More to it than I thought?

I agree with John Henry myself. Where I am at there is University and then College (Community College). University is like your degrees and such, but College is a trade, ie: Constuction, Electrician, etc. But you can also get like a 2 year business course. Which I think would be very beneficial. And best of all, its like a quarter the cost of a University degree, being only about $2000 a year with books included.



Not sure how it works where you are. But if this type of schooling is available why not? You could work on the weekends, and such making enough money or more to pay for your schooling, and then you can run the show how you want to.



Also you have to take into consideration, what type of clients are around you. Will you have enough business to run this type of operation. I'm guessing right now your at your parents house (Like me), but when you want to move out and have a mortgage that you will need consistent money flow, will detailing in your area afford you to do that? You would hate to lose interest or something within the next 10 years only to be then looking for something else without a degree of any sort.



I took an electronics course where I make a comfortable living atm, and also thinking about detailing on the side.
 
Luigi said:
I agree with John Henry myself. Where I am at there is University and then College (Community College). University is like your degrees and such, but College is a trade, ie: Constuction, Electrician, etc. But you can also get like a 2 year business course. Which I think would be very beneficial. And best of all, its like a quarter the cost of a University degree, being only about $2000 a year with books included.



Not sure how it works where you are. But if this type of schooling is available why not? You could work on the weekends, and such making enough money or more to pay for your schooling, and then you can run the show how you want to.



Also you have to take into consideration, what type of clients are around you. Will you have enough business to run this type of operation. I'm guessing right now your at your parents house (Like me), but when you want to move out and have a mortgage that you will need consistent money flow, will detailing in your area afford you to do that? You would hate to lose interest or something within the next 10 years only to be then looking for something else without a degree of any sort.



I took an electronics course where I make a comfortable living atm, and also thinking about detailing on the side.
Click to expand...



I already know I am going to college. A 4 year construction management major. Clemson/West Virginia/Virginia Tech/drexel/Michigan state. That's a given. Yes for now I will be detailing family and frinds cars at my dads house and than detail other people's vehicles at a local gas station or large vehicles (Boats/big rigs/trailors) at my dads shop. Detailing is something I want to do for pleasure. So why not make some extra money out of it.
 
I'll leave it with this thought my grandfather told me when I was a teenager.... You only get one shot at this thing we call life. Who cares what everyone else thinks is best for you. Do what you want that makes you happy.



Like i said I went to college. Made sure my sisters went. My little brother opted for the army and was doing very well for himself till the day he died in Iraq. But none of us are any happier or more succesful than our high school freinds that never stepped foot on a college campus. AS long as you have a passion and a drive for whatever it is you choose to do then you'll find happiness and success. If you only go after it for the money you're going to be miserable you're entire life.
 
Jakerooni said:
I'll leave it with this thought my grandfather told me when I was a teenager.... You only get one shot at this thing we call life. Who cares what everyone else thinks is best for you. Do what you want that makes you happy.



Like i said I went to college. Made sure my sisters went. My little brother opted for the army and was doing very well for himself till the day he died in Iraq. But none of us are any happier or more succesful than our high school freinds that never stepped foot on a college campus. AS long as you have a passion and a drive for whatever it is you choose to do then you'll find happiness and success. If you only go after it for the money you're going to be miserable you're entire life.
Click to expand...



I agree. Thanks man!
 
$3,000 worth of CDs... if you used that as basis for a loan, even if it's your own mother, that's horrendously weak.

Maybe you spent 3k, but good luck getting 3k back.

Seriously. Terrible leverage - and that little argument really put me off in regards to your plans.



I didn't just suddenly decide to spend money on detailing equipment that I didn't know what it was, I learned (fairly quickly I might add) but it took a few years to even get the simple things down, because there is SO MUCH you must get a feel for.



You are completely ignoring the fact that many of us have years of experience to be ABLE to charge 20+ an hour. I don't want somebody with no experience diving into the field as a business without going through the learning process without messing up other peoples' cars, or worse - messing up cars and getting away with it.



