Great Mobile Detailing Weekend

[RaysWay]

I just wanted to share some of this weekends details and some of my thoughts and experiences. I`ve learned that mobile detailing is a completely different monster compared to detailing at home or in a shop, and hopefully discussing my experiences can help others.

I seriously underestimated the power of business cards. Not only does it make it easier for customers to contact you, it also gives them an initial impression of professionalism. I`m also still learning on what to bring and how much to bring. I`ve learned there`s a thin line between bring too much stuff and too little.

Saturday
The weekend started with a basic wash and wax on a black Honda Civic (no pics) scheduled for 8am. This was my only scheduled detail for Saturday. I arrived 5 minutes early and had to call the customer several times to wake her up since the car was locked. I didn`t wake up at 6:30am to drive across town to leave empty handed! The wash and wax was quick and simple and I was back on the road in an hour and a half. My wash and wax package includes light interior and I can normally finish in an hour, but this Civic had a lot of hair. Borderline enough hair to require additional charge. Business cards were left in a dash compartment and I`ve already received a referral call from this detail. $$

MVP`s: Autobahn Max Vac, Rubber Pet Hair Brush, Montana Boars Hair Tri-Angle Car Wash Brush, CarPro Hydro

After the Civic detail, I decided to get a hair cut. The barber shop I go to is always very busy and waits can go over 2 hours. It was early enough in the day that I had a good shot of only having to wait an hour. While I was getting a hair cut I mentioned to the barber that I just finished a detail...next thing you know he`s enthusiastically handing me the keys to his Volkswagen for a wash and wax. Luckily the barber shop has water and electric access from outside.

http://i.imgur.com/Pn3fikv.jpg

I noticed he had aftermarket wheels and tires and decided to make them a high priority. If someone spends money on a nice set of wheels and tires, they probably want them looking their best....

http://i.imgur.com/d6vKjyA.jpg

Since a few of the other barbers voiced interest in having their cars washed too, I wanted to make a great first impression. As they came outside one by one to watch me work, I made sure to answer all of their questions enthusiastically and positively.

http://i.imgur.com/0QBjGLB.jpg

Optimum Power Clean and Optimum FerreX made great work out of the brake dust covered wheels and tires.

http://i.imgur.com/O6flSRt.jpg

Sure enough the first place the owner of this VW inspected were his wheels and tires. He was really happy mentioning that he loves to have his car clean and shiny but doesn`t have enough time to keep it up. So having his car detailed while he worked was great. He wants me to come back next week and mentioned offering his customers that are waiting a detail too.

http://i.imgur.com/WvVGzDI.jpg

He handed me cash + tip and I ended up detailing two more cars (Chevy Sonic and VW GTI - no pics). What started as a single wash and wax day ended up being 4 wash and waxes because I was ready and mobile. $$$

MVP`s: Optimum Power Clean and FerreX, Montana Boars Hair Tri-Angle Car Wash Brush, CarPro Hydro2

Sunday
Sunday started like Saturday with a single appointment on the books. This time, with a very familiar car. Some of you will recognize this car from a previous Pinnacle Black Label Coating Detail almost 2 years ago. I love this car since nobody else has washed this car besides me from mile 14.

http://i.imgur.com/Bfn0LPd.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LS3YqLE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/aKnyFRd.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/04Fjivk.jpg

The owner mentioned the car needs a lot of love and she wanted another coating applied. I talked her into Wolfgang Uber Ceramic Coating and arrived to start at 8:30am.

http://i.imgur.com/rGuUqo8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/HAWTjMq.jpg

She mentioned having a lot of interior stains she wanted removed too. Luckily with the last few details, I`ve been really dialing in my interior details with the tools and products needed to be used.

http://i.imgur.com/I6D0UXk.jpg

Most of the fabric seats had these water or dirt stains. A mixture of tanning oils, sunscreen, sweat and water from the beach make this a common issue here in Florida. I`ve also renamed my vacuum the sandman, since 90% of my bags end up filled with Florida`s finest beaches.

