I am researching starting a mobile detailing business. I wanted to get everyones advice on the best/quickest way to gain knowledge/training on detailing. I have ordered several books that cover professional detailing, but I have also received info from detailing training schools selling "complete" training/startup packages. Appearance Plus in Florida seems to have a good, thorough training and startup package for detailing, but I want to find out their reputation from the detailing community. Let me know what you think and what the best course of action would be for starting my detailing business. Thanks.
Starting a business
- Thread starter bubba2u
- Start date
Hi and welcome!
Good call on starting a business, detailing can be very rewarding both mentally and $$.
I think I speak for a majority of the forum members when I say 'time' is the best teacher. BUT, otherwise, you will learn tons and tons on this forum alone, as well as ordering DavidB's book on http://www.Autopia-carcare.com
Also, go out an play with products, try different things on different cars...trial and error.
If you have specific questions, the search feature is a GREAT tool for fast answers.
Good luck and happy detailing!
:wavey
Good call on starting a business, detailing can be very rewarding both mentally and $$.
I think I speak for a majority of the forum members when I say 'time' is the best teacher. BUT, otherwise, you will learn tons and tons on this forum alone, as well as ordering DavidB's book on http://www.Autopia-carcare.com
Also, go out an play with products, try different things on different cars...trial and error.
If you have specific questions, the search feature is a GREAT tool for fast answers.
Good luck and happy detailing!
:wavey
T
TheOzzfather
Guest
Dale DeSteno said:
I have been trying to PM you for weeks. If I remember right we were going to meet for coffee in Maple Grove. I think I have the right person. Everytime I PMed you it said your box was full. Holla at me!
Just a few suggestions about starting your own mobile detailing bussiness as I have done. First, you need to learn the skills. David's e-book is a must. If you still don't feel as confident as you'd like I might suggest www.rightlook.com. They offer hands on and tape workshops to learn detailing, dent repair, glass repair etc... Secondly, invest in some kind of cordless buffer system. Too often I've taken care of customers and they need some machine buffing work but there is no outlet available. Try the electric drill pads from Classic Motoring supplies. Meguiar's is coming out with a new cordless buffer but I'm not sure how well it will perform. It's debut is late in October but the industry show will be in November. I'm sure we'll all get some insight into how well it works by then. Lastly, get yourself some nice bussiness cards. Some are free on the web, ie. www.vistaprint.com. You pay about 8-10 dollars for shipping 250 cards. Put your name, number and some basic pricing on the cards. Try to get in with some doctor at a hospital garage. Tons of M.D. want their cars cleaned but have no time to wait for hours. Detail while they work and cash in, plus the garage will give you the shade you need. Let me know how it goes.
imported_Intermezzo
New member
Gsustache:
As a mobile detailer, what do you do for water? Do you use your customer's hose?
Also, have you tried out those electric drill pads yet? I was considering getting them but was told that they tend to splatter product excessively. I was considering getting the Meguiar's buffer also, but I would think that a cordless drill would have a lot more power than the small little "Wen-looking" Meguiar's polisher would have.
Also (sorry for asking so many at once!), what do you do for shade? The customer's garage?
As a mobile detailer, what do you do for water? Do you use your customer's hose?
Also, have you tried out those electric drill pads yet? I was considering getting them but was told that they tend to splatter product excessively. I was considering getting the Meguiar's buffer also, but I would think that a cordless drill would have a lot more power than the small little "Wen-looking" Meguiar's polisher would have.
Also (sorry for asking so many at once!), what do you do for shade? The customer's garage?
Intermezzo:
Thanks for your inquiry. 1. As a mobile unit I use my own water source. A 2 gallon spray tank (like the ones to spray pesticides) is appropriate. You can't use tons of soap b/c the tank isn't that powerful, but to do maintence work it's perfect. The tough jobs take a little longer but I keep a few gallons of water in other containers in the car to refill if needed and use only micorfiber cloths to clean gently.
2. As for the electric pads, if you follow directions they work great. You have to disperse the product first before turning on the pads. 12V drill provides plenty of power. Having a backup battery pack is key as many jobs may take longer than the battery can last.
3. If you're in a big garage, ie hospital garage, use that as your shade. Plus you'll pick up bussiness as people come and go and see your work. (that's where bussiness cards are key).
