Starting a Detailing Business

[imported_mirrorfinishman]

I don't know if you were referring to the article as a "scare tactic" marketing tool, but my take on it was that it was a realistic view of what starting a detailing business many times entails. So many people come into the industry with the expectations that starting a mobile detailing business is going to not only be cheap, but also a cake walk as well. And for some genius entrepreneurs this may be true, but for the other 99% it just isn't the case. But I guess that is why this country is so great...with hard work and determination you can achieve great things.



Matt Williams

Silver Lining Detail

Hey Matt,



Let me be the first one to tell you that while the failure rate for starting a detailing business may be high, I certainly would not put it at 99%. That figure just sounds a bit unrealistic and is probably not based on true factual data.

 

[silverline]

Frank,



I think you might have misunderstood my statement. I didn't mean that 99% of businesses fail, but rather that starting a business is not going to be a cake walk for 99% of the individuals that start them. I know the odds are stacked against the self employed, but if it were a 99% failure rate I certainly would not have made the leap.



Matt Williams

Silver Lining Detail



P.S. I enjoy very much reading your posts. Very insightful and clearly backed by experience. Good luck to you in the new year.

 

[doged]

This is probably a good time to explain my business background. I was a 20 year sales and marketing Manager for Caterpillar and a few other heavy equipment company’s. It was a fun filled carrier with who knows how much professional training invested in me. I’ve attended board meeting and the same question was asked; what kind of company are we? The answer was no surprise,� we are a sales driven company�.

How did I get involved in detailing? I love automobile’s and got way burnt-out on high level business. It’s very satisfying to see the smile on a customers face when they see our work after a fresh detail.



When I make a remark concerning “bud and company�, it’s more of a challenge. If indeed they are industry experts, then someone needs a kick in the butt. Fresh Ideas and some out of the box thinking needs to be generated so detailing can evolve. In this day and age new ideas are a key to success.

 

[wannafbody]

my dad started a side business and due to economic issues was forced to turn it into a full time business. Trying to start a full time business from scratch is a much harder hill to climb. A climber starts with smaller hills before attempting to climb Mt Everest.

 

[doged]

I don't know if you were referring to the article as a "scare tactic" marketing tool, but my take on it was that it was a realistic view of what starting a detailing business many times entails. So many people come into the industry with the expectations that starting a mobile detailing business is going to not only be cheap, but also a cake walk as well. And for some genius entrepreneurs this may be true, but for the other 99% it just isn't the case. But I guess that is why this country is so great...with hard work and determination you can achieve great things.



Great discussions on this topic...keep it up.



Matt Williams

Silver Lining Detail

My definition; to scare people into believing, if they don’t buy from them, they will fail / may fail. They really painted this one with a BIG brush, 99% is way out of the ball park.. This is a common marketing tool. Disaponiting!!! I hope they scare everyone away, less competition, then I can really raise my prices. :clap:

 

[silverline]

My definition; to scare people into believing, if they don’t buy from them, they will fail / may fail. They really painted this one with a BIG brush, 99% is way out of the ball park.. This is a common marketing tool. Disaponiting!!! I hope they scare everyone away, less competition, then I can really raise my prices. :clap:

I think, like Frank, you're misunderstanding my statement. I'm not trying to say that 99% of all businesses fail. Just that for the vast majority of people, starting and running a business is not going to be easy. That's it. And really, that number is probably at 100% when you sit down and think about it. Ask any business owner if starting up and running their own business has been a simple task. I would all but gaurantee that most if not all would say no it's not an easy and simple task. There are sacrifices that are made, many hours of "sweat equity" put in, laws and regulations that have to be researched and complied with, finances, marketing, finding and keeping employees, etc. That being said, is it all worth it...sure it is or we all wouldn't be here. Believe me, I'm not trying to argue just for the sake of arguing. My point is simple, do your homework prior to starting a business as growing a successful business is not an easy task to accomplish. And it's not something that should be taken lightly.



