Need advice on OFFICIALLY starting a mobile detail operation

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Anosmiac

New member
I have been detailing now for a few months, and I want to go ahead and make my business official. Ideally, I would like a mobile setup (either a cargo van with a water tank, pressure washer, generator, etc...or a trailer and truck), and all of the necessary supplies to go with such a setup (enough chemicals, polishes/waxes, supplies, tent, etc).



In order to do this, I would have to seek some financial assistance from a bank.



What would I need to do, and in what order? Should I incorporate first? Seek my business license first? Should I prepare my business plan and present it to the bank(s) first to see if I can secure financing before I incorporate, or would they need to see that I am incorporated first before they would even speak to me?



Also, when looking to start a business, what type of money would you think I need to secure? Assume I have NOTHING (which I do have a fair amount of supplies in the way of a rotary, cyclo, polishes/waxes/dressing/etc., brushes, MF towels, etc).
 
The absolute first thing you should do is have a well-written business plan. I've taken a few classes and read books on this and a proper business plan is essential for the bank and successful operation of your business.



It should take you some time to write and you need to be very descriptive and professional. My first business plan was almost 20 pages. Included will also be how your business is organized... incorporate, sole proprietor, LLC, etc... Your best tool is research and knowing your business inside and out before even starting.
 
Before you get started with an official business plan, you may want to consider just writing a basic description of the business. Then add in why you think your business will be profitable. Then gather up some of the information you have already learned about operating a detailing business. Finally, write down what I think is unique about your new business. Get these basic ideas down and then go from there.
 
Busy people love a service that comes to them. I have used a mobile detail co., mechanic, delivery service, etc. I am very busy like most people and if you can come to me and perform well your my guy.
 
'I just started mine, but not full time. I have my license, bussiness names registered and insured. I have a full time job at a local grocery store which I have been working at for almost 5 years...One week your slammed with cars next week only a wash. It will be smart to keep/get a steady job on the side for the first year or two. And dont rush into buying all kinds of vans and high priced equiment so soon, you could get yourself in trouble if it doesnt work out.'
 
Thanks for the all the info guys. I am treading cautiously, but I also have to move forward with an aggressive mindset. Lots of low-cost car washes in my area, and I have to market myself as a good reason to spend the extra money. I'm going to head forward working out of the back of my VW GLI, but also utilize my townhome garage as a place of business. Hopefully, 2008 will allow me to either set up a mobile vehicle (van or pickup) or even set up a location. First thing is first...I need to incorporate and acquire a business license.
 
That sounds like a "not allowed" use of your townhome garage, I would make sure that is going to fly...last thing you want is to get a thriving business going and lose your garage for business purposes.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
That sounds like a "not allowed" use of your townhome garage, I would make sure that is going to fly...last thing you want is to get a thriving business going and lose your garage for business purposes.
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In reality, you are correct. However, I have gone ahead and proactively placed myself in good graces with my neighbors by offering free wash/vacuums once a month.



This is also very temporary, just until I I finish the incorporation process and find a space where the rent won't kill me! I am already in negotiations with some on 2500 sq ft, so hopefully that works out.
 
=This is also very temporary, just until I I finish the incorporation process (snip).
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Insurance is much more important than incorporating, even then, consider a LLC.



We do over $300K per year as a sole proprietorship, but we have millions in "Garage Keepers" insurance.



Good Luck.



Jim
 
I have thought about insurance before, and i have a few questions. I was told by the best local detailer that he is paying as much as a doctor for his insurance. Does it really cost THAT much? Along with this guy i am also thinking about starting my own detailing company/high end storage. I have found a plot of land i want to buy and it was apraised by the city at 65,000 for a HUGE plot of land. and lucky for me its in the middle of EVERYTHING. Me and my father have started thinking about names and designs of the buildings, even though i know that is the last thing to talk about. But i think im going to build the front part (detailing/office building) in English tutor and make the name something like Oxford Detailing or something like that. The way i would make this is since im still in school and some weeks i might not be able to detail that many cars, i would make it so the Car storage would pay for all the bills and such.
 
I know im going to get a lot of "haters" or people trying to help me out by telling me to not do it or im too immature (me bing 14 and all), and im sure there will also be those guys calling BS on me but im not kidding about this. But if there is anything that will help me, please say it. Anosmiac, i didnt mean to hyjack you thread, i think this would help you as well as me.



Thanks guy!
 
baseballlover1 said:
I have thought about insurance before, and i have a few questions. I was told by the best local detailer that he is paying as much as a doctor for his insurance. Does it really cost THAT much?
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No. Not unless he has messed up a lot in the past and had a bunch of claims. Check with your local insurance company.



I was pretty surprised that it wasn't all that much when I checked. A few hundred a year for $500,000 coverage. I wouldn't have more than one car in my shop at a time so that's good for me. I work for an architectural firm and our insurance is is the tens of thousands per year, I would think that's more online with a doctor. lol
 
baseballlover1 said:
Anosmiac, i didnt mean to hyjack you thread, i think this would help you as well as me.



Thanks guy!
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No worries! I think that is what sites like this are for...to be able to get as much info as possible. And I like your thought process...value added services on top of detailing. For me, this will be a necessity as I live just outside of Chicago, and winter is typically a very slow time for detailers in this area.
 
Yea exactly! i was thinking about getting a "wash bay" and a detailing bay for the building i was thinking about. I know some guys are probobly saying why would you get a wash bay if your avg winter temp is like 39. I am just a panzy with cold. But yea... i think in my situation, it would be better to have auto storage. I would ideally like to have all Porsche club guys in there (all family friends).
 
Before you go official, be certain that you can treat the following common problems you'll encounter as a pro:



1. Odor: dog, food, and tobacco.

2. Stains: mustard, coffee, heavy dirt, tar, baby formula, ink, and pet urine.

3. Heavy pet hair.

4. Road tar and tree sap.



This is the kind of day-in and day-out work that will get you referalls and keep your schedule full. The average customer is a mom with kids...not the old man with the Porsche.



Guys who make the jump from amateur to pro are generally very skilled with paint correction, but lacking in interior detailing skill.
 
I think i am exactly the guy you are talking about.... maybe a little less then pro on paint correction also. But yes i completely agree about the less then average about the interior. I was thinking about if/when i take out the business loan i would add about 500 or 1000 on to buy a hot water extracter for very hard stains. I think i can handle smells, i would just shampoo/extract/clean all surfaces (head liner and such). But yea you are right, i have to get better at interiors.
 
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