starting my own business soon....

S

Shelpster66

New member
Hey guys....

I have been on here for some time just getting info and reading posts...trying to learn what I don't already know. I have been cleaning cars since I was old enough to drive and now I think it's time I earn a little extra money doing what seems natural to me.



It will only be a side detail business, but I still need any advice in that area that I can get. I plan on having business cards, but not doing a lot of advertising. Only looking to do 3, maybe 4 cars a week (most on the weekend). I live in a fairly nice neighborhood, so I think that posting a few cards around the mailbox area will get me started.



I still have a lot of stuff to learn and a great deal of product to try before I start,........but that's where you guys come in. Help a brother out and tell me what I need to get started.



Just the basics really.....



thanks

shelpdogg
 
Become proficent with at least a PC, a rotary is recommended because its faster (LOTS of threads on this). Do some researching into the different types of paints out there so you know what you'll be up against (aka single stage white honda paint is hard as crap but their other colors are rather soft). Find a product lineup that you find to be easy to use and gives decent results. Noone can really recommend this seeing as its mostly personal preference on the looks anyways. poorboy's, menzerna, clearkote, optimum, meguiar's, etc etc all have great lineups that will get the job done and leave a nice finish. maybe think about liscensing/insuring incase you screw up someone's car. Do you have a vehicle to lug all the equipment, towels, products, etc around in? Don't forget that a detail consists of the interior also so get a vacuum plus some leather, vinyl, and carpet cleaning products. there's really alot that goes into this, are you sure about this?
 
The only thing that I really need practice on is the PC.... its new and I haven't even used it before. I am going to try it on several scrap cars that friends have to get the feel of it.

Need to find what kind of pads work on what and what not to do..... I guess that comes with experience though.

As far as doing the interior and all of that, I'm good with that - already and have a nice shopvac to use for the beginning stages. Just wondering about a pressure washer...do you guys use them? Or just a hose? I own a black Lightning and keeping that thing clean is tough.

Do you use microfiber or a chamois?? I am switching to the towels because that is all I hear about.
 
Most here feel that pressure washers are a no no. The benefit of blasting dirt off the finished is outweighed by the dangers that a pressure washer poses (namely, wrong wrong move and you've blasted off paint!).

In addition to pads, your also going to want to find a lineup of polishes, cleaners, waxes, etc to use with them. like I said earlier, there are a number of companies out there that put out great products, you just have to find the one that suits you best.

I use strictly microfiber. Chamois have a greater chance of causing swirl marks than microfiber does. Plus, you cant use chamois for product removal :D
 
I will definately be taking my time setting this up. I have been pushing it around for some time now, and I think I'm ready.

I wouldn't want someone working on my Lightning that I wasn't comfy with, an i'll feel the same way with other peoples vehilces that I do with mine.



thanks for the heads up on these things Neothin..... I really appreciate the fact that you took the time to respond.



Thanks again.
 
Neothin said:
Most here feel that pressure washers are a no no. The benefit of blasting dirt off the finished is outweighed by the dangers that a pressure washer poses (namely, wrong wrong move and you've blasted off paint!).
Click to expand...



I believe that is misinformation. Yes, when using a pressure washer not suited for a job such as rinsing off a vehicle, BAD things can happen. When I rinse a vehicle with my PW and the 60º fanning nozzle my unit is no where near dangerous. I am not sure I have ever come closer than 18" from the vehicles surface either. Basically use the properly rated equipment and your head and you're good.



shelpdoggSVT:



Keep reading, here, there and everywhere. Talk to other small business owners, large business owners and ex business owners. You can learn something from everyone. Running a detail business (even if "part time") can be very rewarding at the end of the day. It has been mentioned on the Pro Forum many times that the business side of things is up to 80% of the effort. My feeling is that you have to have an extremely good handle on the physical duty of the detail before you can effectively excel with your own business. I realize your are doing this on the "side" but as with any venture (and when touching other persons investments), make calculated decisions. Welcome and good luck!
 
shelpdoggSVT said:
Hey guys....

I have been on here for some time just getting info and reading posts...trying to learn what I don't already know. I have been cleaning cars since I was old enough to drive and now I think it's time I earn a little extra money doing what seems natural to me.



It will only be a side detail business, but I still need any advice in that area that I can get. I plan on having business cards, but not doing a lot of advertising. Only looking to do 3, maybe 4 cars a week (most on the weekend). I live in a fairly nice neighborhood, so I think that posting a few cards around the mailbox area will get me started.



I still have a lot of stuff to learn and a great deal of product to try before I start,........but that's where you guys come in. Help a brother out and tell me what I need to get started.



