Why detailing as a profession?

because I like my job!!! have to love what you are doing...I cant see myself in sales jobs, or in a corporate world setting where I have to answer to someone else every week with actual reports that they dont like, only to have them rip me a new one for something not in my control...i would be fired in a heartbeat for snapping back...maybe! lol
 
I started detailing due to customer demand. Our business started out as a Windshield repair business in 2003. From there we added glass polishing, paint touch ups, headlight renewal, bumper repair, nano technology glass coatings, and finally detailing.



We have mobile techs and employees in our detailing shops.



All our employees are well paid, and enjoy there jobs(we have a very high retention rate) we provide pension plans, health benefits, paid holidays, and everything that an employee could want. For us detailing is a business decision, we went into detailing because of the customer demand to provide total reconditioning, and because of the profit potential. Detailing has minimal product cost, in relation to sales. When done with a business outlook, it can be just like any other service business, profitable, stable, long term and enjoyable(nothing beats a happy customer).
 
I entered the world of detailing because I wanted to become an entrepreneur, and detailing provided an easy start up and I enjoyed performing the actual work. I was able to run things how I wished, start marketing programs, speak with clients, and grow a successful business.
 
Im not a good example. But I'd hate to see someone looking down on what others do for money.



My single reason for detailing was to do something I enjoy and could benefit from that would pay for my cars.



I do no more or no less per month than is necessary to pay for my cars. So every 12-18 months, I lease two new cars with no effect on my monthly net and no lip from my wife over what it cost.
 
Holden_C04 said:
I entered the world of detailing because I wanted to become an entrepreneur, and detailing provided an easy start up and I enjoyed performing the actual work. I was able to run things how I wished, start marketing programs, speak with clients, and grow a successful business.
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Well said. That sums up my feelings on why I started my detailing business. In addition to the steady growth my business has seen, I have learned so much valuable information that will help me to run other business ventures in the future.
 
Altered-Image said:
I've started taking business away from the popular guys in the big city. Its a good feeling to know that your business is booming because you're good at what you do and people see you as the best around.



.....





But in all reality, the reason I detail for a living is the fact that i love doing it. If my truck isnt clean at all times it drives me insane. Detailing is an artform, and every vehicle is a canvas for me.
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Amen to this. Nothing more gratifying than being recognized for your good work. I'm still young, 26, but I have had my fair share of jobs with no recognition for good work. You can do 30 good things, and 1 bad.. and you're gonna hear about the bad. A sense of accomplishment really makes the days go by.



...and as far as every vehicle being a canvas.. absolutely. Car modifying in general, I consider to be an art form. You're piecing together a work of art, changing it little by little until YOU are happy with it. Conveying to others what you consider to be "the best." As with all other art, not everyone is going to like what you've created, but some will be rather touched, or inspired by it. It's an art done with a passion, for nobody but yourself.
 
truthfully i think this is a great thread! for me im 31 and been at it all but 11 years. out of high school i was gonna go to old dominion university in virgina. but half way threw my senior year i decided to go into the army. at age 20 i suffered a combat wound and under my mos( military occupation skill) i was classified as unfit and was discharged for medical reasons. so i moved back home and got a job as a detailer in a high volume shop. this was at the time a temp gig until i found a school to go to. well 11 years later im detailing on my own and make a very good living. where else can i go and clear 80 grand a year and love what i do! my shop is attached to my house. truthfully i do this because besides my wife and kids its my second love. litterly if im not detailing im sleeping or hanging with my wife! or posting in a thread here. i feel god gave me a gift! why not use it to the best of my ability. thanks for a great ? it actually made me think!
 
This is a really great thread. I too am interested in someday turning my passion for detailing into my occupation. I am trying to grasp all the knowledge that is being passed down through such forums as Autopia. Only time will tell if my desire will one day come to fruition, and the economy of course :think2



Subscribed :2thumbs:
 
AcuraYYZ said:
$80K a year detailing? That's really good!
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I think if you work hard, have a good reputation, and live in a major city, it isn't unreasonable. A lot of it depends on the scope of your business, of course; whether you're a sole proprietor or have a shop/employees.
 
David Fermani said:
I guess I'm on the other end of the spectrum. I sold a sucessful detail business to get into the corporate world. Pros and cons to each. I kept pondering where I'd be at age 50, burnt out on detailing and having no where else to turn for a retirement. I got out to pave a more long term career. I wonder how many people have actually made a *life long* career out of detailing? I've never met or heard of one.
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David,



What did you get out to do and what are you doing now?
 
