Advice on a new business!

Z

zainoshine

Don't forget the pedals!
Hello,

Last month my family bought a 2004 Acura TL. I had been researching the purchase for about 4 months, and I was surprised when we took the plunge when we did. I joined the acura-tl.com forum and was bombarded with people praising Zaino products. I ordered an array of their products and spent weeks learning about how to use them. I feel extremely comfortable and knowledgeable about the products and the application, so it was only natural for me to think of the business opportunity involved.

I began my business research by discovering autogeek.net and looking at some new products I could add to my lineup, and began thinking about how much I should charge, based on materials cost and labor. I really enjoy doing this and I spent six hours detailing our TL last week Saturday. I’m a high school student, and I don’t want to do the usual grocery store bagger job, so I’m pretty serious about starting a small detailing business in Spring of 2005, since it’s obviously not going to happen this winter.

From autogeek.net I was tipped off to this site, and found this forum, so here I am! I’ve checked out some of your websites, and compared what you charge to what I was considering as pricing, and I continue to learn more. I have DUMP TRUCKS FULL of questions and I’m a little confused by all these different products. I’ve decided to use my Zaino. Do you think I could start a business using Zaino? I believe in the product and it’s results, since I’ve seen them for myself, and I was contemplating what I could add in addition to complement my Zaino. This is the list of what I have, and I plan on ordering some other products from autogeek.net, but please give me your advice so I can make some educated choices on my products and application.

Exterior…….Zaino Z-7 Wash, Z-6 Glass Enhancer, Z-2 Polish for Clear Coats, ZFX Accelerator (for Z-2 to cure), Meguiar’s Clay Bar and Lube, one Viking Microfiber Polishing Cloth, 3 100% Made in USA Cotton Towels.

Interior…….Not Much! Z-10 Leather Conditioner. That’s it.

So, obviously I need more product, so could you guys give me your views on what’s good, what I should get in a addition to (vacuum cleaner?), and just an overall assessment. I’m ready to go at this full force, but on a modest STARTING budge of under $200 for my first few cars. That’s in addition to Zaino, which I already have. Once I start getting a customer base, I hope to invest more, until I’m at the professional level.

Thanks in advance for your professional insight. Like I said before, I love doing this. By the way, I live in Wisconsin (if that matters?) and I need to know if there are any licenses/special taxes/fees, etc. that I need if I’m only doing this as a very small business (for the beginning), any agreements I need to make with Zaino company?

Thanks,
Carl
 
As long as you aren't using the name 'Zaino' in your business name unless your last name is Zaino or you have Zaino's premission, then you should be fine. Its kind of an expensive product to be using in a business on a regular basis, but I suppose you can use it if you want. Most people who do this for a living or for money on the side will use less expensive products that they can get larger quantities of. In my opinion, Zaino is just too pricey for a professional detailer as it is a show car polish. If you buy alot, you may soon become their number 1 customer. :lol
 
It is an expensive product, but if I'm only doing 60 cars or less a year, I think it's fine. That's my goal for the first year, and if I get bombarded with customers, I'll try to make the switch, but now that I'm familiar with the Zaino application, I'll have to learn everything about traditional waxes and polishes. Are there any quality brands that you use or prefer, that are less pricy than Zaino?

carcar
 
Well good luck and welcome to the DC. My only recommendation would be to get a lot of quality microfiber. You will need more than 1 :) Other than that, I wish you the best of luck in your venture!!!
 
You should read up on other products to use before Z to prep the paint, maybe get a PC and some mild abrasive polishes. Using Z on anything but a new car will not look as good as it could without prep.
 
Welcome Zainoshine.

I know a few people who use Zaino as ONE of the options they offer customers, but I'd advise looking at others too including a cheaper sealant and a Carnuba wax IN ADDITION to the Zaino. Then offer your customers options at different price points, you know, normal finish, Zaino high shine more durable, premium Carnuba for a warmer finish etc. Think about it, do we all eat the same foods or buy the same clothes? No. People will pay more for a certain finish if you sell it right.

BTW, Zaino is all I use on my daily drivers.

Just my 2 cents...
 
Hi,
I stumbled upon this post and thought I would chime in. I have been doing what you are describing (detailing with zaino)now for about 6 months with good results. I don't use exclusively zaino products however. For instance, I use Poorboy's and a Porter Cable for swirl removal as I have found the Z5 just doesn't get the job done. I also use some cheaper tire gloss and some different interior products as well as a clay bar that I can get locally. But for the shine, Zaino all the way!

I have a website that describes the services we offer and also has before and after pictures of vehicles we have detailed. If you want to check it out, visit www.mmautodetail.com And let me know what you think (either here on the forums or email me at antiduke_99@hotmail.com) I am eager to get some feedback on my first website!

Thanks,
antiduke
 
Thanks for the responses, guys. It seems I've discovered another GREAT forum here at detailcity.com! antiduke, that sounds like a great method you've got there, I would most likely do something similar...with mainly Zaino. How much are P.Cs? Are they difficult to use?

I was considering getting an assortment of 8-10 microfiber cloths to start out. Maybe I'll pick up some more interior products, also from autogeek.net. Speaking of interior, what are some great products and applications that you use for interior, especially carpet stain/cleaning and leather cleaning/stain removal?

