Recent content by FTD

Maybe your working your typical 9-5 average job, and you find your self sitting there and wondering "What the heck am I doing here?" This happened to me about 2 years ago. All I could think about was detailing cars, and as arduous the work can get, it was always worth it when I experienced three...

Thanks for the input guys. I was not going to charge them a flat rate because I knew that I probably would get burned because of the time it would take to do just one of the trucks may be close to two days. He wants all chrome polished the whole underside and engine cleaned. As well as the basic...

First off I have never detailed anything bigger than a pick up truck or SUV. I got offered an opportunity to detail two dump trucks. They are both being shipped as we speak, used out of auction. Condition unknown. Owner wants a price for chrome polished wheels, cab cleaned in and out, wash/wax...

How many of you reclaim your water? How many of you have a filtration system to recycle it back into your tank? This is what I am looking to do. I have a 10x20 rec mat. I want to reclaim 90% of my water, filter it, and re-use t. Here in RI, there are no strict water limitations or laws, only...

Well I am buying a 5x12 enclosed trailer off my friend that is practically brand new. I am buying a LANDA hot water pressure washer system running off a 100.gal tank. A Honda Generator because its really really quiet, and a small air compressor for obvious reasons. -As far as the canape idea...

I can still do paint corrections under a large car port. I would just have to make a set up that goes to my enclosed that turns it into a mobile garage. I will probably start mobile until I have revenue to get a small garage to do major work.

no just $1000 is space alone, utilities are around $100-$150, water bill is around $70-$100, insurance is much higher. The overall cost of just having the space would be around $1500 give or take a few $. I was mobile with a north star hot water 200 gal. system and since I sold all that I am...

Hi guys I am here once again seeking some intellect. I have been planning my business for months now, and my earlier plans of starting up this spring have....fallen through unfortunately. I am proficient in the art of Mobile detailing, but I have always wanted a shop. My question to anyone and...

Lets face it, our customers carpets are not always extractable or come clean by any simple methods. Some stains just simply have chosen to stay forever. In recent years I have gotten into restoration projects, some of my own, some for customers. I have restored quite a bit of interiors, and it...

As a skilled body guy, paint is paint. The clear coats differ very much in dry times and durability. The European paints are generally tougher and more difficult to correct, while Japanese and after market paints are soft. I do realize that a ore he paint job is far more expensive than a Hondas...

Which brings me to my next point, Lets say you have two customers. Both are in love with their cars the same. They want them to be well maintained, and looking new every week. The first has a 2011 Porsche 911 carerra, the other has a 2013 Toyota corolla. Two drastically different cars. They...

SO glad to see someone who shares the same love for detailing as I. In my head I have circled around and around the things I can offer to make my business unique. The truth is, there are no detailed detailers around. I move fast because I had to in order to make money back in the day. If I get a...

When I ran my mobile side business up north, I had problems with people doing this. So irritating. But in the end, its all about making money, and if you have money waiting to be made, then go make it. I would displease one customer, to please another, rather than displeasing both. You have to...

Either way, nibs have to fixed like fisheyes, don't get me started on fisheyes....gahh. luckily I have a kits made just for fish eyes. I use my Milwaukee drill, with a sand paper attachment. I think it is a half inch disc plate, and it makes fixing fisheyes a breeze to fix. And Thank you...

Oh to answer the legitimate business thing....in RI I cant apply as a LLC until I have an address of business, and paying rent, or a mortgage on it. So once I sign the lease the person I am working with file everything. In addition it's going to cost right around $300 to file everything, and...