Starting a part time detailing business

I`m planning on starting a very part time business that I only try to detail one car a week for awhile. There are 2 other full service detailers that I know of in my area. I know they offer full paint correction service, coating applications, and more of what you would expect from a full service "professional detailer"
Of the two detailers the one is 5 minutes away and I have not ready many (if any negative reviews). The other I havent researched because he is about 20-30 minutes away. (Not that that distance matters if he is a good detailer)


To start I have no plans on expe ting to compete with them in the paint protection and coating market. I plan on starting small and focusing on 1 to 2 levels of a full detail to speak.

Option one would be a wash, clay / decon, LSP (wax or sealant), interior clean and protection, add some tire shine, and rain x the windows.

Option 2 would be to step up to a one step polish and protect with everything else included.

I know I have to understand the market to know what to charge. Because if I ever do add more services I eo not want to have to increase prices on what I already offer. I`m not saying this to ask for pricing advice currently because I have to research what other people charge in my area already

What I am looking for is some advice on my purchase I made to see if I missed anything

I have towels on order from TRC

I have clay and polishers & pads already

Here is my purchase list

P&S interior cleaner

Meg`s APC

3D Express spray wax

3D one (if I get asked to do any form of actual correction)

3D pink soap

3D LVP conditioner for interiors

3D speed for the one step correction option

3D speed for tires / trim

3D carnauba wax

Microfiber Mitt and Chenille Mitt (so I`m not using my personal mitts)

Air fresheners - 3D scent sprays

Miscellaneous microfiber and foam applicators

Should I offer a few more choices for tire shine? More glossy, more matte / satin?

I`m assuming i could use N914 as a wipe down spray before applying the LSP?

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914 can be used as surface prep.

I would have at least 2 offerings of tire dressing. Ask the customer which they prefer.

Good luck, keep us up to date and post some pics when you get rolling!

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Originally Posted by Sizzle Chest

914 can be used as surface prep.

I would have at least 2 offerings of tire dressing. Ask the customer which they prefer.

Good luck, keep us up to date and post some pics when you get rolling!

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Thanks,

I`m excited to give it a go. This will never be a full time gig or anything i rely on to pay the bills. Just more fun for me. I enjoy and decompress when detailing. I figure with what I`m looking to do I can just pick and choose who and what I want to detail.

Do you know of the 3D speed dressing is glossy or satin?



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What have you got for things like tar and sap? Most people getting their car detailed will expect to see that taken care of.

Bug remover is handy as well for the stubborn stuck on stuff.

What are your plans for interiors? Are you going to be offering more of a wipe down and dress type of "detail" or do you expect to be trying to fully detail interiors? You`ll want to prepare for anything.

Once you start venturing into doing this as a business (even as limited as you say) you will start seeing just how bad people can let their cars go. And you WILL be unprepared for it when they come. It won`t be a question of IF but WHEN. Not trying to scare you away, however just want to let you know what`s in this hole you are planning to dig into. I started my business much like you are now about 6-7 years ago, and those first couple years were a MASSIVE learning curve in every aspect of it. From my processes, products, equipment to how to run the business.

I would recommend you consider ordering a couple of the books here on autopia. Full of great info to get the ball rolling. https://www.autopia-carcare.com/detailing-books.html

Best of luck to you!

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Originally Posted by ShaneB

What have you got for things like tar and sap? Most people getting their car detailed will expect to see that taken care of.

Bug remover is handy as well for the stubborn stuck on stuff.

What are your plans for interiors? Are you going to be offering more of a wipe down and dress type of "detail" or do you expect to be trying to fully detail interiors? You`ll want to prepare for anything.

Once you start venturing into doing this as a business (even as limited as you say) you will start seeing just how bad people can let their cars go. And you WILL be unprepared for it when they come. It won`t be a question of IF but WHEN. Not trying to scare you away, however just want to let you know what`s in this hole you are planning to dig into. I started my business much like you are now about 6-7 years ago, and those first couple years were a MASSIVE learning curve in every aspect of it. From my processes, products, equipment to how to run the business.

I would recommend you consider ordering a couple of the books here on autopia. Full of great info to get the ball rolling. https://www.autopia-carcare.com/detailing-books.html

Best of luck to you!

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In my personal arsenal I have citrol, Adam`s bug remover, tarminator, tar-x

For the interiors I have a boat load of different brushes, a steamer, and an extractor.

For interiors I plan to be ready for anything. My plan is to meet with then client to see the vehicle prior to starting the detail. I want to go over expectations of the customer and what I can provide.

