Getting into the business...

J

JimmyCutlass

New member
I just got my own car and have begun testing all different products on my vehicle, none of them particularly high quality. I've found that I thoroughly enjoy detailing a nice car despite the monotony involved in it. I'm beginning to think that I want to get into the business of part-time detailing. I'm young, its something I enjoy and with the way my car guzzles gas I need the extra pocket money.



I've been lurking here and on other websites that have all been plentiful with tips for detailing cars but so many products are listed I can't keep track. What I ask from you my friends is the following:



A short list of supplies/products that I need to do high quality detailing work without breaking the bank. Adams and Mothers seem to be affordable and of good quality...



An idea of how to find customers, obviously advertisement would be best but I think that not so many people are going to feel comfortable handing their keys/car over to a high school student I need to prove them wrong. What kind of demographic do you think I would be catering to?



A few concise and important tips of things to avoid or look out for. (other than scratching paint with improper washing techniques and using overly aggressive products)
 
I agree. Wanting everyone else to tell you what products are best may not be the best route to become a good detailer.



To become familiar with the products/methods we talk about a lot, you need to spend a lot of time reading here. Look at the click and brag section and read through the processes listed,

as painful as it may be.



And take your time and do it right. You have your whole life in front of you.

You obviously probably wont start out by taking home Mercedes to detail.
 
Well, ya know... you spelled everything right, so I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt.



First things first. You need to build a resume. Meaning you need to do some cars and take meticulous notes and photos of what you do.



Start with learning to wash and vacuum cars. Do your car, parents, friends, etc. You won't make much money. Maybe just enough to pay for supplies. But do the best job you can.



Once you learn to wash and vacuum well, learn to work on the engines, and maybe leather. Give people back clean cars, and you will develop some trust and some experience.



That accomplished you can move on to working on paint. Maybe with a machine.



Don't be in a hurry. Detailing cars is about learning to clean and prepare the surfaces in a car. Carpet, leather, paint, engine, fabric/vinyl, rubber, steel/aluminum/chrome, etc. Each surface requires different care and preparation. Learn to deal with each surface and purchase the proper tools and supplies for each surface and you'll be well on your way.



Incidentally, most people tend to think of a good wash and vacuum as a "detail", so there is no harm in just starting there and being very good at it.
 
This business ain't cheap. I just started out, getting some high quality products, and let me tell you there is always something else you need that you don't think of. I probably started at spending 450, and now a month later am probably past 1000 and I still need more stuff. Halogens, LED, Polishs, Tire Cleaner, Clay, Pads, Wheel well dressing, window cleaner. It's ridiculous.
 
When I say getting into the business I shouldn't necessarily say that I want to become a pro, I just want to make a little money to cover some of the costs associated with my own car (gas, insurance, detailing supplies...). I intend to practice on my parents cars, my family's cars and friends. I hope that I will get some recognition for a job well done and perhaps some references. I want to build my resume like that to begin with.



The reason I ask for suggestions on supplies is because so many people use all different kinds of supplies and I'm not certain which ones would most closely fit my criteria: reasonably priced with nice results. I have a penchant for cleaning, I've spent the past 3 years of my life doing various janitorial jobs and I can be reallly OCD when it comes to cars. I just need some help from those more experienced than me in putting me on the right track. So to rephrase the question: what products would you use on a limited budget for good results?
 
Darkstar752 said:
This business ain't cheap. I just started out, getting some high quality products, and let me tell you there is always something else you need that you don't think of. I probably started at spending 450, and now a month later am probably past 1000 and I still need more stuff. Halogens, LED, Polishs, Tire Cleaner, Clay, Pads, Wheel well dressing, window cleaner. It's ridiculous.
Click to expand...



I agree... I spent 250 at ADS getting a g110, pads, m105, m205... But then you need a shop vac, APC, brushes for interior and exterior, car wash soap, MF towels, wax, clay bar, polishes, spray bottles, grit guard, buckets, spray bottles, business cards, website, and the list goes on...



Im going to say it again, please read, read, read, these forums.. if you have a question do a search, Im sure it has been asked in the past



good luck...
 
JimmyCutlass said:
The reason I ask for suggestions on supplies is because so many people use all different kinds of supplies and I'm not certain which ones would most closely fit my criteria: reasonably priced with nice results. I have a penchant for cleaning, I've spent the past 3 years of my life doing various janitorial jobs and I can be reallly OCD when it comes to cars. I just need some help from those more experienced than me in putting me on the right track. So to rephrase the question: what products would you use on a limited budget for good results?
Click to expand...



