Wakes4Fun -
Unfortunately, your question is really open-ended, meaning there's just too much information to respond with to answer your questions. That said, here are a few of my recommendations:
1 - I would recommend reading this book:
Amazon.com: Start Your Own Automobile Detailing Business (Start Your Own . . .): Eileen Figure Sandlin: Books
2 - Find other detailers in your area and check out their website or give them a call to ask how much they charge and what services it includes (don't tell them you're a future competitor). You're not going to find too many pro's on here that are going to just give you their price lists. I wouldn't. Plus, markets vary which means prices vary. If you know what other detailers in your market are charging, you'll have a good idea of how to price your services.
3 - If you have little to no true detailing experience, don't go into business and then use customers' vehicles for practice. Don't start a business until you are sure that you can provide good quality work, which leads me to my next point.
4 - Make sure you know how to detail the RIGHT ways. If you spend any time on this site you'll soon realize that most of the people here tend to achieve "Autopian" standards (ie - a very high standard of quality work) with their work. If you need to learn how to detail, spend as much time here on this site as you can. Also, check out the "How To" thumbnail link at the very top of this site.
5 - If you are starting a business, don't try to offer every service possible right off the bat. You should start small by offering a limited number of services (ie - wash, wash & wax, light interior cleaning). Once you have perfected those services and you're making money, you can invest in the proper tools to offer more premium services (ie - paint correction, etc.).
6 - For products, I would start with an economically-priced manufacturer that carries all the products you'll need to complete the services you are offering. Meguiar's is a good place to start. Check out AutoDetailingSolutions.net.
7 - Do good work and price accordingly. There are already enough dirt cheap detailing hacks out there in the world. The industry doesn't need more. It gives the industry a bad name and it makes it hard for those of us that do actually perform good work, charge what we are worth. There will ALWAYS be someone out there that will charge less than you. If you play that game, you won't be in business long.
8 - If you truly want to run a business, make sure you do everything the right way (ie - insurance, business license, etc.).
Good luck!
