Using customer's electric and water

statusdetailing

statusdetailing

New member
Joined
May 15, 2012
Messages
1,325
Reaction score
0
Is hooking up to the customer's electric and water a huge detriment? I'm building a mobile van, but don't really want to invest in a generator, tank and pump just yet.

I currectly run a small 2 bay shop full time and am doing pretty well, but I'm running into a situation where the shop may not be feasible next year. I'm excited to go mobile but want to make sure I can still get business.

I have good equipment, just no generator or tank yet.

Mytee extractor,
commercial grade vacuum
vapormaster 3000 steamer (same as vx 5000)
powerwasher


Obviously I would have a hard time doing offices and some dealerships, but do you think I could still get jobs (probably residential) with this set up?

I'm buying a nice, white 2002 GMC Safari that I'm going to wrap.


If I do eventually buy a tank (nothing huge) and generator, what does everybody suggest to run the equipment that I have?

Thanks!
 
I'll be running a dewalt rotary and porter cable da as well, just thought I'd mention.
Also forgot to mention small air compressor.
 
The only downside to not having the generator and tank is not being able to go to office compounds and the like. A lot of my customers want me to detail their car while they work. I have a $200 Champion Generator that is perfect for vacuum and buffer. I bought a tank off of Craig's List for $100 (130 gallon). I RARELY use my pressure washer. Rinseless wash is the key! I use a little extra elbow grease on the wheels but thats the only time I kinda wish I would use the pressure washer. Also, being able to tell customers that I only use 2 to 4 gallons of water vs. ? with the PW has been a big selling point for me in Florida.
 
I performed a detail on a Ford F-150 for a friend at his home. One factor I didn't take into consideration is he lives in the country and has well water, which was *very* hard water. I washed his truck in the afternoon and by the time I put down the hose and reached for the towel, the water dried leaving large, brown, water spots behind. If I had my own water with a de-ionizer filtration system, I wouldn't have had any issues.

Another bonus of having your own power is if you're detailing a customer's car at their workplace in a parking lot, for example, then you'd be covered.

I like the idea of a rinseless (ONR) system for cars that are not very dirty. However if you wash a car that travels down dirt roads, or is an off-road vehicle, an ONR type of wash may not "get-r-done".

I know the concept of rinseless / waterless systems are coming in vogue, but I'd rather have "it" and not need it than not having it and needing it.
 
LuckyDetailer said:
The only downside to not having the generator and tank is not being able to go to office compounds and the like. A lot of my customers want me to detail their car while they work. I have a $200 Champion Generator that is perfect for vacuum and buffer. I bought a tank off of Craig's List for $100 (130 gallon). I RARELY use my pressure washer. Rinseless wash is the key! I use a little extra elbow grease on the wheels but thats the only time I kinda wish I would use the pressure washer. Also, being able to tell customers that I only use 2 to 4 gallons of water vs. ? with the PW has been a big selling point for me in Florida.
Click to expand...


Appreciate the input. I'll keep an eye on craigslist for a tank. As far as the generator though, I'll need something bigger. My carpet extractor and steamer will sometimes blow a 15 amp breaker. If I turn all the burners on my extractor, it will occassionally blow a 20 amp breaker. It gets hot with 3 burners, which is fine, but I really like to get it up around 200 degrees with all 4.

I love rinseless, but on a dirty car, door jams, wheels, and engine are practically impossible.


I noticed a lot of guys use the Honda 2000 and 3000 generators. Does anybody have any input on these generators?
 
jwgreen6 said:
I performed a detail on a Ford F-150 for a friend at his home. One factor I didn't take into consideration is he lives in the country and has well water, which was *very* hard water. I washed his truck in the afternoon and by the time I put down the hose and reached for the towel, the water dried leaving large, brown, water spots behind. If I had my own water with a de-ionizer filtration system, I wouldn't have had any issues.

Another bonus of having your own power is if you're detailing a customer's car at their workplace in a parking lot, for example, then you'd be covered.

