A few tips on starting a part-time detailing business

AK1015 said:
so I was wondering if you could give me any guidance on maybe where i could purchase some used equipment, also so recommendations on equipment, tools, products that i should have to get started. Due to economy, just trying keep it on the lowest budget i possibly can. Thanks
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Check your local Craigslist and even classifieds...

The equipment you need depends upon what you want to do, to start out keep it simple, make sure you can and want to do this for a business before you start adding pressure washers, water tanks, extractors, steam cleaners, etc.

Start with the basics,

  • Wash
  • Clay
  • Wax
  • Clean Windows
  • Dress Tires
  • Dress interior vinyl and leather
Once you get all of the above down to where you're making a profit then start looking into other services to add...


nesto said:
As a beginner wanting to start detailing part time I have a couple questions. Trying to save some money, so I want to buy in bulk and I was thinking Meguiar's Detail line. I was planning to buy the X-press liquid wax and for that need more work, D151 then the X-press wax.
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Meguiar's Detailer Line is a low cost way to get what you need to keep it simple but still do good work.


nesto said:
Second question, is there a different process for single stage and cleared finishes? I'm trying to save money and time, I want to do a wash clay and wax. But there have been some single stage jobs that I've done that need serious cleaning and polishing before waxing. And of course those easier clear coat finishes that just need to be clayed then cleaner wax or just wax. (sorry for rambling sometimes i just keep going) Thanks in advance for any help and or feed back.
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Generally speaking, single stage paints are softer than most clear coats and so it's easier to remove defects out of them. Because the paint oxidizes, it's messier because you're going to have lots of dead paint coming off so you'll need to clean your pads more often.

Keep in mind when you abrade a clear coat finish you have clear paint coming off that needs to be cleaned, it's just that you cannot see it because it's clear.

See these two articles,

Why it's important to clean your pads often...

The practical differences between single stage paints and a clear coat paints



Also, it's a good idea to start your own thread for topics like asked above versus tagging them onto an article. You'll get more attention by a wider spectrum of people...


:xyxthumbs:
 
Very good info indeed. I never would have thought of the one step process or the difference between swirl and squirrel. :dblthumb2:
 
Great information to anyone considering making a go of detailing on the side. Reading your articles makes one have just about all he/she needs to start from the ground up. Thanks for sharing.
 
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.
 
I am very interested in starting a part time detailing business, But what kind of insurance do you get or buy ? any advice will help.
I will be detailing vehicles and yachts.
 
Thanks Mike
Nice article. Will help a lot in my part time detailing business. After some experience I am going to convert it in full time business.
 
Need help....

I started a business Friday as a DBA... paid the 20bucks with the state got a EIN with the IRS got a Bank account.... My question at hand is should i have done an LLC instead. Should i call the state tomorrow and change this? Please need advise...will i be fine with doing business as?!

thanks

Steve
 
Another awesome post! There are very few detail shops in my area but the one that are here all do hack jobs! And when i say hack jobs i mean...removing wax with a rotary buffer and a bone dry wool pad on 5-6000 rpms! Talk about hologram/swirl city! So ive always made it a point to go above and beyond but after reading this post i think im going too far! I am doing show quality work for production prices! Time to sit down at the drawing table..thanks mike
 
I have been detailing for about 2 years now (production detailing). One thing I do is take a little time to know the customer and how the feel about their car. I don't offer multi-step to a soccer mom who only wants her van cleaned up. Most of my customers just want a clean car. I have a meeting today that could land me a contract with a local limosine service that will involve simple cleanup on the taxi's he owns, but full detailing with swirl removal on the limo's. I'm another on that explains to the customer what I do and the benefits of each step and how to maintain between detailings. I'm attempting a move into the higher end market in my area (small college town).
 
Disregard what i said about show quality jobs, i shouldnt call it that! But im doing multiple steps on cars that are daily drivers but im obviously not charging enough! Beings im doing this part time i wasnt to worried about making a ton of money, but now that im looking into going full time i need to make some changes after spending hours learning from this site!
 
