New Business, need some tips!

D

Diamond Details

New member
Hey guys, as you can guess from the topic i'm starting a new business! It's going to mainly be a part-time thing unless it gets to the point where i'm makin some serious change. I've just recently been introduced to this site from someone I met on a Celica website, not sure what his name is on here but there its bme107.



Now to get down to busniess...



My main questions are, since my business is going to be a "Mobile Detailing" business, what products should I buy in bulk and where can I buy them? What are some things I should invest in, equipment wise? Some experience pointers would be great too!

Thanks in advance, from what i've read so far you guys are the best :xyxthumbs
 
have you done a lot of detailing in the past, or are you thinking that this will be a little quick pocket money? I would read around and this and the detailing forum for a few weeks if i were you, i know that i did. I thought that i was good at detailing, and these people have helped mt to become much better. Do you have alot of startup capital? That is going to determine what products you are going to buy and how much. I prefer to stick to some of the higher end products, because that is what my customers like, and are willing to pay for. Most of your questions have been answered in this forum somewhere, and again it would be real smart to take some time and read through all of the posts in the pro forum. Good luck on your new venture, (oh and i own diamond detailing up in rochester, dont love the name anymore, but people know it, and it is a hassle to change everything) anyhow good luck, and if you want any more help, advice, or just stuff (forms, flyers, B-cards) I have templates for just about everything :)



~mike
 
I've looked around, I have a good idea as to what products are "High Quality" but what i'm looking for really is how do I buy them wholesale and where? Also my equipment question....i've thought about investing in my own water supply since i'll be a mobile business. What are good brands of some shop vac / pressure washer / carpet shampooer ?
 
First, try www.topoftheline.com for mobile detailing needs, then do a search. This topic has been covered many times. You can get Megs. BSP line from local auto supply stores. CMA and poorboys have gallons available too. Are you going to be using a rotary or PC? You might want to look into a hot water extractor as well as you are going to need insurance and probably register your business with the state. If you are going fully mobile, you will also need a generator and maybe a canopy.
 
I've registered my business with the state already. What is poorboys website if they have one? I'm using the Meguiar's Buffer (a.k.a. PC 7335) that was specifically designed for them and comes ready to use. The only difference between the 7335 and the 7336 is the head attachment that I would have to purchase seperate, i've called porter cable directly and confirmed this. I'll take a look at topoftheline.com but i've already done a search for this topic, didn't find the results I was looking for, maybe i'll search again.
 
I don't wish to burst anyones bubble nor am I seeking to be rude but I find it very difficult to see how one can be a "part-time" detailer when there is so much about detailing that is "full time".



IMHO if you do detailing part time then your work may also have a "part time" look to it and if that be the case then part time suddenly turns into "no time". Detailing......you get out of it what you put into it and for a pro, or someone seeking to be a pro, it has to be a passion and a labor of love and a opportunity to make some "change" second. Get the two turned around and you'll be looking for someone to buy all your products and equipment real quick.



I hope your business does well but also realize that you have got to have a "full time" attitude even if you can only work at it "part time".



Anthony
 
Anthony I actually bit my tongue on this one. You said it best. PASSION is what sets you apart in detailing or anything else you do in life. I honestly believe that many back yard detailers do this business an injustice. I have seen everything in this business. Anyone thinking of starting their own business I would like to recomend that you work for a professioal detailer for a couple of years before you go into business for yourself. 90% of all new businesses lasts less than 14 months, 5% last 18 months and the last 5% last 5 years or more. You must put your heart and soul into youi business 24-7 in order to be successful.
 
Maybe I was missunderstood. I meant part-time because i'm not exactly sure what kind of market a "Mobile Detailer" will have down here. I put 110% into all the work that I do, believe me. I'm just worried, knowing my local area that there will only be people who are satisfied with the typical gas station car washes etc... I plan on making it a "full-time" job if I get the business but my passion isn't just the money, it's the love of the detailing. :xyxthumbs
 
Auto Care USA said:
Anthony I actually bit my tongue on this one. You said it best. PASSION is what sets you apart in detailing or anything else you do in life. I honestly believe that many back yard detailers do this business an injustice. I have seen everything in this business. Anyone thinking of starting their own business I would like to recomend that you work for a professioal detailer for a couple of years before you go into business for yourself. 90% of all new businesses lasts less than 14 months, 5% last 18 months and the last 5% last 5 years or more. You must put your heart and soul into youi business 24-7 in order to be successful.
Click to expand...



