going to start a part time detailing business this summer... input please

SON1C

SON1C

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I've been reading around on here, a lot of good info, especially the big post of mikes@autogeek

He got me thinking mos tof what i'll be doing is unfortunately washing and waxing because thats what the average customer wants (add clay hopefully) so I guess I'd be using a lot of a cleaner wax.. but which one? any input advice suggestions for the whole situation please
 
I like Meguiars cleaner wax; it's never let me down. I think a moat people care quote a bit about their interiors too; it's where you spend most of you time. A decent vac, air compressor, lots of microfiber rags and towels. I use 3 diferent colors of rags for cleaning, dressing, and taking off wax. That helps keep the greasy and waxed stuff separate from the clean stuff when you're washing them.

Use Facebook and any other free way of advertising you can come up with. Newspaper ads don't seem to ever end up being worth what they cost compared to how much business they drum up. Keep you prices competitive. Low ball prices don't get you more phone calls, or make you more money.

Are you going to be mobile or working from a garage? Hope this helps a little!
 
Not everybody gets the glamore side of polishing paint. In fact if I were going into this business I would be the best interior guy within 50 miles because although not glamorous it's the one part of the car the customer actually lives in. The outside stays clean for 15 minutes but the interior is the part where few detailers enjoy going but where the customer feels at home and nobody wants to live in a pig pen. A good interior guy in my opinion is worth 10 guys who can only run a DA polisher. Just my opinion
 
silverfox said:
not everybody gets the glamore side of polishing paint. In fact if i were going into this business i would be the best interior guy within 50 miles because although not glamorous it's the one part of the car the customer actually lives in. The outside stays clean for 15 minutes but the interior is the part where few detailers enjoy going but where the customer feels at home and nobody wants to live in a pig pen. A good interior guy in my opinion is worth 10 guys who can only run a da polisher. Just my opinion
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truth!
 
thanks for the input guys, heres one of the dilemmas.. it has to be mobile, and out of my mustang, also what do i do about a water supply? seems pretty unprofessional to ask the customers to use their hose..lol
 
In regards to water, go entirely waterless. There are some awesome products out there that require no water and perform incredibly well. Plus, you can market as eco friendly.
 
I like waterless for decently clean vehicles, but I'm sure I'll get some pretty dirty customers and then I'll be losing a lot of product dont you think?

I suppose I'll just use their power for vacuum and hose for water, I might go foam however to seem more professional? plus its better anyway
 
Don't need water unless its filthy! Onr works great for me! Don't worry to much about the professionalism look in the beginning. Most clients will understand your situation if your honest with them, Just explain you are just starting to get your feet wet and until you get a few more clients on a regular basis theres no need to have 2k in supplies.

As long as you can WOW your client, You did your job. I will however say let your confidence in your work and knowledge of products do your talking for you ( If your worried about the professional look) . Shake hands firmly, dress clean, good hygiene, no foul language.

Just those few things you can incorporate for NO COST, And I assure you in the clients eyes even if supplies and equipment are not up to par, Will add a "more professional look"

I read an article once from Mike about a guy that builds the most indestructible trannys in the world!!! And guess what, Right out of his own garage :thumbsup: . Sure he could have a more professional look, The point im trying to make is..Let your work/confidence in your work speak for your professionalism.
 
silverfox said:
Not everybody gets the glamore side of polishing paint. In fact if I were going into this business I would be the best interior guy within 50 miles because although not glamorous it's the one part of the car the customer actually lives in. The outside stays clean for 15 minutes but the interior is the part where few detailers enjoy going but where the customer feels at home and nobody wants to live in a pig pen. A good interior guy in my opinion is worth 10 guys who can only run a DA polisher. Just my opinion
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Very well said!
Greg
 
elias101a said:
thanks for the input guys, heres one of the dilemmas.. it has to be mobile, and out of my mustang, also what do i do about a water supply? seems pretty unprofessional to ask the customers to use their hose..lol
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Last summer I did exactly that! No one thought twice about me using their hose. I have a shop now, but will be advertising the "we come to you" now that the weather is getting nice again. I'll absolutely still be using their hose for water, as I'm not inclined to dump a ton of money on a tank, pump, etc., plus it would all be in the trunk of my Cavelier. Not exactly spacious!
 