The learning curve is most definitely a concern of mone. I know I have some knowledge but a lot to learn as well. Between here and YouTube (certain channels) I know there is a ton of knowledge out there. On the business side of things I have a BS in businesses management, so I know the basics....I work in supply chain currently so I see the daily ins and outs of running a business. (I sound conceited with that comment, but I dont mean to) I have been reading and listening to a fair number of books and podcasts on running a small business so I know on paper what to expect, but I know there will always be surprises! Thanks for the good luck wishes.

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Ah, ok. So you`re in a good spot. I couldn`t tell from your original post if your list of things ordered was literally all you were going to have. You`re more prepared than I was when I started.

Just some feedback on 3D LVP if you haven`t used it.

I don`t like it. It goes on easy and leaves a mostly matte finish. But it leaves surfaces both slippery and tacky (that shouldn`t even be possible). And the sheen it left on the dash does not look uniform as light hits it. And the dash started attracting dust after only a couple days.

I just did my Jeep and every time I adjust in my seat the seat now makes noise. Also my armrests on both sides are a little bit tacky against the skin. I`m going to remove it with APC in a couple days.

Look into Meguiar`s D149 for quick wipe downs or to follow an aggressive APC cleaning. Guys also like 303 aerospace protectant.

If you actually get a car with real leather (uncoated) you`ll need other leather products as LVP is only for coated leather (vinyl and plastics). Everything else really doesn`t need anything.

I`m going to dump my LVP and reuse the bottle for something else. If a detailer used it on my car I`d not be happy.

Good luck with your business.

Three products for detailing tasks I see missing are:
1) As mentioned above, dedicated leather cleaner and protectant or restorer
2) Wheel brake dust cleaner
3) Ferrous/Iron Remover/Decon

Personally, I`d go with Meg`s Pro Detailer Line of specific products for all three detailing tasks if you are going to be detailing a lot of vehicles. I think they are very cost-effective and work well for detailing tasks when doing "volume" details.

Otherwise, if you like 3D products, the BDX is suppose to be a good on both wheels and paint for iron decon.

Even if you are doing this for fun-and-cash, it is best to know your customer/client and who they are, as well as the vehicle itself. The friend-of-a-friend thing can get costly to you if that client thinks you do something wrong to their vehicle or could not preform the detailing task completely that was requested of you, or if you break something on a vehicle or cause a mechanical issue, like too much water in an engine compartment and shorting out electrical systems or cause a scratch in the paint when your lighting tripod fell over on the vehicle.
Five very important tips:
1) Remove your watch, rings, or jewelry and metal piercings from yourself BEFORE you start detailing someone else`s vehicle.
Watch your belt buckle or turn it to the side of your pants or shorts or un-tuck your T-shirt and let it hang over the buckle. Clothes and jewelry cause more scratches in detailing a vehicle than you know.
2) Pre-inspect the vehicle before you quote a price for services. What may be just "clean it up" or "that should buff right out" are not that at all. Don`t be afraid to charge accordingly for your time to complete a detailing task or entire job you estimate it may take you as well.
3) Take pictures inside and outside of a vehicles to document the condition of the vehicle BEFORE you start detailing. This includes any damaged or "problem" areas you may see from your inspection /assessment process. This can save you a lot of grief (IE, expense or litigation) from clients who may blame you for vehicle problems that you did not cause.
4) Have a battery charger/starter box for those clients who have weak car batteries and the vehicle will not start because you have drained the battery when the doors are opened for hours on end cleaning the interior. Older classic cars or even newer sports cars that have been in storage are prone to this problem. I look at the battery myself or ask the client how old the battery is. Some have this very funny look on their face when you do.
5) I assume you are doing this detailing from your resident or home. Not knowing where you live, you may need to check on local government ordinances to allow running a business out of your residence, even if you do not consider it "a business". Even if no such ordinances exists, running a gas-motor power washer for washing or leaf blower for drying a vehicle at 6:00 AM on a weekend to start your detailing of a vehicle may not sit too well with the neighbors, and common sense/good judgement may need to be exercised when to start and end your detailing enterprise endeavors. "Upset" neighbors are just that and they can make life miserable for you in your residence/home.

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Originally Posted by Lonnie

Three products for detailing tasks I see missing are:
1) As mentioned above, dedicated leather cleaner and protectant or restorer
2) Wheel brake dust cleaner
3) Ferrous/Iron Remover/Decon

Personally, I`d go with Meg`s Pro Detailer Line of specific products for all three detailing tasks if you are going to be detailing a lot of vehicles. I think they are very cost-effective and work well for detailing tasks when doing "volume" details.

Otherwise, if you like 3D products, the BDX is suppose to be a good on both wheels and paint for iron decon.

