Hobby Detailing

A

Ardorius

New member
Hi all,



I started out doing this as a hobby, however (being a college student), I would like to branch out and do some detailing throughout my breaks. I have created brochures to advertise my work. I am NOT a licensed detailer, just a plain, college student with a lot of experience on my own and family's cars. Is there a chance that I may get in trouble/sued for detailing other people's cars (those who call me because they have seen my brochure)? Beyond the consequences of not being insured (I realize this is a problem) can anything else come and bite me in the butt? I just want to make sure I can detail cars on the side without actually owning an official business.



To those of whom may be worried: no, I am not a hack job, I have been doing this for the past few years (like I said, solely on my family's cars) and have learned a considerable amount; so much so that I feel confident in doing a stranger's vehicle.



Thanks for your opinions and answers,
 
Welcome to the forums.



I'm not sure there is even such thing as a licensed detailer.



You're biggest problem will be the insurance, especially if something happens. I'd just make sure you let people know this is a side gig. The thing that might hurt is your flyers. I've known people to do it on the side and advertise like that and then get customers that call up and make an appointment and are teed off that they are handing their car over to someone working out of a 1 car garage.
 
You can try to get away with running an illegal business, but I wouldn't advertise if that was the case. You may be required to hold a valid business license, collect and pay sales tax, pay income tax, file your name with your state/fed, ect...... If someone in the government finds out about your business and they start investigating, you could owe big time fines and back taxes. Just set up an official business and do it the legal way. That way can advertise as much as you want without any risk.
 
mini1 said:
You can try to get away with running an illegal business, but I wouldn't advertise if that was the case. You may be required to hold a valid business license, collect and pay sales tax, pay income tax, file your name with your state/fed, ect...... If someone in the government finds out about your business and they start investigating, you could owe big time fines and back taxes. Just set up an official business and do it the legal way. That way can advertise as much as you want without any risk.
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It could take one competitor who is paying taxes to turn you in.
 
This is exactly the type of information I was looking for - thank-you!



I am a little intimidated with starting my own business, especially since this is a side gig to a 20 year old college student; not sure if I will even generate enough income to make the whole process worthwhile. All of these new taxes are intimidating as well, and quite frankly, am unsure if this is worth it. I already made a local business site on google (maps). I suppose it would be wise to remove that. Additionally, putting brochures on people's cars may also come and bite me in the butt as you guys stated. Any advice on what to do in terms of going ahead with this or not? I'll contact my state gov. to inquire about how much taxes are and what exactly is involved in the process.



If anything, this will look good on my med school resume; starting a business, LOL.



I honestly appreciate your guys' comments and welcome new ones.



Regards,
 
As if we needed another non-licensed and non-insured operator in this industry. Really though, if you are going to do it, why not do it right. It is not hard to obtain a business license and insurance. It will be a valuable learning experience. I do not think you understand the harm this does to our industry, and the legit businesses who do things the correct way. People have a negative view of the auto detailing industry because of all the fly-by-night operators running around with no license and insurance.
 
brwill2005 said:
As if we needed another non-licensed and non-insured operator in this industry. Really though, if you are going to do it, why not do it right. It is not hard to obtain a business license and insurance. It will be a valuable learning experience. I do not think you understand the harm this does to our industry, and the legit businesses who do things the correct way. People have a negative view of the auto detailing industry because of all the fly-by-night operators running around with no license and insurance.
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However harshly, you're right, thank you for your opinion. I've decided to go ahead and get a license - I've been researching the issue more and more; I was naive to think it would be difficult to obtain a LLC at the least. I will definitely go ahead and do that in the near future, as it seems to be a very non-rigorous process (correct me if I am wrong).



I also do want to apologize to those whom I offended, namely brwill. Thank you for shedding some light on my intentions.



Thanks to all!

Still open to comments!



Regards,
 
Ardorius said:
However harshly, you're right, thank you for your opinion. I've decided to go ahead and get a license - I've been researching the issue more and more; I was naive to think it would be difficult to obtain a LLC at the least. I will definitely go ahead and do that in the near future, as it seems to be a very non-rigorous process (correct me if I am wrong).



I also do want to apologize to those whom I offended, namely brwill. Thank you for shedding some light on my intentions.



Thanks to all!

Still open to comments!



Regards,
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Sorry if I came across harsh. I was not offended, but only trying to illustrate the damage that non-licensed operations do to this industry. It would benefit everyone with an auto detailing business if the reputation of the industry, as a whole, was more professional. You will be better off in the long run by getting a license and insurance now, rather than later. Treat this the same as if you were starting a business you plan on keeping for a number of years.
 
Sometimes you guys have to face it. This Is an industry that people can and will do from home with very little start up fees. I'd say more than 80% of the detailers I do business with are doing it on the side. And the sad part is, I'd trust them with my vehicles way before any of the "professional" licensed shops in my area.
 
Yup, and that is the big problem when one desires to really take a business such as this to the next level. The general perception on the street tends to be negative, with regards to auto detailing. Many, would rather take their car to commercial car wash and have an 'express detail' done. The car wash, with their fancy building and guys in a nice uniform, project professionalism. This perceived professionalism is why so many people in my market choose to go to the local car wash, rather than call some unlicensed auto detailer who shows up in a beat up van. I will continue to try to change this perception by being a good example.
 
when you guys are talking about "license" are you talking about a business license in your state? because the law allows you to operate a business as a sole proprietor and that wouldn't require a license. you would just file your taxes under your personal tax return. no different that renting out a house.
 
salpac said:
when you guys are talking about "license" are you talking about a business license in your state? because the law allows you to operate a business as a sole proprietor and that wouldn't require a license. you would just file your taxes under your personal tax return. no different that renting out a house.
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Yes, but doesn't your city or municipality require you to have a business license to operate a business ? Has nothing to do with sole proprietor vs partnership vs corporation.
 
salpac said:
when you guys are talking about "license" are you talking about a business license in your state? because the law allows you to operate a business as a sole proprietor and that wouldn't require a license. you would just file your taxes under your personal tax return. no different that renting out a house.
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In the county I live in, a business license is issued by The Commissioner of the Revenue, and is basically a license for them to tax you. It does, however, officially establish your business. This can come into play when you go to obtain financing. Some states or counties may require you to obtain additional licensing or permits. The point is, that if someone starts an auto detailing business, it should be done properly, just like any other business venture. The fact that many detail business are side hobbies, or un-official should not be an excuse to not be legit.
 
I'm glad somebody finally started this thread. I think this is an area that is not discussed enough. There are plenty of awsome detailers on here that are worried about what can happen if they advertise their services. I think a lot of us are not established as a legal business because we do it as a weekend job out of our own personal garages. I think if we could talk about the ways to establish that type of a business it would be beneficial to everyone...I think the questions we should address are

-What specific permit or license do you NEED?

-Also is it a necessity to have insurance?

if anyone else has anything to add feel free, I'm just getting it started
 
As much as I hate sending in my quarterly premium, insurance is a good thing for a business owner. Not only does it protect you from huge financial problems, it gives you and your customers, piece of mind. If one desires to project professionalism to potential customers, insurance is a must.
 
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