So im thinking of detailing for money this summer.

[2k2blackWRX]

College has ended for me and I am home for the summer..

So I came to thinking, I could start up my own small business for the summer.

I have a PC, I have a good bit of MF towels. I need to buy more "fine" towels because I have ALOT of junk MF towels that I have used on too many different things.

I know what im doing, last summer I did my car many times, I did my moms sebring which was in BAD shape, my dads durango which was in bad shape and my uncles older SC300 which was in decent shape inside but the outside was HORRIBLE and I made it look soo much better except for the paint chips.


I feel I have the experience to work on the public's cars but I am not so sure where to start. I know I would DEFINATLY need to compile a list of products that I would need to have for any instance on a car. ie: wash,wax,interior,tires, wash mitts ect ect.

Just a complete list of items before I even start.

I know I could get customers from my parents friends, and start off there, I was wondering if I should start as a mobile business only requiring water and electricity or if I should work out of my house.

If I was mobile, I would need advice on products that would be able to be applied in the sun. And just a general idea about mobile detailing, as I have never tried it like that before.


So in summation I have come to this conclusion of what I would need:

1. A List of all the products and parts I would need and fullfull that list.
2. Business cards and flyers to advertise and spread the word.
3. Whether to stay at home or go mobile?
4. Advice on how to go mobile?
5. ANY OTHER advice on starting up for a summer small job type of work, I feel that I would be most worried with my first cutomers car.
6. A price list of everything layed out and spelled out to them

I know this has beaten to death but I know you guys are the best and the most generous. I just feel that If i am missing any ideas you guys could help me.


Thanks

Bryan

[mrjwhit]

Be careful. I am sure that others will tell you the same thing. Yeah, that other guy is shotty, but you will need time to get this off the ground and really making you some money. I know personally that everytime I get what I think is my last piece of equipment I think of 10 more things that I need or could use. If you get that disease where will the money come from... your profits. So you will have to really think about that. Take your time. I have been doing this now for a year and a half and I have aquired a nice client base, but I know that to go full time AND keep the lights on I will have to multiply my clients as well as increase my skill.

It sounds like you have the heart to do it for the long haul. Therefore I would tell you to do it this summer, but do it with the understanding that what ever you make will have to be budgeted between your living expenses when school starts and any business expenses that may come up.

A business idea. I did my pastors 98 suburan... for free. I have earned a great deal of clients and ref. from his ride looking so good. I could have charged him, but what I got from it was great. Now I do it regularly for pay and the others keep coming.

Do well.

[Mike M]

Going mobile for me would be an investment because I would want the best set-up. The right vehicle, portable power, etc. Since your still in school and may only detail for cash during summers I would work out of your house. Detailing is a second
income for me and I've got more jobs than I can handle. All started with the first vehicle and took off from there. Design
a cost/services available sheet and business card. Also consider a dedicated cell phone for your business. Using the home phone number doesn't sound professional with Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, Roomate (you know what I mean) answering the phone.

Good luck!