Matt Williams

Silver Lining Detail

 

[doged]

I think, like Frank, you're misunderstanding my statement. I'm not trying to say that 99% of all businesses fail. Just that for the vast majority of people, starting and running a business is not going to be easy. That's it. And really, that number is probably at 100% when you sit down and think about it. Ask any business owner if starting up and running their own business has been a simple task. I would all but gaurantee that most if not all would say no it's not an easy and simple task. There are sacrifices that are made, many hours of "sweat equity" put in, laws and regulations that have to be researched and complied with, finances, marketing, finding and keeping employees, etc. That being said, is it all worth it...sure it is or we all wouldn't be here. Believe me, I'm not trying to argue just for the sake of arguing. My point is simple, do your homework prior to starting a business as growing a successful business is not an easy task to accomplish. And it's not something that should be taken lightly.



Matt Williams

Silver Lining Detail

Matt et all;



I understand now, and thank you for clearing up this misunderstanding. It’s so easy to misunderstand one another with written correspondence. I have seen many drop dead arguments over it, but that is also a unprofessional attitude or as some may call, GRUMPY. I guess it’s about, how one looks at the word (failure). I look at the word Failure, as a learning and personal growth experience. Look at all the great people in our

history, who succeeded from failure, Edison, Lincoln, Ruth, etc, etc. “Attitude� is part of the “aptitude� I was referring too earlier in my post for success. I'm off the box now.

 

[silverline]

Fresh Ideas and some out of the box thinking needs to be generated so detailing can evolve. In this day and age new ideas are a key to success.

I certainly agree. Any ideas or suggestions? Anyone else is welcome to chime in on this as well.



Matt Williams

Silver Lining Detail

 

[Joshua312]

I certainly agree. Any ideas or suggestions? Anyone else is welcome to chime in on this as well.



Matt Williams

Silver Lining Detail

I dont know about in other areas but there is a body shop around where I live. I was talking to the owner one day and he is in the process of drawing up plans to expand his business. He is planning on building like a little strip mall with his auto repair shop made available as well as starting a detailing bay. He wants this strip mall to have the access for parents, to be able to drop there car off to him and walk down the strip mall to get their hair done, pay your cell phone bill, visit the cafe, and have a child care area. The reason this discussion came up between us is because I work for a catering company and he asked if we were interested in being a part of his mini mall. To me it sounds like a pretty good idea, especially for those moms that want to try and get everything done in one place and save time. Why not get an oil change or your car washed while doing errands. The only part of this detailing concept is the fact that if someone wanted a full detail you would have to provide some type of transportation or courtesy car for them. I know what most of you are thinking, a body shop detailing and doing quality work. This guy is dedicated, informed on products and technique, and an all around great entrepreneur. I would trust him working on my car anyday...anyone else have ideas?

 

[doged]

I dont know about in other areas but there is a body shop around where I live. I was talking to the owner one day and he is in the process of drawing up plans to expand his business. He is planning on building like a little strip mall with his auto repair shop made available as well as starting a detailing bay. He wants this strip mall to have the access for parents, to be able to drop there car off to him and walk down the strip mall to get their hair done, pay your cell phone bill, visit the cafe, and have a child care area. The reason this discussion came up between us is because I work for a catering company and he asked if we were interested in being a part of his mini mall. To me it sounds like a pretty good idea, especially for those moms that want to try and get everything done in one place and save time. Why not get an oil change or your car washed while doing errands. The only part of this detailing concept is the fact that if someone wanted a full detail you would have to provide some type of transportation or courtesy car for them. I know what most of you are thinking, a body shop detailing and doing quality work. This guy is dedicated, informed on products and technique, and an all around great entrepreneur. I would trust him working on my car anyday...anyone else have ideas?

Location, Location, Location, but on the flip side what’s the rent$$$. If I read this correctly, he wants to put a body shop in a strip mall? Better check zoning laws.

 

[the other pc]

Sounds like it has tremendous potential. People want logistical simplicity.



I’ll tell, I wish I had a piece of the action at the AutoSpa down by one of my favorite burger joints. It’s in a neighborhood shopping center with a supermarket, bank, Taco Bell, coffee joint, martial arts studio, etc.



It’s basically one stop automotive for Joe consumer, self-serve gas, a hand-wash tunnel, a set of detailing bays, a set of service bays, propane, mini mart, Subway sandwiches, ice cream, etc. There’s a patio with tables, umbrellas and a waterfall where customers can grab a bite while waiting for their cars. The neighborhood is all middle class to highly affluent homes (they're about to build another couple thousand upscale homes) and there isn’t another auto service of any kind for a few miles. It’s always packed on weekends.



Wouldn’t use it myself (ok, maybe some ice cream) but there are thousands of folks who are happy to.





PC.