T3 AutoDetails said:
Don't need water unless its filthy! Onr works great for me! Don't worry to much about the professionalism look in the beginning. Most clients will understand your situation if your honest with them, Just explain you are just starting to get your feet wet and until you get a few more clients on a regular basis theres no need to have 2k in supplies.

As long as you can WOW your client, You did your job. I will however say let your confidence in your work and knowledge of products do your talking for you ( If your worried about the professional look) . Shake hands firmly, dress clean, good hygiene, no foul language.

Just those few things you can incorporate for NO COST, And I assure you in the clients eyes even if supplies and equipment are not up to par, Will add a "more professional look"

I read an article once from Mike about a guy that builds the most indestructible trannys in the world!!! And guess what, Right out of his own garage :thumbsup: . Sure he could have a more professional look, The point im trying to make is..Let your work/confidence in your work speak for your professionalism.
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:iagree: :dblthumb2:
 
thanks for the input guys,

okay so if you were in my situation (first time going out and detailing others cars beside your own with the exception of a couple friends and family) low budget what products would you be stocking up on?

like say for what everyone says is the bread and butter.. the wash and wax so I'm assuming a regular wash without wax and then a cleaner wax ex. meg's cleaner wax, tire shine, and interior cleaning? I have a wet dry shop vac, but im out of supplies for doing interior
 
For the interior just get some APC and dilute 10:1 for interior and 4:1 for heavier cleaning. Get some concentrate glass cleaner for cost. A good brush to get into hard to reach places and a good stiff brush for the carpets while vacuuming. Good luck.
 
silverfox said:
Not everybody gets the glamore side of polishing paint. In fact if I were going into this business I would be the best interior guy within 50 miles because although not glamorous it's the one part of the car the customer actually lives in. The outside stays clean for 15 minutes but the interior is the part where few detailers enjoy going but where the customer feels at home and nobody wants to live in a pig pen. A good interior guy in my opinion is worth 10 guys who can only run a DA polisher. Just my opinion
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I totally agree. There is just always that dread of being inside of a car in 90 degree weather.
 
It all really depends on your preference. There are alot of good products on this site. :dblthumb2:

I would say for the wash & wax interior express style services to have

Rinseless wash
Some shampoo wash for traditional washing
Tire cleaner/some dressing
Window cleaner
A good apc for interior wipe down
Spray wax/carnauba wax (good way to upsell)
A Lsp
Some sort of dedicated leather cleaner/conditioner

You can always add to this list, it never ends!!!!LITERALLY

The stuff mentioned above you cannot get by without. Just depends on how anal tentative you are, but those are the basics
 
Honestly, if you going for lower priced stuff but still want quality, you can't beat Meguiars. In my experience, they don't make anything that sucks. Natural Shine interior, cleaner wax, Hot Shine tire dressing, etc. It's all good stuff, and you can get it pretty much anywhere.
 
nickgodfrey said:
Honestly, if you going for lower priced stuff but still want quality, you can't beat Meguiars. In my experience, they don't make anything that sucks. Natural Shine interior, cleaner wax, Hot Shine tire dressing, etc. It's all good stuff, and you can get it pretty much anywhere.
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:iagree::dblthumb2::autowash:
 
If you do use the clients water it might be a good idea to bring your own hose with a good nozzle. It will look like your are thinking ahead and a bit more professional.
 
BWG707 said:
If you do use the clients water it might be a good idea to bring your own hose with a good nozzle. It will look like your are thinking ahead and a bit more professional.
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Totally agree with that idea.
 
BWG707 said:
If you do use the clients water it might be a good idea to bring your own hose with a good nozzle. It will look like your are thinking ahead and a bit more professional.
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For sure. I re state my earlier story. Their hook up, your hose and sprayer.
 
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