http://i.imgur.com/PUXAtAe.jpg

I started with the wheels and tires.

http://i.imgur.com/8TiTHBA.jpg

Before washing and claying. I was actually taking my sweet time since I didn`t have any other details planned for the day. But during the polishing step, I was approached by a neighbor who asked if I had a business card. She mentioned she had a Pontiac that needed a lot of love and was excited to see someone detailing in her neighborhood on a Sunday. She took my card and after answering a few generic questions...she left.

http://i.imgur.com/gu0EeOU.jpg

Everyone loves clean glass!

http://i.imgur.com/iCd2zsf.jpg

The same lady with the Pontiac came back about an hour later and asked if I could come give her a quote. I walked over to her garage and spoke to her and her husband before agreeing on a 2 step coating detail in 2 weeks. :D

http://i.imgur.com/cYCZOQv.jpg

Remember those dirty seats? Wolfgang Carpet and Upholstey Restorer to the rescue.

http://i.imgur.com/orWYZhD.jpg

This was just after a single application. A couple more applications and the seats were back to perfect.

http://i.imgur.com/dHBAIDr.jpg

By now, TWO more neighbors stopped by and inquired about details. Everyone seems very enthusiastic about having their cars detailed in their own driveways and the Subaru was starting to become a glowing shiny piece of advertisement for my work. The same neighbor that booked me in 2 weeks came to check on the Subaru and kept saying "man that looks good!".

http://i.imgur.com/UUksS76.jpg

I decided to move the Subaru to face the street, making it easier for people to see me working.

After a quick wipe down with Wolfgang Perfekt Paint Prep, Uber Ceramic was ready to be applied.

http://i.imgur.com/NAMXHND.jpg

I started to hurry now as I had THREE more cars to do and losing sunlight began to be a problem.

http://i.imgur.com/NuOVcSS.jpg

The Subaru was finished and looked amazing. She told me the Subaru would now be spending nights in the garage. I`m really looking forward to washing this again so I can see some great beading!

The next job was a headlight restoration on a work truck. This was one of the neighbors that drove by.

http://i.imgur.com/T0cpnaB.jpg

Sorry no after pics but they came out great! I was starting to run around like a mad man. (p.s. I`m glad I packed lunch and brought plenty of water this time)

The next detail from a drive by was this Toyota truck. Wash and Wax was all it needed.

http://i.imgur.com/OKGKwvp.jpg

Did I mention that I love Hydro2 and Poorboy`s Leather Stuff?

http://i.imgur.com/a1GX6sI.jpg

The 4th detail was on his wifes Toyota Rav4 (sorry no pics) which I mostly did in the dark using my LED Light Stand for light. I really don`t mind washing cars in the dark since everything stays nice and cool.

MVP`s: Wolfgang brand products, RUPES LHR 75E, CarPro Hydro2

Conclusion:
What started out as a slow weekend with only 2 details scheduled, ended up being 8 vehicles detailed and 1 appointment made in 2 weeks and other jobs pending. With mobile detailing, organization is KEY. Know where to put your tools and chemicals makes jobs much easier. For example, I have an Autopia Detailing bag with all of my headlight restoration tools (including a Griot`s 3 inch) to make jobs easier and faster.

Thanks for reading everyone and if you have any questions on products used or the process on any of the 8 cars let me know. I know I skipped over a lot, but I had a lot to cover!

Thanks,
Ray

[jtford95]

Ray, that is awesome! Everything looks great and I love the fact that you were prepared! So, you used the Hydro 2 as a wax? I was thinking of this to try.

[mnehls86]

You are a madman! Great work. Any trouble waking up today after such a busy weekend?

[RatZ1LLa]

I am curious as to what steps you do for a Wash and Wax? Rinse, 2BM, etc?

