A few tips on starting a part-time detailing business

This really helped me. The "kiss" method is good to go by. But one question, what about door jambs? Would you charge extra for that? Nobody likes dirty door jambs, or do you just include this for the interior package?
 
Personally I do not charge extra for door jambs. Whether I'm doing interior or exterior I include them. It makes the job look "unfinished" if they aren't done and can make a huge impression just by opening the door. They do not take long to do so I do not upcharge them.
 
garyg7133 said:
I really enjoyed this article Mike. Very insightful. When i decided to start up, I sat for quite some time trying to work up the packages to offer to customers I think I did find a happy medium to offer the daily driver with just enough "extra" in it to upsell certain items. The one thing thing that I am adding to each detail as my final step ( and kind of a message to the customer that I care about their long term satisfaction ) is a one page "tips" sheet explaining very easy ways to maintain their clean vehicle between services.Naturally I attached a business card to the list. The first customer I detailed immediately commented on it and asked more questions about a full detail. Took me all of about 10 minutes to come up with the tips and it may have already made a difference.
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Care to share these wonderful tips?
 
Great tips, I have a small detailing business, I run mine by appt. only, and it works out great and keeps you from being overwhelmed.
 
I'm glad I found this place.. I have been selling cars (new and used) in the same tiny Cadillac/Buick/GMC (formerly Pontiac/Oldmobile as well) for almost 10 years.. I've learned to collect small paycheck for up selling aftermarket accessories, Onstar Packages, etc... Until now I never considered offering my thousands of previous customers a detailing service! Our store is small and our "detailing" guy can barely keep up, plus their labor rate is dictated by GM, so I've always avoided offering what I knew would end up being a $250-$500 expense...

After making the decision to learn to detail the "right way", it only seems logical to consider opening a mobile detailing service as a side business.. I've already got the client base well established!

Thanks for the idea, Folks.
 
great info. now i might be starting a part time nothing special detailing job. any where from standard washes to polishing/paint correction. i will begin by offering my services to local neighbors and friends before stepping it up a notch.

here is my question, what mobile vac should i use for such a venture ? i have gone thru a few different models i find in stores but none have that great suction to take care of those stubborn pet hairs.
 
What do you do when you get a dirty interior with crap all in the cup holders, door pockets? Ie, loose change, coffee mugs/cups, headphones.

Thanks
 
jason.baross said:
What do you do when you get a dirty interior with crap all in the cup holders, door pockets? Ie, loose change, coffee mugs/cups, headphones.

Thanks
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I clean them out!

Seriously though, I put all change and moneys I find in a zip lock bag and place the bag back in the cupholder after cleaning. If there is a lot of clutter that is not trash, I put them in a size appropriate shopping bag and put it on the passenger side floor board.
 
I do the same, keep some zip lock baggies on hand, all loose objects in baggies.
 
For reference... see this article...


How to use a one-step cleaner/wax to maximize profits

Note: While this car is worth a lot of money, asking price is over $100.000.00 the owner didn't want to spend a lot of money getting it cleaned up for sale. So have a "package" for everyone.



Before
This car is in good condition but the paint was oxidized and thus dull and lifeless. It was rough to the feel with contamination as was the exterior glass. A greasy tire dressing was used and it smeared over the white letters staining them black and brown. The chrome was stained with some type of film causing them to look dull instead of bright and shiny.

Oldsmobile_442_W30_001.jpg



After

1970_442_by_Mike_Phillips.010.jpg
 
Great article and yes, I fell into trying to be Paul Dalton when I first started, I'm sure those Buick owners thought I was mental and perhaps I was - but, $$ divided by number of hours gets old and you learn that maybe you're doing a little too much!
I think the greatest thing in recent years was Megs MF system. I mean, after a good wash/clay, you can get pretty darn good results with D300 and a MF pad, add a little BFWD and presto! The customer is floored and starts sending his hunting buddies, friends at work, etc to you.
If they could just invent some kind of small vac attachment that has a rotating brush in it, and still be 3-4" wide, then I'd be HAPPY!
 
Great article, Mike. Thanks for the information. I can't stay off of this dang website haha
 
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