Ideas for Apps/Software/Company that would help professional detailers..

FinishingTouchA

FinishingTouchA

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I've come to realize how hard it is to scale a detailing business. Not giving up by any means, but I'm very tempted to become a serial entrepreneur.
The world of software is hugely scalable. The detailing industry is what I know. Morphing these together sounds like a fun challenge.

First idea:
A company that connects detailers with dealerships and businesses that operate medium-large fleets.

Looking for other ideas, if anyone has any feel free to share. If I turn it into a million dollar company I'll make sure you're in on it Im the MAN
 
Thats a good idea but from what I've heard us detailers want to stay away from dealerships, from what I've heard they want to pay next to nothing for work none of us would consider acceptable, although all dealers are different so I shouldn't generalize.
 
Sorry to hear that your having difficulties scaling the actual detailing side of things; I think you can do it, just give it time, I would guess it needs time to really get to the point you want it, especially since I think I remember Stanton being a smaller city.

As for scaling different aspect of the business, there are definitely different options out there that you could go into if you wanted to. You could go the route of creating your own line of products (although this is a pretty saturated market right now).

Software is also a great option and you could have anything from scheduling software, appointment reminder software, follow-up software, marketing software specifically for detailing, accounting software, revenue and expense tracking software, or some combination of all of these. If these can be turned into an app, then all the better as everyone loves apps that are beneficial and if they save or create money for the end user, then they become rather easy to sell. I'd personally rather find ways in the field to bring in extra income, but I'm also somewhat limited in my tech abilities.

I'll definitely be following along with your plans though, they sound very interesting - you never know what might hit big. There's a lot of detailers out there that could be potential customers too.
 
My definition of scalability is a business that can increase revenue exponentially without increasing costs at a similar rate. Any service based business is rather hard to scale. Don't get me wrong, I have every intention of growing and expanding, hopefully to the point of owning multiple shops.

I do have to say.. I am the minority here on AG. Correction work makes up well under five percent of my revenue. I provide what the market asks for and that's an AIO and thorough interior detailing. I am hoping to change this for next year and modify processes and change products so that I can offer minor swirl correction and a coating at the same price.
My focus is account work right now. Yes, we all hate dealer work and wholesale jobs but it's what keeps us busy through the winter. I do not want to train new employees every summer so I need the work that goes year round. I could keep going on but I'm getting a little off topic.

Offering products did cross my mind, but like you said, its a saturated market. I hope to monetize my social media using affiliate advertising but building a product line without lots of capital is a long shot. I know some companies will label their products with your company info but again, lots of money required to do this. For now I'll be focused on doing things that increase revenue and cash flow with limited investment. In 2 years, after my lease is up, my goal is to buy a property and build a proper detailing facility.
 
I don't have a solution, but I'd like to note that I've been putting a lot more effort into educating customers about the need for a good clay and polish treatment. I try to emphasize it in my IG and FB posts as well. Instead of taking pics of a product and letting it get the credit, I teach that the technique involved is what makes the difference. I'm hoping that in some small way, people will slowly become more aware of these higher level services and ask for them.
Nothing wrong with AIO and interior jobs if that pays the bills.
I wouldn't turn up my nose to account jobs, especially if it pays your employees wages....I imagine that the potential customers that stop by would be better impressed to see you working your butt off on a few cars, instead of twirling your thumbs waiting for that perfect paint correction job to come in.
Just a few of many thoughts...
 
FinishingTouchA said:
I do have to say.. I am the minority here on AG. Correction work makes up well under five percent of my revenue. I provide what the market asks for and that's an AIO and thorough interior detailing.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's because it seems like this forum is more geered toward enthusiasts who take care of their cars themselves along with friends and family cars. There are some guys with shops and all but few and far between on here. There's definitely a ton of amazing and helpful info on here, don't get me wrong, but in the real world of detailing - especially in smaller markets like we're both in - full paint corrections and coatings aren't appreciated as much - yet and even in larger markets, the vast majority of people want clean and shiny cars. The guys out there hustlin and doin a ton of work like yourself, are workin, not on forums. Oh, better get to my next job haha.

Good luck with it man, you're a go getter and you'll get it, I can tell just from what you write!
 
Sorry re-reading my previous post I see that I could have come across as rude or not understanding the situation.

It is a good idea and definitely branch out into other areas and do whatever works. I also didn't speak from direct knowledge in my previous post and wasn't very clear. I haven't personally worked with dealerships and I'm not personally opposed to it but from what I have heard is that they want to underpay and expect the world.

If I was working with a dealership I would just set out their expectations from the start and let them know what they are going to get and what they aren't going to get for the amount of my time that they are paying for, this way they can't really beat you up in the end trying to get you to go above and beyond. I imagine the best way for us detailers to work with them would be to set up 1 day a week where you go and do 4-5 cars for them to really make it worth our while.

There's nothing wrong with just maintenance work and basic cleanings, let's face it it really is the bread and butter, can't always be booked solid with expensive correction work and for the people that are, good for you thats awesome.
 
PFinishDetail said:
Sorry re-reading my previous post I see that I could have come across as rude or not understanding the situation.

It is a good idea and definitely branch out into other areas and do whatever works. I also didn't speak from direct knowledge in my previous post and wasn't very clear. I haven't personally worked with dealerships and I'm not personally opposed to it but from what I have heard is that they want to underpay and expect the world.

If I was working with a dealership I would just set out their expectations from the start and let them know what they are going to get and what they aren't going to get for the amount of my time that they are paying for, this way they can't really beat you up in the end trying to get you to go above and beyond. I imagine the best way for us detailers to work with them would be to set up 1 day a week where you go and do 4-5 cars for them to really make it worth our while.

There's nothing wrong with just maintenance work and basic cleanings, let's face it it really is the bread and butter, can't always be booked solid with expensive correction work and for the people that are, good for you thats awesome.
Click to expand...


typically 85-100 for a full detail. compound in areas where needed, polish, wax. interior stains removed, ect.

thats my experience with working for a company that details for a dealership.
 
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