Also I would like to use Uber Ceramic Coating on my truck, how is the work time with it?

Good job Ray!

[JustJesus]

...

Conclusion:
What started out as a slow weekend with only 2 details scheduled, ended up being 8 vehicles detailed and 1 appointment made in 2 weeks and other jobs pending. With mobile detailing, organization is KEY. Know where to put your tools and chemicals makes jobs much easier. For example, I have an Autopia Detailing bag with all of my headlight restoration tools (including a Griot`s 3 inch) to make jobs easier and faster.

Thanks,
Ray

Cool read, great work. LOTS of cars!!! Yeah, the business card, as I`ve also learned, is an important tool in itself. I`m still working on updating mine.

Speaking of Autopia Detailing bags....I actually forgot I had an extra one (or 2). And here I was looking at getting something at Home Depot. I LOVE that I can fit 32oz spray bottles in the Autopia bag.

Question: On the Subaru, why was there a desire/need to re-coat it? At two years, was it time? Or was it more of a "I want a new coating installed, please"


Thanks for sharing, Ray. I did enjoy reading this.

[ShakingHorizons]

Thanks for sharing Ray - great work as always!!!

Do you have a link to the rubber pet hair brush you used?

[RaysWay]

Ray, that is awesome! Everything looks great and I love the fact that you were prepared! So, you used the Hydro 2 as a wax? I was thinking of this to try.

Yep. And it customers love the water repellency on their glass/windshield too. Hydro2 is awesome for saving time. Then I dry the car with a DP Turbo Car Dryer. EZPZ


You are a madman! Great work. Any trouble waking up today after such a busy weekend?

Lol thanks and yes. I`m not moving very fast today lol. But eating good and drinking lots of water helps big time. When I first started mobile detailing, I would bring along a bag of chips and some Gatorade which wasn`t very good. Now I`ll have some oatmeal in the morning and a protein bar as a snack and a healthy wrap when I get hungry along with a ton of water to help me power through the day. A lunch bag and a good diet are critical for mobile detailing.


I am curious as to what steps you do for a Wash and Wax? Rinse, 2BM, etc?

Also I would like to use Uber Ceramic Coating on my truck, how is the work time with it?

Good job Ray!

Wheels + Tires + Wheel wells > Rinse > Bug Remover or Tar Remover PreSoak > 2BM with Montana Brush (I credit the brush to save me a lot of time and is still super safe, I allow the brush to presoak to soften while I`m doing wheels and I`ve never noticed the brush to add swirls) > Rinse > CarPro Hydro2 > Rinse > Blow Dry > Interior and door jambs


Cool read, great work. LOTS of cars!!! Yeah, the business card, as I`ve also learned, is an important tool in itself. I`m still working on updating mine.

Speaking of Autopia Detailing bags....I actually forgot I had an extra one (or 2). And here I was looking at getting something at Home Depot. I LOVE that I can fit 32oz spray bottles in the Autopia bag.

Question: On the Subaru, why was there a desire/need to re-coat it? At two years, was it time? Or was it more of a "I want a new coating installed, please"


Thanks for sharing, Ray. I did enjoy reading this.

It was time. I might of been able to just wash and decontaminate to revive the old coating, but it needed some correction so a fresh layer of coating made sense. Thanks for reading.

[RaysWay]

Thanks for sharing Ray - great work as always!!!

Do you have a link to the rubber pet hair brush you used?

Thanks! We`ll have to add this on Autopia...

Rubber Pet Brush (http://www.autogeek.net/rubber-pet-brush.html)

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2268_452051105

[Ronkh]

Congrats on a GREAT $$$$$ weekend.

Some really nice work there.

[mikejames]

I am also interested in your go to products you use and steps used in your basic wash and wax? Specifically what do you include in your wash and wax? Also what are you charging for the the wash and wax?

Thanks Ray and great work on a prosperous weekend!

