How much experience did you have before starting? - Page 2

MaksimumAuto · 10-11-09, 04:47

I work 7 days a week, go to high school, and college. Frankly, I'm not insured and I wish I was but until I turn 18 (about 3 months away) I can't do anything about that unless I want to go broke.

I've spent a lot of hours making sure that I could compete with every detail business in my area. That means search engine optimization, key word research, site development, advertising..face to face meetings..etc.

The Lamborghinis...I get them by making the client feel comfortable that their car will be ok in my hands. I offer to give them references of past exotic clients..show them videos and pictures of my work..and from there it's up to them.

Some things I do to minimize risk:

Never have the keys in the ignition.
Never spray down the engine compartment.
Don't dilute degreaser more than 5:1.
Tape off the edges.

I tell this to my employees as well. In addition I limit them to what they can do. They can't buff, compound, or restore leather. They do the grease monkey work.

Oh...and the owners LOVE when their ego is stroked when you ask to go for a joy ride in them.
YouTube - Maksimum Auto Detailing- Lamborghini Countach 140 MPH V12 w/ 510 HP

Oh...and gloves must be worn at all times.

Jakerooni · 10-11-09, 06:48

For a 17 y/o you got a great business sense in that head of your's. I wish my 17 y/o had as much drive as you do. I think your on the right track. I know guys twice your age who couldn't manage their own checkbooks much less try to effectively run a business.

MaksimumAuto · 10-11-09, 07:00

Well thank you.

Now it's time to sit and wait for the "wow who's stupid enough to let this kid work on their car" and "you should concentrate on school and leave the exotics to the guys that know how to detail".

Jakerooni · 10-11-09, 07:22

ehh.. it's just a perception thing. You're not the first young professional to get hammered on here. *coughbaseballlovercough* A forum is just a place where people of like interest come to chat away. We don't all have to be on the same page to enjoy the site. I wouldn't let it bug you too much.

todd@bsaw · 10-12-09, 08:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakerooni

ehh.. it's just a perception thing. You're not the first young professional to get hammered on here. *coughbaseballlovercough* A forum is just a place where people of like intetest come to chat away. We don't all have to be on the same page to enjoy the site. I wouldn't let it bug you too much.

And if I recall, Daniel was 15 when he came onto Autopia and started asking questions... so he was at least two years ahead of you. :P

He is now the American distributor for Dodo Juice. (Dodo Juice USA)

Just keep in mind that we aren't the ones you have to prove yourself to... it's your customers. The nay-sayers will be proven wrong eventually if you do good work.

brwill2005 · 10-12-09, 08:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaksimumAuto

Well thank you.

Now it's time to sit and wait for the "wow who's stupid enough to let this kid work on their car" and "you should concentrate on school and leave the exotics to the guys that know how to detail".

Again no offense, but if you lack insurance, you should not be working on a car that costs as much as a Lambo. What happens when something DOES happen to the car? Who is going to pay for it? Again, I am not trying to be hard on you, because I was 17 once and looking to make some extra cash detailing. My issue is you claiming to be booked up and having exotics lined up at your door. That is a bit of a cheap shot, to people such as me, who have spent years building up my clientele through hard work and determination; not to mention having the proper licensing and insurance.

todd@bsaw · 10-12-09, 08:48

^^

x2

...and if I recall correctly, Daniel did everything right including acquiring insurance before even starting to detail for money.

JuneBug · 10-12-09, 10:53

Well, here's my 2 pesos. I fear America is going down the slippery slope of "assisted living" from cradle to grave, there's the guv-ment raising your kids, and "protecting" them till they have no common sense, no experience with work, nothing to prepare them for what life has. We have gone from 16 being the age of getting a driver's lincense to now 18 to get the same freedoms I had back in 1975. You can vote, join the army and go to fight the fanactical muslims but you can't buy a beer??!! We're wussifying the youth -and there's no end in sight. So, when a teen wants to work detailing cars, cutting grass, or whatever, I say GOOD! My God schools are tougher now than they were when I was there, I know, got a daughter in 10th grade, so if you can manage school and a job, good for you! I wish you the best and I hope you inspire others.

WAS · 10-14-09, 12:46

MaksimumAuto: Good job ! I know what it's like being your age and not being taken seriously (I'm not that much older than you actually). Keep it up, you will have a self-sufficient business, making good, consistent money before any of your friends even step foot in a university.

bighip21 · 10-14-09, 07:37

Thanks for all of the posts everyone! It's cool to see everyone is really active in the detailing world. I also like how everyone is open to helping others, that's good to see nowadays.

I've been doing a lot of reading the past week or so, and am excited to get into this trade. I've already came up with some business names, and have a written business plan. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted on any success/failures

Irkie500 · 10-21-09, 10:11

Being so young and detailing does present its challenges, the one I do encounter a bit is having someone who is 18 trust you to treat their vehicle properly. I find that a short explanation of what you are going to do to the vehicle and the process involved goes a long way in comforting the uneasy customer.

jose206 · 10-21-09, 01:34

Hey I noticed you offer gift certificates on your site, how can I do that? also how do you do the whole SEO thing to get your site on google? I've been trying to get exposure on google...