Seemingly impossible

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I have collected bentley cars since 17. Financially I am very well off- but much of this has been inherited. However, i make a fair sum from buying and selling my cars from occasions - although i only sell one car a year.





JR
 
Since I love cars, cleaning/detailing them and actually seeing results, etc., I've been toying with the idea of starting a business, like so many others have. What I truly don't understand, is how one actually makes a living, full-time, out of this business.
My, admittedly somewhat limited, research for my area (Phoenix, AZ) doesn't seem to lend itself to the idea of much profit for this. For instance, when you see one of the many enclosed trailers around here, it's most often for either a mobile detailing business or landscaping. Furthermore, the ads on Craig's List (very popular down here) have some advertising "full details" (wash, polish, wax, interior "cleaning and vacuuming", tires dressed, rims cleaned, etc.) for as low as about $50.00 - $75.00. I also see some ads that say they are around $200-$300.
Add into this equation, the mobile aspect (gas, mileage, etc.), and I'm just curious how anyone actually makes money doing this. I truly want to do this, but am quite concerned that it simply may not be feasible.
 
tmwfla,

Welcome to the world of detailing. Like any other business and I am sure others will chime in, if you build your reputation by under promising and over delivering, (unlike the $50 crowd) you, in time will build a clientele. Some of the people in this community have spent years doing just that. Unfortunately, there are some in this industry that will not learn from others or try to improve their skills. You will find that the majority of the members of TID are still trying to improve their skills by sharing their successes and their failures. A business is certainly feasible if you want to put in the effort and time to learn from the ones that have gone before you. There are people in this community that make good money detailing vehicles and have long time clients on regular schedules. Visit often and ask lots of questions. Start slow and build as you go, it will take time to build up a business that will provide a steady income.

jk
 
Well said Jack

I can't speak for how it works in the US but from Jacks comments it seems to me it works very similar in the US to what it does in Australia. I can only suggest that if you truly do enjoy detailing, and the satisfaction you get from seeing an ordiary looking car turn in to something extraordiary when your finished give it a go. Try and offer something the other guys can't, I for example detail cars for several of the American car importers over here but I offer them a full service so to speak including colour sanding etc so their cars really stand out in a crowd as there is no other detailers in my area that offer this kind of service, I'm not saying you should offer this type of thing as this is kind of a specialised thing but I'm sure you get the idea, "find a niche". If people really want a good job done I've found in my experiences over here they will pay good money for the right job as Jack said "under promise & over deliver" give them more than they think they are going to get and they will come back again, and send more business your way through word of mouth as that is the best form of advertising you can get, and one of the best ways to grow your business.
 
The hacks have just about taken over this industry. There is no way to compete with someone offering $75 details. Not unless you plan on living in a mud hut. The only way you can make a half way decent living in this business is to charge by the hour. Most customers understand this, but there are others who don't/won't

To justify charging a customer a premium fee you will need alot of hands on experience in all aspects of this industry.Paint correcting, deep cleaning of interiors, maticalous engine cleaning, etc. You can only learn so much on a detailing forum and you usually will only have 1 shot of landing a customer for life, so my best advice is to be as patient as possible. Start polishing everyone of your family/freinds cars to gain as much experiece as possible

Also, this is a very hard way to make a living. The daily grind of this business really takes its toll on the human body. At this very moment, I sit here with a heating pad on my back, my wrist feel like they have slipped out of socket. My hearing is that of a 70 year olds and I have the worst case of gas you could ever imagine. Well, maybe that last one was due to the 2 giant burritoes I just had for dinner =[

GL in your business venture, and welcome to TruthInDetailing. Hope to see you around
 
I do not detail for a living but if I was interested in starting out I would work for someone else to learn more so you can get the experience on how the business works. You can have a primary job and maybe detail on the side awhile until you know you can make a living off detailing.

You will find some who will pay your hourly rate but many others will not especially without being education on what the $6 gas station car washes or the $75 wax job may do to a vehicle.

Service jobs can be tough depending on the market and referrals are the key to success. The competition is fierce since has a low entry barriers job (not much in cost needed as start up, basic knowledge to pass as a wash and waxer). Some use it to supplement income so they are definitely going to do work cheaper especially if it is all done on a cash basis (do not pay taxes like honest Americans).
 
Hi tmwfla
I agree with what Jack said and what Damon stated: "Find A Niche".

i know it's difficult. I'm having a somewhat related but not same problem here in Mauritius. Mine is that the detail tools & products are not available and overseas shipping Kills (too expensive). Training not available.The market is small.

What I suggest is to mass-customize everything based upon the customer's need.
Offer them something GREEN (Eco-Friendly) Steamers, Green Products. Try your friends 1st, ask them to be refererals for you. Try selling some products (consumables) along with your detail at very competitive prices, or simply include the prices in your detail, say a MF or a washmitt or any car gadget. I'm sure it'll attract customers.

I've ordered a steamer myself to get started with (hope to receive it by Thursday next due to customs clearance and so on). I have NO practical training, No detailing tools n products, just learning from folks here and from videos on the Net. But anyway, start!

It's the first step of a very long journey.

regards
 
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