Water, Power and Waiting

[edschwab1]

I am just starting out part time (I have been a detailing enthusiast for a long time) hoping to supplement my income and have the following questions.

What do mobile detailers do for water for the wash?
Ask client for water hook up?
If so, do you offer the client a slight reduction in price?
Also, how do you ask or sell this to the client?
Use a waterless or low water wash? I have used Quick and Easy wash, with ok results. I plan on trying Poorboy's wash.
Purchase water tank?


Power for Buffer and vacuum
Ask client for power outlet to hook up extension cords?
If so, do you offer the client a slight reduction in price?
Also, how do you ask or sell this to the client?
Purchase a generator?

Waiting room
If a client brings a car to your location do you:
a. Provide a waiting area
b. Provide a ride
c. Tell client they will need a ride


Eric

 

[NattyBumppo]

Hey Eric,

All those questions you have are exactly why I really have no desire to be mobile. Are they insurmountable? Hell no. Folks like Anthony Orosco are proof of that. Still, since I'm also doing this as a supplement to my income plus out of a love for detailing I'm not making it any harder on myself than I feel it should be. For me, being "mobile" means that I travel 30 minutes to detail out of my fathers garage which has an indoor washbay and huge enclosed/heated garage area. If I'm not working there I'm working in my driveway. So far I haven't really had a problem not being mobile but like I said I'm not trying to get work every day. If it were a full time gig I'm sure I'd have to be way more flexible. Or better yet, open up a shop like Tacscar Tim or JGV did.

Regarding the wash....definetely give Poorboys Spray and Wipe a try (Dwayne is stocking some Poorboys stuff now). The last two cars I did did not see a hose.....including the tires and wheels. It is nice not to have to spend time drying and dealing with water leeching out of every nook and cranny while you're trying to polish or wax.

Good luck!

Natty