Detailing for profit

[triplethreat]

I am considering starting to detail for profit. since i know there are a lot of professionals on this site i thought i would ask you guys a few questions.



1) Would it be a good idea to make up a portfollio of the work i have done(mainly my vehichles and other family) to show people the quaility of my work.



2) Would it be unproffesional to want to look at the vehichle before I agree to detail it?



3) I have no clue as to how much to charge somebody(and am worried if i charge them too much they won't be satifsfied with my work) should i start of with low rates and build them up as my experience and confidence grows?



4) I am not looking to get too serious right now as I don't have a PC yet and do everything by hand but i should be able to get quality results by hand right?



5) Should i make some sort of contract with the owners for things i can't clean such as very stained seats etc.(keep in mind this will be done at my house on the side not a full fledged buisness)



6) Any other suggestions would be great.





I may be new at this but i feel i need to start doing other vehichles to get better. Always doing my two clean trucks really doesn't teach me anything But, in the same instance i don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

 

[CobraCraig]

Before I start the detail I walk around the car with the customer when I can. That way both of us point out things that need to be fixed and any additional charges that come up. On pricing research what others charge in your area or call afew dealerships. If you take on clients at a low price (below market) they will hold you to it and refer with that pricing.

 

[DaGonz]

I am considering starting to detail for profit. since i know there are a lot of professionals on this site i thought i would ask you guys a few questions.



1) Would it be a good idea to make up a portfollio of the work i have done(mainly my vehichles and other family) to show people the quaility of my work.

Yes. "Before and after" pics are the best.

2) Would it be unproffesional to want to look at the vehichle before I agree to detail it?

Not at all. Some people say that their car is "relatively clean"... and when it gets dropped off or tyou go to get it it looks like a filthy rolling dumpster. You can aslo see what you are coming up against and plan and price accordingly.

3) I have no clue as to how much to charge somebody(and am worried if i charge them too much they won't be satifsfied with my work) should i start of with low rates and build them up as my experience and confidence grows?

A few calls to other detail shops in the area will give you an idea of pricing. If you price yourself too high, you risk losing the potential client. Too low, you will be taken advantage of.

4) I am not looking to get too serious right now as I don't have a PC yet and do everything by hand but i should be able to get quality results by hand right?

Good results can be achieved by doing things by hand, but do yourself a favor and invest in a PC. It saves time, and time is money.

5) Should i make some sort of contract with the owners for things i can't clean such as very stained seats etc.(keep in mind this will be done at my house on the side not a full fledged buisness)

See quote #2. By looking at the vehicle prior to accepting the job, you will know what you can and cannot do. A detailer is an "automotive beautician", not a "magician".

6) Any other suggestions would be great.

Enjoy yourself and have fun!

 

[imported_mirrorfinishman]

1) Would it be a good idea to make up a portfollio of the work i have done(mainly my vehichles and other family) to show people the quaility of my work.



2) Would it be unproffesional to want to look at the vehichle before I agree to detail it?



3) I have no clue as to how much to charge somebody(and am worried if i charge them too much they won't be satifsfied with my work) should i start of with low rates and build them up as my experience and confidence grows?



4) I am not looking to get too serious right now as I don't have a PC yet and do everything by hand but i should be able to get quality results by hand right?



5) Should i make some sort of contract with the owners for things i can't clean such as very stained seats etc.(keep in mind this will be done at my house on the side not a full fledged buisness)



6) Any other suggestions would be great.

First of all, let me say that you have come to the right place to learn more about detailing. The good people here at Autopia are always more than willing to teach you everything they know about detailing.



1) It is certainly a good idea to have a portfolio of your work. That's a very good way to show people the type of quality they can expect from your work.



2) Unless you have a very good idea of what you will be faced with, then it is always best to see the vehicle first. Hey, even a relatively brand new car can still require a lot of work to bring it up to speed. Seeing the vehicle first also gives you an opportunity to talk with the customer and have the customer get to know a little about who you are and what you do. That's always a good way of getting the job.



3) I like the idea of starting off with low prices, however you still want to be competitive. So you don't want to be too low. Once you gain experience and confidence you will be able to figure out how much money you need to make in order to make a reasonable profit. That will come as you progress.



4) There is nothing wrong with doing everything by hand. Actually, it can even turn into a marketing success, especially if you're the only detailer in your area who offers that type of specialized detailing service.



5) You should always make it clear to the vehicle owner about anything you think you may not be able to take care of. I'm not really sure it needs to be a written contract, however, it must be a mutual agreement.



6) The only other suggestion has already been mentioned; Enjoy yourself and have fun! Really, try to look at this as an extention of your hobby. The business side of things will begin to fall into place soon enough. And keep posting your questions here at Autopia!