More to it than I thought?

A

agthing1227

New member
Hey guys. I am new to the site but have been researching for a while. After seeing what local so called "detailers" do, I have decided to get a piece of the industry. Meaning that all I find around me are half assers. So after long and hard research, this seems like I could do it.



Personally I didn't think much went into detailing cars. But after reading this site it looks like you need alot. Well maybe not "need" but should have alot. For example, insurance. I will have to look into that some more being that I am 17(What do i do for that?)



Anyway, I am not looking to start out BIG at first. My plan is to start off at my home or some other place. My mom lives in row homes in the city so that means I cannot detail there(right?). While my father lives in the rural area with a nice big driveway and plenty of spots for cars. The kicker is, I don't think he would like to have "strangers" come get a closer look at our house. Due to past experiences. So what would you recommend I do? I was thinking asking a neighbor if I could barrow his property and pay for electric/water(Don't think he would charge me rent). So I would not beable to store cars but the customer could drop off/pick up(Or would that be a problem?). I was also thinking about asking a local church if I could use their lot to detail the cars?



I have goals that i want to achieve. I tried setting it out all on paper and what not as it was suggested in other threads. So I started to put together a free website/flyers/business cards/supplies needed/etc.



The name is not the most creative, but people know my last name so hopefully it shows quality.



Here is everything I have so far(I am still working on the editing phase):

PRODUCTS:

Advanced Detail Package

Vac n' Blo

Water Deionizer system

Foam Gun

Microfiber Cleaning

Gloves

Detail Brush

Spot Free Bissell

Grit guard dual bucket

Grit guard pad washer

Paint brush

Interior Brush

Engine Brush



WEBSITE:

Morrison's Auto Detail

Anything else you can think of that i would need?



FLYER:

Front

24dqan5.jpg


Back

2hrq0jo.jpg




I apreciate your time and help guys.

Thanks!
 
Very impressive! Looks like you've put a lot of thought into your business.



First impressions on the rack card (above)... Although you're attempting to list as much information as possible, the piece would be more effective if you could create some white space and simplify the presentation. One idea that would eliminate many lines is to avoid repeating information, for example, "the Complete Detail includes all the services of an Exterior Detail, PLUS ... "



Also, do a thorough spell check of the advertising and website.



I would hold off further high dollar equipment purchases until you determine what you'll really need and use (not that I see anything on your list that isn't nice to have.) Maybe I'm stating the obvious, but don't forget that you will want dozens of small items... extension cords, power strip, lights, hose, nozzle, small step ladder, etc. Also, get a supply of "junk rags," like the red shop rags at Sams Club or similar. You won't want to use your MF towels for engine detailing and other grungy work.



Keep good records. Get set up on QuickBooks Simple Start edition, if you have not already begun a different system.



Nice job, Tyler! Best of luck. Let us know how it goes.
 
Hey Tyler,



Very professional flyer, it does look very good.



A few things I have learned over the years after I made a flyer VERY similar to yours:



There should only be 3 detailing options on the flyer



Car wash

Basic Detail

Full Detail







Now you can seperate those down further, a Car Wash would be just that, a really good carwash. Wheels, tires, wash everything (!). You can go above and beyond once you have a good rhythem for cleaning and include tire shine, clean all glass inside and out (important), dry the car, degrease the doorjambs before washing then wipe down after (big difference!), vaccuuming the interior should always happen, it only takes 15 minutes.



If the interior needs additional cleaning, you should suggest the Basic Detail, because it would take care of that



This should all be done within an hour, and I would suggest charging $50 for a car and $60 for a truck.



Basic Detail would be all of the above, but add interior cleaning thoroughly, dress everything, claybar the paint, apply a sealant.



I would price the Basic Detail somewhere in the $130-$150 range. This way you can spend 3 hours doing it and still get paid $150. Just remember this isn't a full detail.



Then you have the Full Detail.



Go Nuts.



Clean every nook and cranny you can find, degrease and scrub every bit of plastic, carpet, fabric.



Don't forget the trunk!



Degrease and clean the engine bay, as well.



Claybar is a given, polish thoroughly with a compound of some sort, then follow up polishing again with a light final polish. Top that with a wipe-on paste wax (customers appreciate paste waxes for some reason) and dress ALL trim on the outside.



Also polish the taillights, makes a big difference!



Now a full detail would take at least 4 hours, but normally ends up being 6-7 hours, 7-8 on a big truck.



So a full days work put into one vehicle with the proper supplies and equipment, and a competent detailer, should never fetch less than $200. Ever. BARE MINIMUM!



Now, I like to make at least $30/hour for myself after all expenses, and I've calculated my mobile expenses (doing it at customers houses with no overhead costs) are at LEAST $20/hour. So I would like to make $50/hour. Finishing a full detail in 6 hours for $300 is $50/hour... Same is doing a $250 detail in 5 hours.