Putting it that way makes a lot more sense, so I'll give you my thoughts with specific recommendations:

Wash Supplies

2x 5g Buckets w/grit guards

1x garden hose w/ nozzle

1x wheel brush

2x wool wash mits

2x waffle weave MF drying towels

1x OTC car wash (Megs Gold Class)

1x OTC glass cleaner (Stoners IG)

1x OTC tire dressing (Megs High Endurance)

1x OTC QD (Megs Ultimate QD)

1x OTC bug & tar remover



Interior Supplies

1x Shop Vac

1x OTC carpet cleaner (Woolite)

1x OTC plastic/vinyl protectant

1x OTC all purpose cleaner

1x OTC leather cleaner/conditioner



Exterior Supplies

1x random orbit polisher (G110)

1x high cut pad

2x medium cut pad

2x light cut pad

1x finesse pad

1x compound polish (OC)

1x finish polish (OP)

1x AIO (OPS)

1x sealant (Megs M21)

1x clay bar (Megs mild clay)



Also, a number of interior detail brushes, microfibers, spray bottles, specialty products for unique situations (aquapel, goo-gone, vinegar, plastic razors, etc). I'm sure I'm missing many things, but I would consider this an absolute minimum equipment list for charging people to detail their vehicles.



This also doesn't include any recommended licensing, insurance, marketing materials, accounting materials or any other typical business expenses. Many items in this list can be replaced with more cost efficient bulk items and you will find as you detail which chemicals you go through fastest. But there is no reason to buy a gallon of Hyper-wash or Hyper-dressing if you are only washing a couple cars a month.



This would also be a good list for anyone that is just your regular weekend detailer. Also keep in mind that these product recommendations are my opinions only and this forum is filled with opinions. There are easily a dozen other product choices for most of the items and it all comes down to price and preference.
 
todd@bsaw said:
Putting it that way makes a lot more sense, so I'll give you my thoughts with specific recommendations:

Wash Supplies

2x 5g Buckets w/grit guards

1x garden hose w/ nozzle

1x wheel brush

2x wool wash mits

2x waffle weave MF drying towels

1x OTC car wash (Megs Gold Class)

1x OTC glass cleaner (Stoners IG)

1x OTC tire dressing (Megs High Endurance)

1x OTC QD (Megs Ultimate QD)

1x OTC bug & tar remover



Interior Supplies

1x Shop Vac

1x OTC carpet cleaner (Woolite)

1x OTC plastic/vinyl protectant

1x OTC all purpose cleaner

1x OTC leather cleaner/conditioner



Exterior Supplies

1x random orbit polisher (G110)

1x high cut pad

2x medium cut pad

2x light cut pad

1x finesse pad

1x compound polish (OC)

1x finish polish (OP)

1x AIO (OPS)

1x sealant (Megs M21)

1x clay bar (Megs mild clay)



Also, a number of interior detail brushes, microfibers, spray bottles, specialty products for unique situations (aquapel, goo-gone, vinegar, plastic razors, etc). I'm sure I'm missing many things, but I would consider this an absolute minimum equipment list for charging people to detail their vehicles.



This also doesn't include any recommended licensing, insurance, marketing materials, accounting materials or any other typical business expenses. Many items in this list can be replaced with more cost efficient bulk items and you will find as you detail which chemicals you go through fastest. But there is no reason to buy a gallon of Hyper-wash or Hyper-dressing if you are only washing a couple cars a month.



This would also be a good list for anyone that is just your regular weekend detailer. Also keep in mind that these product recommendations are my opinions only and this forum is filled with opinions. There are easily a dozen other product choices for most of the items and it all comes down to price and preference.
Click to expand...



Thank you very much, I will keep this list in mind. I'm hoping to do basic wash+clay+wax's on friend's cars to to accumulate enough money to buy the more pricey equipment on the list (shopvac, orbital polisher...).



ohiostate said:
Im going to say it again, please read, read, read, these forums.. if you have a question do a search, Im sure it has been asked in the past



good luck...
Click to expand...



Of course.
 
It takes quite awhile to learn all of the tricks. Even just remembering all of the steps takes awhile. Techniques develop over time--and many cars.



I still figure new stuff out almost every time I do a car. Anyone can "wax" a car--bringing it up a few notches is where it gets tricky.
 
Hello I'm Far From a pro but started out at ground level and have helped several other start,IMO start with hand washing first,some items you may be able to purchse from a Walmart.

Griots wash bucket

Biodegradable car wash shampoo or ONR

Shmitt or MF wash mitts

MF Drying towels,

Quick Detail Spray

Klasse All In One

Chemical Guy Tire Dressing

All Purpose Cleaner/Degreaser Simple Green

Stoner Invisble Glass cleaner

and small wet/dry vacuum for starters and add on as you go along, always put funding back into business first,Hope this helps.
 
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