I like the idea of a rinseless (ONR) system for cars that are not very dirty. However if you wash a car that travels down dirt roads, or is an off-road vehicle, an ONR type of wash may not "get-r-done".

I know the concept of rinseless / waterless systems are coming in vogue, but I'd rather have "it" and not need it than not having it and needing it.
Click to expand...

I've seen a few guys using filters right after the customer's faucet. This could be a solution.
 
jwgreen6 said:
I performed a detail on a Ford F-150 for a friend at his home. One factor I didn't take into consideration is he lives in the country and has well water, which was *very* hard water. I washed his truck in the afternoon and by the time I put down the hose and reached for the towel, the water dried leaving large, brown, water spots behind. If I had my own water with a de-ionizer filtration system, I wouldn't have had any issues.

Another bonus of having your own power is if you're detailing a customer's car at their workplace in a parking lot, for example, then you'd be covered.

I like the idea of a rinseless (ONR) system for cars that are not very dirty. However if you wash a car that travels down dirt roads, or is an off-road vehicle, an ONR type of wash may not "get-r-done".

I know the concept of rinseless / waterless systems are coming in vogue, but I'd rather have "it" and not need it than not having it and needing it.
Click to expand...
I'd echo this comment, and add that in 5 years I have never been told by any customer "No you can't use my electric and water". If they had told me that, it would been a swift and simple end to the conversation as to say, "Call a detailer who is better suited to meet your needs".
 
tuscarora dave said:
I'd echo this comment, and add that in 5 years I have never been told by any customer "No you can't use my electric and water". If they had told me that, it would been a swift and simple end to the conversation as to say, "Call a detailer who is better suited to meet your needs".
Click to expand...


Do you find that you mostly get calls for residential? Do you get a lot of calls for offices, etc, and do you have to turn them down?

I'm a full time detailer. I just need to make sure I can get business without a generator and tank for maybe 6 months to a year before I build up enough cash to do it right.
 
I've never targeted large corporate type offices other than the CEO's personal vehicles so it's never been an issue for me. I've never gotten a call to service cars in a large parking area other than lot washing for large dealerships which I pass on, I have however gotten calls to do boats at river marinas that have no electricity. I Passed on the boat deal only because the particular caller stiffed me on a previous job in the past. I do have access to a large generator that would work for any situation that I might get into.

Sometimes to get a new client with many potential opportunities it would be worth renting a generator to get the work done and just reinvest the money earned doing the job into buying one. I never say no to work if I can possibly take it on.
 
Most clients have no issue with it

BUT some clients just don't have it (outside water & power) or the office complex issue or they won't be home. who knows.

I don't use it all that often (thus far) but I'm setup with a generator & water tank

2000w honda gen - same thing you'll see recommended over and over again in the forums. I've blown fuses at clients homes with my vx5000 but the 2000w honda gen has no issue with running it (tip: pre-heat before you hit the road in the morning or it takes awhle to get to temp).

I also have a 45 gal tank. I can get away with one or two 'full' details or a number of rinseless washes (you can do the math and figure it out). 45 gal tank, flojet 4.9gpm ondemand pump, optima bluetop (just for the water only) 75ft craftsman hose on a rapid reel mounted on two 2x4s

I keep a few gallons in there at all times but most clients I disconnect my hose reel and setup the rapid reel connected to there water. so you're not dealing with there hose all day. then cleanup is fast with the rapid reel


Keep meaning to post pics on my blog, then link to the forum here. took a lot of work actually, just been really busy (which is a good thing)
 
Last edited:
LuckyDetailer said:
I use a little extra elbow grease on the wheels but thats the only time I kinda wish I would use the pressure washer.
Click to expand...

try sprayway glass cleaner on the wheels with an old mf instead of leftover onr. you may be pleasantly surprised.
 
Gurge said:
Most clients have no issue with it

BUT some clients just don't have it (outside water & power) or the office complex issue or they won't be home. who knows.