When you're starting out you're going to have to work those extra 2-3 hours after 5 for free usually, since people are not always (but sometimes are!) willing to pay $400 for a detail.



Then again, go the extra mile enough times and eventually you will find the people that will pay $500 for you to detail their car.



$1000 if you can wetsand out scratches or orangepeel.



Hope this helps!

Tyler Fuller

Stumpy's Detailing





P.S.



Audi A4 is not small. Put that in medium :) Pricing can also be based on the kind of car they drive. People that drive hondas vw mazda toyota drive those cars because they are inexpensive. They don't have to pay much for repairs as well, since the car didn't cost that much. Expensive detailing might not always apply



Audi, Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche, Jaguar, even nice domestics like Corvettes, and brand-new trucks cost a lot, cost more to maintain, so the owners usually can spend a bit more to keep them looking good. Charge these guys more and spend more time and it will be rewarded with MORE business with higher prices.
 
I must say for 17 years old it seems you have your head on straight, and have set certain goals you wish to achieve. I wish you the best of luck. Now as to where you can detail cars, or have the space to do them; here are a couple ideas since you live in the city, but also have access to the suburbs. If you can find a gas station the will allow you to use their water, and electricity you can set up a canopy and work from there. You can buy those at Wal Mart. I also found something on their site I think is pretty cool. Here is the link to the item. Walmart.com: Variflex Moto Shade Wall Panel Kit: Camping You may see if the owner of the gas station will accept let’s say $20 per car you do. That will more than cover any cost of you using his water and power.



As for detailing in the suburbs? I like your idea of doing it in a church parking lot. Just let the pastor know what you’re wanting to do, and see if he’ll except a certain price per car deal. You can even tell him you’ll do his car for free. The fact that you’re a young man with ambition and goals all ready established I’m sure you will find someone that will help you. Once again good luck, and look forward to seeing you post your first detail.
 
I always think its wierd when people use picture of cars that they did not detail for there website and flyers. Its almost fraudlent. I also think your prices are too low. How much do the "slackers" in your area charge?
 
TH0001 said:
I always think its wierd when people use picture of cars that they did not detail for there website and flyers. Its almost fraudlent. I also think your prices are too low. How much do the "slackers" in your area charge?
Click to expand...



+1



I'd much rather see a before/after shot on a flyer of a Corolla you've actually done rather than a 'borrowed' Porsche promotional picture. While it may not attract the high end clients you'd like- at least it will gain you some credibility.



The flyer looks way busy from a design standpoint, if it were me I'd cut the paper in half- double your hand outs and put the saved money towards a professional print. Reduce the detailed instructions/step by step by using 'includes Basic Wash steps' on all your higher packages instead of retyping everything.
 
Hey guys! Thanks for all the comments. For the record I cut my pointer finger really bad and have a splint on it so if I make any typos please excuse me.



Well I just got in from vacation and wanted to go full throttle but with my finger I have to wait a bit. Right before I left for vacation I paid for a professional website. It looks good for now but I still have to put some finishing touches on it (Once that is done I will post up the site). I was told to NEVER have a free website (Such as freewebs). So I took care of that.



I guess you are right about the flyer. It looks crowded on the PC but it's not to bad in person. Thats why I made a 2 sided flyer so I can put general info/attention grabbing on the front and load the back with info. But I will work on that a bit and post it up.



I agree with posting false pictures up(Not my cup of tea). HOWEVER I need somewhere to start. I have no detailed images yet but trust me, once I do, I am replacing them asap. Again, I just wanted to grab peoples attention since I am new. And come on, who doesn't like to see a new shiny porsche! But in all seriousness, you are right.



My pricing is low compared to most of you. Reason being, a) I am just starting out and trying to get my name out there, b) I am not trying to compete with the best (Just yet), c) I am trying to get my little brother involved (He is 10 but it will be perfect for him and I even since I will be going off to college next year).



Most so called "detailers" charge anywhere from $50 - $500 for a detail. I would say 90% of them just think a wash/vacuum is a detail, 5% think a wash/vacuum/wax is a detail, and the other 5%(Like myself) know what a full detail really is. In that 5%, that is where the successful people stand. They are located on the main line (Where the money/nice cars are). They are really who I want to compete with. But for now I will be happy with taking the other 95% of business at a lower price.



You guys have good suggestions about locations. I am still trying to persuade my dad (Whats better than detailing cars in the comfort of your own home?). So hopefully that will work.



Also, Since I have school now I am pressed for time. What are your opinions on if I split a detail in half? Meaning I do the interior of a car on a monday night (4pm-8pm) and the exterrior on a tuesday night (4pm-10pm). Do you think people would do that? Even if I offer $10 off (I am willing to offer money off, than I just raise my prices so it looks good).