I'm not saying you might mess up cars, I'm saying you WILL screw up by diving in without the proper skills. You're underestimating the skills we worked so hard to achieve, and I think if you dive in, you're not going to like what challenges face you because you won't even know how to face them, and you'll use improper methods.



I hate to be the bad guy, but nobody seems to have voiced this opinion.

DON'T think I don't want you to start detailing, as I really do it's awesome and you should get into it.

Yet, invest in some test panels, guy a porter cable, or heck - maybe even a rotary if you feel really brave. Slowly build your equipment and knowledge. Just don't suddenly go saying you know how to detail a car and charge 20 dollars an hour, because when you have an accident or don't have the knowledge to fix a problem, the bad rap you give detailers goes directly into the heart of all of our reputations, the tried, true, experienced detailers.



I feel that is the biggest hurdle I face in my area, and many agree. So many people screw up the name of "professional detailer" that there is much less confidence in the field. EG dealer detailers and unskilled migrant workers who jump in the field at low quality shops, and dealerships as well.
 
Tyler,



It appears that I've misunderstood your original question. I thought that you were trying to decide between going to college and skipping college to open a detailing business. I realize now that you intend to go to school AND detail part-time. Sounds like you're on the right track.



By the way, you are referring to $3K in Certificates of Deposits, correct?



Just my opinion, but earlier in the thread, it sounded like you were spending fast and furiously on equipment. Maybe that's what has caused your mother some concern. Get some cash flow going before you spend any more. For example, I know about thirty professional detailers, and only two of them have water filter systems.



I agree with Charles too. You would probably be well advised to ease into "detailing" with wash and waxes, all the while developing your skills.



Keep us posted, Bro! And make peace with your Mom.
 
charlesaferg said:
$3,000 worth of CDs... if you used that as basis for a loan, even if it's your own mother, that's horrendously weak.

Maybe you spent 3k, but good luck getting 3k back.

Seriously. Terrible leverage - and that little argument really put me off in regards to your plans.



I didn't just suddenly decide to spend money on detailing equipment that I didn't know what it was, I learned (fairly quickly I might add) but it took a few years to even get the simple things down, because there is SO MUCH you must get a feel for.



You are completely ignoring the fact that many of us have years of experience to be ABLE to charge 20+ an hour. I don't want somebody with no experience diving into the field as a business without going through the learning process without messing up other peoples' cars, or worse - messing up cars and getting away with it.



I'm not saying you might mess up cars, I'm saying you WILL screw up by diving in without the proper skills. You're underestimating the skills we worked so hard to achieve, and I think if you dive in, you're not going to like what challenges face you because you won't even know how to face them, and you'll use improper methods.



I hate to be the bad guy, but nobody seems to have voiced this opinion.

DON'T think I don't want you to start detailing, as I really do it's awesome and you should get into it.

Yet, invest in some test panels, guy a porter cable, or heck - maybe even a rotary if you feel really brave. Slowly build your equipment and knowledge. Just don't suddenly go saying you know how to detail a car and charge 20 dollars an hour, because when you have an accident or don't have the knowledge to fix a problem, the bad rap you give detailers goes directly into the heart of all of our reputations, the tried, true, experienced detailers.



I feel that is the biggest hurdle I face in my area, and many agree. So many people screw up the name of "professional detailer" that there is much less confidence in the field. EG dealer detailers and unskilled migrant workers who jump in the field at low quality shops, and dealerships as well.
Click to expand...



Hey man, you totally misunderstood me or I was unclear. I own some equipment already and detail just my pops toys. I am looking to expand and make it a side job. I was just looking to upgrade some items. I was NOT using a $3,000 CD as a basis for a loan. It was just a showing of I have them money (I have another bank account she does not know about due to a pror paintball gig). Ha, I have cash on hand but I was just trying to help her out financially since she is stuggling. But I am guessing you took that the wrong way. I just wanted to show you how uneducated/not supportative she is of me. But maybe that was a wrong example to use. My fault if it was. I congradulate you on your performance of a detailer and hopefully one day I will be like you guys (skill wise).



