College Student Detailing Tips?

B

BradUF

New member
I have been trying to get into this for a while now but I am not even sure how to start. As a a full time college student I don't want to become established as this being full time for me. I really do not want to put an ad in the yellow pages for various reason but I don't know how to get the word out. I know how to design websites and flyer's professionally since I have taken Business technology classes but really do not think this will generate the desired the results. I have also designed business cards but I fear the name I used has already been taken but I have no idea how to check this.



As a college student I am really only looking to do this two maybe three days a week and only make about 100-200 a week. I do own about $600 in car chemicals, high end stuff, plus pads but I don't want to get into polishing other people's cars until I feel I am experienced enough. Also, being in a college town I fear I will deal with image of being another college kid with a sponge and dawn soap, especially since people think I look 17, when I am really 22.
 
I am a full time college student as well in Baltimore, MD. I havent thought of the Craigslist idea but it probably brings in some good business.
 
ScrubSRT said:
Craigslist works pretty well for me, i get about 3 Full Details per week and about 3 Wash & Wax.
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I am in FL and from my understanding detailing is really big here I might have to try this. What did you do just put a name and number? Did you post your prices or just say call for a quote?
 
I just put up an ad with my Name and Explain that i do detailing i made an Email address just for those kinda emails and i have them email me i can set up a time and a price to do it.
 
I started detailing when I was a junior in high school (I'm a junior in college now) and I got started by working at a dealership for basics and then another detail shop to work on my skills. I think that might be the best way because you get a feel for how professional work should be done (not necessarily true at all dealers though) and a feel for products, technique, etc.



As far as starting my own business went, I started by charging much lower than I do now and using a variety of advertising mediums. A website is very important I feel, and business cards and flyers as well. A lot of local businesses will let you put cards and flyers on their counters and stuff, and I did a lot of advertising in this bi-weekly circular that gets mailed to all the houses in my town with coupons like "Free RainX Treatment w/ Any Service" or "$30 Off Two Details" and so on. Like you, I didn't want to be in the phone book because it initially wasn't a full time gig.



Once you are good at detailing cars, it can be a good idea to approach businesses with fleet vehicles and offer to keep them looking good. I did work for a used car dealership as well as a couple of construction companies and our town's police department.
 
How many hits did your website get? Also, I was thinking of putting an ad to the back of my window on my Camaro SS which is show quality car.
 
Brad, if you're in Gainesville, the market is pretty slim. Put up some fliers on campus boards, and I'd REALLY suggest going by Shands and dropping some fliers there. The mall is a good spot too. The main thing is getting client referrals.
 
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