Yes I am very driven and motivated. I see both sides of life and I KNOW how I want to live so i am doing everything I can to accomplish my goal (Live comfortably). I am trying to start young since I would like to own my own large construction company when I am older (Hopefully by 22 years of age)



More feedback is greatly appreciated. I love the negative comments as well!



Thanks guys!
 
TH0001 said:
I always think its wierd when people use picture of cars that they did not detail for there website and flyers. Its almost fraudlent. I also think your prices are too low. How much do the "slackers" in your area charge?
Click to expand...



Considering he did not elaborate on the details of his paintwork correction procedures, I'd say the prices are just fine. I feel that unless one can properly correct paintwork without the usual "slacker" (good term btw) trail of havoc left behind, they should not charge any high amount whatsoever. Also, I've found that this can be shown to clients without even bashing the 'other guy'.



I do agree with you on the flyers, Todd.



Continuing on what I said above regarding bashing and just showing clients what can be done-

Personally, I've never had luck with flyers, no matter how flashy of informative. Word of mouth and face to face encounters to really give clients an idea of what they're up against will always make the best impression. Maybe that's me, but I try to represent a professional image without bashing and it really shows a significant difference not only in the quality of my work but the quality of my person compared to the detail shops around town.



Of course, many clients will come to me after going to these shops and cry horror, you'll run into this as well. I find it unfortunate that these people have gone so far as to give up on a particular shop. I will never let this happen.



PS what is up with the 50% to 100% carnauba comment on the flyer? Didn't you write something about sealant? What about the "I clay the entire vehicle." Change that. I find that giving examples of real details instead of these "procedure listings" while I'm speaking to a client and looking over their vehicle really gives them a better idea. Not only do they know I have done it, there will ALWAYS be a few things that made that job difficult/unique that can show that I am aware of these things and can get around them effectively without a problem.



StumpyDetailing said:
Now a full detail would take at least 4 hours, but normally ends up being 6-7 hours, 7-8 on a big truck.
Click to expand...



I'm consistently taking 15 hours for really straightforward simple 'details' While 30-40 for the big jobs, sometimes more for the real personal projects.



StumpyDetailing said:
Claybar is a given, polish thoroughly with a compound of some sort, then follow up polishing again with a light final polish. Top that with a wipe-on paste wax (customers appreciate paste waxes for some reason) and dress ALL trim on the outside.



Also polish the taillights, makes a big difference!





$1000 if you can wetsand out scratches or orangepeel.
Click to expand...



These three things much more of the precise arts than you make them out to be, let alone explanation-intensive to the client who may even have a detailed knowledge of detailing to begin with and would like to know and/or be sold on the advanced procedures and significant financial investment. You'd better be spending more than 10 hours on anything with the more advanced correction to be charging 50 an hour...
 
charlesaferg said:
I'm consistently taking 15 hours for really straightforward simple 'details' While 30-40 for the big jobs, sometimes more for the real personal projects.







These three things much more of the precise arts than you make them out to be, let alone explanation-intensive to the client who may even have a detailed knowledge of detailing to begin with and would like to know and/or be sold on the advanced procedures and significant financial investment. You'd better be spending more than 10 hours on anything with the more advanced correction to be charging 50 an hour...
Click to expand...





someone else like me.i take ages cleaning cars.even vacuming takes me hours depending on the car.now the silly thing is you cant see the difference from seat heght but when im in the footwell i can still see bits of sand etc which annoys me.







this has been a good read.i have ummed and arred about going into detailing as a business but never really looked heavy into it. i keep going back to it and im still not sure on what can be earned from it.
 
Well The site is done for the most part. Some things are still being worked out. Like a broken picture and links. I still have to add a calender page than edit the whole site. But here it is as of now. I just transferred funds into my paypal account so once I buy the supplies you better believe that I will be posting up cars of my own. Anyway, here it is: Morrison’s Auto Detail
 
UPDATE** My mom started complaining about the site. I screwed up real bad by telling her about it. But what can I do. I put it on private now just to hang low incase she checks it. But I will unlock it in a bit.



My mom does not seem to want to back me up with anything besides pushing college (In her eyes it's the only way to be successful in life). Or even let me just do my thing. What can I do to get her off my back? I think I am just going to give her a big FU and do as I please. Shes just to restricting with this stuff. Any advice?



Thanks!
 
Shes right about college. I don't see why you can't do both. Keep your grades up and just tell her you need to make some money. Giving her the big FU is not the way to negotiate with her. Work with her and she will work with you.
 