4. I agree the Meguiar's product looks wimpy but it may surprise us. It's $100 for machine and 1 pad. You need a different pad for each step; compounding, polish, seal/wax. The three pack goes for $25. The drill pads come with 3 pads and 3 microfiber towels, plus some spray bottles. All for $50.
Ask away, no bother to me. By the way how can you have an interracial car marriage with the Jap and German? I'm an Acura man myself; RSX and TL but the M3 is my next purchase. How do you like your 330?
Thanks for your inquiry. 1. As a mobile unit I use my own water source. A 2 gallon spray tank (like the ones to spray pesticides) is appropriate. You can't use tons of soap b/c the tank isn't that powerful, but to do maintence work it's perfect. The tough jobs take a little longer but I keep a few gallons of water in other containers in the car to refill if needed and use only micorfiber cloths to clean gently.
2. As for the electric pads, if you follow directions they work great. You have to disperse the product first before turning on the pads. 12V drill provides plenty of power. Having a backup battery pack is key as many jobs may take longer than the battery can last.
3. If you're in a big garage, ie hospital garage, use that as your shade. Plus you'll pick up bussiness as people come and go and see your work. (that's where bussiness cards are key).
4. I agree the Meguiar's product looks wimpy but it may surprise us. It's $100 for machine and 1 pad. You need a different pad for each step; compounding, polish, seal/wax. The three pack goes for $25. The drill pads come with 3 pads and 3 microfiber towels, plus some spray bottles. All for $50.
Ask away, no bother to me. By the way how can you have an interracial car marriage with the Jap and German? I'm an Acura man myself; RSX and TL but the M3 is my next purchase. How do you like your 330?
imported_Intermezzo
New member
gsustache:
Thanks for the info.
The 330I is pretty nice. The major downside to our car specifically is that it's an automatic transmission. It was purchased primarily for my wife and she insisted on it (of course, that's not going to be a prob with your upcoming M3!). Other than that, I think it's a terrific car. We test drove several of its competitors (MBZ C320, Audi A4, Acura TL) and the 330I really stood out. I think it had the best combination of luxury and sportiness. The sound of the engine & the way it corners really outclasses its competitors. It's not as 'silky' smooth as the TL or C320, but I think the trade-off is definitely worth it! Haha, when you step on the gas of your M3, I'm sure a silky smooth ride is going to be the last thing on your mind!
Regarding the fingered pads with an electric drill, I just got a reply from Terry of CMA saying that he would only recommend using that pad and electric drill combo to spot-fix areas of your car as opposed to doing the entire car. Have any idea why he would recommend that? Have you done entire cars yourself with this combo?
Thanks.
Tony
Thanks for the info.
The 330I is pretty nice. The major downside to our car specifically is that it's an automatic transmission. It was purchased primarily for my wife and she insisted on it (of course, that's not going to be a prob with your upcoming M3!). Other than that, I think it's a terrific car. We test drove several of its competitors (MBZ C320, Audi A4, Acura TL) and the 330I really stood out. I think it had the best combination of luxury and sportiness. The sound of the engine & the way it corners really outclasses its competitors. It's not as 'silky' smooth as the TL or C320, but I think the trade-off is definitely worth it! Haha, when you step on the gas of your M3, I'm sure a silky smooth ride is going to be the last thing on your mind!
Regarding the fingered pads with an electric drill, I just got a reply from Terry of CMA saying that he would only recommend using that pad and electric drill combo to spot-fix areas of your car as opposed to doing the entire car. Have any idea why he would recommend that? Have you done entire cars yourself with this combo?
Thanks.
Tony
I have an idea as to how to setup my mobile cleaning truck. I was thinking of having an electrical inverter installed on my truck so I could plug a shop vac, water pump/elec pressure washer, orbital polisher, etc into the inverter while the truck is idling for power. I think it would be more convenient than having to use a gas powered pressure washer, generator, etc. I was also wondering......is it standard practice to use a portable "carport" cover of some type to work under? This would be really important in the winter if I could find one with sides to keep the cold wind out while detailing a car. I was thinking of designing or modifying a pull out canopy like the type used on motorhomes, but modifying it by adding removable sides for bad weather/winter use. What is everyones thoughts on using covers? I'm thinking that it would be especially important when applying polish or wax in the winter to help keep products from becoming to hard to work with as long as the enclosed canopy had a heat source of some type. Thanks for all your info.
