Another Detail Fanatic in Virginia (Lynchburg)

VR8 · 12-10-08, 07:06

Well I'm not new to the detailing game, but I'm no where near a pro either. Just call me an obsessive fanatic about my car? Ask my wife, waaaaay too many hours spent on the driveway cleaning my Mazda's.

I've started a local Mazda club just to hang out with those that like to drive. Some of them have the same bug I do to detail our car every chance we get. And photo's! I must have a million of my cars, and of course they always have to be spotless like the camera will pick up that one little missed spot.

So I've joined this forum after many years of reading, to see what other detailers have to offer for advice on starting your own business. I'm at a crossroads in my former career where I either need to change jobs and continue in the same field or venture out on another source of income. My love for detailing won't go away. I can't help but think, even if I made a little less money, I would enjoy my day at work tremendously.

Help! What's your advice?

Holden_C04 · 12-10-08, 07:08

to Autopia. I'm sending you a PM.

RDAVEX7 · 12-11-08, 03:28

Welcome fellow Mazda owner!

VR8 · 12-13-08, 08:00

A blow up of my avatar now that pic posting is allowed.

Thanks RDAVE, what 7 are you driving? I currently am enjoying two '88 convertibles (as seen in the back of the pic).

RDAVEX7 · 12-13-08, 08:35

WOW, very nice! I have a 90 vert and a 88 GTU.

Here is my vert

The GTU is my auto x car so it takes some abuse lol. I have to repaint it when ever I get done thrashing it lol.

Got_Leather · 12-13-08, 09:15

Welcome to Autopia. Once a month we will be having a class / get together that will go over different areas of detailing and marketing. Check the Mid-Atlantic Regional Forum for more information.

DJ

akimel · 12-13-08, 10:33

Hi, VR8. I live down the road from you in Roanoke. Welcome to Autopia.

VR8 · 12-13-08, 01:34

akimel, we need to get you in the club! Click on the link in my signature.

Got Leather, I'm all about a gathering. Especially if it comes with some learnin.

Where are the meets usually?

baseballlover1 · 12-13-08, 05:59

VR8, nice to have you here! I also am right down the road in Roanoke.

I am a high school student who details on the side. (check the roanoke times, if you get it, from last saturday)... the only way i am able to have a detailing business is because it is not my main job. It finances itself well and gives me money to put into my cars however I doubt in Roanoke (much less Lynchburg) there is going to be much of a career in it. To fully polish out a vehicle you are looking at anywhere from 10-40 hours... there isnt enough clientele who want to pay that much money in our area.

ESPECIALLY IN THIS ECONOMICAL CLIMATE... which sadly i dont see us getting out of in the next 4-8 years or longer.

If you end up doing it, I would love to see you succeed and after high school, when i move, i will recomend you to all my clients however i seriously doubt a high end detailer can make it here.

That said, WELCOME TO AUTOPIA!

.. there are some great guys on here and a LOT of info waiting to be learned.

If you ever find yourself in Roanoke, you al and I will have to meet up!

,Dan