Haha my first of many questions

Wakes4Fun · 02-18-09, 08:33

O.K. here's the deal, I'm hoping to start a small detailing business this spring/summer and unlike most summer jobs I'd like it to turn into a full time job. So I was wondering if you guys could give me some pointer's on what steps I should take in making my new business succeed. Any kind of input will be helpful. Mainly I'd like to see what you guys charge for different jobs, etc, etc

BTW You guys all you a crap ton of detailing brand abbreviation's so maybe someone could make a list of what they all mean. lol Remember I'm kind of a noob. lol

dallen · 02-18-09, 09:25

It take a while to understand.
Here is a list Acronym Decoder COMPLETE 11/26/07

mshu7 · 02-18-09, 11:13

Wakes4Fun -

Unfortunately, your question is really open-ended, meaning there's just too much information to respond with to answer your questions. That said, here are a few of my recommendations:

1 - I would recommend reading this book: Amazon.com: Start Your Own Automobile Detailing Business (Start Your Own . . .): Eileen Figure Sandlin: Books

2 - Find other detailers in your area and check out their website or give them a call to ask how much they charge and what services it includes (don't tell them you're a future competitor). You're not going to find too many pro's on here that are going to just give you their price lists. I wouldn't. Plus, markets vary which means prices vary. If you know what other detailers in your market are charging, you'll have a good idea of how to price your services.

3 - If you have little to no true detailing experience, don't go into business and then use customers' vehicles for practice. Don't start a business until you are sure that you can provide good quality work, which leads me to my next point.

4 - Make sure you know how to detail the RIGHT ways. If you spend any time on this site you'll soon realize that most of the people here tend to achieve "Autopian" standards (ie - a very high standard of quality work) with their work. If you need to learn how to detail, spend as much time here on this site as you can. Also, check out the "How To" thumbnail link at the very top of this site.

5 - If you are starting a business, don't try to offer every service possible right off the bat. You should start small by offering a limited number of services (ie - wash, wash & wax, light interior cleaning). Once you have perfected those services and you're making money, you can invest in the proper tools to offer more premium services (ie - paint correction, etc.).

6 - For products, I would start with an economically-priced manufacturer that carries all the products you'll need to complete the services you are offering. Meguiar's is a good place to start. Check out AutoDetailingSolutions.net.

7 - Do good work and price accordingly. There are already enough dirt cheap detailing hacks out there in the world. The industry doesn't need more. It gives the industry a bad name and it makes it hard for those of us that do actually perform good work, charge what we are worth. There will ALWAYS be someone out there that will charge less than you. If you play that game, you won't be in business long.

8 - If you truly want to run a business, make sure you do everything the right way (ie - insurance, business license, etc.).

Good luck!

toyotaguy · 02-18-09, 11:31

one bad car can set your business astray! remember that your name is on each and every car that you touch!

LoiG37 · 02-18-09, 04:55

Are you going mobile or having clients come to you?

Wakes4Fun · 02-18-09, 06:32

WOW, thanks alot Mshu7 what you said has really helped me alot. I think I'll start giving some local detailers some calls and maybe practice alittle more on some buddy's cars before I start getting my name out there. lol

And BTW I'd like to actually like to start mobile detailing since it's more convenient for most people

bwalker25 · 02-18-09, 07:09

Boone, NC!? cool....

If you are looking for a good supplier that is in the state and dont mind the trip to Raleigh, I'd check out Majestic Solutions (Majestic Solutions :: Official Site). A couple of guys here use them as a chemical supplier. Brandon1 and MartinD and I believe Junebug uses them. If you have questions about there products I or someone will try to answer it, if nothing else call them they are very friendly.

They are good for chemicals, dressings, buffers (PC, dewalt rotary, etc), extractors, and meguiars chemicals and polishes. I'd also suggest checking out ADS getting some of the samples of products and then get what you like locally.

Another brand to check out would be Optimum Car Care, their APC is good, and the polishes OPII, OCII, etc and there new finishing polish are great I hear.

I use menzerna polishes and chemicals from majestic (cheap, and right down the road from me)

Good luck and welcome to autopia, always keep your standards high.

mshu7 · 02-19-09, 05:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wakes4Fun

WOW, thanks alot Mshu7 what you said has really helped me alot. I think I'll start giving some local detailers some calls and maybe practice alittle more on some buddy's cars before I start getting my name out there. lol

And BTW I'd like to actually like to start mobile detailing since it's more convenient for most people

No problem! I know some of my points may have sounded a little harsh, but starting a business is a big venture. The less mistakes you can avoid, the better off you'll be. Good luck!

User Name · 02-19-09, 07:02

Mike,

That really was a great and comprehensive list. That was a pretty amazing form for anyone wanting to get into the biz.

I might add that he needs to figure out what type of detailing business he wants (mobile vs. shop vs. combination of the two).

Of course I specifically appreciate the importance of #8.

mshu7 · 02-19-09, 07:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by User Name

Mike,

That really was a great and comprehensive list. That was a pretty amazing form for anyone wanting to get into the biz.

I might add that he needs to figure out what type of detailing business he wants (mobile vs. shop vs. combination of the two).

Of course I specifically appreciate the importance of #8.

Thanks User Name.

To add to your point about mobile vs. fixed...

Wakes4Fun - If you plan to be mobile, check out Optimum Polymer Technology's products, specifically the No Rinse Wash & Shine (better known as ONR). Not only are the products all eco-friendly, they are high in quality and reasonably priced.

Optimum Polymer Technologies: Advanced Polymer Technology is in every Optimum Car Care Product. opt car care, optimum car wax, optimum car wash,

Wakes4Fun · 02-19-09, 08:01

Thanks for all the good input guys. Hopefully I'll be able to get a good base clientele and will be able to build up from there. I think I'll just start off with interior, hand wash, wax and maybe a buff or two. Then I'll start practicing on mine and some buddies car's when it comes to scratch removal and paint restoration. lol

BTW All those suppliers you guys suggested seemed really good, I might order a couple things from Majestic Solution and see how well they work for myself. I believe you can order most of there products over the internet too so that a big plus.