Even if you are doing this for fun-and-cash, it is best to know your customer/client and who they are, as well as the vehicle itself. The friend-of-a-friend thing can get costly to you if that client thinks you do something wrong to their vehicle or could not preform the detailing task completely that was requested of you, or if you break something on a vehicle or cause a mechanical issue, like too much water in an engine compartment and shorting out electrical systems or cause a scratch in the paint when your lighting tripod fell over on the vehicle.
Five very important tips:
1) Remove your watch, rings, or jewelry and metal piercings from yourself BEFORE you start detailing someone else`s vehicle.
Watch your belt buckle or turn it to the side of your pants or shorts or un-tuck your T-shirt and let it hang over the buckle. Clothes and jewelry cause more scratches in detailing a vehicle than you know.
2) Pre-inspect the vehicle before you quote a price for services. What may be just "clean it up" or "that should buff right out" are not that at all. Don`t be afraid to charge accordingly for your time to complete a detailing task or entire job you estimate it may take you as well.
3) Take pictures inside and outside of a vehicles to document the condition of the vehicle BEFORE you start detailing. This includes any damaged or "problem" areas you may see from your inspection /assessment process. This can save you a lot of grief (IE, expense or litigation) from clients who may blame you for vehicle problems that you did not cause.
4) Have a battery charger/starter box for those clients who have weak car batteries and the vehicle will not start because you have drained the battery when the doors are opened for hours on end cleaning the interior. Older classic cars or even newer sports cars that have been in storage are prone to this problem. I look at the battery myself or ask the client how old the battery is. Some have this very funny look on their face when you do.
5) I assume you are doing this detailing from your resident or home. Not knowing where you live, you may need to check on local government ordinances to allow running a business out of your residence, even if you do not consider it "a business". Even if no such ordinances exists, running a gas-motor power washer for washing or leaf blower for drying a vehicle at 6:00 AM on a weekend to start your detailing of a vehicle may not sit too well with the neighbors, and common sense/good judgement may need to be exercised when to start and end your detailing enterprise endeavors. "Upset" neighbors are just that and they can make life miserable for you in your residence/home.

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1. Do I need a dedicated leather cleaning sin e I bought Megs D101 APC? I have a few bottle of Adam`s leather conditioner I`ll pull to the customer side since I use a leather coating on our vehicles

2 & 3. My plan was to use up the rest of the brake buster I have then go to Super clean for wheels and tires. At that point could I just use a paint iron decon...something like the Meg`s detailer line iron remover.

Another question....at what point in time do acid based wheel cleaners come I to play?

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How do you go about getting a logo designed?

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Do you guys who are in the business have a trim removal kit in your tool supply?


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Originally Posted by Astouffer512

How do you go about getting a logo designed?

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You may want to look for some free-lance graphic designers in your area. There are sites where you can request bids for work.

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Originally Posted by Astouffer512

Do you guys who are in the business have a trim removal kit in your tool supply?


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Interior or exterior trim?

I do not usually remove any trim when mobile, but may do so if someone brought the car to me.

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Originally Posted by mc2hill

Interior or exterior trim?

I do not usually remove any trim when mobile, but may do so if someone brought the car to me.

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Interior only. Didn’t know if it could be helpful when trying to find a way to get to some carpet stains more easily


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Originally Posted by Astouffer512

How do you go about getting a logo designed?

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Have any friends with a kid in Graphics class? I’m blown away with the finished product using the software they have in their laptops. I’m losing my mind trying to remember who the person was who showed me a great business logo done for $100 by a student.

Add to your list.

Form a LLC.
Get business insurance.
Get a Pa Tax number for your business.

Then your home and family should be protected.

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Originally Posted by Astouffer512

Interior only. Didn’t know if it could be helpful when trying to find a way to get to some carpet stains more easily


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I have not had an issue getting everywhere without one, yet. I use a carpet brush (like this one https://www.autopia-carcare.com/low-...ire-brush.html ) for all carpets and floormats, and have craft sticks (or popsicle sticks), a rubber brush for pet hair, and several small brushes for tight areas.

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Originally Posted by kevk

Add to your list.

Form a LLC.
Get business insurance.
Get a Pa Tax number for your business.

Then your home and family should be protected.

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Planning on going about this the legal way so a PA tax number will be obtained. I also plan on talking to my I insurance company about additional insurance needed.

For the type of business to form....I haven’t decided if it will be a LLC or a DBA


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I want to talk polishing pads.....how do you guys who are in the business factor in the price of your polishing pads for a detail?


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Astouffer512

Planning on going about this the legal way so a PA tax number will be obtained. I also plan on talking to my I insurance company about additional insurance needed.