David Fermani said:
I guess I'm on the other end of the spectrum. I sold a sucessful detail business to get into the corporate world. Pros and cons to each. I kept pondering where I'd be at age 50, burnt out on detailing and having no where else to turn for a retirement. I got out to pave a more long term career. I wonder how many people have actually made a *life long* career out of detailing? I've never met or heard of one.
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Wow, that's all I can say. I've been in the business world/IT most of my post college life (37 years). I'm one of two person left closing down our IT shop (formerly 50+ people) with no prospect for placement in our Fortune 500 company - outsourcing is the "buzz word" today. I used to think the corporate world held some security but I learned years ago that is false - it holds NOTHING.



Now at 59 I'm starting to think about detailing as I really enjoy it and I'm pretty good at it. If I hooked up with another person or two who can fill the skill areas where I am weak we could have something there.



I've learned, albeit late, that my future and happiness is in MY hands, not those of corporate bean counters.



Regards,

GEWB
 
Very well said gewb. I've been in the IT/IS world since college, which has been about 14 years, and I too notice the trends you mentioned in your post.



As for detailing, I'm more a weekend-warrior, and so far, have only detailed a small handful of cars where the customer's paid me for my services. Most of my details have been on my cars, or friends/family. I'm working on eventually setting up a detailing business along with a car wash business with 2 other friends/business partners. The undertaking is massive, but, like others have mentioned, I like to be the master of my own destiny. I have a way with people and really enjoy interacting with people, something I can't really do in my current IT position.



Cintoman

CDS, LLC
 
Cintoman said:
Very well said gewb. I've been in the IT/IS world since college, which has been about 14 years, and I too notice the trends you mentioned in your post.



As for detailing, I'm more a weekend-warrior, and so far, have only detailed a small handful of cars where the customer's paid me for my services. Most of my details have been on my cars, or friends/family. I'm working on eventually setting up a detailing business along with a car wash business with 2 other friends/business partners. The undertaking is massive, but, like others have mentioned, I like to be the master of my own destiny. I have a way with people and really enjoy interacting with people, something I can't really do in my current IT position.



Cintoman

CDS, LLC
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I'd strongly recommend NOT starting a business with any friends or business partners. Most times, it ends badly.
 
mshu7 said:
I'd strongly recommend NOT starting a business with any friends or business partners. Most times, it ends badly.
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A - Freakin MEN!!!! If you don't absoultly need a partner to get things off the ground don't do it. I've started several businesses with partners. And to toss it out there for all to see I guess.. 3 years ago I had almost $500,000 in the bank, Got involved with a partner on opening up what supposed to be a decent money maker in the Towing/Wrecking industry. And we made a crap load of money. But he spent it all before it came in even and then pocketed over $80,000 in cash in the first year. Because of this so called "Freind" I ended up loosing my house the bank account is empty the credit is shot to hell. and I'm mid 30's starting all over again like I was 16 again. I do quite decently detailing but I owe so much to so many because of this scuzz bucket. Business Partners should be just that. Business nothing more. No family no freinds and by all means have a laywer write every single thing down lock stock and barrel so there's nothing left up to interpritations and confusions. No hand shakes, No head nods, and no verbal agreements. It will most definatly come back to bite you in the ***. If it's worth saying it's worth putting down on paper and signed.
 
Jakerooni, Sorry to read about your misfortune. I ve been told many times partners end up being big problems in the long run. Im still solo on this adventure.

My wife is a great help in many areas. Thats about as close to a business partner I have gotten. Shes not a part of the business but helps out when needed.



I love detailing vehicles. I made great money in the Dealership service department turning a wrench. Im still amazed how much happier I am today making more money and working less to do it. If you love what you do its really not work.
 
Dragpakmach said:
I love detailing vehicles. I made great money in the Dealership service department turning a wrench. Im still amazed how much happier I am today making more money and working less to do it. If you love what you do its really not work.
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i agree 120% with that,im still really young and really thinking about getting more seriously involved with detailing besides my "carwash" job at a dealership,when they try to get me to do the cars in a rush i hate it cause it doesnt give me enough time to work with them,but when i take my time to make sure is nice and clean i LOVE doing it,i even forget that i'm at work and most times even feel relaxed.
 
Picus said:
I do it because I like it. I gave up a much more (initially) lucrative job because it made me hate every waking moment. :)



It's hard work, but once you establish yourself the money is by no means uncertain. I was lucky in that I could grow my business while continuing to work as an engineer. When I was satisfied with where I was as a detailer I made it full time.
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This sounds like my exact predicament right now haha
 
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