Some thoughts on mobile detailing.... - Page 2

ajbarnes · 07-08-05, 01:27

Excellent write up WS6!! You are absolutely right!

mirrorfinishman · 07-08-05, 06:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1 Clean WS6

Regardless if you are mobile or fixed you quickly learn to live and budget yourself off the "fat" weeks and months because sooner or later the "lean" times will come...and the bills still need to get paid.

When you operate your own business, it's usually either feast or famine.

Thanks for a very good write-up Mike!

G35stilez · 07-08-05, 06:27

Thanks for the writeup Mike and nice work on the GMC!

I have contemplated opening up a shop when I get out of school (1 year). We will see where life brings me.

AudiOn19s · 07-08-05, 09:11

Very nice write-up...it kind of reminds me why I still have my regular job though. I'm a software developer and while I love detailing...I don't dislike my regular job and I'd have to do ALOT of busting my butt to make the money detailing that i do at my desk job. I'm fortunate that I can pick and choose what cars that i detail in order to keep detailing from "becoming a job" and keeping it a passion that I share with other enthusiests. I'm sure I'd make more money detailing on the side if I tackled jobs like you (much respect for that)...but I fear it would take all of the enjoyment out of it for me.

Andy

mirrorfinishman · 07-08-05, 02:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by AudiOn19s

I'm fortunate that I can pick and choose what cars that i detail in order to keep detailing from "becoming a job" and keeping it a passion that I share with other enthusiests.

Andy,

Some professionals have kept detailing from becoming a job. It is always much better to pick and choose what cars you are going to detail and it is equally important to know when to say no to a prospect and just walk away. The key is to always make sure you are working for someone who appreciates the care that you take in detailing their car.

Terry · 07-08-05, 04:26

Mike, Very well stated....have you ventured into boats yet? I think you should to get away from those interiors.....Those pics give me bad dreams.

Intercooled · 07-08-05, 05:20

Mike,
You hit the nail on the head!!! I'm a Master Plumber with my own business and have 2 employees. Its not easy. We had a slow May and June......very slow!!! Kinda wierd actually. But I budgeted the fat times to survive this past lean time. With employess you try hard to keep your guys working so they dont leave to go somewhere else. Just like you, We have the Highe end work as well as Snakeing toilets. I was always taught that the little and not so glamerous jobs keep you going and bring bigger and better jobs! Its not easy doing physical work. It's always tough when your sick or not feeling so well.....you scheduled a job and it has to get done to make a buck. Were out there working sick because we have to. We just cant walk into the office and sit back and hide behind the computer for the day!
Enough of my rant!!
Excellent job on the interior, Same effort and results wether its a Farrari or Honda!!

THATS PRIDE in your work and it shows!!

1 Clean WS6 · 06-23-07, 05:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clean Dean

I can definitely relate with how you feel. I love the way my competitors advertises detailing SUV like that for more than 50% less than I charge. I guess that is why I go up against new competitors every year, and never hear from the "detailers" from a year ago again.

Resurrectus deadus threadus...

Dean I couldn't help but chuckle to myself again when I read your post. It is the start of another summer season and for seventh year in a row I see new faces everywhere. We haven't had rain in GA for a lifetime so I'm sure they are all thinking that this detailing "thing" is going to be a "cake walk".

1 Clean WS6 · 03-12-08, 08:07

**BUMP**

Spring is coming...and once again I will say "look before you leap".

Especially at $3.40 a gallon.

Mike

Clean Dean · 03-12-08, 08:40

1 Clean WS6,

Start of another season. Did 6 completes this week so far, and although I am in some real kick _ss shape in the gym, my detailing muscles (forearms/elbows) are a bit sore from handling the buffer so much this week.

Quote:

Spring is coming...and once again I will say "look before you leap".

Especially at $3.40 a gallon.

Traded in my E-350 extended cab on a 4 cylinder Ford Ranger. I loaded it with a 50 gallon water tank, Honda Generator, Mytee Tempo, Air compressor, buffers and chems and a small 5 hp Shop Vac. I will try to use this one more often especially when I need to do some travelling outside my immediate area.

(My E-150 still has the 100 gallon water tank, and all my heavier duty equipment).

jordanrossbell · 03-12-08, 09:21

Great write up here...in fact all of the "simple" details of wash/wax/exercise the interior is what most people appreciate...not swirl-free paint....and anyone notice soccer moms and regular joes are usually more enjoyable to talk to then ritzy guys who claim you as their lowly employee on their phone calls during your convo

integritydetail · 03-12-08, 10:40

For sure soccor moms are job security