If you feel as though you are skilled enough to offer equal or better results then your competitors and you have a good personality then get out there and do it. Start up is the biggest/hardest part. I was a hobbyist before i started my business so luckily i had all the products I needed for the most part. But there are so many other things you need.
Website- ppl need to be able to find you so website, google places, facebook, yellow pages, bing, and yahoo are needed. Maybe not all but at least 3 of them
Contact- Ppl need to contact you so you will need a phone, and an email address.
Transportation- You will need to get to customers location so transportation that is large enough to accommodate your supplies is a must unless you have a fixed location.
Legal- You will need a Tax ID number (gotta love them taxes). Business license for your state and your city. Insurance (maybe not at first) but eventually if you plan on working on high end cars, boats, or air craft you will or really should get it. An attorney, people are sue happy and hopefully you will never need one but knowing one and knowing how much a law suit will cost you if some one decides to sue for destroying their Bently is just playing it safe.
Personality- This is a must IMO. If you are timid or cant talk to people then you will either fail or just not do that great. Reason being is you will need to answer your phone and talk to people, you will need to meet with people and talk with them, you will need to explain things and you will need to do it in a way that makes the customer feel comfortable. If a customer doesnt feel comfortable with you working on their car then they will use some one else.
Advertising- Facebook and google both have a pretty good advertising program. Dont expect it to do all your leg work but it does help and in the beginning any help counts. Yelp also has an advertising program but when they call you tell them to fly a kite. Yelp is not your friend and never will be. Word of mouth and repeat customers will be your bread and butter. Set up promotions on your facebook page and on craiglist. The main goal here is to get your name out. Take tons of pics and post them to your facebook google+ yelp and craiglist. Go to businesses and offer your service there. You will want to get some business cards. Give them out to every one.
Knowledge- Never stop learning. Stay regular on the forum and pick up a book. Dont just stop at how to use a buffer and what pads to use. Learn the difference between single stage and clear coat paints, scam coatings that the dealership offers and their name, how to tell the difference between chrome and aluminum, factory tinted glass vs aftermarket tint and how to clean them, learn about different tools and products.
Service- Dont just be like every other detailer in your area. That will get you nowhere. Strive to be better then your competitors. 9/10 times you will still be in the same pool as your competitors but in your head you will be better which will give you confidence. Do something that sets you apart from your competitors. I personally mail a hand written thank you letter on professional cards. It doesnt say just thank you either. I say something to the effect of "thank you for the opportunity to gain your business. Your (name of car) was a pleasure to work with and it really made a turn around. (then i add a sentence in regards to something we talked about not detailing related ie. hopefully grandma gets better, hope business is going good, timmys halloween costume was adorable, yadda yadda)" then i thank them and add a 10% coupon for them and a 10% off "family/friend" coupon to give away to someone they know. I can say with confidence no one else does this in my area. Its not like this little card is necessary but its something that sets me apart and makes customers remember me. Also know how long something will take as well the price. Some customers have a short time frame and some want the best deal. You will need to answer these questions. How long will a complete interior take with the addition to wash with spray wax on the exterior take on a chevy suburban? First off you will need to know certain things before you make an estimated time and cost. Some questions i ask are "whats the year/make/model, what color is the interior and exterior, are their kids or animals etc etc."
With all these things above you should have little problems aside from the ones that just come with the territory from being the new guy on the block. Hopefully that helps some. Biggest thing though is never stop learning.
