how do these mobile detailers do it?

[RCK]

I mean come to your work, wash your car and wax it??? Maybe even detail the engine and interior. Where do they get the water? How about electricity? What if it`s in a sunny parking lot or next to a dusty busy road? Am I missing something here or what?

Thanks,

Joe

[We're Here]

Typically a professional will carry a water tank, a generator and even an aluminum framed tent cover type thing to provide shade. I suppose the startup expenses are still reasonably modest for the sole proprietor but they`re certainly a level or two higher than a tin of wax and a rag in the hip pocket sort of thing

[Turbonator]

cruzmisl, i do that! i`ll go anywhere that i can hook up a hose and run an electrical cord. no one`s ever had a problem with it. generally you don`t use that much water or electricity - it`s really just a trade off for the convenience. i detail the engine and interior if the customer wants it. i do both the same way you`d do it at your house. i don`t have a carpet extractor though, too expensive. i do carry a popup tent for some shade in the summertime, but a dusty work area would be a problem. probably have to arrange something else.

[imported_Intel486]

I`m just starting to do mobile detail. Currently I`m hooking up to people`s water and using their power. I`m saving right now for the a water tank, a tent, and an electric pressure washer (using a gas one right now but it isn`t made to pull water from a tank). I`m searching for a generator that meets my needs right now so I`ll have one soon. Will be soo glad to get it so I can get rid of my huge arse extension cord.

[Josiah]

I have a 5500 watt generator, but still carry about 200ft of extension cords... one 100ft 12g, and two 50ft 14g, for when I can use customers electricity. Don`t want to be short. :D

[Scottwax]

I wash cars with Protect All Quick and Easy Wash, so I only need about a gallon of water per car. I have a pretty good 12 volt vacuum (Campbell-Hausen), but prefer to use my big wet/dry vac. Most businesses now have electrical outlets outdoors, so I don`t have to run a cord under the doors. I haven`t been able to find a quiet enough generator that is also small enough to fit in my trunk. I`ve seen one that is suitcase size, so I may look into that.



As far as dust goes, I have my California duster with me and on windy days, I do have to dust after washing and before waxing. Just part of the business.

[Detailing NY]

I do mobil detailing and detailing from my house. I all i need is a hose and power, if they dont have power i have a converter in my truck.

being mobil really does bring in the business.