I don't use it all that often (thus far) but I'm setup with a generator & water tank

2000w honda gen - same thing you'll see recommended over and over again in the forums. I've blown fuses at clients homes with my vx5000 but the 2000w honda gen has no issue with running it (tip: pre-heat before you hit the road in the morning or it takes awhle to get to temp).

I also have a 45 gal tank. I can get away with one or two 'full' details or a number of rinseless washes (you can do the math and figure it out). 45 gal tank, flojet 4.9gpm ondemand pump, optima bluetop (just for the water only) 75ft craftsman hose on a rapid reel mounted on two 2x4s

I keep a few gallons in there at all times but most clients I disconnect my hose reel and setup the rapid reel connected to there water. so you're not dealing with there hose all day. then cleanup is fast with the rapid reel


Keep meaning to post pics on my blog, then link to the forum here. took a lot of work actually, just been really busy (which is a good thing)
Click to expand...


This post really helps a lot. Really appreciate it. I think I will start out without a generator, but get one asap. I like how you mostly hook up to the customerss water whenever you can. Saves you from constantly filling up. I think even after buying a generator I will try to use the customer's electric and water whenever possible. Saves money and wear and tear on equipment. Thanks Again!
 
statusdetailing said:
This post really helps a lot. Really appreciate it. I think I will start out without a generator, but get one asap. I like how you mostly hook up to the customerss water whenever you can. Saves you from constantly filling up. I think even after buying a generator I will try to use the customer's electric and water whenever possible. Saves money and wear and tear on equipment. Thanks Again!
Click to expand...

no problem

carrying water & power also entirely eliminates the 'can I use your power & water discussion'. although most people do not mind, I just feel its unprofessional. so now after we agree on what needs to be done and a date, I ask if I can use their stuff with the understanding that if it wasn't possible, the job can still get done without an issue. In addition, I think people get the impression you're no joke when you open the tailgate and theres a hose reel, water tank and generator.
 
Gurge said:
no problem

carrying water & power also entirely eliminates the 'can I use your power & water discussion'. although most people do not mind, I just feel its unprofessional. so now after we agree on what needs to be done and a date, I ask if I can use their stuff with the understanding that if it wasn't possible, the job can still get done without an issue. In addition, I think people get the impression you're no joke when you open the tailgate and theres a hose reel, water tank and generator.
Click to expand...


I totally agree. It just brings you business to a higher level of professionalism. I'm sure I can find a used tank on craigslist eventually.

What are guys generally paying for the Honda 2000? What's the life expectancy on one of these generators, using them a few times per week when customers don't have electricity?
 
not sure if you guys do this, but do you target people who live in condo's/apt's.. I have the fact I live in one now because I can't hand wash. I have to imagine others feel the same. That's the only other scenario I can think of where you wouldn't have access to water/electric.. thank God we are moving to a house soon!
 
DEXTERITY said:
not sure if you guys do this, but do you target people who live in condo's/apt's.. I have the fact I live in one now because I can't hand wash. I have to imagine others feel the same. That's the only other scenario I can think of where you wouldn't have access to water/electric.. thank God we are moving to a house soon!
Click to expand...


I used to be in apartment management and I know a lot of apartments don't allow washing in the parking lot. So this might be a drawback to being mobile.
 
interesting, I know they don't mind in my complex since it is all condo's with people who either rent or own them. However, if that is the norm, then I can see that being a drawback.
 
Hmmm, I hope not having a generator/power washer isn't too much of a drawback for me. My $$$ are extremely limited right now, and it may be some time before I can afford even a small flatbed trailor.
 
Toy_Cam_Ed said:
Hmmm, I hope not having a generator/power washer isn't too much of a drawback for me. My $$$ are extremely limited right now, and it may be some time before I can afford even a small flatbed trailor.
Click to expand...


You can make money with very little equipment. You just have to work hard and use a little creativity. Just upgrade as you can and you'll be alright.
 
definitely don't get in over your head. The plan you have of saving little by little until you can afford one is good.

If you make enough money and have steady clients then it may be worth investing in the equipment up front (maybe small business loan). However, if it will put you in a bind, then stick to your plan.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top