Hey guys,
I want to start by saying thanks to all of the contributors on this forum. It`s been a priceless resource for the development of my skills as a detailer, as well as a great guide to planning a new business.
My friend and I are starting a small detailing business. We have both been doing here-and-there jobs on the side, and we`ve both worked at a VW dealership in the so-called "detail" department. We`ve decided that we can build our side client base sufficiently to justify making it an official business.
We have a location (renting a garage) and enough supplies to do a couple cars. I`m handy with web and graphic design, so I`ll put up a website and make business cards.
We`ve even done research on what the local market is (as far as what our competition is charging, and the quality of work they do), so we have a good idea at what we`re looking at in terms of our price list.
While we build clientele, we`re going to want to keep overhead at a minimum. We`ve got a so-so rotary with good pads, and enough OTC products for a detail or two, but once we run out of those, it`s time to start identifying products to purchase en masse.
My question is this - what products (polishes, compounds, glazes, claybar, soap, pads, brushes, vacuum, etc) and equipment are best for a startup business on a budget? I know that the prep is 90% of the finished look, and my buddy and I are meticulous when it comes to paint correction, etc. What products are cheap, do the job well, and can produce a finished product that the untrained eye can`t identify as cheap?
The VW dealership uses CarBrite, who swings by weekly to drop off whatever products we need, but I haven`t had the opportunity to really compare quality, because we don`t have the opportunity to do real details there.
Equipment is a question too - we have one decent rotary, and I have a PC bought per this site`s recommendation about a year ago. I have just a house vacuum cleaner, and a 2000psi power washer. I have wash mits from Autozone, and two 5 gal. buckets. I also have about 30 cheap MF towels, also from autozone.
What do I need to invest in, and what products are going to be the best bang for the buck in my situation?
Bookmarks