Tips on laying the foundation of a home detailing business?

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onelovelyzee

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Hi everyone,

My cousin and I are going to open a detailing business in our home. We have a good amount of space to work with. I was curious if you needed anything to open the business such as a license or if you needed to register the business.

So far we've taken care of a few steps including:
1. Creating a website (needs work)
2. Buying the supplies
3. Refining on skills
4. Creating a mock price/service list
5. Before/After pictures of our work

And we need to accomplish a few things as well:
1. Creating a logo
2. Spreading the word
3. Taking care of social networking


Some of the questions I had were:
-Do we need to register the business?
-Any other tips for things we need to get done before opening up shop?

For the services offered I was thinking of keeping it simple for now:
Package #1: (Price?)
- Car wash
- Hand dry
- Clean wheels
- Dress tires
- Clean windows
- Vacuum
- Wipe interior


Package #2: (Price?)
- Car wash
- Hand dry
- Clean wheels
- Dress tires
- Clean windows
- Vacuum
- Wipe interior
PLUS:
+ Clay bar
+ Wax
+ Deodorizer

Package #3: (Price?)
- Car wash
- Hand dry
- Clean wheels
- Dress tires
- Clean windows
- Vacuum
- Wipe interior
- Clay bar
- Fragrance
PLUS:
+ Machine polish (XMT 360?)
+ Paint sealant
+ Clean/Condition seats
 
Whats your local laws of registering?
If the name is anything other than your names it needs to be registered. Be sure to check into your local township, city, boro to make sure you meet all the requirements then you county then state as well.


Do you have insurance?

You should buy Renny Doyles How to start a home based detailing business. This book gives you everything you need and more when it comes to running a business.

Be sure your getting your logo professionally done. You want everything to look professional if you want to be a professional.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...s/70280-takes-time-build-detail-business.html


Here are a few link to things you should read into:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ps-starting-part-time-detailing-business.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-forum-nickname-brand-your-business-name.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-how-choose-name-your-detailing-business.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/31819-your-signature-don-t-leave-one.html
 
Evan.J said:
Whats your local laws of registering?
If the name is anything other than your names it needs to be registered. Be sure to check into your local township, city, boro to make sure you meet all the requirements then you county then state as well.


Do you have insurance?

You should buy Renny Doyles How to start a home based detailing business. This book gives you everything you need and more when it comes to running a business.

Be sure your getting your logo professionally done. You want everything to look professional if you want to be a professional.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...s/70280-takes-time-build-detail-business.html


Here are a few link to things you should read into:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ps-starting-part-time-detailing-business.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-forum-nickname-brand-your-business-name.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-how-choose-name-your-detailing-business.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/31819-your-signature-don-t-leave-one.html
Click to expand...

+ 1 on Renny's book.

Don't get cocky. It will take you years to be putting out truly high end work.

Insurance Insurance Insurance

Business Plan

Check with your HOA if there is one

Check if the city will even let you run that type of business out of your home. Usually it's ok. Sometimes it's not.

Stay away from dealers if you can, but at the same time, they are good cars to "practice" on.

I probably wouldn't start out doing any paint correction..slowly add in AIO and 1 step correction and move on when you get comfortable with that.

Don't even bother buying a rotary. It will just get you in trouble.

Go with the microfiber system.

Get Renny's book. . .yeah I said that twice.
 
For the logo I would get it done by someone with some graphic experience. I knew someone to help me out, and stuck with something very simple. There are a ton of designers who advertise on craigslist, I would email a bunch of them and try to barter a detail for a logo.

Check with your county, state, and town/city to see what you need as far as your business organization. For me all I had to do was file for a DBA with the county, and apply for a business license with the town. This was for a sole proprietorship. Check your sales tax laws to, some places require you to collect sales tax. First and foremost I would get Renny Doyles book and read it a few times.
 
statusdetailing said:
Don't even bother buying a rotary. It will just get you in trouble.
Click to expand...

Why not? Buy one, you'll need it eventually and you might as well have one to learn on. Plus on boats and RV's they are a must IMO.

I wouldn't jump in and start doing major corrections but if you get the DA polisher down, I would get one and start learning!
 
JimB204 said:
Why not? Buy one, you'll need it eventually and you might as well have one to learn on. Plus on boats and RV's they are a must IMO.

I wouldn't jump in and start doing major corrections but if you get the DA polisher down, I would get one and start learning!
Click to expand...

Good point, but I still think I would master the DA first. They are definitely necessary for boats, I'll give you that.
 
As an owner of two businesses in my younger years, the first advice I give anybody is Never, Ever go into business with family members or close friends you plan on keeping.

Man, good luck to you.
 
Definitely check with your local state offices on regulations, registrations & taxes.

Insurance is a must have, and be sure to have adequate coverage for the price level of cars you work on.

Have a strong marketing plan. Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Yelp, Google AdWords, Instagram, Craigslist, Local clubs/Shows.

Have a sound agreement with you and any of your partners, in writing. Lots can go wrong here.
 
statusdetailing said:
Good point, but I still think I would master the DA first. They are definitely necessary for boats, I'll give you that.
Click to expand...

im with status.. ive been detailing for 2 years and i still dont think itd be necessary to pick up a rotary. DA can be just as effective (takes a bit longer) and its SAFER.

and plus, its not like OP is gonna get boats/RVs anytime soon. i say no no to rotary :dblthumb2:
 
onelovelyzee said:
Hi everyone,

My cousin and I are going to open a detailing business in our home. We have a good amount of space to work with. I was curious if you needed anything to open the business such as a license or if you needed to register the business.

