Sarting a Auto Detail Business, What else do I need ?

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frankosmusica

New member
I will be staring a autodetail business, So far im getting everything I need. I still need some stuff, this is what I have

Honda 260PSI pressure washer

Dewalt 750w Generator

65 gallon water tank

Vacuum

Microfiber towels

8 pack Spray bottles

4 step ladder



Stuff I need

Polisher

Steam cleaner









Any suggestions on other stuff I might need that are helpful ? Whats better extractor or steam cleaner ? why ?
 
Actually a lot of your questions have been answered on the forums previously; a good place to start may be spending a solid day or more just reading as much as you can on here. Never think you can go out and just start a business without thorough research and as Jason says, getting some experience under your belt.



Equipment doesn't make you a detailer; thoroughly knowing and understanding how, why, and when to use it effectively does.
 
Jason thats exactly what I am going to do Its just that Im trying to have everything to go and work on my family's cars and friends as well, but thanks any other suggestions opinions etc. ?
 
Besides tons of experience and basic products, you need about a good month to read through and understand every thread in the Professional Detailing forum sections. Some of the most successful detail business owners have blessed these pages with their real world experiences and you will be granted a higher level of understanding of this business once this accomplished. Then, you need to put these ideas to practice and learn from your mistakes.
 
David Fermani said:
Besides tons of experience and basic products, you need about a good month to read through and understand every thread in the Professional Detailing forum sections. Some of the most successful detail business owners have blessed these pages with their real world experiences and you will be granted a higher level of understanding of this business once this accomplished. Then, you need to put these ideas to practice and learn from your mistakes.
Click to expand...



Agreed. Read, read, and then read some more. Take lots of notes, organize them and then use them. Also, a solid business plan is a must. How are you going to be better than your competition?
 
Business plan is huge. What do you offer in the area others don't, WITHOUT insulting others which just turns people off.



Under price the other locals? Then you invite the bargain hunting nitpicking customer who will never be happy unless you do a 20+ hour correction for 99.99.



Experience? Why should they come to you over established others?



Location? If you're mobile how far will you travel? Travel time is unpaid time.



Business plans are huge IMO. Most businesses success or failure is determined in how well they plan ahead with a clear strategy.
 
frankosmusica said:
I will be staring a autodetail business, So far im getting everything I need. I still need some stuff, this is what I have

Honda 260PSI pressure washer

Dewalt 750w Generator

65 gallon water tank

Vacuum

Microfiber towels

8 pack Spray bottles

4 step ladder



Stuff I need

Polisher

Steam cleaner









Any suggestions on other stuff I might need that are helpful ? Whats better extractor or steam cleaner ? why ?
Click to expand...



How much experience do you actually have? You really need to develop your detailing skills as an amateur before you turn pro. As far as what is better, an extractor or a steam cleaner, I would want both, but it seems to me that a steam cleaner is the ideal last touch cleaner, because it doesn't use chemicals, and so is great for all of your clients. On the other hand, an extractor uses a cleaning solution combined with 200 degree water, and so it seems to me that that would be useful for the really filthy jobs.



As far as your business plan, I think you are jumping too far too fast. You should start out smaller and offer simple wash, clay, wax or seal, vacuum and dress interiors and maybe engine detailing. Once you do enough of that, you will get a sense of what your customers want. The equipment you are talking about is a considerable investment, and I'm not sure you really know enough about detailing cars to justify such an investment at this juncture.

Nothing wrong with offering a quality wash, clay and wax and vacuum, which doesn't require much initial investment. IME, every home should have a wet and dry vacuum, whether you detail or not. Its the best thing for picking up large liquid spills from anywhere, especially carpet in your house. Better to suck it up fist before you use a towel to blot it. I had a soaked carpet in my house, and let me tell you that without that wet or dry vacuum, the carpet would have been ruined.



I assume that the vacuum that you will be using is a wet and dry vac. You need a vacuum that can suck up liquids for shampooing the interior. No point in having two vacuums with you.

Different microfibers for different jobs.

As others have said, you should spend a lot of time reading this forum. There is a wealth of information here. If only this forum existed when I was just starting out.

You need to get your feet wet with simpler services.
 
Dont get me wrong I have spend around 2 months reading and learning the right processes I dont want to end up scratching a nice looking car. Yes I will still continue to read and start practicing on family and friends cars.
 
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