1. I like vans. They give you tons of space for good marketing signs. I have a Honda Element that I use in my business. Since I don't use water, I don't need a huge vehicle. Think about fuel economy. The miles you drive eat into your bottom line. The difference in fuel economy between a big pick-up and a small van is huge! Remember, your vehicle is your single biggest cost. Make it work for you as best you can.
2. I like using PoorBoys World products. Everyone will have their own opinion on this.
3. Starting off, you don't need to buy in bulk. Just buy enough to get yourself started. You can detail about 30 cars with one 32 oz bottle of Poorboys EX-P. If you buy a case of bottles, you will save some money per bottle. But do you need to have stock on hand to detail 350 vehicles? Also, when you are starting out, you need to figure out what products work best for you. What happens if you buy in bulk and you don't end up liking the product?
My only other suggestion would be to minimize the number of wash services you do and maximize the number of full details. Just doing washes all day, you won't make any more than about $20 for every hour you work. Completing details will get you 40-100 per hour. Which sounds smarter to you? Working 8 hours to make $160 at 20/hr or working 3 hours to make $150 at 50/hr? One occupies your whole day and ends up being your daily maximum. The other leaves you 5 hours to expand your service.
