Bare essentials

I

imported_maddrama

New member
Straight to the point...I'm unemployed and collecting UI benefits. I don't want to rely on that until they run out though. I have a church member willing to make some BEAUTIFUL business cards for me(when they're done i'll upload them....maybe even start a thread for sharing b-card pics). I have a great marketing strategy(includes $5 referral bonus for customers to encourage and show appreciation for word of mouth advertising). Only problem I really have is lack of funds to start. I have been getting little by little as my checks come to one day start(tanks and waterless wash so far). Thought waterless wash would be enough to start exteriors but don't trust it as primary means(ONR coming soon). My question is, what are the bare essentials? What kind of set up should i use being so strapped for cash but SO eager to start the business. I'm thinking ONR, waterless wash, QD, tire shine, 2 garden sprayers one for ONR pre-soak and one for wheel well rinse, and a good spray wax. Now i would think that's cheapest but best quality wash and light wax for exteriors(minimal run off- convenience, stands out from others in the business, and I CAN'T AFFORD WATER RECLAIM!). What about interiors? Is what I listed for the exterior good? What's the best but pocket friendly wash media? Already looking for the CHEAPEST towels i can find for door jams and vinyl interior. I know I said alot, and still have more to ask. But I'd appreciate everyone answering best they could. I know many of you are pros with successful businesses and i'm aspiring to reach that level. I really have a vision for this business but it will have very humble beginnings. Ok let me shut up...THANKS ALOT!!!
 
How much are you planning to charge per vehicle? You can get by with 'bare essentials' but the service your offering is going to match it. I wouldn't expect to get more than $20-40 per car so if that's the route you want to take, go hunt out some commerce/office areas where you can knock out a few cars during people's shift and try to schedule them on a regular basis.



But "cheapest microfibers" is like profanity around here....lol Make sure you clean the glass, wheels, and vacuum too.



Good luck to you!
 
one bucket

ONR

water

vacuum

drying towel

mf towels

grout sponge

extension cord

tire dressing



those are the bare essentials for washing a car

now if you wanted to get more involved, look in the click and brags and see what products everyone is using and go from there



ONR can be used as a QD, interior wipe down, glass cleaner, leather cleaner, etc....its a very diverse product!
 
I'd suggest insurance.. You could lose a lot more than you could stand to make without it.



Not everyone is easy to deal with out there, there was a thread about a $300 job that turned into a 300 repaint on a BWM due to a few seconds of a buffer on the paint and it wrinkled it.
 
Damn Dirty Ape said:
Not everyone is easy to deal with out there, there was a thread about a $300 job that turned into a 300 repaint on a BWM due to a few seconds of a buffer on the paint and it wrinkled it.
Click to expand...





What the hell kid of buffer was it??? I'd assume a rotary of some sort.
 
To get started - as was mentioned you should get insurance.





Optimum Car Wax (OCW) - Optimum (OPT) Car Wax - Detailed Image

ONR - Optimum (OPT) No Rinse (ONR) - Detailed Image

1 Bucket - United Solutions at Lowe's: 5-Gallon Grey Bucket

1 Grit Guard - Grit Guard Grit Guard Insert - Detailed Image

3 DI Drying Towels - DI Microfiber Waffle Weave Drying Towel - Detailed Image

1 Opti-bond Tire Gel - Optimum (OPT) Opti-Bond Tire Gel - Detailed Image

2 Tire Dressing Applicaters - Lake Country Tire Dressing Applicator - Detailed Image

2 Grout Spounges - get it from lowes when you pickup the bucket, they are cheap and not listed on their website any longer, they are a good wash media.

MF Towels - You can get them from several places, but I suggest if you can get to samsclub buy from them, there PROFORCE Towels are a decent towel, and are only $9.88 for a 24 pack. IMHO they are the same towel I got from ADS and it comes out to $39.52 for 96 MF towels or ~0.42cents per towel.



I would consider that the very bare essentials. You will also need a vacuum cleaner, you should get one with 5.5 HP or above and look to spend $100 or more on it.



For insurance I NC Farm Bureau and a good friend of mine, works there I have garage keeps insurance and 75k per car and 300k total liability. I dont work on exotics and I am not going to be driving them around, 75k would cover the damages done to almost any car I would work on. I pay $299 / 6 months.
 
Damn Dirty Ape said:
I'd suggest insurance.. You could lose a lot more than you could stand to make without it.



Not everyone is easy to deal with out there, there was a thread about a $300 job that turned into a 300 repaint on a BWM due to a few seconds of a buffer on the paint and it wrinkled it.
Click to expand...



QFT. I remember a few years ago talking to a guy that got in an accident in a customers car bringing it back to them. It was his fault - he thought their insurance covered him. It didn't. Long story short, the clients insurance covered the loss then sued the detailer to recoup the money. He lost his house over that. I also don't need to remind everyone about HoldenC04 and his fiasco with that Lambo. If he was local I am sure the owner of that car could have sued him for in excess of $10000. Not worth it to take the chance.
 
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