Auto detailing as an add on business

C

Cruznmechanics

New member
Just wondering if anybody does auto repair or some other kind of business and has detailing as an add on service? We've been thinking about expanding into detailing. I'm sure there is plenty to learn and a solid learning curve associated with detailing.
 
You could for the right price. I just wouldn't bet on anyone asking you for a quality job since your main focus is mechanic work.
 
Auto Detailing in general can be whatever you decide you want to make it.

It can be just a quick wash, vacuum, and wax - production style, or it can be a more detailed, thorough cleaning, and touching every square inch of a vehicle.

The more you get into it, the more time and $$$ it requires of both the Detailer/Company and the paying Client.

What level do you want to take it to?

What is the median income of the area/s you plan to work in to attract potential Clients to this new business venture ?

How much $$$ are you wanting to invest in the business?

What kind of equipment do you possibly already have that can be used in the business?

The reason I ask is because I work at a very good Independent German car repair shop and get work from them constantly. I supply everything for the work, they supply at least temporarily, a space and electrical power.

Perhaps you might think about this kind of arrangement as well.. I am an independent contractor working for them. I bill them, pay them a set percentage of the cost, and they add something to it and bill the Client. It is all legal and they collect the taxes and pay the State..

Perhaps you could find a Mobile Detailer - a good one - and talk about how this could work out in your building, etc...

Just putting out some ideas out there..

Good luck with this !
Dan F
 
As mentioned you need to decide what you will offer. I personally have over extended myself. Being Able to offer ground up restorations and concours detailing I have found the quicker turn around is much better income wise.
Detailing being quicker but is no less than 16hr to start.
I teamed up with a local European repair shop an refer work back and forth. Clients are happy both ways. Going too far can backlog you and make people unhappy all in house.
A simple wash and vacuum may be enough but have a qualified contact for more in depth work. Everyone stays happy.
 
Cruznmechanics said:
I would imagine detailing can only be scheduled out about 2 weeks tops? Most people want it done asap I would think.
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I have business scheduled out a year from now (monthly repeats) :bubba

Most people aren't going to wait two weeks to get their car detailed. That's why you need two or three different hacks ... urrrrr detailers to choose from

If I were you I would offer 0 buffing. Just wash-n-wax, and general interior cleaning....maybe engines too seeing that you are a repair shop. People like shiny engines
 
Trouble said:
I have business scheduled out a year from now (monthly repeats) :bubba

Most people aren't going to wait two weeks to get their car detailed. That's why you need two or three different hacks ... urrrrr detailers to choose from

If I were you I would offer 0 buffing. Just wash-n-wax, and general interior cleaning....maybe engines too seeing that you are a repair shop. People like shiny engines
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+1

The top quality customers usually plan things way in advance or have a routine maintenance schedule.

Ex. Wash every 2-4 weeks, full detail every 3-6 months, correction every 6-24 months.

As far as buffing, my advice... LEARN! Do it for yourself, take the time to learn to correct your own car, then graduate to other's once you get a grasp. A crappy polish job will send customers away from your business entirely, so in other words you maybe playing roulette.
 
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