Hi Autogeek Forum, I am here. Hold your applause.

[UltimateDetail]

Hey there I am new to this forum and detailing, figured i'd post some work of mine and ask for some help about starting up as a detailer.
First question I have is how to get carpets clean without a extractor.
second, how to get leather clean.
third, advertising? how to get my name out.
anything other advice you have would help too. thanks and it's great finding others who enjoy the same thing too. Jeff

 

[JonMiles]

1) folex and scrub brush. Follow with a microfiber to lift dirt, wet/dry vac to pick up excess.
2) leatherique or lexol
3) webpage, word of mouth, flyers, business cards, car shows, etc.

 

[Flash Gordon]

1) folex and scrub brush. Follow with a microfiber to lift dirt, wet/dry vac to pick up excess.
2) leatherique or lexol
3) webpage, word of mouth, flyers, business cards, car shows, etc.

:iagree:






:welcome:






:cruisin:





:autowash:





:hotrod2:

 

[VASpartan]

:welcome:from VA.

 

[Ryan R]

Welcome from PA
I've had great results with Mytee extractor by not putting the solution in the tank but by spraying from a diluted mixture in a bottle.
My best way of advertisement is and probably always will be 1) word of mouth and 2) before and after pics of your work.

Good luck!

 

[mdb917]

Welcome to AG!

 

[cutter]

1) folex and scrub brush. Follow with a microfiber to lift dirt, wet/dry vac to pick up excess.
2) leatherique or lexol
3) webpage, word of mouth, flyers, business cards, car shows, etc.

:iagree: This is very good advice!!

 

[UltimateDetail]

thanks for the many welcomes, I think i should give a bit more info too, I have detailed a few cars by now and got some experience, but still learning. I got a couple offers from people to detail their car and when they ask I don't have a prepared speech on what to say, so what do I say? Also most people have basic ideas about detailing, and I figure it all comes down to the showroom detail or common wash and wax, but I don't know how to explain to them that a full detail is a lot different than what the car wash down the street does, so when I tell them how much I charge they don't get surprised. I was thinking about a price guide I could hand out with what each detail includes. Also what are good prices to start with? As for the carpets how do i get excess product out? Lastly is it ok to put a flyer on cars windshields? thanks and im sure i'll think of more things:dblthumb2:

 

[Ryan R]

A price guide is good to hand out. It'll explain the process you will be doing and also justify your price.
Pricing varies depending on your location. Check Craigslist in your area under automotive services and see what the competition is charging.
And lastly...I'd say NOT to put flyers on windshields. I worked in an office with a large parking lot and the people absolutely hated businesses putting flyers on their car. I personally dislike it as well

 

[UltimateDetail]

A price guide is good to hand out. It'll explain the process you will be doing and also justify your price.
Pricing varies depending on your location. Check Craigslist in your area under automotive services and see what the competition is charging.
And lastly...I'd say NOT to put flyers on windshields. I worked in an office with a large parking lot and the people absolutely hated businesses putting flyers on their car. I personally dislike it as well

Yeah I thought the same about flyers, the thing that is bad is there is a car wash right next to my street and a detailing shop down the road.

 

[Ryan R]

So you have some close competition there. Try some "introductory" pricing to get some customers. Go after friends and family and let the good old word of mouth spread.
Also...make sure your business is all legit. For ex...proper permits,licenses,tax info...whatever it may be. You don't want your competition having a way to shut you down