Working from home (garage/driveway) detailing & paint correction

Perhaps it's the general mentality that people have toward "professionals" that work from home? They just don't feel they're good. Maybe not trustworthy?

Would you see a dentist/doctor that practiced out of his home?
Would you take a dog to a hom-based vet?
Accountant? Lawyer?

My tax guy works from a small "office" in his driveway.
Until she needed surgery, the family dog was treated by a home based vet (she was mobile as well)
My most trusted mechanic works out of his garage.

My own detailing is done from home/ mobile.

While I may not have issues with home/garage based business, I think many people do.
 
Apple was started in a garage, Underarmor in the founder’s grandmother’s basement...
 
I've never had a customer walk away because I'm home-based. Then most all of my work is word of mouth and referral so they know ahead of time. The only reason I've had some quotes not come through is they were expecting me to quote them super low pricing for my work.
 
Great question. I detail from home part-time(seasonal here in the upper Midwest). Just a couple of things I focus on...

1) I keep my personal vehicle clean and swirl-free so I can show the customer when they arrive "...take a look at my old(2003) daily driver" and they go "that looks good."

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2) Keep your garage neat and organized as it gives the appearance that you are truly 'detail' oriented. I don't know anyone who'd bring their vehicle somewhere to get detailed and the place is a mess.

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3) Spend some money on good lighting and a banner or two with your logo on it. You'll spend a little money but you'll make money in the long run.

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I believe you can look like a pro even if you're working from home. If you do quality work, so much the better.

David
Dave's Detailing
 
JustJesus said:
Perhaps it's the general mentality that people have toward "professionals" that work from home? They just don't feel they're good. Maybe not trustworthy?

Would you see a dentist/doctor that practiced out of his home?
Would you take a dog to a hom-based vet?
Accountant? Lawyer?

My tax guy works from a small "office" in his driveway.
Until she needed surgery, the family dog was treated by a home based vet (she was mobile as well)
My most trusted mechanic works out of his garage.

My own detailing is done from home/ mobile.

While I may not have issues with home/garage based business, I think many people do.
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My best friend in high school, his dad was a dentist with his office attached to his house. I was at boarding school and over his house for the weekend. I got a 104 temp and was sick as heck and it turned out to be a tooth issue, he performed a root canal, gave me antibiotics and I was fine in a couple days. Thankfully he had a home based business.

Another friend of mines dad made over $200,000k a year as an accountant, his office was at home.
 
I personally don’t really care where someone operates out of, as long as they are professional and do good work.

I mean, what is really the difference between a shop location and a garage attached to your house? Other than maybe size, it’s the exact same thing. If you had a reasonably sized detached garage on your property that you utilized as a shop.. is that not professional?

Where exactly would you even “draw the line” is what I wonder in regards to this.

Maybe the atmosphere of being in a shopping center or industrial type area gives the impression of “oh wow, look at all these big businesses around here - clearly this guy is a hot shot.”

I figure Mike Phillips is probably a solid example of how it could play out in someone’s head. All things being equal; if you were to pull up to the AG garage to have him work on your car or brought it to him at home.. I’d say it’s not unreasonable to assume most would feel the AG garage puts off a lot more of a professional vibe no matter how nice his set up at home would be.


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215Detailing said:
as if you are not PROFESSIONAL or that you should should work for cheap.
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I don’t really think to much about the working from home thing... If anything, I tend to think more about not having a foam cannon/power washer and your own water supply making a big impact on how “professional” you appear to potential customers. I’ve had times where I’ve been on the phone with potential customers and they ask if I have my own water tank and it’s not a great feeling having to say no..
 
◇ My location. Just a block from my location I can see dental office driveway from my garage.
So being as we are both home based businesses should he be any cheaper than a dentist that works in a shopping mall?
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custmsprty said:
My best friend in high school, his dad was a dentist with his office attached to his house. I was at boarding school and over his house for the weekend. I got a 104 temp and was sick as heck and it turned out to be a tooth issue, he performed a root canal, gave me antibiotics and I was fine in a couple days. Thankfully he had a home based business.

Another friend of mines dad made over $200,000k a year as an accountant, his office was at home.
Click to expand...

And you disliked my post because? Maybe hit the wrong button?
 
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Where would you drop off your Lamborghini?


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As Dave mentioned, keep your garage neat and tidy. I'd say 50% of the customers who come by my place comment on my garage.
 
Commercial properties are not always located in the best parts of town. That alone could turn away potential clients. Chances are, if business owners take pride in their cars and their customer's cars, then they will take pride in their home garages and neighborhoods. I would absolutely deal with a home based detailer. Justin and Final Inspection comes to mind.
 
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