New Member looking for tips and advice

S

sport994

New member
Hello All,



I am 14, and i recently started my own mobile 'detailing' business here in southern vermont. Around here 'detailing' is considered a good clean and a nice wax. There probably isnt somewhere to get your paint corrected for nearly 50 miles. I have been a longtime lurker here and had always admired some of the amazing work on even more amazing cars that are posted on this site. Now since my business is started i figured that i should post and get some input on my website, business, and advertising bits. So here goes, the website is Parente Mobile Detailing - Home .. I am still working on text and probably a slideshow for the homepage, but i have the rest of the pages nearly completed. I also have attached a sample flyer with my logo that i put together. All criticism and encouragement is welcome





Thank You,



Nick
 

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  • Parente Mobile Flyer.jpg
    Parente Mobile Flyer.jpg
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Hello Nick!



First of all welcome to autopia! I was your age when I sarted my detailing business and am still enjoying the profession at 17.



Below I've compiled a few links that have helped me in my business...



The "little tricks you've learned thread"

- This thread is a great contemplation of tricks and tips the autopia community compiled.



Mail Chimp

- A free online e-mail marketing program that I use to send out special deals and newsletters.



Survey Monkey

- A free online survey maker. I use this to get input from customers about their detail. This is also a great way to gain e-mail subscribers and testemonials instead of asking the customer face to face (which can be awkward IMO)



Overnightprints.com

- A great printing company where I get all of my custom printed goods. Good prices and fast shipping, plus you can usualy find coupon codes floating around for free shipping or free business cards.



The Forum

- The autopia forum is the holy grail of detaling knowledge, but I'm sure you know that by now. :)



Twitter and Facebook

- My facebook and twitter pages are struggling to get started, but I hear they are a key link between you and the customer. I use mine to offer special discounts and offers to my followers. Its free advertising and links you to a larger customer base.



Few more things...



- Website: Looks good to begin! It's clean, easy to navigate and decent prices, but keep improving! I would add an "About Us" section so people who don't know you on a first name basis know who they are giving their keys to.



- Save, save, save: Open a bank account and save your profits to build up a reserve. This way if an unexpected expence arises (say your shop-vac goes kaput) you have the money to buy a new one.



- Business Licence: If you truly want to become a legitamate business you need to have a business licence. They are realatively cheap and will keep the IRS from dinging you for not paying taxes. In Washington you can get a "Sole Propriator" licence for only $25 and easly apply online (although it could be different in Vermont).



- Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy: If you enjoy what you do you'll never have to work a day in your life. Be sure to enjoy what you do and take pride in the service you provide to the customer.



- Marketing: Word of mouth is the best advertising there is. Fliers, e-mail campaigns ect. are great, but word of mouth is golden. Spread the word about your business and be sure to provide a service that people want to talk about and show off to their friends. If you do that, your business will flourish (no guarnetees though).



- Good Luck!: Detailing has its highs and lows. Don't expect success to hapen overnight. It takes years and years to build a stabe, sucessful and profitable business (heck it's been years since I last wrote myself a paycheck). But dont let the overwhelming task scare you off. Never give up and always follow your dreams.



Hope the info helps! If I think of more things I'll be sure to add them. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavour and feel free to PM me if you have any questions!



- Derick
 
I would bring a little more of the car into the light or something with a little more pop or reflection. Have you found a brighter colored vehicle you could use?
 
dlocks,



I'll have to take a look into the Mail Chimp and Survey monkey, they look like very interesting marketing ideas..

I just started up a facebook page.. up here, twitter is pretty much shunned so i doubt i'll bother to get into that.

I'll have to work on adding an about me section and i guess a email newsletter signup if i start using that Mail Chimp program

I've been thinking about going for a business liscense but i think that i'll wait till i get the business in full swing for one.



Thanks,
 
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