New Start up

[Spdorje]

I am new to the detailing industry. This past couple of months I have been to some detail shops asking questions, watching techniques used and listening to instruction.

Since I am retiring this month I am slowly prepping to start my own business. I have read Mike Phillips and Renny Doyle's ebooks and got a lot of info out of them.

My next step is taking 6 weeks off and doing a basic business plan, looking at detailing businesses throughout the West and get my business ideas honed down. I noticed that the detailing services/packages offered by the majority of businesses are so extensive it is to the point, for me anyway, that too much time and confusion for the client and myself will be a negative.

I am considering a 4 level or so package choice. ALL will address exterior AND interior care. Just on different levels depending on the vehicles condition. No extras for carpet, dashboard, tires, etc. All areas of the vehicle will be addressed depending on need and client motivation.

This, I feel, will allow me a quicker inspection and package recommendation, easier to figure costs and labor and weed out the clients that want to nit pick the whole reason to have a vehicle detailed.

Has anyone tried this model, which I am sure many have, and how did/has it worked out? Any feedback is appreciated. My retirement will cover my living expenses so I have time to plan this although not too deeply.. LOL... I am doing a fixed location first for now.... Thanks all...Feed back please

 

[FinishingTouchA]

I would keep interior and exterior separate and package them together when needed. I have a sheet that outlines my packages but the nice thing about being brick-and-mortar is nearly every potential customer brings their car by for a quote. When I look at a car I itemize things. Most of the time they are concerned with major defects and could care less about swirls etc. So I'll ask if they want water spots removed, this scratch sanded and buffed out, that rock chip touched up, carpet shampooed, etc. I make sure the customer can see the problems I'm fixing.
Say you took your car to the mechanic and just said "I want it fixed." They do an oil change, transmission flush, calibrate the speedometer, and give it back. You're confused at the bill because in your eyes they didn't fix your problem. All you really needed was the tires balanced because of a horrible vibration when you hit 50mph.
Sorry, probably didn't need to say all that, I just like using analogies haha.
Long story short, find out what the customer wants. In my area most people just want an AIO and a couple scratches buffed out.

And you said "new to the detailing industry." Does that mean new to the business or that you're inexperienced? If the latter I would at least sign up for one of Mikes classes. Unless your plan is to hire an experienced detailer, but anyone who eats, sleeps, breathes AG isn't going to be cheap.

 

[Spdorje]

New to business and fairly inexperienced. I am planning on getting some formal training then some friends and family vehicles to get some experience. Thanks for the input!

 

[jarred767]

Where abouts are you located? You mentioned that you were planning on having a fixed location, do you already have a garage that you'll be working out of or will you be renting something. If renting right from the start, it could be tough with the overhead involved and not really any prior industry experience and little detailing experience. I'm not trying to throw cold water on your plan, just wantbtountonthink it through. Opening a shop right from the start can have a lot of expenses involved. Just be careful and make sure to do your research.

Where are you planning on getting the training from?