Wash-n-waxs? Based off what Mike is saying, a 1 step process consisted of a Wash Clay and Wax, but when I view peoples services and pricing they state Wash and Wax but most dont clay. With that being said, should someone who prices a wash and wax ranging from 30-60 dollars add the clay in making that WnW now 50-80 dollars or just having clay as an additional price of 20 dollars or so and upsell the customer explaining what the clay does? Mind you I am in no way making any kind of money, just curious.
 
I must say i particularly liked the part about keeping things simple with 4 plans

  • Simple Car Wash - Wash and dry car. (Up-sell dressing tires, cleaning inside of windows)

  • Interior Detail
  • Exterior Detail
  • Interior and Exterior Package

I can't tell you how rediculous it seems to me when looking at some price lists & all i see is a wall of text:

Product Price
Product Price
Product Price
Product Price
Product Price
Product Price
Product Price
Product Price
Product Price
Product Price

And then there's the extras!
How confusing it must be to prospective clients when all they really want is the car washed, cleaned inside & some shiny tyres.
Yet somehow our industry makes it a mathematical dynasty to figure out something that 'rainman' would have nightmares over understanding.
No doubt there are many different 'things' to touch and do in a detail, but i don't think our customers care or want to know every little thing and how much extra it is to do it.
My philosophy is to do it all and here's the price for that.
I think it degrades the the industry when you get down to 'interior detail' - but then have to explain what that is with a list of 55 things.

I could write a massive rant about this topic alone.
I'm glad Mike came out and said it.
Take his advice :props:
 
what product would be good for a 1-step interior vinyl cleaner/conditioner?
right now, I use apc+ for wipe down and dress the dash with DP interior dressing.
 
604_Snooze said:
what product would be good for a 1-step interior vinyl cleaner/conditioner?
right now, I use apc+ for wipe down and dress the dash with DP interior dressing.
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Any of the brand name products you see talked about here that offer a one-step cleaner/and conditioner will work.


Just about every company has a product that is a one-step cleaner conditioner. IF they don't they they offer a two step approach of a dedicated cleaner and a dedicated protectant.

Check out this page there's lots of products to choose from

Vinyl Cleaning and Protecting products


:)
 
I know its an older article but this was super helpful. I just did a 2013 GT500 Mustang with 300 miles on the clock, all swirled and scratched already for a "friend". I broke my back getting the swirls out, polishing, sealing, waxing and he came to pick it up and didn't nearly notice or appreciate the work. I realized just then, to explain the processes and options, and if they say "just throw wax on it" .... do it and be happy.
 
The Moose said:
I broke my back getting the swirls out, polishing, sealing, waxing and he came to pick it up and didn't nearly notice or appreciate the work.
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Kind of disheartening huh? Been there, done that...


The Moose said:
I realized just then, to explain the processes and options, and if they say "just throw wax on it" .... do it and be happy.
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Some people look at there car as merely transportation... it's up to us to evaluate our customer and then do the right thing but also the best thing for all parties involved.


:)
 
Been reading this thread and being a boater and detailed my own and others boats various times I've decided to explore the boat detailing business part time. I have another business of 10 years so don't need the administrative advice. What can you suggest from a sales point and service point of view and anything else helpful. Thanks !!
 
IT's probably the best expert business advice I've seen. My most common problem is where you explain we try to get show car results for the average joe who just wants a basic upgrade in a few hours. I can very easy get lost on a car for 8+ hours and I know people don't want to pay hundreds for my time. It's why our prices have to compete with the fast food car washes of today! I am definitely the student here. THanks for the teaching....lesson learned
 
WOW! That hit me right on the nose. I was trying to make everyones car a show car, spending hours & days, just to have them run to a car wash or take it in to trade in for a new vehicle. Will be changing my approach this year. Thanks Mike.
 
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