Quit Job and Jumping in Head First Professional

shortd81

shortd81

New member
Well I just quit my job "got tired of the bs" and decided to try it on my own. Just spent over $300 on chemicals and all today and now looking for a location but in the mean while I will be doing it mobile.

Does anyone have any ideas on type of software to use for receipts.

I heard of quickbooks but have no experience with it. What would be a great thing for this.
 
Good Luck, wish you all the success and happiness in the world!

I'm envious... wish I had the nerve to do the same.
 
Yeah I've been thinking about it for about 6 months now and just had enough. If it doesn't work I can always find a detailing job around here.

Thanks
 
Good luck with your new venture.

What steps have you taken to research the following your community, cost of running a business, time commitment, managing business operations and employees, marketing plan, insurance, additional profit centers, training, taxes, business licenses, equipment costs, chemical replenishment, vehicle and trailer coast and maintenance, cost of gas and government regulations. There is more to running a successful and prosperous detailing business than just knowing how to make a car shine inside and out.

Eric
 
Just make sure you start with first things first. Get a business license and insurance first. Professionals need that kind of thing. I would set up an LLC before you start working on cars. That will seperate your business assets from your personal assets. If you burn the paint off the first car you detail then it will be nice to have your home and personal assets protected in case you are sued. You should also start looking for a good tax accountant. Self employed people get reamed with taxes and you'll need a good accountant to keep you from giving Uncle Sam all your money. Eric poses some good questions too. Make sure you have throuroughly researched the cost and steps in setting up a business.

There is more to running a successful and prosperous detailing business than just knowing how to make a car shine inside and out.
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Truer words were never spoken. :bow :bigups

Good luck on the business venture!
 
Thanks.

I'm in the process now of all the above. I think my biggest problem will be marketing.

I do have 1 question though. And that's about insurance, for any of you who have a detail shop how does the insurance work.

and how much is an LLC?
 
good luck with the new shop, i like many here am very jelous wish i could make the plundge. I wish you the best of luck, and you will have to keep us updated on how buisness is going
 
You can get an LLC set up for not a lot of money. Click here for starters. All you have to do is google some of these type questions and you will get a ton of really helpful information.

As far as insurance goes, call your current auto or home owner's insurance provider and see what they offer for businesses. That would be a good place to start since they will know more about what you need to be insured for in your area.
 
Take a moment and think about it.

I had it all right: excellent work, good products, an exclusive dealership with an amazing product, good location, good shop, extra money for rainy days and advertising.

Some things happened:
1. I blew an engine in a rural area 1200 miles from home with a baby in the back seat. That and high fuel costs took all our extra money.
2. There was a severe economic downturn. Cars weren't selling, and people and businesses put their detailing money into gas money.

The result? We are squeaking through, hoping to make it to the spring season. We are getting there, and I am working other jobs to make it work. My wife is also helping at the shop when I'm busy so we can save on staffing. But getting out to make sales is hard, the winter is cold and long, and we just found out the landlord is building a large building RIGHT IN FRONT OF OURS--so bye bye bad location and hello 2 months of mess.

Will we make it? I'm stubborn, so we probably will. We expect to make some money this spring and fall, but we've said goodbye to our significant start up costs.

I hate saying this, but make sure you know what you are doing. I screwed it up by going into a shop without big pockets. It costs us $75-$100 to open the door. Today I billed $11.99.
 
CalgaryDetail said:
good luck with the new shop, i like many here am very jelous wish i could make the plundge. I wish you the best of luck, and you will have to keep us updated on how buisness is going
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will do
 
shortd81 said:
Well I just quit my job "got tired of the bs" and decided to try it on my own. Just spent over $300 on chemicals and all today and now looking for a location but in the mean while I will be doing it mobile.

Does anyone have any ideas on type of software to use for receipts.

I heard of quickbooks but have no experience with it. What would be a great thing for this.
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Guess we are in the same boat. I quit my job do to clashing heads at work. Bought my trailer, toolboxes, Vacs, water tank..etc.......The only thing I lack for my trailer is a pressure washer. Ordered my business cards last night. Going to talk to an insurance agent next week.....

Other than that, I need to order a few mor chemicals and I'll be set......And finish my website......

Just want to wish you luck.....

Chris
 
TexasTB said:
Guess we are in the same boat. I quit my job do to clashing heads at work. Bought my trailer, toolboxes, Vacs, water tank..etc.......The only thing I lack for my trailer is a pressure washer. Ordered my business cards last night. Going to talk to an insurance agent next week.....

Other than that, I need to order a few mor chemicals and I'll be set......And finish my website......

Just want to wish you luck.....

Chris
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Thanks and goodluck to you also. I will be keeping you guys updated and if you can do the same that would be great.
 
I want to wish you fellows good luck. You have lots of courage. I have a part time janitorial/ detailing service for about 5 years now have a few buildings and detail customers but have not been able to quit my full time job have a mortgage two young sons. My wife also has a part time job at a local nursing home couple days a week. Just make certain that you are charging enough for your work so you can pay all of your expenses and have enough left over to live. Remember treat self employment like you work for someone elese. Be on time, keep appointments, do quality work and always keep trying to grow your customer base. :beer_smil
 
I wish you the best of luck. I have no doubt you will make it. Just don't expect it overnight. Everyone before brought up valid points, but I would like to answer your question. I would suggest using Quickbooks Pro. We have been using the program for 7 yrs and find it user friendly. I would imagine your tax accountant would be familiar with the program and could assist you when you have questions regarding the system. You will be able to find the program on Ebay. The program is very versatile and you will be able to document all your customers and relevant information in the program. Impresses the customers when you can 'recall' their information. I would also suggest a scheduling/calendar program to manage the appointments.
 
tooklean said:
Remember treat self employment like you work for someone elese. Be on time, keep appointments, do quality work and always keep trying to grow your customer base. :beer_smil
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Good Advice!!! Some people think just because they own the biz, they can be slackers...it's actually quite the opposite.


Good Luck guys!
 
Good luck to you and all you detail guys. May good fortune smile upon you all.
Having your own business is both a blessing and a curse. Take the steps needed and follow all the great adavice you have been given here.

Richard
 
Jngrbrdman said:
Just make sure you start with first things first. Get a business license and insurance first. Professionals need that kind of thing. I would set up an LLC before you start working on cars. That will seperate your business assets from your personal assets. If you burn the paint off the first car you detail then it will be nice to have your home and personal assets protected in case you are sued. You should also start looking for a good tax accountant. Self employed people get reamed with taxes and you'll need a good accountant to keep you from giving Uncle Sam all your money. Eric poses some good questions too. Make sure you have throuroughly researched the cost and steps in setting up a business.



Truer words were never spoken. :bow :bigups

Good luck on the business venture!
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Give the guy a break. He's just trying to earn a living doing something that he loves to do. He's not opening a store front. Yes, the above is important, but he needs to start where he is at.
 
I sorta did the same thing last year in March. Having said that take the advise of all the above as there is so much more than just buying some chemicals and cleaning someones car. It probably took me 6 months just to get enough customers to even think about paying the bills and whatever you think is the dollar amount you need triple it. For me the biggest thing now that I have to worry about is something that I can't control "Mother Nature".

With all of that I am a much happier person doing this than I was when I sat behind a desk. I wish you the best in your venture and remember that there are plenty of busniess' out there that are willing to do some trade for your services. That is what I did for my lettering on my truck, business cards and all of my shirts (both embroidered and t-shirts)

What's up Richard (it's KB3 from FTW)
 
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