[LEDetailng]

Wow, awesome weekend for you. Congrats on getting all the business. Your work will sell itself. Your competition doesn`t stand a chance. Not only do you have great skill, but you have 1,000`s of products to choose from. And your coworkers and their years of experience to draw from.

I think mobile detailing has a lot of advantages. One being the customer doesn`t have as great of a chance to flake out and cancel.

You`ll have that Pathfinder payed for in six months if you keep up this pace:)

[Zelfiris]

Great work Vega!

It was a nice and fun read for Monday morning.

I`m very impressed at how quick you can detail

[mnehls86]

Wheels + Tires + Wheel wells > Rinse > Bug Remover or Tar Remover PreSoak > 2BM with Montana Brush (I credit the brush to save me a lot of time and is still super safe, I allow the brush to presoak to soften while I`m doing wheels and I`ve never noticed the brush to add swirls) > Rinse > CarPro Hydro2 > Rinse > Blow Dry > Interior and door jambs
You might have just sold me on the BHB. I usually forget all about them.

Also, any EZ up covering these cars? Or are you using Hydro in direct sun and if so do you dilute differently for that? My cars get splotchy if there is any sun out with Hydro2.

[RaysWay]

Congrats on a GREAT $$$$$ weekend.

Some really nice work there.

Thanks. I think the real MVP was the weather! It was PERFECT detailing weather on this side of Florida.


I am also interested in your go to products you use and steps used in your basic wash and wax? Specifically what do you include in your wash and wax? Also what are you charging for the the wash and wax?

Thanks Ray and great work on a prosperous weekend!

My basic wash and wax is $60 and I really use it two different ways:

1. As a "gateway" detail to offer more expensive details like clay bars, corrections, headlight restorations, coatings, etc
2. For maintenance washes on vehicles I`ve already corrected (a coated or sealed vehicle makes a wash and wax even easier)

A good example would be the two white Toyota`s I finished on Sunday. He drove by and asked if I had time to squeeze him in. He just wanted a wash and wax. Normally it never ends up just being a wash and wax but this time I walked around and the truck and it was in great shape. The interior needed a good vacuum but it wasn`t too dirty either. Trust me I tried to find something to make me start up-selling him but I just couldn`t find anything wrong. It`s a smaller truck and I knew I could finish it in about an hour so I gave him the $60 price and has was more than happy. The mobile aspect is big too. Customers love the convenience of having their vehicle detailed at home and know they are paying for the convenience. When I finally met him at his house down the street, he offered me his wife`s truck too (for another $60). Two hours later and I`ve got two more people with my business card and a good experience. The profit margin on a wash and wax is great too.

Process: Wheels + Tires + Wheel wells > Rinse > (optional) Bug Remover or Tar Remover PreSoak > 2BM with Montana Brush (I credit the brush to save me a lot of time and is still super safe, I allow the brush to presoak to soften while I`m doing wheels and I`ve never noticed the brush to add swirls) > Rinse > CarPro Hydro2 (optional) > Rinse > Blow Dry > Interior (Poorboy`s Leather Stuff) and door jambs


Wow, awesome weekend for you. Congrats on getting all the business. Your work will sell itself. Your competition doesn`t stand a chance. Not only do you have great skill, but you have 1,000`s of products to choose from. And your coworkers and their years of experience to draw from.

I think mobile detailing has a lot of advantages. One being the customer doesn`t have as great of a chance to flake out and cancel.

You`ll have that Pathfinder payed for in six months if you keep up this pace:)

Thanks! I agree, my situation is unique and helps me a lot. Honestly I`m loving mobile detailing. I think the pros outweigh the cons. Sure I don`t have a fancy studio (yet ;) ) to apply coatings, but I love giving my customers the convenience of mobile detailing.

[512detail]

great work Ray

I`m glad that rubber floppy brush works for you because I hate them

I use a pumice stone or some of Dan`s famous crevice tools (haha)

Hey what soap are you using for your washes?