College Student Detailing Tips?

BradUF · 07-26-07, 12:52

I have been trying to get into this for a while now but I am not even sure how to start. As a a full time college student I don't want to become established as this being full time for me. I really do not want to put an ad in the yellow pages for various reason but I don't know how to get the word out. I know how to design websites and flyer's professionally since I have taken Business technology classes but really do not think this will generate the desired the results. I have also designed business cards but I fear the name I used has already been taken but I have no idea how to check this.

As a college student I am really only looking to do this two maybe three days a week and only make about 100-200 a week. I do own about $600 in car chemicals, high end stuff, plus pads but I don't want to get into polishing other people's cars until I feel I am experienced enough. Also, being in a college town I fear I will deal with image of being another college kid with a sponge and dawn soap, especially since people think I look 17, when I am really 22.

ScrubSRT · 07-27-07, 06:06

I also do this part time. I put up an ad on my local Craigslist and i use Local Forums.

IronDr. · 07-27-07, 06:45

May I ask a question? Are you a college student. hehe

ScrubSRT · 07-27-07, 06:49

me?.....
yes.

Why???

IronDr. · 07-27-07, 06:55

No, I was talking to BradUF.

bojangleS_8686 · 07-28-07, 08:53

I am a full time college student as well in Baltimore, MD. I havent thought of the Craigslist idea but it probably brings in some good business.

ScrubSRT · 07-28-07, 09:58

Craigslist works pretty well for me, i get about 3 Full Details per week and about 3 Wash & Wax.

BradUF · 07-28-07, 04:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScrubSRT

Craigslist works pretty well for me, i get about 3 Full Details per week and about 3 Wash & Wax.

I am in FL and from my understanding detailing is really big here I might have to try this. What did you do just put a name and number? Did you post your prices or just say call for a quote?

ScrubSRT · 07-28-07, 04:59

I just put up an ad with my Name and Explain that i do detailing i made an Email address just for those kinda emails and i have them email me i can set up a time and a price to do it.

magictouch24 · 07-30-07, 08:39

I started detailing when I was a junior in high school (I'm a junior in college now) and I got started by working at a dealership for basics and then another detail shop to work on my skills. I think that might be the best way because you get a feel for how professional work should be done (not necessarily true at all dealers though) and a feel for products, technique, etc.

As far as starting my own business went, I started by charging much lower than I do now and using a variety of advertising mediums. A website is very important I feel, and business cards and flyers as well. A lot of local businesses will let you put cards and flyers on their counters and stuff, and I did a lot of advertising in this bi-weekly circular that gets mailed to all the houses in my town with coupons like "Free RainX Treatment w/ Any Service" or "$30 Off Two Details" and so on. Like you, I didn't want to be in the phone book because it initially wasn't a full time gig.

Once you are good at detailing cars, it can be a good idea to approach businesses with fleet vehicles and offer to keep them looking good. I did work for a used car dealership as well as a couple of construction companies and our town's police department.

BradUF · 07-30-07, 10:38

How many hits did your website get? Also, I was thinking of putting an ad to the back of my window on my Camaro SS which is show quality car.

bj1888 · 07-31-07, 08:27

Brad, if you're in Gainesville, the market is pretty slim. Put up some fliers on campus boards, and I'd REALLY suggest going by Shands and dropping some fliers there. The mall is a good spot too. The main thing is getting client referrals.