Where to get info to set up a detailing business?

A

autobahn

New member
I know starting a business is hard and there's a lot of steps to go through.



What places are good resources to get info specifically about detailing laws? I've done some searching for stuff here in MN and have come up short. I'm a sharp cookie so I'm trying to avoid needing the services of a lawyer or a CPA.



For environmental stuff, would I be talking to the local pollution control folks? What if the garage I'm working in drains to the sewer instead of the storm drain? Is it usually kosher then?



Also, do detailers typically have to be bonded like other service folks?



It's really easy to start a small business in MN, if you're a "one man shop" all you need is to file a DBA at the Secretary of State from what I understand.... But I'm not sure of any local licenses or whatever that I might need



Also, I know this differs from state to state, but do any of you have to collect sales tax on details? Or any other taxes beside your business income?



Any other tips you guys have? I know some of you are pretty serious, maybe one day I will be as well, but I'm looking right now to get some practice on different paintworks this summer but I want to actually "start" the business ASAP so I can get that stuff ironed out while I build a portfolio of "customer cars" that I can do some marketing with.



Right now I'm working with some buddies in some local car clubs, offering them "free" details if they will let me take a bunch of pictures and use their car in promotional materials. And they also have to promise to recommend my "pay" service to friends :)
 
autobahn said:
I know starting a business is hard and there's a lot of steps to go through.



What places are good resources to get info specifically about detailing laws?



The only law you would run into if you're mobile is enviromental issues. If you have a shop, it will be zoning, enviromental, etc.



I've done some searching for stuff here in MN and have come up short. I'm a sharp cookie so I'm trying to avoid needing the services of a lawyer or a CPA.



For environmental stuff, would I be talking to the local pollution control folks?

EPA



What if the garage I'm working in drains to the sewer instead of the storm drain? Is it usually kosher then? I'm not sure, I would check with the EPA and your local water department.



Also, do detailers typically have to be bonded like other service folks? Not really, but I would highly recommend being insured.



It's really easy to start a small business in MN, if you're a "one man shop" all you need is to file a DBA at the Secretary of State from what I understand.... But I'm not sure of any local licenses or whatever that I might need.



Check with your city or county to see if you need to get a business license. In Philadelphia I know I need one.



Also, I know this differs from state to state, but do any of you have to collect sales tax on details? In my state you do, but I'm not sure about MN, check with your state department. Or any other taxes beside your business income?



Any other tips you guys have? Start small! Ask me how I know! :nervous: Concentrate more on the business aspect (sales, marketing, advertising, record keeping, taxes, etc.) instead of the actual detailing. However, still continue to train and gain knowledge about detailing to further your skill level so that you can produce high quality work and command a good fee for your services.



I know some of you are pretty serious, maybe one day I will be as well, but I'm looking right now to get some practice on different paintworks this summer but I want to actually "start" the business ASAP so I can get that stuff ironed out while I build a portfolio of "customer cars" that I can do some marketing with.



Right now I'm working with some buddies in some local car clubs, offering them "free" details if they will let me take a bunch of pictures and use their car in promotional materials. And they also have to promise to recommend my "pay" service to friends :)
Click to expand...



Good luck. :bigups
 
Thanks for the info! :)



Also, for mobile detailers, do you have to obtain a license for every possible city you may perform work in?
 
I just checked with the MPCA. and in one of their publications it says that vehicle wash water can be discharged into municipal sewer systems "within certain limits". I assume this means I shouldn't do heavy degreasing into the sewer (which I wouldn't do anyways) but I think that I should be okay with washing vehicles into a garage drain.
 
I heard that you are supposed to, but since there are only two people in charge of that job, you are most likely not going to be hasseled.....if you do get busted for it, just pack it up and call it a day and stay home because bad luck is what you have....
 
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