how many detailing businesses make it, or don't

H

hplaceap

New member
I have read a lot of posts here and at other sites about people who like detailing their own cars, and then move on to do their friends cars, and then think about making a business out of it. Maybe doing part time work to start.



I was wondering if the professional detailers had any insight on the success vs failure rate based upon their experience and knowledge of others who gave it a try.



Thanks in advance.



(And yes, :o I am thinking about it myself.)
 
I don't think the majority of the guys here even do it full time. Probably 75%(just a guesstimate) or better of the regulars have other full time jobs that support them. The actual number of guys doing this as a full time gig and that are successful at it is very limited, imo.



I suggest you keep your full time job while you build a reputation and a business. Getting a name in this niche market takes time.



Most guys that are successful "detailers" focus on bulk work and are not going to hang out here.
 
I'm making this my full time job. I worked in the club industry for about 6 years...great money but very debilitating environment and late hours. Was laid off from one club..did another but decided it's just not for me any more...I'm getting rid of many of expenses..car..debt..etc and not setting my goals too high aka just surviving right now. I know if I can make it in the winter summer time will be doing great! Wish you the best of luck on your decision. One of the hardest things I'm dealing with is having discipline and not getting lazy! Perks of working for yourself is having no one over you telling you when to work and not to work! etc.
 
have a real business plan and keep with it.

i am full time since april, and i start in a new town too.

if i will choose again to be full time in detailing , sure ! i will do it again.
 
The margins can be good and money can be made, but it amazes me every day when I see some shops who do terrible work day after day, and they're still around 20 years later.
 
I've seen way more fail than make it. The key IMHO is to ultimately have a business where others work for you. Why break your back doing the work yourself when you can focus on running/growing a profitable business operation. High volume reconditioning is way more profitable and stable than "high end" detailing. You need to focus less on "perfect paint" and more on making a profit and going above and beyond for the customer.
 
EcoAuto said:
I'm getting rid of many of expenses..car..debt..etc and not setting my goals too high aka just surviving right now.
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This is, in my opinion, one of the MOST important things when starting your own business venture, regardless of what that venture is. You have to be prepared to make very little money, sometimes for a decently long time, before your business grows large enough to start paying you a good wage. It's a lot easier going and working for $20 an hour at some office. If it weren't, everyone would "be their own boss". Owning your own business is a challenge, and you have to be prepared to make sacrifices for it.



David Fermani said:
I've seen way more fail than make it. The key IMHO is to ultimately have a business where others work for you. Why break your back doing the work yourself when you can focus on running/growing a profitable business operation. High volume reconditioning is way more profitable and stable than "high end" detailing. You need to focus less on "perfect paint" and more on making a profit and going above and beyond for the customer.
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Very much agreed. I love correcting paint, don't get me wrong, but the bread and butter is in shampooing mom's mini-van.
 
JohnKleven said:
The margins can be good and money can be made, but it amazes me every day when I see some shops who do terrible work day after day, and they're still around 20 years later.
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It's the CS that counts. Most don't know what a swirl looks like. Spend more time on the interior, that's what the customer sees the most.
 
Ive been into car shows since I was 16, cleaning my own truck for the shows it what got me started. About 15 years ago I started detailing part-time, worked a 12hr shift job so I at least had 2 days off a week. Then in 2004 I got laid off, so I thought now was the time to go into it full-time, I did and thats all Ive done since 2005. The main thing that keeps my bussiness going is auto dealerships! You get more constant work from them. I get 2 maybe 3 private cars a week, 7 to 8 dealerships cars a week.. Far as failing, their has been a many come and go in my town since I started doing it.
 
One or two good wholesale/dealership accounts can be great for cash flow which is key in any business. As other guys have said having a solid business plan, self discipline, good customer service skills, and a general understanding of the business end of things will go along way. Being a great detailer is only one small piece of the puzzle.
 
JPostal said:
One or two good wholesale/dealership accounts can be great for cash flow which is key in any business. As other guys have said having a solid business plan, self discipline, good customer service skills, and a general understanding of the business end of things will go along way. Being a great detailer is only one small piece of the puzzle.
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right to the point
 
Most fail simply because of the nature of this business. Anyone with a few pieces of equipment and supplies can call themselves an "auto detailer". Because of these types of operators, there is a negative perception of the industry. Auto detailing is a niche market that a small amount of people are willing to pay a premium for. It is a challenge to market your business properly to these types of prospects. You have to be able to sell the benefits of the service to the right target market. If you are mobile, that means convenience, quality, and customer service. The type of person who purchases auto detailing services, is usually a high income professional or business owner who truly cares about the appearance of their car. Establishing a steady customer base with these types of people takes time, good marketing, and commitment to professionalism.
 
JohnKleven said:
The margins can be good and money can be made, but it amazes me every day when I see some shops who do terrible work day after day, and they're still around 20 years later.
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Hmmm I think I know who you're talking about.. I'm not going to say any names, but I've seen some of their work personally and get so upset somebody can charge for that work.

As for me, I'm kind of an entrepeneur. I mainly focus on detailing cars, but I also install home theaters, remodel houses, design houses, do electrical work, and other work.. anything to pay the bills..
 
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