Small Business Opportunity

Z

ZaneO

New member
I might have the opportunity to buy:



This truck ('99 Dodge Ram 4x4 w/ 56k original miles):



dodge.jpg




And this set-up (225 gal. tank, pressure washer, generator, etc.):



0d_3.JPG




It would be a great opportunity to grow my business and make a decent income, but I don't see myself doing this full-time past graduation in December...so I'm having a hard time deciding what to do.



What do you guys think?
 
How long does it take you to do a full detail on a car? How do you think business would be if you were to star mobile detailing? These are the 2 main things I ask when I think about mobile detailing.
 
A "full" detail on a car really depends on the condition of the vehicle and the services that the clients are requesting, but my typical time frame is 4-6 hours.



I think that I could have enough business to keep me busy during my available hours.



The actual business part isn't really what I'm unsure of here...it's the investment of buying a mobile rig and only being able to take full advantage of it for 5-6 months.
 
I would say "No".





I have been more than fine with my Teg for about 2 years or so. I am always trying out new spacing and stuff but am always able to fit what I need.
 
The biggest advantage of the trailer/tank setup that I have been considering is the fact that I could utilize reverse osmosis water in my washing and detailing routine.



Typically, I would be able to wash the car and walk away without drying :cool:
 
ZaneO said:
The biggest advantage of the trailer/tank setup that I have been considering is the fact that I could utilize reverse osmosis water in my washing and detailing routine.



Typically, I would be able to wash the car and walk away without drying :cool:
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With a water deionizer?







Is that a BBQ on the trailer?
 
GSRstilez said:
With a water deionizer?
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There is a local RO water supplier that delivers.







GSRstilez said:
Is that a BBQ on the trailer?
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LOL :chuckle: No, it's just the top of the generator...a BBQer wouldn't be a bad thing to have out in the field...I could cook up some steak while detailing :2thumbs:
 
I would say dont buy a older dodge truck. They are bound to have problems with the drivetrain. I work at a mechanics shop and we get a large percentage (75%+) of rams with slipping trannys, leaking trannys, leaking gear boxes and many stories of customers rams going on their 3rd trannys, and even 3rd engine!

As far as the detailing trailer, how much do you think you would actually use that? And if you buy it you can always put a nice trailer hitch on your camaro. lol
 
I haven't really heard that before about the Dodge trucks. This one has been serviced and maintained very well (with no known problems).



If I had the trailer I would use it a great deal...for a while...



Sorry. Lots of thinking out loud in this post.



EDIT: After some researching, it seems that some of the Dodges do have problems with trannys, axle seals, ball joints, etc. http://www.minerich.com/dodge_ram.htm
 
ZaneO said:
I might have the opportunity to buy: This truck ('99 Dodge Ram 4x4 w/ 56k original miles): It would be a great opportunity to grow my business and make a decent income, but I don't see myself doing this full-time past graduation in December...so I'm having a hard time deciding what to do. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...



How does buying this truck fit into your business plan?
 
mirrorfinishman said:
How does buying this truck fit into your business plan?
Click to expand...



A truck is something that I have been looking for regardless of the detailing business...it's something I need for business and personal use, but I'm seriously reconsidering this particular truck.



I think my best option right now is going to be waiting and continuing running my business as I have been.



Thanks for the advice guys!
 
Do you need a 220 gallon tank?

-How far away from the water store are you?

-How many details could you foresee yourself completing in a week?

-I have a 90 gallon tank and four six gallon jerrys that I fill up once a week. That usually gets me thorough five details and about six maintenance washes.



If you don't need the 220 you could put a low pro 100 gallon in the rear of another truck (jittery of the drive train in Dodge also) and make some cool cash during the summer months. A trailer is going to decrease your gas mileage and place added stress on making sure its all locked down. 25-30 hours per week equates to say $4000 a month. Sounds good to me ;)



Wish I had more time. . . gotta go to lunch.



HTH.
 
I may get flamed for saying this, but Dodge trucks aren't the most reliable. As Pontman43 said, it is bound to end up with drivetrain issues. The transmission specifically will be the first thing to go. Dodge is improving the quality of their trucks, but I still wouldn't want to own one without the factory bumper to bumper warranty, just my opinion.



As far as you and your business, I don't see how this could improve it any. People care about the quality work you do, not what you pull up in. The amount of money you are going to spend (and keep spending to keep it maintained) isn't worth simply having de-ionized water. I'd find some kind of portable water filter type thing before I bought this whole rig, if it was so important.



In addition to that, you mentioned not even being sure if you are going to continue this career past graduation. Think about resale for this setup. Will you be able to get your money back, or will you, again, be at a loss?



These are just a few things to think about.
 
Yep, I've pretty much ruled out Dodge trucks as a whole, and I've also ruled out the mobile setup.



I currently do all of my work from home, and I thought the ability to go mobile would increase my customer base, but with all factors considered, I'm not going to worry about it.



:)
 
If you can afford the truck and trailer and use them to make decent money right now, it probably is worth it. You can always sell both or just the trailer when you graduate, or use it for extra income on the weekends.



And no, I didn't bother reading the entire thread first...obviously. :doh
 
ZaneO said:
I'm not completely certain, but I think I could have gotten it for $1500-2000.
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there was a guy trying to sell me one 4 $400 bucks with a water tank/pressure washer on it . but it was nice.
 
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