#1 Tip if You Could Start All Over?

I get what you're saying. I've followed a lot of "do as I say" advice through the years, but have altered process and procedures once I actually got to work -- whether that's auto detailing or mechanics or cooking or home repairs. But as Kyle pointed out, the OP knows what he's doing around cars.
 
Then again, I won't use Deep Woods Off! on car surfaces... ;)
 
Starting over I would invest heavily into my physical health. High volume interior cleanings and carpet extracting, vacuuming has destroyed my lower back because I had poor back/core/leg strength to begin with and I failed to notice improper form during the process of cleaning because it wasn't hurting until it was too late. Build up a strong body and take note of your form while you detail and you'll be the one still standing at the end of a long day's work.
 
Jarred,
Sorry if my post comes across as somewhat pessimistic, particularly as you are Pumping yourself up for the move, but I'm just trying to be a bit of a realist here.

You are moving from Seattle with a population of 650K to a city of 80K, also you're on the Eastside now where folks with Big Money & fancy cars reside. The Median family income for Kirkland is $84k and it's $52K for Bend.
Just consider the fact that you're moving from a richer more populated city to a less populated one with less income.
How would that affect your particular Business?
I don't know but Some Due diligence should be in the works, just drive down there and stay for a few days and see what type of cars folks drive and get a feeling if they'd pay what you expect for your services.
There is a Forum member on here from New Mexico (sorry forgot the name), who posts that folks in his town wouldn't pay much for his type of work.
Not saying it'll be the same for you, but That is what you need to find out about your intended destination.

Again sorry about how it sounds, but I'm of a mentality that "it's best to measure twice and cut once".

Best of Luck :props:
 
Scott@IncrediblyDetailed said:
Don't listen to people who haven't done what they are talking about. Lots of Parroting information without checking facts or testing the idea.
Click to expand...
Was there specific advice that you're referring to, or just in general?

Loach said:
Starting over I would invest heavily into my physical health. High volume interior cleanings and carpet extracting, vacuuming has destroyed my lower back because I had poor back/core/leg strength to begin with and I failed to notice improper form during the process of cleaning because it wasn't hurting until it was too late. Build up a strong body and take note of your form while you detail and you'll be the one still standing at the end of a long day's work.
Click to expand...

Good advice, I feel pretty healthy and in shape, so not too much of a concern for me personally, but great advice for soneone just starting out.

Guessless said:
Jarred,
Sorry if my post comes across as somewhat pessimistic, particularly as you are Pumping yourself up for the move, but I'm just trying to be a bit of a realist here.

You are moving from Seattle with a population of 650K to a city of 80K, also you're on the Eastside now where folks with Big Money & fancy cars reside. The Median family income for Kirkland is $84k and it's $52K for Bend.
Just consider the fact that you're moving from a richer more populated city to a less populated one with less income.
How would that affect your particular Business?
I don't know but Some Due diligence should be in the works, just drive down there and stay for a few days and see what type of cars folks drive and get a feeling if they'd pay what you expect for your services.
There is a Forum member on here from New Mexico (sorry forgot the name), who posts that folks in his town wouldn't pay much for his type of work.
Not saying it'll be the same for you, but That is what you need to find out about your intended destination.

Again sorry about how it sounds, but I'm of a mentality that "it's best to measure twice and cut once".

Best of Luck :props:
Click to expand...

Thanks for the detailed advice Guessless, are you familiar with one of the areas (it sounds like you might live in the Seattle area, or have in the past) or did you just get numbers online? Either way, I am well versed in all of those numbers and at first glance, I can see how they might seem a little daunting. However, I have done extensive research on the area and we've visited about 5 times over the last couple years staying at least a few days to a week each time so I feel pretty knowledgable about Bend and Central Oregon.

While there are fewer people, there's also even fewer detailers, so the ratios are actually better and I believe I'll be the only full-time mobile detailer. Prices from other guys in town are pretty inline with what I charge and I'll be offering one-time discounts to new customers once I arrive to be sure that I'll be competitive. On top of this, cost of housing is much much lower so I won't have to make as much to stay "even" with my current situation.

About incomes, it is actually quite deceiving, as there is a large portion of population of Bend who are transplants from other areas and many of these come from much more expensive areas (California) and come with deep pockets, and/or are retired with deep pockets. There is quite a bit of money in Bend, from what I can tell from all my research. Trust me, I've measured more than once. :xyxthumbs:

Finally, and most important, is that the move is more about the quality of life improvements that we expect for our family once we move. We are sick of the massive population, ridiculous traffic, terrible weather and inflated cost of living. We're ready for something new, smaller, dryer, and more friendly and family friendly to raise our kids with almost unlimited outdoor activities. Making the business work there as quickly as possible is the puzzle I'm continually figuring out, but not the reason for moving.

Thanks for the response though, it always helps to walk through the scenarios and reasons more and more.
 
jarred767 said:
Thanks for the detailed advice Guessless, are you familiar with one of the areas (it sounds like you might live in the Seattle area, or have in the past) or did you just get numbers online?
Click to expand...

Yeap, Mercer Island as of a couple of years ago.
I tell you though Seattle compared to LA, where I used to live before, seems pretty rural and quiet. I mean no Helicopter flybys a dozen times a day, drive by shootings, traffic? Oh man...

Glad to hear you've done your research and set to go.
Wish you & your family the best in your new hometown.
 
look for deals on supplies; craigslist, amazon, AG, CG's, dollar store, and especially the clearance aisle at Wal-Mart!!! always try to save money where you can. Can I ask, is this your souce for most of your income? or is this a hobby where you want to just want to make some extra cash?
 
andy2485 said:
look for deals on supplies; craigslist, amazon, AG, CG's, dollar store, and especially the clearance aisle at Wal-Mart!!! always try to save money where you can. Can I ask, is this your souce for most of your income? or is this a hobby where you want to just want to make some extra cash?
Click to expand...

Good tips, I usually buy everything in bulk online, so I feel like my costs aren't much of an issue.

The business is not only the source for most of my income, it's all of it. I started part-time 9 years ago, switched to full time 6 years ago, and my wife left her job to stay at home with the kiddo 2 years ago and now I've been able to put aside a decent amount to help with the transition of the move. I've gotten busier and busier every year and am to the point of definitely needing an employee to keep up, so it will be weird going back to square one.

I'm just looking for any tips and advice that might help me get back up to this same point (or at least close) in about a year this time around - I've got a full plan, just trying to see if there's stuff I can add to it (like the gym membership mentioned earlier in this thread. Out of curiosity, why do you ask?
 
Reach out to all of the Paintless Dent Repair Specialists in your area

I did a Google search and it looks like there are quite a few in Bend, OR

Take a few of them to lunch


The PDR guy that I had come pop a dent during my last detail, just hooked me up with a really nice gig on a 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top