I don't know what to do! :(

A

AquaHawk

New member
Sorry if I have been "blowing up" the forums recently, I am just really interested in this all and I really need help.



Okay well I have so far (besides products, etc.) A 55 Gallon Tank (Probably will upgrade in near future) 1900 PSI AR Electric Pressure Washer, Shop Vac, 1/2HP Cast Iron Transfer Pump. I have no clue what to do, I kind of had an impulse buy, but kind of did think it through at the same time.



In general what would be better for me to do, keep the items I have, or get rid of them all and get a Gas Pressure Washer and a Tank and an Air compressor?



Or should I just buy a EU2000? What is best for me to do? Money wise? How do you power/charge the EU2000?



Thanks



-Hawk
 
The best thing to do would be to return what you can and start doing basic details using a hose and the customers water. You are on a path to dumping more money in something you seem to be very unsure of.
 
Just do something. You seem to be getting ready to get ready to detail.



You could learn to polish a car but if you don't know how to properly wash and maintain that finish it will all be for naught. Start doing wash & vacs and stick with that until you get your process down and efficient. You will acquire plenty of experience in learning how to deal with basic problems like bugs, tar, sap, etc. Those are the things many people screw up on.



While you are doing washes spend your down time reading, reading and reading some more. The answers to almost all your questions are here somewhere. As time goes by, if you are reading through the forums daily, many specific questions will be asked, some you might never have thought to ask.



This is a business that, on the surface, looks easy to get into. Having the equipment is the easy part. It is the knowledge and experience that separates the "detailers" from the "car washers". Kind of like comparing a "cook" to a "chef". While they both do roughly the same things it is the experience and training that elevates a chef above the level of cook.
 
There is a whole entire section on autopia devoted to professional detailing. I'd suggest you start reading threads, that will be much quicker for you than asking questions about equipment in a forum devoted to detailing products.
 
Dan said:
The best thing to do would be to return what you can and start doing basic details using a hose and the customers water. You are on a path to dumping more money in something you seem to be very unsure of.
Click to expand...



Well I plan to do cars at nursing centers too so that is why I would like to have the tank set up. I really want to do this, it's just my partner who is unsure, which is making me unsure.



Thanks for the input.
 
AquaHawk said:
Well I plan to do cars at nursing centers too so that is why I would like to have the tank set up. I really want to do this, it's just my partner who is unsure, which is making me unsure.



Thanks for the input.
Click to expand...



Why do you need a partner, then?
 
Yeah I think you should return that stuff, do more research and gain some experience before you get into anything more than a wash and wax at this point. I, like many others use ONR for washing, so no need for a tank setup or pressure washer. I also use the customer's electricity so no need for a generator. Someone in your position with no experience should start small, start by doing what I call a Basic Detail, which you can see what it consists of on my website. It seems to fit well into what you should start out doing and what you said you want to start charging in one of your other threads. It's basically an ONR wash, clay and wax, with a good cleaning of the wheels and a tire dressing, good wipe down and vacuuming of the interior and clean the glass. You can easily fit everything you need to do that in the trunk of a car and then practice doing polishing and more involved detailing on your own vehicle and family and friends and then upgrade/purchase more equipment as you learn what you really need. If anything, just get a generator for now in case you don't have a place to plug in like at a nursing center, and for water carry a few buckets of ONR.
 
Rich is spot on, simple wash and wax. Who is going to expect a three stage paint polishing at a nursing center...
 
How about steam instead of an ONR? I heard those are great and they are only about 80-100 dollars?



Any downside to them?
 
AquaHawk said:
How about steam instead of an ONR? I heard those are great and they are only about 80-100 dollars?



Any downside to them?
Click to expand...



Those cheap steamers are ok for general cleaning on the interior, but they won't touch much of anything on an exterior. Those using steam on exteriors are using big dollar units. ONR is the way to go, you may be skeptical if you've never used it, I know I was, but use it once and you will see the benefits.
 
Dan said:
The best thing to do would be to return what you can and start doing basic details using a hose and the customers water. You are on a path to dumping more money in something you seem to be very unsure of.
Click to expand...



This.



When I decided to make a profession of my passion, I made the choice that the business would pay for every upgrade along the way. My initial purchase of products was minor and I used what I already had for maintaining my own car. Every month I set a new goal for the business.



For example, my first month I wanted to pay for my cell phone. Month after was cell phone + gas. Cell phone + gas + truck note after that. ect....6'ish years later it pays for everything and I have play money too. ;)



Start small and work your way up.
 
AquaHawk said:
How about steam instead of an ONR? I heard those are great and they are only about 80-100 dollars?



Any downside to them?
Click to expand...



It seems to me that your goal is to spend money to buy cool detailing stuff.



Your goal should be to run a profitable startup detailing business.
 
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