help please!!!

B

blazingpw

New member
I'm trying to change my detailing business to mobile. I'm a full time firefighter but i have alot of time off due to my work schedule. I have a 13hp 3700 4gpm cold washer, a 325 gallon tank. I have everything setup but i am confused about
1. whats teh best pressure washing chemical?
2.also what do i do about water run off after washing? (epa?)
3. what prices do you suggest? (north carolina)
4. insurance? (i'll be doing this solo and part time)
5. how much chemical is used on each car?

Thanks alot guys!
 
Most of the professional detailers on this board are detailing all day and aren't able to check in very often. Many of the members here are just enthusiasts and don't have that kind of equipment. You'll have to be patient for the pros. They are busy this time of year.

Meanwhile... the search function is always there for you. :) Welcome to Detail City!
 
I'm not mobile so I can't help you, but if you search under the pro detailing forum you might find some things.
 
1. There are a multitude of soaps that you can buy to run through a PW. If you're going to apply the soap with a PW and follow with a wash mit I'd recommend a mild soap i.e. Megs Gold Class. If you plan on doing the whole job with the PW then any sodium hydroxide based soap would be better. Either way, you're going to have to use some "elbow grease" on parts of any vehicle.

2. EPA rules concerning water runoff are Federal, and depending on where you live and work are enforced differently. Some places don't enforce them at all. Out here they're very strict, and no waste water is allowed to enter a storm drain.

3. I don't do prices. Every demographic is different, and it shouldn't be to hard for you to find out what others are charging in your area and go from there.

4. Buying insurance when you're just starting out and not real busy is tough, so the trick is to not screw anything up. I carry 2 million Business Liability with 100k Garage Keepers coverage attached.

5. I don't know what kind of pressure washer you have but my guess is that it's setup for downstream injection of soap, so you'll be using approximately 30 ounces per minute. The best way for you to do it is premix your soap in a 5 gallon container and cut it at 4 to 1 with water. 4 gallons per minute is plenty fast, but 3700 psi is a LOAD for high end passenger vehicle. I'd suggest that you cut the psi in half until you get real good at it.

Good Luck & Welcome to this Site :)
 
Well sir , I don't use a PW so I can't help with the soap question. I hand wash and use the clients water. I have a small Honda gen that powers the PC and the vacuum but for the water extractor I use the clients power.

What clientel are you going after ? Business , shopping centers , parking lots . You can make a decent wage by going residential.

And I think the EPA will let you wash cars in their driveways.

As far as chemicals go , start small. get a good wash soap , a wheel cleaner , a degreaser, trim and tire dressing , a good polish and a wax .
 
I plan to gain business from personal care owners. I'm offering to go to the peoples home or work. I feel there would be more business if i offer to go to peoples work and wash there car so it wouldn't incovience them after work or on saturdays.
 
blazingpw said:
I plan to gain business from personal care owners. I'm offering to go to the peoples home or work. I feel there would be more business if i offer to go to peoples work and wash there car so it wouldn't incovience them after work or on saturdays.
Click to expand...


Here in Hawaii that doesn't matter much . People will use other cars and leave you with theirs or do the laundry while your working.

Just get your products and get the word out and people will make sacrifices to accomodate you if you do good work .

Some of my regulars will drop their car off at my home. Or I offer a free pick-up and delivery in nearby areas .

It might be differeent where your at . Most people here are pretty laid back and trusting..and always looking for a good detailer.

Good luck man
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top