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K

kmurrey

Wubba
Just a total newby here.. so go gentle guys.

I worked on my wifes car (2002 Pontiac GT) and my car (99 Mustang) ((why do we always end up with the older cars guys??)), one weekend.

I started on my wife's car first. I swept the interior out with my new 12 Gallon Wet/Dry VAC, used Armoral for the inside. Then I used Purple Passion car wash. The car looked pretty good. Took it for a spin around the block so I could 'blow out' the water in all those hidden places.

Then I started on my 'stang. Pretty much the same deal. Only difference is I decided to wax it with Polish 2000. It worked pretty well, considering that this is the first time I waxed my '99 stang.

So anyway, I was working the other day (I own my company doing computer support, wiring, phone system, etc.) and I was at one of my clients offices. There are 4 main doctors in this building, each has a sweet ride. One doc's car I noticed (750Li), just bought last year, was really looking like it needed some work (bad break dust showing, car not shining anymore), so I thought that maybe I could talk them into letting me details their cars (the other docs have a 911 Targa, BMW SUV, and a Lexus SUV) - so could be cool if I could detail them.

But here is my problem. I don't have any of the proper tools to do the job. I know I need a polisher, brushes, wax (what kind), polish (what kind), clay (do I even use it on these newer vehicles), rim cleaner (what kind), wheel cleaner (what kind), and stuff to make the wheels look shiny.

I was thinking about getting these products and work on my car, my wifes car, my mom's car, and my brothers truck, just to get an idea. Then after 5 or 6 vehicles approach these Doc's and ask if I could detail their cars.

I have another question about pricing. I see some of you say you take 16 hours to detail cars. Do you charge per hour to do this? or do you charge by the car? I have seen some places detail a car for $125. But man, if it takes 16 hours to do, your only making $7.81 an hour.

So I am really open to suggestions, comments.

I also have a place to wash the vehicles inside, actually I am thinking about renting a small place that has a bay to wash cars.

Thanks.

Keith
 
Hi Keith, first off :welcome

As for what you need for each car (polishes,Swirl removers, sealants waxes...) depends on the condition of the car.
I would recomend that you read around and check out this thread Detailing according to Jngrbrdman, and then come back with questions on the things you need help on.
People here are always glad to help

Good luck,
"J"
 
Hi Keith!
Welcome To Detail City!!! You have come to the right place. I'm sure that you will get a lot of answers to your questions here.. I'll put in my 2 cents..
The site that Jay referred to is an excellent site. The products you will need depend all on the condition of the cars (yes, it could get expensive, unless all of the cars are in the same condition, same interiors, etc.).

Regarding renting a space - If you have a space (garage, etc) that you can do the cars in initially, I'd do it in there for now. You don't know if you will be able to have enough customers (and repeat customers) to pay the rent for the duration of the lease - and, it will cut into your initial profits. You should actually see if you like detailing cars for a business before renting a space (my opinion)..... There may be others that have a different opinion, but thats what this forum is for - opinions. Can't wait to hear how your proposal to the doctors turn out. GOOD LUCK!
 
Welcome aboard. You can and should spend the next few days doing searches and reading posts on here. If you snoop around, 90% of your questions will get answered before you even have to ask. That is what is so great about this forum! Then, when you decide to get your products and start slingn' some polish, ask your specific questions and we'll see if we can help you out. You already have the right attitude about detailing and it sounds like your excited to jump right in. I hope you have some shelving cleared out in the garage...your product/supply pile adds up in a hurry!

Mike
 
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