Just getting started for weekends only, tips?

D

djrazr

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Hey guys

I am planning on washing and vacuuming cars on the weekends to help bring in some extra cash to help pay off some bills. I live at the beach so i would be servicing rich people. Im not looking to make lots of money doing this. It's just something extra

I picked up a generator, leaf blower, shop vac, 50 gallon tank, and now im thinking about either a low pressure electric karcher vs 2600 psi gas honda (barely used $175, from a friend). I dont know which to go with. I know the honda would be more durable and i could actually provide other services other than wash and vacuum. Something for me to think about


Now it's 8lbs a gallon? That would be 400lbs. I plan on using my 4X4 90's 4runner. Everything so far has fit. I see most using a van, pick up, or trailer. Just the other day, i seen a guy in a civic who does mobile detail on the other side of town

As far as supplies..how much different is your otc vs professional detail supplies? I mean, im just washing and vacuuming. There is a 3d products shop just down the road, and if so, i may go with them. Anyone try 3d products?

I was looking at a degreaser for tires and rims, air freshener, soap, wash and wax. Where can i fill up the tank? There is a local water store that will do it for 20 cents a gallon of RO. I dont know if that is considered cheap for a fill up, unless there is somewhere else

Thoughts?
 
Welcome to the site. I'm not going to be much of a help so sorry ahead of time. The Honda pressure washer seems like a good deal. It'll last a lot longer than electric ones so it'll pay off in the long run. I have never heard of 3D products before. As for the water, I have no idea. Talk to local business owners and see if they will let you use their water - a car wash or gas station would be two choices. Or see if you can work out a deal with the owner, I'll wash your car every other week for 500 gallons of water or something like that. Also, to be profitable washing cars, you need to have volume and be fast. I personally would look more into detailing - swirl removal and reconditioning. This way you can send more time on a vehicle, make more money and actually have nice results. Good luck.
 
shop AG and pickup DP products, most are sold in detailers size quantities and quite price effective. Why not use boutique products to truly show your quality !!
 
DJ, I'm starting the exact type of weekend-only business up in the Atlanta area. I'm experimenting with multiple brands of cleaners/waxes and would be glad to discuss my results and opinions, especially when I get deeper in. I'm detailing my first car (for money) this weekend! Send me a message if you have any questions.
 
Meguiar's APC+. Dilute it 4:1 to clean wheels and wheel wells. Dilute it 10:1 for all entire cleaning, including carpet and leather!

Car wash soap, I usually find the cheapest stuff at Walmart, by the gallon. I suggest investing in a wash & wax product so you kill two birds with one stone. The wash & wax products usually don't last in terms of protection, but provide a very nice shine and heavily reduce water spots and streaking during the drying process.

You may also want a nice tire and interior dressing, such as Meguiar's Water-Based Dressing. For cleaning glass, Meguiar's Glass Cleaner Concentrate provides almost a lifetime supply of glass cleaner because you dilute it 10:1.

I'm suggesting Meguiar's gallon products because they are cheap, they are quality products, and a lot of them can be diluted at different strengths to meet different cleaning needs.
 
DJ, where are you located? I am in SoCal and I get my RO water for 5cpg. Make sure they can get it to 10 ppm (parts per million) or less. I normally use 3-6ppm. You can honestly wash and rinse the cars and walk away. I do it every day. Even my black MegaCab Dodge I can wash at noon if I want and not even break out a drying towel, well, maybe for some door jams or w/e.

The only thing that I can remember using from 3D was the citrus degreaser. I thought it worked pretty good. The guy was changing over to a different product line (masters touch, i think) and he sold me the last 5 gallon bucket for cheap. It did very well on the interiors.
 
I have a Karcher w/Honda on it and I love it. I also have a foam cannon for it. Either way you can not go wrong.
 
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