Hey Tony,
Thanks for your input on the 330. I agree it outclasses the competitors you mentioned. I own a TL as well but without the Type S it doesn't even come close to your 330. The G35 has really made things interesting. The numbers are shocking and the price is unbeatable but the sweet sounds and look of the BMW will always make it the ultimate driving machine. For the money I'm gonna have to really weigh the M3 vs G35 coupe.
As for your pad questions. I have indeed used them for the whole car, I imagine Terry told you to spot clean b/c most drills are rather heavy. Battery life may be an issue as well. Also if you're really restoring a car you need a high speed polisher like the DeWalt. I'm not into that right now. The most aggressive cleaning I do is with clay, Meguiar's Premium Paint Cleaner, #9 Swirl Remover, #20 Poly Sealant and topped off with a caranuba natural wax. All of this can be done with the pads (except claying and the last wax step, I do this by hand b/c I only have three pads right now and each chemical deserves its own pad). My Black and Decker drill is 12V with a back up battery pack, so I'm good for a few hours of drill/cleaning. I just did my RSX the other day and with some Black Again on the trim, Invisible Glass on the windows and Meguiar's Tire Gel that car looks better than when I bought it.
Stay in touch, I enjoy your questions and input.
Gil Sustache
Thanks for your input on the 330. I agree it outclasses the competitors you mentioned. I own a TL as well but without the Type S it doesn't even come close to your 330. The G35 has really made things interesting. The numbers are shocking and the price is unbeatable but the sweet sounds and look of the BMW will always make it the ultimate driving machine. For the money I'm gonna have to really weigh the M3 vs G35 coupe.
As for your pad questions. I have indeed used them for the whole car, I imagine Terry told you to spot clean b/c most drills are rather heavy. Battery life may be an issue as well. Also if you're really restoring a car you need a high speed polisher like the DeWalt. I'm not into that right now. The most aggressive cleaning I do is with clay, Meguiar's Premium Paint Cleaner, #9 Swirl Remover, #20 Poly Sealant and topped off with a caranuba natural wax. All of this can be done with the pads (except claying and the last wax step, I do this by hand b/c I only have three pads right now and each chemical deserves its own pad). My Black and Decker drill is 12V with a back up battery pack, so I'm good for a few hours of drill/cleaning. I just did my RSX the other day and with some Black Again on the trim, Invisible Glass on the windows and Meguiar's Tire Gel that car looks better than when I bought it.
Stay in touch, I enjoy your questions and input.
Gil Sustache
dgorilla,
Make sure before you spend tons of money on products that you dabble into the market to see what the demands are. You may notice that a good brush and power vac in 12V outlet is all you really need. Anyhow, as for the car covering; I suggest a simple inexpensive and portable system. Get some basic measurements of the biggest vehicles you will detail ie; SUV/trucks etc.. Then go to Home Depot and get some decent girth PVC piping. This will be your frame. Next purchase some white sheets so that some light will get through but not enough to cause problems. You can stich or tie the sheets to the PVC. Make the tubing small enough to easily collapse and transport. If you like this idea I can try to give you some more detailed numbers and suggestions.
Gil Sustache
Make sure before you spend tons of money on products that you dabble into the market to see what the demands are. You may notice that a good brush and power vac in 12V outlet is all you really need. Anyhow, as for the car covering; I suggest a simple inexpensive and portable system. Get some basic measurements of the biggest vehicles you will detail ie; SUV/trucks etc.. Then go to Home Depot and get some decent girth PVC piping. This will be your frame. Next purchase some white sheets so that some light will get through but not enough to cause problems. You can stich or tie the sheets to the PVC. Make the tubing small enough to easily collapse and transport. If you like this idea I can try to give you some more detailed numbers and suggestions.
Gil Sustache
dgorilla-There is also a rechargable Euro Shark Vac that is nearly as powerful as a small wet/dry vac. The downside is it only lasts for around 20 minutes or so, which means really nasty cars will require a plug in vac. I've use a couple of 12V vacs, including a Dirt Devil (no longer made in 12V version) and a Campbell-Hausen that is similar to the Dirt Devil (rotating brushes like a home upright vac). I still have the C-H vac. Normally though, all homes and most businesses have a plug you can use, and besides, it sure beats firing up a noisy generator for power, especially at someone's house on a Monday morning!
