New guy to the forum, not to detailing

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David@WCD

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Hey guys. My name is David. I reside in florida. Just started my own detailing business. Ive been detailing cars for the last 5 years and ive always wanted to start my own business, just finally decided to kick myself in the ass and do it. i just have one question and it may or may not hold me back. is it really an acceptable practice to have to use customers water and electric? im working out of my car and i started this with litterally next to no money. no space or money really for a generator and especially a water tank. just curious.

Anyways, it seems like theres a ton of knowledgable people here so hopefully i can learn some things.
 
Hi David,

Welcome to Autogeek Online! :welcome:

I've seen people answer your question both ways but I've always used the customer's electricity for any machine buffing or lighting and never had any question or objections from the owner. Never.

As for washing, I've always tried to get the owner to have the car washed or wash it themselves before I arrive so I don't have to work on a wet car. That I I would simply wipe it down. This is mostly for "special interest" cars because they're almost always garage kept in the first place.


We have two classes coming up and since you're in Florida, here's the links,


July Detailing Classes

Our Next Detailing Classes are coming up on July 9th and 10th, clear your schedules and make plans now to attend these classes!

Video: Topics Video for Detailing 101 & 102 Classes
[video=youtube_share;suqI_BtSLaU&hd=1] - ‪Learn to Machine Polish...[/video]​


:xyxthumbs:
 
:welcome: To Autogeek Online David! :props:
 
Welcome, where in Florida?

Most people do not have any issues with you using their water BUT... you limit yourself if you are not able to do washes in big parking lots, parking garages, etc.

My best advice is to do as much with what you have until you are able to take it to the next level. That way if it doesn't work out for you, you didn't throw alot of money into a trailer or van set up. Good luck.
 
thanks for the replies. def want to check out the deatailing classes. im on the other side of the state from PBMA. im in tampa. and as far as not being able to do washes is lots and stuff, i DO have waterless wash, but i still wouldnt be able to vacuum. i guess i could offer a exterior only wash. really wouldnt be worth it unless the quantity of cars is up there, but ill look into it.
 
David@WCD said:
i DO have waterless wash, but i still wouldnt be able to vacuum. i guess i could offer a exterior only wash. really wouldnt be worth it unless the quantity of cars is up there
Click to expand...

Like Mike said, there shouldn't be a problem using the customers electricity, just take your own extension cords (maybe a $10-15 investment if you don't have one) This is how you are going to run your polisher as well, so you are going to need that electricity. I have used the customers outlets before, just brought my own extension cords, no problems either.
 
Welcome aboard...:xyxthumbs:
Simply ask about using electric and water and as mike says if they can have it washed first especially before machining you canot be accused of inflicting damage and you can quickly point out defects especially if they are beyond machine correction.
No harm in asking, and ONR is your friend...:xyxthumbs:
 
Welcome and like Mike said in all of my years of do this, never had a customer say I couldn't use their water or electricity, good luck with your new business :)
 
james_death said:
Welcome aboard...:xyxthumbs:
Simply ask about using electric and water and as mike says if they can have it washed first especially before machining you canot be accused of inflicting damage and you can quickly point out defects especially if they are beyond machine correction.
No harm in asking, and ONR is your friend...:xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...
thanks. i designed a form for my customers to sign prior yo my washing the car for things like scratches and stuff like that. i suppose that they would be harder to spot on a dirty car.
 
Perfections said:
Welcome and like Mike said in all of my years of do this, never had a customer say I couldn't use their water or electricity, good luck with your new business :)
Click to expand...
awesome, thanks for the replies guys
 
hoping to get some help here. ive never used a swirl remover before tonight and since ive ventured into the real world of detailing i figured id better learn. anyways long story short, i tried it out tonite, and did not get the results i was hoping for. first off, the tools:

PC 7424xp
LC ccs coarse green pad, 6.5 inches
meguires swirl x

i started of by using the mothers pre wax liquid cleaner with a lc white pad, i think i heard somewhere that the buffer needs to be on speed 5 for the cleaner. i then moved on to the swirl remover. not even thinking about it i kept the speed on 5. the trunk was the worst so i started there. i was using slow arm movement and working it in for ~3 minutes on a 2x2 area. i started to notice that there seemed to be no remover left after that, like i couldnt see any more on the paint so i stopped and buffed with a MF towel. i looked in the light and some of the swirls were still there. i figured that i would stop and get some answers before i go back at it. was the speed wrong. iirc, the speeds go 5 for cleaner and 3-4 for everything else(swirl remover, glaze, wax). is this correct? i cant for the life of me figure out what i was doing wrong. i will say that when i got home under the carport where i park there are 2 lights close to eachother. i looked on the trunk lid and compared. the side that i did was a little better, but there were still swirls. not to mention that its on a metalic silver car and hard to notice without a swirl light. mike, hopefully you chime back in, or anyone for that matter. id like to sign up for the classes since im here in FL, but my schedule and wallet wont allow right now. thanks in advance and sorry for the novel.
 
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