New Mobile Detailer

[livinlowkey]

I've been detailing cars for about the last 7 years on a part time basis. (mostly just neighborhood cars and friends) and have finally decided to open my own mobile detailing business. I have a few questions I would like to get answered so that I can get as much input as possible. I want to know everyones opinion if possible.. I figure better to know what other detailers think and what products they use to better equip myself for a full time business. If there are any questions I didnt ask that you think I might need to know feel free to add them. Sorry bout the long post. Just trying to get things done right.



Do you make follow up calls with your customers?

What types of Questions do you ask your customers when scheduling an appointment?

Where do you Market you business?

How much money is a good rule of thumb for a sound marketing plan?

How much capital should be set aside for slow times?

What is a good service to offer for bad weather days?

Are there any special techniques with the orbital buffer you recommend to avoid swirls?

What type of pads do you use for buffing?

What products do you use for stain and odor removal?

What are your slowest months?

What acids do you recommend for rim and wheel cleaner?

What are the list of Products that you would recommend a mobile unit having?

 

[Detailer 4 Life]

Follow up calls are a great idea and should always be done for repeat buisness. You should also start a mailer and give discounts to attract them back to you. Your professionalism will speak for itself and going the extra mile for a customer always makes the difference. Try to edjucate them as well in maintaining their vehicle. Also take pictures of your accomplishments on all vehicles it will help you in many ways even showing a customer what their car can look like.

Ask customers how much time you will be able to have with the car explain how much time you need do not rush your work take your time but don't slack on the job get things done in a timely matter.

you can market your buisness anywhere! internet, libraries pizza shops, gas stations, malls, parks News papers this is up to you!

Money for a marketing plan, i have seen people start this buisness up with as little as $300 and a lot of hard work. it really depends on what you feel you need.. do you need a water tank, pressure washer, steam cleaner, brushes, bottles wipes pads buffers and chemicals transportation? be more specific with what you need please.

for bad weather days i dont know anyone that wants their car detailed in the rain however they might have a garage or office building with shelter you can use or many people bring tents and then cover the car when done.

orbitals are very easy to use you can avoid swirls by keeping the pads clean labeling them for specific products. always washing the paint and claying before compounding. do not use pad sizes and pads that are not recommended for products you are using.

their are all types of pads cutting polishing finishing and made by various companies choose a provider and see how you like their pads don't just stick to one brand try many and then choose.

odor removal and stain removal chemical guys products work great for me as well as some meguiars and other various companies steam cleaners work wonders and worth their weight in gold just with the time they will save you..

acids for rims do not use one paticular one it depends on the rim you are treating you can harm a rims finish if you do not use a correct chemical for its finish.

you do not need many products you need products that have multipurposes if you are starting out to save cost and time if you would like further help PM me or contact me online Diyautodetail@aol.com hope i was able to answer some of your questions!