I've been using Protect All's Quick and Easy Wash for nearly 10 years now (started using it in the summer of 93 if I remember correctly). Here is a direct link:
http://www.protectall.com/qelg.htm
It's a non rinsing car wash soap. You just wash and dry. Takes only a gallon of water to wash most cars, trucks and SUVs. Several people have tried it on this board and I have yet to hear a negative comment. I carry 6 gallon jugs of water with me, so I always have enough water with me for the day. I pay about $36 a gallon (enough to wash around 150-200 cars) at my local RV store.
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I got the bulk of my business from putting flyers on doors in high end neighborhoods. I also got my name in the Yellow Pages ASAP. I used to have a small 3 line listing, but once I got established, I dropped it and just have the normal business name and number listing. I still get the same 6% of my business though the Yellow Pages and the other 94% is repeat and referral. Remember the cheapest form of advertising in this business is doing high quality work and people will pass your name around.
Just bear in mind when chosing detailing as a profession...not everyone takes as good care of their car's as you and your friends. Sometimes you will come across some really nasty cars, SUVs and minivans. Those days, you just have to grin and bear it.
Good luck.
BTW, check out my website at www.scottwax.com
I've been using Protect All's Quick and Easy Wash for nearly 10 years now (started using it in the summer of 93 if I remember correctly). Here is a direct link:
http://www.protectall.com/qelg.htm
It's a non rinsing car wash soap. You just wash and dry. Takes only a gallon of water to wash most cars, trucks and SUVs. Several people have tried it on this board and I have yet to hear a negative comment. I carry 6 gallon jugs of water with me, so I always have enough water with me for the day. I pay about $36 a gallon (enough to wash around 150-200 cars) at my local RV store.
-----------------------------------
I got the bulk of my business from putting flyers on doors in high end neighborhoods. I also got my name in the Yellow Pages ASAP. I used to have a small 3 line listing, but once I got established, I dropped it and just have the normal business name and number listing. I still get the same 6% of my business though the Yellow Pages and the other 94% is repeat and referral. Remember the cheapest form of advertising in this business is doing high quality work and people will pass your name around.
Just bear in mind when chosing detailing as a profession...not everyone takes as good care of their car's as you and your friends. Sometimes you will come across some really nasty cars, SUVs and minivans. Those days, you just have to grin and bear it.
Good luck.
BTW, check out my website at www.scottwax.com
Scott,
Fabulous work as seen on your website, congratulations. How far are you from Houston? Let me know. gsustache@yahoo.com
Gil
Fabulous work as seen on your website, congratulations. How far are you from Houston? Let me know. gsustache@yahoo.com
Gil
AzN Retribution said:Hey scottwax, I see your from the DFW area too. Don't forget the inept Dallas Cowboys and Stars... wow all our sports teams are washed up aren't they?
Do you know of any good detailing supply shops around here?
I can't seem to find any real good ones
Excuse me, but the 3-1-1 Stars are not inept!
Contact Barry at barrys@wash-solutions.com or at 214 904-1800. He is my rep at Progressive Surface Care on Lombardy Lane in Dallas (near the AMC Grand on Northwest Highway and Loop 12). Been dealing with them for 8 years. Good people and good prices on Meguiars professional products and Magnum cleaners.
Poorboy
Founder Poorboy's World
dgorila1, like gsustache I carry a two gallon water bottle but only use it for tires and wheel wells. I have been detailing high-line vehicles for over 15 years and everyday cars going back over 25
for the last 7 years I have not used a hose just waterless washes
but to do this only, you must be very careful and patient using only the best micro-cloths but in the long run you have saved time, there is no puddles or mess and you can do it anywhere(even in the hot sun). As previously stated nothing can replace time and trial and error, just have good products to back up your mistakes. I would also find a really good local detailer and apprentice for a while with him/her and suck up as much knowledge as you can and ask a lot of questions. If the detailer is good he/she will be able to help you off on the right foot. (don't tell him/her that you want to start your own biz right off either) Go on line too as you see you can get a lot of info. right here on autopia:up
steve
for the last 7 years I have not used a hose just waterless washes
but to do this only, you must be very careful and patient using only the best micro-cloths but in the long run you have saved time, there is no puddles or mess and you can do it anywhere(even in the hot sun). As previously stated nothing can replace time and trial and error, just have good products to back up your mistakes. I would also find a really good local detailer and apprentice for a while with him/her and suck up as much knowledge as you can and ask a lot of questions. If the detailer is good he/she will be able to help you off on the right foot. (don't tell him/her that you want to start your own biz right off either) Go on line too as you see you can get a lot of info. right here on autopia:up
steve