Good points gentleman. I think the most important part of starting any business first and foremost is knowing a little about business. How many backyard detailers (and "pros" for that matter) think that getting $80 for a complete detail is just the cats ***? Do the math, work out the numbers and if you are truly doing a professional job then you are making little more than minimum wage - don't waste your time. Get trained, learn about business and present yourself as a professional and you will do well.
 
Anthony and Auto Care.....

There are some of us "backyard" detailers, who perform details, "as a hobby"....Because we like to do it, we get something out of it, something that our medical insurance supplying, dental care, vision care, retirement/pension, 3-day weekend, rain or shine, cold or hot, 2 weeks paid sick time, paid holidays, 4 weeks paid vacation, father of three, i only "work" 16 days a month job cant give me................If its done not for business, but as a hobby, because its enjoyed how can you say
I find it very difficult to see how one can be a "part-time" detailer when there is so much about detailing that is "full time".
Click to expand...
There are some of us "backyard" detailers that can perform every bit as well as those who own shops, with regular clients.....



My apologese if im coming across a little stiff............But i can guarantee you, i enjoy being a "part-time detailer", and am as "passionate" about it as any full timer..........



This post should have been in University !
 
Patrick said:
This post should have been in University !
Click to expand...



the way its looking, more like "Community College" ;)



seriously Patrick I agree with you on most of those points, I mean how the "backyard" detailers are hurting the business is that we're showing that it doesnt take a shop or shop owner to get the same results as long as you know what you're doing and put all of yourself into it. Just because its a person's hobby doesn't mean that they'll never be as good as a full-time working professional.
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
the way its looking, more like "Community College" ;)



seriously Patrick I agree with you on most of those points, I mean how the "backyard" detailers are hurting the business is that we're showing that it doesnt take a shop or shop owner to get the same results as long as you know what you're doing and put all of yourself into it. Just because its a person's hobby doesn't mean that they'll never be as good as a full-time working professional.
Click to expand...



I partially agree with you that there are a number of dedicated enthusiast detailers out there who are very meticulous and can do a very high quality detail just like a professional shop can. Unfortunately, these enthusiasts are few and far between and so are skilled professionals for that matter. We've all seen horrendous work done by so called "professionals" and I have seen some really messed up stuff from enthusiasts as well. What hurts the industry for the pros is that there is so much marketing jargon and misinformation as well as untrained people doing business in detailing. Detailing is a profession that can be learned by almost anyone if they put in the time and the effort but very few are willing to do so. Most of the people doing business as "detailers" regardless of whether they are pro or enthusiast charge too little for what they are doing or don't do enough work to make the job right - that's what hurts detailers.
 
Part-time, Full-time, Professional, Non-Professional.



A lot of this is just snobery IMHO. Let the results speak for themselves.
 
Shine Shop I could not agree with you more. In all the years that I have been in the business I cannot tell you how many times I would advertise a job opening. It would say the usual minimum 5 years experience required. 90% of all applicants were backyard detailers who new very little about auto detailing. To me this is not 5 years experience. 95 % of the applicants could not even buff a vehicle. This is not 5 years experience. I pay top dollar for my help. I have a gentleman with me for 21 years. I am not putting the backyard detailer down, it's just they have an awful lot to learn.
 
Patrick,



I believe you misread my post. I am not being a "snob" nor an "elitist" in any way. My point about being "part time" was not directed towards those, like yourself, who are not in it as a business but rather a hobby. "Diamond Details" on the other hand is seeking advice and pointers on a business and not a hobby.



My advice was that while he may start off in a part time mode his attitude and outlook has to be full time if he ever wishes to be truly full time.



Sorry for any confusion or if my words were seen as insulting to others.



Anthony
 
Patrick said:
Anthony and Auto Care.....

There are some of us "backyard" detailers, who perform details, "as a hobby"....Because we like to do it, we get something out of it, something that our medical insurance supplying, dental care, vision care, retirement/pension, 3-day weekend, rain or shine, cold or hot, 2 weeks paid sick time, paid holidays, 4 weeks paid vacation, father of three, i only "work" 16 days a month job cant give me................If its done not for business, but as a hobby, because its enjoyed how can you say There are some of us "backyard" detailers that can perform every bit as well as those who own shops, with regular clients.....



My apologese if im coming across a little stiff............But i can guarantee you, i enjoy being a "part-time detailer", and am as "passionate" about it as any full timer..........



This post should have been in University !
Click to expand...



Everything I was thinking. I love this guy. :bow
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top