New here,wanna start my own business!!

S

StingerSS

New member
Well been cleaning cars for as long as i can remember and with my own car having it the past year cleaning it once a week i have tryed alotta products and tryed alotta little tricks! I am wanting to get into the detailing business and if theres anyone around binghamton new york that is willing to take on a new detailer then i am your man! If not ill be trying it out on my own,another question i have is what should a starting detailer price his work at? I love to clean cars and see the difference in the care and i know you need to get back what you have into the car in product used and gas spent,any hints tricks and tips are welcome,thanks everyone!!:autopia:

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First thing's first, do you have any business experience (running a business)? If not, consider taking at the very least some entry level business classes at a local community college. Things like pricing, marketing, etc. aren't something to approach ambiguously if you want to make a successful go at having a profitable business. Make no mistake, it's a lot of work in the beginning and it's not all glamorous.

On the other hand, if all you're really interested in is working in the detail industry, have you looked in the phone book for detail shops in your area to approach about getting a job? Or maybe a dealership? They're not necessarily the ideal place to start but they'll allow you to get your hands dirty at the very least and see what the daily grind would be like.
 
C. Charles Hahn said:
First thing's first, do you have any business experience (running a business)? If not, consider taking at the very least some entry level business classes at a local community college. Things like pricing, marketing, etc. aren't something to approach ambiguously if you want to make a successful go at having a profitable business. Make no mistake, it's a lot of work in the beginning and it's not all glamorous.

On the other hand, if all you're really interested in is working in the detail industry, have you looked in the phone book for detail shops in your area to approach about getting a job? Or maybe a dealership? They're not necessarily the ideal place to start but they'll allow you to get your hands dirty at the very least and see what the daily grind would be like.
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i should have done more searching on here first before posting! lol,yes i know how to market a product and get my name out there,im only 17 and looking to do this for experience and some money on there side of my job,looking at hopefully doing like 6 or more cars a month,nothing crazy at all lol,and im going to apporch one dealer ship and have talked to a few already lol
 
If your going to solicit dealers, keep this in mind. Many of them require you to carry insurance. They will also give you a 10-99 at the end of the year, meaning you'll need to set up a tax id # and all of that. By doing that, you have taxes...lots and lots of taxes that are there 4 times a year (unless you want to pay it all in at the end of the year). Most dealers don't pay cash for anything, and they will expect you to have your ducks in a row as well. I'm not trying to discourage you from it, just speaking from experience. What I would suggest is getting a job at one of the local shops or car lots, like Charlie also suggested. Its a good place to familiarize yourself with the tools of the trade and to get a solid and efficient system down before you jump in the ring with Tyson.

Also, read through the How To articles here on the forum and definitely check out the Detailers Showcase section. The Showcase will give you a good idea of what products, machines, techniques, etc that the pros are using, and you can see the results they get from them. There really is a ton of info here and plenty of people willing to help.
 
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Pricing is going to be part of your marketing plan, which you say you already have covered. :bigups

Nice looking car :D

Welcome to AutopiaForums! :rockon
 
Thank you everyone! I wished I had went through the whole forum before posting! Lol, the Monte is my baby and I love it thank you!
 
As mentioned taking some business classes and making sure your set up right would be a first step to going on your own. Also look into "SCORE" in your area. You can find a location near you. They are retired business people who advise and help set up people in business.

If you can find a decent shop to work at part time it would help get your speed and process down. Understand though you may not be able to take the time needed to do it right. It is though "Getting paid to learn"

If you choose to do it on the side keep track of time spent on all areas. You will be able to find areas of improvement over time without the pressure of covering a paycheck and be hand to mouth.

Of course read the "How to's" and the detailers showcase here.

Getting your time and process down along with quality will in the end dictate your pricing.

If your interested I have posted a "4 door exterior checklist" and "4 door interior checklist" It covers the basics of a thorough interior and exterior clean up finalization. You can use them to track time or just make sure everything is done.