As far as the flyer is concerned, theres something missing. In any flyer, you want to put a "special" on there so people want to go and pick up the phone. The "specials" you have there just don't cut it. Your client will only reap the benefit of that "special" way down the road. So again, you need something on the flyer that catches the readers attention otherwise it will end up with all the other papers. I would put a little post it note insert into the flyer. "Grand Opening Special! Call by October 31st and get 50% off any service!" Now I know that maybe you feel like your giving away to much, but you need to get the phone ringing. The best detailer in the world ins't doing anygood if the phone doesn't ring. You need to give a little, then if you do a good job they will refer you to there friends, then start raising your prices.
 
Thanks cleaning fool! That's a good Idea about the flyer. I didn't literally mean to give my mom a big FU. But I mean I think I know and understand the consequenses of failing. She will not work with me at all. She doesn't understand if I invest $2,000 that I could make $4,000 later. Man, my dad wants me to detail our boats, RV, and cars. Him alone will pay off all of the supply's charge and I will make money on it. And all that is one customer, which happens to be my dad. Why can't she see that it is a great aoppertunity. That's why I might just say O.K to her and turn around and detail cars anyway.



EDIT**I just ordered the rest of the supplies so they should be here monday. I am doing it no matter what my mom says. To good of an oppertunity to pass up. Plus other people have called and asked for me to detail their car already after seeing my first detailed car with the limited supplies I had.
 
Tell you're mom to pick up a copy of Rich Dad Poor dad read it and still see if she wants to push you into college. I've yet to ever meet anyone that went through college that became rich or successful (I know lot of people have I've just never met any personally) I went through college became a design engineer... It sucked I wash cars now. 99% of the people I know that went to college have nothing but huge debts to pay and no jobs in the feild of study. To me personally college is about the biggest waste of time out there. It dosen't prepare you for anything. (Unless it's a medical or law degree then maybe) I might be the devils advocate here but just look around with your own eyes and see where most of today's college grads are... Most are asking you if you want fry's with that. ANd besides most of the top riches people in the country barely have a high school education much less a college degree. It's never been how book smart one can be. It's about how to apply real life to your situation.
 
Hey Tyler,



I know that this is not the advice you're looking for, but here's the other side of the coin. Your mother is looking out for your best interests.



Contrary to the popular belief stated by Jake, above, I have had quite the opposite experience regarding the value of a college education. I did not graduate until I was thirty years old... got drafted, moved around the country, worked my way through school as a police officer and loading trucks in a warehouse at night. The time, effort and expense I've invested in college was well worth it.



Almost any work you choose to do in this country will involve business skills and principles. Sure, you can wash and wax right now; and in a year or two you'll be an expert with a buffer. What happens when you begin to enjoy some success? Should you hire more help? Take on a partner? Lease or buy a building? Is your accountant being honest? Can you do a cost/benefit analysis before purchasing a new piece of equipment? Do you know enough about government regulations to stay out of trouble with the EEOC, IRS, INS, State Dept of Revenue, etc., etc? Do you know something about process analysis and improvement to achieve and increase profitability? You will learn all this information and more in college.



If you've read this far, I'll tell you what I would do to make an informed decision. How about calling some of the car care industry leaders and asking what they think about college? Call Barry Meguiar, David B from Autopia, Jack Kruer from Classic Motoring Accessories; Richard Griot, Troy from Detail City, Steve from Poorboy's, Phil from Detailers Domain, Chris at Voodoo Ride. I know some of these guys and have not met some of them. I'm not sure what they will tell you, but I would think that you'd like to hear their opinions concerning the value of business courses, if not a four year business degree, in this industry.



Best of luck, Tyler. Let us know how it goes. (Hey! Detailing cars is a lot better part-time job for a college guy than loading trucks!)
 
Thanks Jake and John Henry! Charles, that is what I would like to do.



Jake I cannot agree with you anymore. Most people I know only have a High School degree and make out better than the people who have spent hundreds of thousands on medical school. The only people who are not sucessful without a college degree are a)those who got tied up with drugs and alcohol and b) those who can not apply life skills, or those who are "book smart" and not "street smart".



John Henry I read you whole post. Very informative. However I just want to do this for work in High School and in college. Than give it up once I graduate. Why? I am going to college for Construction Management. Later in life I will not be detailing cars for money since I will have no time. Except for all my personal toys ha, hopefully one day. But I just want to do it now. What kid in high school works for himself making $20/hour +? Very few if any.



My mom is one of those people who did not go to college and got no where. She is just not "street smart" enough. Ha, I was like I will give you 10% for a $3,000 loan. Even after I showed her I had $3,000 in CD's. That would be an easy $300. So money issues like that do not click with her.



But enough of that. I decided that I will detail. End of story. I just need to figure out how to get a CRSpotless system from costco. Since I do not have a membership. Can you sign up being 17? Ha, probably not.
 
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