So far we've taken care of a few steps including:
1. Creating a website (needs work) doesnt need to be the best, simple is key
2. Buying the supplies do not over buy.. buy what you need. this means your services should be solid that way you know what to buy
3. Refining on skills how long have you been detailing? perhaps take some training. there are several training classes throughout the US
4. Creating a mock price/service list
5. Before/After pictures of our work

And we need to accomplish a few things as well:
1. Creating a logo
2. Spreading the word as if it was that simple. not only spread the word, CONVINCE people on why they need you
3. Taking care of social networking from what i read (and personal experience) this doesnt bring much business. perfect for posting work though


Some of the questions I had were:
-Do we need to register the business? yes, unless you want everything in cash.. which looks unprofessional depending on the market you target. and you plain out limit yourself
-Any other tips for things we need to get done before opening up shop?
depends on your state/county/city.. DBA, insurnace, salestax permit, bank account, supplies, logo, website.

For the services offered I was thinking of keeping it simple for now:
Package #1: (Price?)
- Car wash
- Hand dry
- Clean wheels
- Dress tires
- Clean windows
- Vacuum
- Wipe interior


Package #2: (Price?)
- Car wash
- Hand dry
- Clean wheels
- Dress tires
- Clean windows
- Vacuum
- Wipe interior
PLUS:
+ Clay bar
+ Wax
+ Deodorizer if it is a heavily soiled interior with pet hair, spills, sweat, and other nasty smells/stain.. would this really work?

i would combine package 1&2.. the time difference in a wash and wash/wax should be bout an hour or so.. a lot less since you guys are double teaming

Package #3: (Price?)
- Car wash
- Hand dry
- Clean wheels
- Dress tires
- Clean windows
- Vacuum
- Wipe interior
- Clay bar
- Fragrance
PLUS:
+ Machine polish (XMT 360?)
+ Paint sealant
+ Clean/Condition seats
pricing should be set per hour. but you make it seem you have little to no experience.
Click to expand...

starting a home based business is VERY difficult. nobody knows who you are, harder to advertise, random people going to your house, the services you are offering are very basic, they could get a mobile detailer to do the same services.. youll need to spend money before you even think about breaking even


just my .02



goodluck!
 
You need to check with your city zoning to see if it is even legal for you to operate a detailing shop from your home. Do you or your cousin own the home? Whether or not, you need to obtain insurance in case something were to happen while a customer's vehicle was at the home. That said, an insurance company is going to want to see proof that you are a registered business with the city/state. Taxes can be figured out later but it would be wise to talk to someone from a chapter of the SBA in your area, as well as SCORE. You have a lot to be concerned with besides a menu. Keep it to side work, with full disclosure with your customers about being insured or not. A homeowner's insurance policy may cover a person's car at your home but, I'm sure there will be plenty of questions to answer in that scenario.
Keep doing your homework to know what to do to be legal. What is your goal with this venture with your cousin? Need to have a plan before starting a business of any sort.
 
I really appreciate all the tips and feedback I have gotten so far!

I've been clay barring, waxing, washing and pretty much handling the interior and exterior detailing of our cars for 7+ years now. I was recently introduce (about 1 1/2 year ago) to the 7424xp and have been using it since. I definitely will look into a detailing class to gain more knowledge/technique.

We are currently working on a business plan. We definitely would like to get everything together and make sure we are 100% ready before opening up shop. We will take care of registering the business as well as taking care of insurance. We own the home we will be working out of.

I will also take care of the contractual agreement on the partnership. I appreciate those who mention this tip as well!
 
How long have you been a detailer?
The one thing you need to know is how to detail, the right way.
 
Detailing by M said:
How long have you been a detailer?
The one thing you need to know is how to detail, the right way.
Click to expand...

I have been doing mostly everything besides machine polishing, paint correction, and applying paint sealant for about 7 years. During those 7 years, I worked on about one or at most two cars a month (mainly friends & family). I'll be honest, I only have worked with machine polishing, compounds, all in ones and sealants since May 2012. My cousin has more experience than me with the 7424xp (about 3 years). He learned to use the machine from a close friend who works at a detailing shop. In my case, I would feel more comfortable offering "polishing" as one of the services if I could take a detailing class to learn more.

My main goal is for us to work on friends/family cars for a good 2-3 months to improve on our technique and so we could familiarize ourselves with the products we will be using. I also thought about going to the junk yard and grabbing a hood, then detailing one side as a before/after we could display. Also, we would need to get as many cars as possible during this 3 month period to add to our before/after pictures.
 
I forgot to mention that we plan on doing this as a part-time business. We would pretty much be open on Saturday and Sunday only and maybe by appointment on the weekdays.

Some of the things we will take care of today are: finding a company to create the logo, detailing two cars today, and finding out about registering the business.

Do you weekend warriors who detailing on the side register your business?
 
Rennys book is starters. dont think your business will be bullet proof after you read it. it is purely a guidance
 
There is really no benefit to not registering your business. Otherwise you can't write off anything for the business on taxes, and insuring your business might be an issue. It is cheap to do in perspective of the cost of ding business. I wouldn't spend too much time or money on a logo considering you don't plan on being that busy with non-family & friends' vehicles.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using AG Online
 
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