Best of Luck,
John
 
BINGHAMTON! I'm SUNY Binghamton alumni. are you a student or a townie?

knowing the area a little bit, I don't know how much 'high end' detailing you will see. Just not a lot of money there for the most part. May want to focus on express services like wash / wax, maybe clay etc.

I just don't see very many people in that part of upstate new york willing to pay big money to get full correction. But a wash / wax, much easier to sell. Do a few in a single day and you'll be doing alright.

just please tell me there is still kennedy fried chicken on main st. thank you
 
Gurge said:
BINGHAMTON! I'm SUNY Binghamton alumni. are you a student or a townie?

knowing the area a little bit, I don't know how much 'high end' detailing you will see. Just not a lot of money there for the most part. May want to focus on express services like wash / wax, maybe clay etc.

I just don't see very many people in that part of upstate new york willing to pay big money to get full correction. But a wash / wax, much easier to sell. Do a few in a single day and you'll be doing alright.

just please tell me there is still kennedy fried chicken on main st. thank you
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Ahh im in whitney point 20 miles north of binghamton and still am in high school,yes there is a kfc still on the parkway lol,and im thinking wash,wax clay and interior but thats probaly most all ill do,and the price seems to be 85-100 around this area lol
 
StingerSS said:
Ahh im in whitney point 20 miles north of binghamton and still am in high school,yes there is a kfc still on the parkway lol,and im thinking wash,wax clay and interior but thats probaly most all ill do,and the price seems to be 85-100 around this area lol
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you should make the clay an upsell or part of an upgraded package (maybe clay + AIO instead of just wax). Clay takes time and costs money (the clay, the lube). If you can, demonstrate to the client the baggie test and explain what they're paying for

If you like, check out my pricing structure. I have a few different packages to try and meet peoples budget. The client kinda determines their own price once they get a handle on how much they're willing to put into the vehicle. Some people want a $100 detail and some people want a $300 detail. I can provide both I just try and be as clear as I can about what is or isn't getting done at each level.

and I didn't say 'kfc'. I said KENNEDY Fried Chicken on main st in binghamton (near the johnson city border). that place is historic
 
Gurge said:
you should make the clay an upsell or part of an upgraded package (maybe clay + AIO instead of just wax). Clay takes time and costs money (the clay, the lube). If you can, demonstrate to the client the baggie test and explain what they're paying for

If you like, check out my pricing structure. I have a few different packages to try and meet peoples budget. The client kinda determines their own price once they get a handle on how much they're willing to put into the vehicle. Some people want a $100 detail and some people want a $300 detail. I can provide both I just try and be as clear as I can about what is or isn't getting done at each level.

and I didn't say 'kfc'. I said KENNEDY Fried Chicken on main st in binghamton (near the johnson city border). that place is historic
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Very nice advice!
 
Gurge said:
you should make the clay an upsell or part of an upgraded package (maybe clay + AIO instead of just wax). Clay takes time and costs money (the clay, the lube). If you can, demonstrate to the client the baggie test and explain what they're paying for
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I like your web site.

Your price was:
Optional: Claybar treatment to remove embedded contaminants in paint and glass (+$20)

How long does it take to clay the car?

Your prices seem quite affordable.
 
Bunky said:
I like your web site.

Your price was:
Optional: Claybar treatment to remove embedded contaminants in paint and glass (+$20)

How long does it take to clay the car?

Your prices seem quite affordable.
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Most production detail shops around here charge $50-$100
 
Bunky said:
I like your web site.

Your price was:
Optional: Claybar treatment to remove embedded contaminants in paint and glass (+$20)

How long does it take to clay the car?

Your prices seem quite affordable.
Click to expand...

thanks

for a car, roughly a half hour to clay (obviously less or more depending on how bad). I save a lot on buying clay all the time with the blackfire clay extender and I use ONR for lube.

To be honest though, no one ever really takes that option with the express package. If an 'express' client shows some interest in exterior decon I push the 'mini' detail which usually works out.
 
Since i have signed on here i have etailed two truks and have 8 ore ustomers waiting or working ongetting times set up!!
 
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