What tools I need to start autodetailing shop

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DaniusLithuania

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Hello, my name is Danius. I am from Lithuania. In EUROPE. I want to open auto detailing shop in my country. I want to buy all equipment from Your web site. I thinking about FLEX polishers. So how many buffers and polishers I need for opening? To do proper job. How many pads and other stuff may need to get. My budged is around 2500$. I will fit in to this? And I think about steam vacuum for interior detailing. Is it any good? Vapor Chief Steam machine or is more cheaper and do the job. Sorry for my poor English. Thanks for reading.
 
Thanks I was looking to this forum page. But didint find a proper kit for detailing shop. I fund just small kits. I need I good one. Is so many polishers rotary, dual action. I dont know what I need. Do I need all DA, circuler, orbital? And that about steam vacuums?
 
First - WELCOME!
Second, before you run off and purchase tools, supplies, and other detailing equipment, I'd suggest getting some professional training. There is no better investment in your business than having proper training. Without it, your tools and equipment can do more harm than good on a clients vehicle. In the training not only will you learn the proper use of the tools and supplies, you'll learn what it is that you will need to start your own detailing business. Starting your own detailing business requires careful thought and planning.
Remember, "If you fail to plan, then you are planning to fail!"

Good luck!
 
Thanks for advise. I starting training with one profesional after 2 weeks. Training will take around 4-6 moths. I will work with him. I think it will by good training. But any ways. What I need to get first? I want to get use to my tools at the training. And that about steam vacuums? :D
 
Welcome to the forums :) Watch every how-to video on this website several times if training isn't available to you, then set up a plan, 2500 is a good starting budget, and will cover everything you need to get started if you are new to the business, once you build up "Steady" clients and learn more about the business then maybe worrying about getting all the fancy tools like a steamer.
 
A lot of insurance, and a good lawyer to start any business. Been there, done that.
 
DaniusLithuania said:
Hello, my name is Danius. I am from Lithuania. In EUROPE.
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Since this was your introduction post... welcome to Autogeek Online! :welcome:



DaniusLithuania said:
I want to open auto detailing shop in my country.
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Is this your first attempt at starting a business?

Do you already have a shop? What's the overhead like?

Most the time when a person opens up a physical, brick and mortar shop it's the overhead that kills them and turns them into a product shop, not a show car detailing shop because it becomes a numbers game where a certain number of cars need to go through the shop each month just to pay for all the overhead.

Here's the minimum most have to pay here in the U.S.
  • Rent
  • Insurance
  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Gas if you need heat and the heat is provided by gas

The goal for most people is to get the most shop they can get for the least amount of money.


As for tools, figure out what your going to offer and this will tell you which tools you'll need. Start by finding out what "established detail shops" are already offering as this will give you an idea as to what your customer base wants to pay for.

A lot of people would call around as though they were a potential customer and find out what other shops are offering and what they are charging.

Starting your own detail shop can work but you need to do your homework first. Most of the best pro detailers I know are mobile as this enables them to cut-out the overhead and keep most of the profits.

:)
 
DaniusLithuania said:
The boy who will teach my. Hes work is her. IMANTO POLIRAVIMAS - Foto galerija
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Your friend is showing all exterior work, does he also offer interior detailing?


What is the electrical current your country uses?

This will help you choose the right tool as some tools we offer are available only for 110 volt where some tools are configured for other countries.


For example, the Flex 3401 is available in both 110 volt and 230 volt,

FLEX XC 3401 VRG 230 Volt Orbital Polisher, international model FLEX XC3401 Buffer


Most Metro products are available in 220 volt


autogeek_2139_999872.jpg
 
Welcome all the way from NJ. Best way to start is prob mobile detailing. Unless your highly known and have people waiting for your service. Gl I'm also trying to start a business, the winter months give me a lotnof time to research.
 
In my country we use 220volts. I dont have a business but I am ready to do this. I am just 24 years old. But I love cars and love to do this. I work in car wash. So I know how to do interior, but we do chemical interior way. Not steam. In my country no one offers mobile detailing. I want to work on interior and polishing cars, removing sckraches. I have my own garage. So no rent. And what about that New FLEX PE14-2 Rotary Polisher? And what do You think about my teacher? Does he doing good out side work?
 
slickooz said:
Welcome all the way from NJ. Best way to start is prob mobile detailing. Unless your highly known and have people waiting for your service. Gl I'm also trying to start a business, the winter months give me a lotnof time to research.
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Thanks mobile detailing is this [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jc68ZHwTCg]YouTube - ON THE SPOT MOBILE DETAILING[/video] ?
 
DaniusLithuania said:
Thanks mobile detailing is this ?
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Yes, Mobile Detailing is when you go to the customer's location.

For the exterior, since you need 220 volt, consider getting both the Flex 3401 and the new Flex PE14

There's a special for the Flex PE14 going on right now, not sure how much longer it will last..

FLEX PE14-2-150 Rotary Polisher, FLEX circular polisher, rotary buffer, circular buffer, FLEX PE14



You'll also want a couple of good wool cutting pads for the rotary and a good selection of foam pads for both the rotary and the 3401

The smallest size you can safely use on the 3401 is 6.5" in diameter but you can also use these on the rotary buffer too. Here are two very good backing plates that will enable you to use 6" pads to 7" pads

Meguiars Solo Easy Buff W66 Rotary Backing Plate 6 Inch

Heavy Duty 5 Inch Rotary Backing Plate


Flex recommends a max size of a 7" buffing pad but says it will work an 8" pad also with no problems. See this thread,

The New FLEX PE14-2-150 Rotary Buffer



:)
 
Thanks I saw this video. Very nice. I also have started work on my web site. Can You take a look and say is it any good. geras I do this for extra money in my bank account. :D So if someone need web page just PM and I will help out. And I want to ask Mike do You post all stuff to my country?
 
DaniusLithuania said:
Hello, my name is Danius. I am from Lithuania. In EUROPE. I want to open auto detailing shop in my country. I want to buy all equipment from Your web site. I thinking about FLEX polishers. So how many buffers and polishers I need for opening? To do proper job. How many pads and other stuff may need to get. My budged is around 2500$. I will fit in to this? And I think about steam vacuum for interior detailing. Is it any good? Vapor Chief Steam machine or is more cheaper and do the job. Sorry for my poor English. Thanks for reading.
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I'm going to let the others tell you how to spend your money, but I would like to welcome you to Autogeekonline :welcome:

BTW....Your American English speaking is better then mine :o
 
thanks for greeting. I want Your opinion as well how to spend the money. What products do the best for long lasting finish?
 
Also look into getting a paint thickness gauge (PTG). If your thinking about doing this for a living. From what I read it is as important tool as a DA because it tells you how much paint you can work with. I'm also looking for a budget one, the highline 2 seems like a great starter. I hope someone who has one would chime and and explain a little more on it.
 
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