Thanks again!
zainoshine
 
Welcome to Detail City,

Before you venture off into this as a business you may want to contact your local Chamber of Commerce or City Hall and seek out what is all involved in having a detailing business, like insurance and what types of permits, license may be required of you.

States and cities are cracking down on detailers, especially mobile detailers, for their water usage and for not having water run-off containment mats. I am told its a big fine if caught, although you usualy get a warning first.

California is coming down the hardest but other states will soon follow.

As for "Zaino" being used.....I don't care for the product myself as it gives off too much of a plastic saran-wrap finish but if you are into that more power to you. Many professional detailers don't have the time to sit there and go through the Zaino procedure, it's not cost effective to many of them. I agree with them.

Far too many products out there that work just as well if not better with less money and effort.

Anthony
 
How much do those licenses and permits cost? Also, I've been looking at all these alternatives to Zaino, and it is completely overwhelming!!! I have no idea what to buy! I'm thinking about a P.C., but then what wax/polish to use, how to remove swirl marks/scratches, which pads to use, which P.C. to get....can anyone with experience tell me, in detail (no pun intended), what you use for everything? Where can i get contaminent mats?

thanks,
Carl
 
Carl,

The permits and such should not be a big cost, maybe $20 to $50 max.

The containment mats, depending on which type you use, can run anywhere between $300 on up to $1500.

If you are seeking on doing mainly cars at peoples houses then I would say you may not need to bother with a mat BUT just be careful and watchful if doing cars in business parks and such. Most property managers will kick you off their site because you don't contain water and/or you may not have any liability insurance.

So stick with doing cars at your house or theirs, stay away from de-greasing engines and don't go nuts looking into which product to use as there are a great number of fine products out there. Look at those posting pictures here and what products/procedure they used.

Anthony
 
Anthony do you have any pictures of your Haz Mat setup? It must be a pain the butt to setup everytime.
 
So,

Any product recommendations?

Vacuums, waxes, polishes, pads for P.C., which P.C., what kind/brand of microfbier, washes, interior products? Could someone just post all of the products they use?

I appreciate it!

Carl
 
ZainoShine,

Welcome to DC! Im sure you will find everything you need to know here and if you can't find the info post the question im sure that someone here will know the answer. This has to be one of the most knowledgable forums that I have seen in a long time. To make it even better the people here are great from the Owner/creator of Detail City to all the sponsers that help support and make detail city one of the 7 wonders of the world! Now with all that said...

Here are my recomendations to you.

1. If your planning to start up your little business come next spring you have some time so take things slow.
2. Jngrbrdman has done some great write ups on his OCDetails website I suggest reading through his entire website.
3. Although zaino is a great product beleive it or not better results can be acheived with less expensive products and less work!
4. Look in to other product lines there are a lot of diffent lines. You will find that there are a lot of fans of Poorboys World Products. Not a lot of money But What a shine! 4* Products also makes awesome products you will find that 99% of the better products out on the market are not available at you local Auto Zone!

I think that should help you get started. Don't forget to keep notes for your self... Since I stated detailing this past spring I have a 40 page document that I refer back to on tips and tricks....You never know when you might need that info at your finger tips.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Focus, I would love to see that 40 page document with all those notes, I'm sure there's some great info in there.
 
Zainoshine,

I actually started my side business with the same philosophy as you. All that I knew from the Audi and BMW boards was Zaino was a great product and it has a bit of a cult following on the 'net. I was sooo blind to all of the other great products that I got permission to use the Zaino name in my business AND went at it. In hindsite...if you haven't picked out a business name yet..DON'T put the Zaino name in it...you'll get stuck with something that you just want to work around. Because of the name I still use SOMETHING Zaino in each of my details and for white and silver cars i still use Z2 on the exterior because it really makes those colors POP...BUT as many have mentioned above there are several other products that will give the same or better results for much less money esp when determining money per oz. of product.

Anyhow...you'll probably need about $500 in materials to correctly get started. Maybe less depending on how much Zaino and other products that You've already got. You'll definetly want a PC and pads (probably 1 cutting, 2-3 polishing, 1 finishing to start), differing levels of abrasive polishes (I'd purchase SSR1, SSR2 and SSR2.5 ) interior dressings, leather products, vinal and cloth top products, interior spot cleaning products, vacuum, ect to really do it right. I've slowly accumulated my product selection to where there's nothing that I cannot tackle now, but it was a long learning process to get there.

Be very glad that you found this place before starting your business unlike me. There are several good articles around here that will show you the correct ways to do things in order to create happy customers..and from what I've found very little of my business comes from people who even know what Zaino is..most of it is from individuals who just need some care for their car and could care less what I use. That said offering Zaino to people who know what it is could be a good way to increase profits a little so don't completely rule out the product...but don't try to sell the detail on the Zaino name either.

Hope that helps. Even though I'm a rank amateur around here you can feel free to PM me for questions.

Andy
 
Big P said:
Focus, I would love to see that 40 page document with all those notes, I'm sure there's some great info in there.
Click to expand...

Ill see what I can do about getting it up on one of my websites over the weekend for all to view!

A lot of it is just 1-2 line comments/notes from various different people that I didn't quote or anything it was just more on the lines of wow thats intersting ... so that I could refer back to it at a later date.

Random products that aren't used everyday but might be worth having kind of things ect... I think you get the idea!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top