How long was it before you did your own thing?

I

imported_motoo344

New member
Hey guys, hope this hasn't been discussed already. I actually have read through a lot of this section, so my apologizes if I missed something. I am starting to get into detailing and ONE DAY would like to be able to do it on the side for people that actually enjoy their cars and having them look good.



So my question is, how long were you guys detailing before you went out and did your own thing? I do not except to learn everything overnight, nor do I wanna charge people for anything until I get some good experience. I already have a few cars that I am going to detail and I am going to do my first official detail this weekend, hopefully. I purchased one of the tropi-care kits and figured this would be a good start, obviously I do not expect this to include everything needed. I do, however, figure it will be a good point to start, get a few details in with one product and then start experimenting more. I will post some pics of my first detail after the weekend, it is going to be on a 1990 Mercedes 500 SL.



Thanks!
 
I've never worked in a detail or body shop before, only at a dealership for some extra money



Everything I learnt was from here, other forums plus trial and error

Wouldn't want to work in typical detail shop in my state

too many hackers, no time to use your talent, harsh chemicals, fill rather than remove
 
Yes, that is exactly my thing. I have had a few friends that detailed for dealerships and they got paid crap and they hated it. I plan on just detailing friends and family cars for quite some time. I have already learned a lot here, a lot of bookmarks on guides and what not. I just want an idea on when a lot of you felt confident enough to tackle strangers cars, obviously it will be different for everyone.
 
Detailing aside, working for a shop with lower standards then your own may not be enjoyable but the knowledge you can accumulate can be invaluable, especially if you have no significant business experience of your own.



Learn their business model, see how they do things and learn from their mistakes. Businesses don't run themselves, you have to try different things and see what works. Having some knowledge of what doesn't work can save you precious time and start-up money.



If you're seriously thinking about starting a business full-time you should have a business plan on paper that is honest and realistic if not cautious. Do your homework, have access to adequate capital to sustain the business while it isn't profitable and when you're ready to open the doors be fully committed. Running a business is not a 9-5 job. More like 6a-10p.
 
just get about 10-15 cars under your belt, with majority of those being correction details, not just wash and waxes....



from there you will learn how long things should take...



size, defect removal, oxidation, interior work, and customer expectations all tell you what you should charge...start noting how long X process works on Y type of car



then you can start learning how to use the same product for multiple uses - APC, water based dressings, compound for heavy removal or light removal, etc



once you have a general grasp on most situations, start marketing and charging people...just dont undersell yourself offering everyone a $75 full detail...I never did and everyone I know knows I am not cheap, but I am worth it!!! The minimum I charge anymore for my friends and family is 150..two step outside, and light interior cleanup...I used to charge them 100 but i found that at 8 hours, and only 100 bucks, I was over it...LOL
 
I agree with Toyotaguy, get some cars under your belt and it will help guide you in your pricing. I was doing cars at $100 for family and friends and found that at 10 hours for polishing and interior work, I would charge clients $220 and they would love the work. The hardest part for me has been attracting the kind of clients I would like-and not lowballers or people who think that I'm a car wash.



Steve
 
Ya, I am definitely going to get some cars under my belt first. I think the hardest part for me is going to be learning what products are best for what. I am starting with tropi-care, I was going to go with them or zaino. I live in a fairly wealthy area, so I would be detailing a lot of higher end cars, getting the clients is going to be the tough part.
 
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