Debating whether or not to start a side job

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2008Mustang4.0

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Hello everyone. I have always been an avid detailer and I have been toying with the idea of starting a weekend job detailing cars. I wanted to start off simple, creating some flyers and seeing where it goes. I was thinking some simple packages, and possibly a bi-monthly package as well. Here are my questions.

What are the most economical bulk products that would provide the customer with a good finish. I am starting simple, probably daily drivers. So I was thinking a good AIO/cleaner wax. Possibly Meg's? For the package I was thinking Wash,degrease rims, condition tires, dry, wax, vaccum, windows. Add on services would be extra, or included in a much larger package.

Also would it be worth it to use a gloss enhancing wash, like chemical guys, for either the weekly wash without a wax, or even before waxing?

I'm trying to think like the average car owner and not a detailer. What would be the quickest and easiest way to make the car look good while still turning a profit.
 
Subscribed.

For easy to sell simple services it doesn't get much better than ONR washes followed by Optimum Car Wax.



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Sounds great. I would add a clay bar to the service before the wax. Or would that be on the "add-on" portion of your menu?
 
I was just about to suggest the same thing.:) Most vehicles maintained from week to week, or even every other week, won't need a full on traditional wash. And if you use ONR wash/wax, then you take care and cleaning and protecting the finish at the same time.
How proficient are you with the services you plan on offering? Also, have you researched your area for your competition? You need to know what others are offering and what your competition is offering/charging. My biggest obstacle when starting to detail as a side job was becoming efficient at putting all the steps together and not doing more than what I was being paid to do. Are you planning on being mobile or having vehicles dropped off to you? Even though it's only a side gig you still need to plan it out like a business and make it worth your time. You might want to check with your city's zoning for car wash businesses.
As far as obtaining customers, I would start with people you know like family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. Just my opinions from my experience.:)
 
grab a apc for rims and interior. cheap in bulk. i use megs apc
 
I use Klasse AIO as my all-in-one. After a car has had my AIO detail (Level 2 Detail) I then put them on my Level 1 Detail plan, which is ONR wash and Meg's spray wax.

For tires, trim, interiors...it doesn't get much easier than Meg's Hyper dressing in my opinion. You can use that product in various dilutions for all kinds of things.

Good luck! I recently started down the road you are contemplating, just last year :)
 
VP Mark said:
Subscribed.

For easy to sell simple services it doesn't get much better than ONR washes followed by Optimum Car Wax.



Sent from my DROID RAZR using AG Online
Click to expand...

:iagree: The also have a wash and wax product.
 
Pureshine said:
:iagree: The also have a wash and wax product.
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Great thought.

Optimum No Rinse with Wax is a great stand alone product. I'm not really experienced with standard wash and wax products but I'm sure there are plenty of decent ones out there.
 
Hello,

You've got great answers, maybe I should add some cent...

Wash and wax followed by spray wax for drying gives me great looks for fast jobs.

My favorite spray wax for drying is meguiar's ultimate quik wax, but the Ultimate W&W soap is not the best for production.

It's great soap for sure, but IMO it needs a LOT of product to get good slickness for washing. Going through a lot of product moves in the opposite way you wish to go.

I've found that CG Wash and Wax is the cheapest, cleans really well, suds nicely and a little goes a long way, so the combination of CG W&W + Meg's Ultimate Quik Wax for drying works perfect here. It's the cheapest I can get without compromising results.

Meg's Quik Wax must be used sparingly. You'll apply some to your drying towel, and then ~1-2 spritz per panel. When your towel saturates with product, you won't need to add any, if very little.

When first using the product I went through half a bottle of Quik Wax, but that was my fault. With time I could improve technique like described above.

Everytime I use this 'combo' I hear: 'Just washed and looks this good?'

It just takes the time to wash because you can apply Quik wax while drying. It makes drying very fast while protecting the finish.

Can also be applied on glass and trim, and results on glass are better than many 'proper glass' products.

Hope I've helped.

Kind Regards.
 
Not to jack the thread...but I LOVE Megs spray wax as well....can you buy this stuff in a bigger bottle or by the gallon?
 
Lol I wasn't talking about a spray wax was talking about Optimum No Rinse Wash and Wax. There would be no need for a spray wax.
 
Pureshine said:
Lol I wasn't talking about a spray wax was talking about Optimum No Rinse Wash and Wax. There would be no need for a spray wax.
Click to expand...

Who are you replying to?

My reply was to Enforcer, who specifically asked about Meg's spray wax only.

I prefer the "combo" wash/wax products too, that's why I use Klasse AIO :)
 
Justin M. said:
Who are you replying to?

My reply was to Enforcer, who specifically asked about Meg's spray wax only.

I prefer the "combo" wash/wax products too, that's why I use Klasse AIO :)
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Sorry was for Tato.
 
I started out my business in much the same way. Rather than mixing and matching products I started with a system: products from the same manufacturer that are designed to work together. I used Griots Garage stuff and bought their detailing manual discussing how to use each product. Worked great. Over time I have tried new products but still mostly use GG.

Fred, Fred's Mobile Auto Spa
 
Profitability with basic wash/wax packages should be pretty high if you stay busy. The product usage is pretty minimal.

Keep in mind that it can only take one minor incident to cost you a whole lot more than you make. It is a huge gamble to operate without insurance. If you can't afford to have insurance then it isn't profitable enough to be worth your time as a business. Friends and neighbors is one thing but a business for strangers is different. What happens when you break a delicate, plastic vent lever with your vacuum (I was told by Mercedes that the only way to replace one in a GL450 was to replace the whole dash unit for ~$800.) or, if mobile, your extension cord overheats or shorts and causes a fire?

You won't get many professional detailers supporting this type of business because it hurts the image of the industry and drives down prices. A person who doesn't rely on the income to pay their bills, doesn't pay taxes on the income and doesn't pay for insurance can charge far less. Customers are happy to get a cheaper price and think the higher prices of the legitimate business are simply inflated or gouging.
 
Nth Degree said:
Profitability with basic wash/wax packages should be pretty high if you stay busy. The product usage is pretty minimal.

Keep in mind that it can only take one minor incident to cost you a whole lot more than you make. It is a huge gamble to operate without insurance. If you can't afford to have insurance then it isn't profitable enough to be worth your time as a business. Friends and neighbors is one thing but a business for strangers is different. What happens when you break a delicate, plastic vent lever with your vacuum (I was told by Mercedes that the only way to replace one in a GL450 was to replace the whole dash unit for ~$800.) or, if mobile, your extension cord overheats or shorts and causes a fire?

You won't get many professional detailers supporting this type of business because it hurts the image of the industry and drives down prices. A person who doesn't rely on the income to pay their bills, doesn't pay taxes on the income and doesn't pay for insurance can charge far less. Customers are happy to get a cheaper price and think the higher prices of the legitimate business are simply inflated or gouging.
Click to expand...

This is the honest truth.

To the op, think long and hard exactly how much your time is worth and why you're entering this arena. Will you be happy doing "wash and wax" jobs? Is it worth committing the time and money? How much initial investment will you need? What are your hours? Biz cards, shirts, marketing,...are you legit or like many other fly by night "detailers"?

Remember, you'll be competing against craigslist detailers who will undercut you severly. Still want to dive in?

Good luck.
 
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