Son thinking of a "business"

[Black99miata]

Have been a long time member here, but for personal consumption - not professional. My son has the bug as well, and has applied at some detailers for a job. He is also thinking about doing side jobs..... I am worried about that. He will be VERY careful in his work, and I trust taht he will have little to no issues with causing any harm to a car. What about the client who either sees something in the finish of his car that he hadm't seen before, or worse, claims that some previous damage was casued by the detail job? Anyone ever had this happen? How is that situation handled?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions.

Jeff

[todd@bsaw]

Insurance.
If he wants to make it an official business, he needs to get insurance just for that situation. Otherwise, that's just a risk he's going to take if he wants to keep it as a 'side-job' with no insurance.

[Black99miata]

How does that work? How does the claim get substantiated? Who determines if the damage was caused by the detail? Seems that there needs to be a determination of prior condition. I just don't know how you would defend against false claims, and therefore, I imagine insurance costs a boatload?

[qballjr13]

I am far from a professional but what about a form like the car rental companies use? It has an outline of the car and before you leave the rental lot the attendant walks you around the car and they mark any damage they see, then the Renter (or in his case customer) intitial or sign off that they agree. That would at least make the customer and your son be honest about anything they notice. Just an idea

[PaintPolisher]

This is what works for me and it makes them happy as a bonus.

All my clients understand up front that I take digital pictures at their location for pickup or at my place upon arrival…dirt and all. I take pictures from about three feet of all exterior and interior areas. Generally takes about ten minutes. Then I take the same photos after the initial washing and then upon completion. My pictures are uploaded to a CD which I keep and with their permission posted at my picture website hosted by smugmug [PaintPolisher.] Clients like to look at their baby while at work and I have not had any issues as the camera shows all.

[Black99miata]

Some good ideas. I'll have to consider the "evidence" approach. It might just keep the fraudulent tendencies from rising to the surface!

Thanks,

Jeff

[Black Diamond]

HERE is a link to some forms that another member of this forum has put together. These are free. All you have to do is download them.
Also and as important! Use a digital camera with a date option to record any damage on any cars. This you can download to a computer and keep them on file if a situation does arise. As they say"CYA" and a picture is worth a thousand words.

[HomicidalSloth]

What I did "back in the day" when I was still in detailing, was:

1.) Get insurance. Just in case, it's a gotta have.

2.) Draw up a release of liability document to have every single customer sign. If you can afford it, have a lawyer look it over.

3.) Have an existing damage form. Closely inspect the car, and note anything existing on the paper. Have them sign it. This is easy to work in to a walk-around with the customer - people love for you to point out the paint problems (swirl marks, etc) and what you can do to fix them. Gets them pumped and excited about your service.

4.) Pictures. Take befores so you have proof of existing problems.

That should be enough to protect yourself.

[Black99miata]

Thanks again all. Very helpful. I am hoping he gets a good start with the established detailer and won't need to go out on his own, but this helps in case he needs to.

Best,

Jeff

[SilverSubie2.5]

If you don't mind me asking, how old is your son?

[Black99miata]

17 - been detailing since he was 9.

[HenrikP]

Let me know how it goes for him. I am also 17, I started doing sidejobs for neighboors when I was 12. I plan a starting a detail business when I am 18, next summer.