You will NEVER see me half *** a job and leave. That is not business like and plus my dad would KILL me being a business man himself. If you read the thread you will see that is one of the reasons I want to get into detailing, because too many people rip you off and half *** around me.



But if you still agree with your opinion (I don't see why you would) than thats fine. Whatever floats your boat. Thanks for all your help though, hope I didn't come off as an azzhole.
 
Jake,



I am very sorry to read of your brother's death in Iraq. I want to thank you and your family for the extreme sacrifice that you have made. I am so appreciative of your brother's service to our country. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
 
John Henry said:
Tyler,



It appears that I've misunderstood your original question. I thought that you were trying to decide between going to college and skipping college to open a detailing business. I realize now that you intend to go to school AND detail part-time. Sounds like you're on the right track.



By the way, you are referring to $3K in Certificates of Deposits, correct?



Just my opinion, but earlier in the thread, it sounded like you were spending fast and furiously on equipment. Maybe that's what has caused your mother some concern. Get some cash flow going before you spend any more. For example, I know about thirty professional detailers, and only two of them have water filter systems.



I agree with Charles too. You would probably be well advised to ease into "detailing" with wash and waxes, all the while developing your skills.



Keep us posted, Bro! And make peace with your Mom.
Click to expand...





Thanks man! Yes I was refering to a Certifcates of Deposits. I am spending fast with my money. Why? My dad just told me to wash ALL of his vehicles (Rather than just his cars and golf carts. I had to buy enough equipment to take on the job. I now have ~5 cars, RV, ~4 boats, 2 trailors. The math came out to being on the posative side, even after spending money on equipment. Once I am done with that, I will detail all his work trucks once a year. So I think I have my hands full and will most deffinately come out on top money wise. I want the CRSpotless system since I am a perfectionist and like the feeling of knowing I have a less chance of getting water marks. Thanks!
 
John Henry said:
Jake,



I am very sorry to read of your brother's death in Iraq. I want to thank you and your family for the extreme sacrifice that you have made. I am so appreciative of your brother's service to our country. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Click to expand...



+1! Thank you.
 
agthing1227 said:
You will NEVER see me half *** a job and leave. That is not business like and plus my dad would KILL me being a business man himself. If you read the thread you will see that is one of the reasons I want to get into detailing, because too many people rip you off and half *** around me.



But if you still agree with your opinion (I don't see why you would) than thats fine. Whatever floats your boat. Thanks for all your help though, hope I didn't come off as an azzhole.
Click to expand...



I'm not accusing you of that, but I'm saying that you must first aquire the knowlege before using the tools - otherwise there is no way you can avoid the problem of not being able to confront particular situations and solve them. See what I mean?



It's like somebody giving you a pistol and saying shoot that target, it's harder than it looks because you've got to get the experience and skills necessary.



I'm sure you'll do one hell of a fine job, no doubt about it considering how motivated you are - and you are definitely a problem solver, but i definitely came off as harsh. Teach yourself, but also seek guidance. I would be nowhere without these wonderful guys.



I'm glad you're here, because if you didn't have such great people to help you learn, it would be a whole different ballgame. :2thumbs:
 
charlesaferg said:
I'm not accusing you of that, but I'm saying that you must first aquire the knowlege before using the tools - otherwise there is no way you can avoid the problem of not being able to confront particular situations and solve them. See what I mean?



It's like somebody giving you a pistol and saying shoot that target, it's harder than it looks because you've got to get the experience and skills necessary.



I'm sure you'll do one hell of a fine job, no doubt about it considering how motivated you are - and you are definitely a problem solver, but i definitely came off as harsh. Teach yourself, but also seek guidance. I would be nowhere without these wonderful guys.



I'm glad you're here, because if you didn't have such great people to help you learn, it would be a whole different ballgame. :2thumbs:
Click to expand...



Ha, thanks. I know what you mean. I just did not want you think I NEVER picked up a tool and detailed a vehicle in my life. I have already contacted people about learning to wetsand and to learn some tricks. They know who they are and I thank them for helping me. Just received the items today, can't wait to get some experience/money in my pocket.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top