Working as a pro detailer.

heshperera · 10-24-05, 06:55

hey guys
i'm just about to finish my B/S in biochemistry, and I was looking at my prospects for what I want to do in life. I have always loved detailing and I have been told that I do a very good job at it(at least at an amateur level). I just wanted to find out about what life is like as a pro detailer. is it something I should do to supplement my income, or could I eventually (with enough experience) make enough money as a full time detailer to support a family? financially, how lucrative is it, or could it be? i of course want to start a family soon (like I'm sure many of you on the forum have already done) so unfortunately money is def an issue. how about working during the winter months (esp in the northeast, where I live)? do you guys supplement your income with another source during this time? i love the idea of being self employed, and i know that I would get great job satisfaction by working as a detailer. I def have the patience, work ethic and eye for detail to do this work. if i were thinking just about myself, then i would have no problems making the transition to become a pro detailer. im just worried about meeting the responsibilities that I will face when i have a family. any thoughts/ideas guys? sorry for the long post, lol. thx! heshan

DaGonz · 10-24-05, 07:08

Use your degree in biochemistry and get a job in the field.

Detail as a paying hobby and stress relief.

I am a career firefighter and detailing pays for vacations and my flying lessons.

Rollman · 10-24-05, 12:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo0903

Use your degree in biochemistry and get a job in the field.

Detail as a paying hobby and stress relief.

I am a career firefighter and detailing pays for vacations and my flying lessons.

Ditto to this . If I had a degree in something I sure as hell wouldn't be working this hard in all kinds of weather like I do now. You could aways detail on weekends like so many people do .

Many years ago I was given advice from an older guy , he told me to "Work smarter ,Not harder " I try to apply this to everything I do

So I say to you Work smarter , Not harder . Use that degree you spent so many years earning.

MichaelM · 10-24-05, 05:47

Detailing can be a lucrative business, certainly to the extent of being able to support a family, BUT it may take several years of HARD work and LONG hours to get there. If I were in your shoes i'd use detailing to supplement your income. With kids it'll be nice to have regular paychecks.

Superior Shine · 10-24-05, 06:16

Quote:

If I had a degree in something I sure as hell wouldn't be working this hard in all kinds of weather like I do now.

I am getting that tattooed to my forehead!!!!!!!

2000firebird · 10-24-05, 06:43

im majoring in business administration and ive always wanted my own business so i thought about a detailing business but i don't think theres enough people out there that would keep me making a good amount of income unless i somehow franchized a detailing business eventually but .. yeah that seems like a lifetime commitment to get that far into it

MichaelM · 10-25-05, 07:07

The grass isn't always greener...

I have a degree and a few years of corporate experience, made good money too. For me there is no comparison, i'll never go back willingly.

Rollman · 10-25-05, 10:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superior Shine

I am getting that tattooed to my forehead!!!!!!!

Pics of this would be priceless.

the other pc · 10-25-05, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000firebird

... i don't think theres enough people out there that would keep me making a good amount of income unless i somehow franchized ...

I guess that depends on what you consider "a good amount of income". From what I've seen it's reasonable for an individual self-employed craftsman to support a middle class lifestyle. A business owner with a team can generate a greater income and a multiple business owner still more. I don't think anybody's getting rich from it. (But I guess that depends on the definition of "rich" too.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000firebird

.. yeah that seems like a lifetime commitment to get that far into it

When you're 20, 20 years is a lifetime. When you're 45, with a successful business, a wife (and maybe an ex or two), 2.3 kids in college, a mortgage and thinning hair it was a blink of an eye.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelM

...I have a degree and a few years of corporate experience, made good money too. For me there is no comparison, i'll never go back willingly.

Sir, I commend your independent spirit!

PC.

brwill2005 · 10-25-05, 03:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelM

I have a degree and a few years of corporate experience, made good money too. For me there is no comparison, i'll never go back willingly.

I completely agree. I also have a degree, but hate working in an office for other people who mostly have no clue what they are doing. I have always been an entrepreneur. There is just something about being self employed that appeals to me. To be honest, it is not the money either. If your are young, like I am, now is the time to do it.

doged · 10-25-05, 03:52

I agree with PC. The numbers stated are very obtainable if you KNOW business, marketing, finance, etc.

Author: David Bynon
“The benefit of a detailing shop over a mobile business or home business is that you can hire employees and locate your business in a natural traffic center to bring in business. Given a good location and a sound marketing plan, a detailing shop with two or three bays can easily generate annual revenues of $400,000 to $500,000".

Thanks

SpoiledMan · 10-25-05, 04:00

Please keep in mind that those are GROSS numbers and that your "take" will be lots less after you pay rent, insurance, license, taxes, payroll, water, power, advertising.......