worry too much a bout chemicals etc. There are so many good brands out there that are an excellent value.

[AspenF150]

Excellent advice Brwill! Right now for me, it's just a matter of money to get this going.

I live in town so building a shop is out of the question. I would have to rent a portion of a building. There's plenty of them around here, just need $$$$$

Times suck for me right now since I got laid off. Just trying to hold my own. I think I speak for alot of people when I say that.

[BigAl3]

good luck if you decide to do so!

[Showroom Shine]

Originally Posted by AspenF150

Current economic conditions aside, been thinking of starting this up. I've been detailing cars for people on the side for about 6 years or so.

Up to this point, it's strictly been a word of mouth thing. I'm having a hell of a time trying to find a full time job I want to do something that I like to do and make respectable income. I don't have all the tools necessary to do this as I had to sell some of my equipment last year to make ends meat.

Some questions I'd like to see answered.

-What brand of products do you suggest?
-How much to buy ALL necessary products and equipment?(I do plan on doing both mobile and my own garage)

Stuff like that.

Well I tried to send you a private message about starting, but you don't have where people can leave it. If you really want feed back from Autopians you need to take private messages. People may not want to openly post this kind of advise. I'm in Ohio too.