For the type of business to form....I haven’t decided if it will be a LLC or a DBA

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When you say "insurance company" I assume you mean car insurance. Not all car insurance companies have business insurance. You might want to talk with the Better Business Bureau for suggestions who could underwrite a policy for your detailing enterprise. I assume you will need to be a registered business with your state and local governments AND have obtained the necessary licenses or permits from said government agencies as they apply to your local before applying for business insurance.

Also, by registering as a business, regardless of the legal entity you will use, you will need to file quarterly income tax reports from your earnings with federal and state departments of revenue as well as paying BOTH halves of your FICA (Social Security) taxes, since you are self-employed.
Quick Books is great book-keeping program to help you keep track of this.

If you are fortunate enough in the area where you live, you might be able to find a Start-up Business Association who can mentor you on all the ins-and-outs on starting and running a business. This is especially true of any legal help or questions you may have.

You are beginning to discover why legitimate detailing business charge as they do. There are a lot of "overhead business cost" that seem hidden to the average person who uses that service and business.

Another thing, though, that many feel in America is `wrong" is all the "tax breaks" that businesses get and things that they are allowed to deduct or write off for their business taxes. A good example may be mileage traveled and value depreciation for a vehicle used in that business or professional development expenses, like going to a detailing seminar, that would help your business. I say this because starting a business is expensive and entrepreneurs take huge financial risks. "Tax breaks" are part of the reward for the willingness to taking on those risks and a "fringe benefit" for all the work it takes to keep a business viable.

Forming an LLC will cost some money but if you plan on doing this as a real means of making money being a sole proprietor LLC can have some advantages. You really need to talk to a CPA.

A year old thread but very informative!!

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Originally Posted by kevk

Add to your list.

Form a LLC.
Get business insurance.
Get a Pa Tax number for your business.

Then your home and family should be protected.

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While this piece of advice seems to be a "non-issue, this-doesn`t-apply-to-me-because-I`m-only-part-time-and-doing-this-for-cash", ANY detailer`s liability needs to be considered. How many vehicles you do per month (or per year) AND who you are doing for certainly has an effect on this liability.
it is one thing to do 3 or 4 cars a year for immediate family (including in-laws), but when you start detailing vehicles EVERY weekend out of your own garage for a friend-of-friend or a business associate, then you are getting into that realm of a liability issue happening.

Some municipalities had ordinances against running a "private" or "personal" business out of your home, especially in zoned neighborhoods.
Or if you are part of a neighborhood association, there may be restrictions to businesses run out of your home or at home covered by those association covenants.

Legal issues are just that: legal. They require compliance to the laws and ordinances of that municipality or community designed for the well-being and civility of all those who live in such an area. Now whether you think they are fair or decent or even if they apply to you, well, that`s your "right" to disagree. Breaking them is another issue in-and-of itself and they may have consequences.
Good example:
You may start washing a vehicle at 6:00 AM on a summer Saturday morning to begin your detailing regiment. By 6:45 it is time to dry the vehicle and you break out the Metro dryer outside in your driveway. The noise "disturbs" your usually good-natured next-door neighbor who happens to be suffering from a late night party hangover and calls the cops about it. While you can comply, now you have an "incident" on the local police file that can be accessed by the general public under an open-records law. Not good for you or your detailing business or the relationship to your near-by neighbors. (Yes, I do have that "reputation" with my neighbors, so I try to start by wash-n-dry detailing after 7:30 AM, which usually avoids any noise and disturbing the peace "issues" with them on Sunday morning in the summer.)

The tax issue is one you have to decide for yourself. You make yourself very "vulnerable to suspicion" when they see you detailing a different vehicle every weekend in your driveway. There is a lot of under-the-table, fly-by-night, cash-only "business" going on these days, especially in light of the pandemic and work-at-home. There is little enforcement on a lot of things these days.
Good example:
You buy your detailing supplies on-line because you avoid paying state sales tax on it and its just easier to procure all your needed detailing supplies and equipment this way, either because it`s done in bulk OR is is specialized equipment that just is not available at brick-and-mortar stores.
Here in Wisconsin you are "suppose" to report those on-line no-state-sales-tax purchases on your state income tax form. The state wants (and needs!) that 5% you did not pay. Are you going to report that for the state you live in??? What are the chances that your state Department of Revenue will look and check you financial records that you bought $1,000 of detailing items from the Autopia Store with your credit card? Do they REALLY "need" that $50? Is it even "worth" their time to go after it? There`s a pretty obvious answer to that question. Hopefully you never get a letter from your state Department of Revenue about that.
It`s probably true about your Cash-Only business and "reporting" that income on your federal (and state!) income tax forms. Just don`t upset the neighbors so much that they call the cops and then an investigation begins. Your well-intended supplemental income detailing enterprise may come to a screeching halt.