Just the basics really.....



thanks

shelpdogg
Click to expand...

This is pretty much what I do...

I started with only business cards. I gave them to friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc. I also posted flyers around local businesses (usually automotive stores) with the owner's consent. Most of my first business came from a neighbor, co-workers (this is a big one, that leads to more customers), and family friends. I then began to post on local car club forums I belong to about my services. I think if I push this more and do more sites I can get a lot of business, but haven't really and mainly post on one. Anyway, it is very effective with local car clubs. Make sure the age group is right too. I went to a car club meeting a couple of minutes ago and it was nothing but kids (my age, 16-20) and that got me zero business, just weird looks. lol

Because you live in a nice neighborhood, I'd bet a flyer, made for your "neighbors" would bring you some business. I never actually went through with this because a) it cost too much in copies and b) I wasn't too sure how many would actually call. I would kinda zero in to people who usually keep their cars clean and those who have nice cars and care about them. These are the people who are going to be willing to pay an autopian (the better detailers, not the quicky ones), they will also appreciate your work.

I would also work on getting a detail done quick and good. (I'm not too good at the quick part) As far as detailing supplies, don't spend too much on un-needed products (mult, mult waxes, sealants, dressings, etc). Trust me, I have too many. lol And I know people were trying to tell me...but well its hard to resist. lol

A presure washer would make washing much quicker, but IMO is a pretty big investment to wash quicker.

Might wanna look into a foam gun, that makes washing a lot quicker. For now I got one from Walmart that works OK (it does the job) for $5 vs $50+ for other foam guns. THe only down side, so it seems, is that it will use more soap.



BTW what do you do as a day job? This could help depending upon the job. Personally I work at a oil change place so I can post flyers in the lobby and most of the guys there care about their cars, plus I can talk to them everday about detailing and let them know I know what I'm doing. Thats another thing, be confindent you know what your doing.



I also assume your going to be mobile.



Also, dont expect too much business to start with, when I started I didn't get anything, and hell still I dont get that much. I could probably get more, but I dont push it on anyone.



Oh ya and how old are you? THis does have a huge effect on customers. Because I am young, 17, most people automatically think I dont know what I'm doing and think that they know better, as well as thinking that because I'm young I should work really cheap (although I think I'm pretty cheap).



I think thats it.
 
thanks to all that took the time to respond.....



as far as the pressure washer goes, I may look into it, but not one that is very big or powerful.....just enough to get loose dirt off.

I will be able to be mobile, however I would like to do it at my house under cover. I live in Florida and detailing in the sun is a no-no.

I do feel pretty confident in my ability to "clean" a car, meaning a general detail (wash, dry, vacuum, wheels, wheel wells, wiping all door and trunk areas, and under the hood).

The only area that I need to practice on is the PC...or so I think. Most people that see my truck or my wife's car when I'm done tell me they look like they rolled off the showroom floor. I do need to work on speed though. It can take me a good 2 hours just to do what I mentioned above to one car.



Pontman43.... I work in the IT business during the day and I just turned 39. Wouldn't know it by looking at me though.......I look like I'm around 26.



Again.... I appreciate all of the direction and words of wisdom from the experts!!!



Mike
 
shelpdoggSVT said:
I live in a fairly nice neighborhood, so I think that posting a few cards around the mailbox area will get me started.
Click to expand...



I would highly recommend that you talk directly with potential customers, rather than posting a few cards around their mailboxes.



PERSON-TO-PERSON MARKETING



It's an easy, low cost way to get a new customers. Just go out and talk to at least twenty-five people about your detailing services. You’re almost certain to get a least one new customer.



During the start-up phase of your business, it’s a good idea to set aside at least one day a week to be devoted entirely to person-to-person direct sales. Where do the people in your targeted market live? Where do they work? These are the areas where you will want to spend most of your time. Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. That's why it's important to always present yourself in a professional manner.



Whenever you see either an expensive car or a well maintained car parked in a driveway, that’s an invitation to ring the door-bell and talk directly to the owner. Just ring the bell, introduce yourself, and simply say; 'I noticed your car and thought you would be interested in knowing about my professional detailing services'. Proceed to tell them about your services, hand them a business card and a flyer and thank them for their time. Keep it brief. The best part about all of this is it's free. All it requires is your time.



Personally, I would not recommend going door-to-door in a targeted neighborhood. The key is getting a chance to see their car in the driveway. Always keep it brief. It's never a good idea to try to talk someone into having their car detailed. If they’re interested, you’ll know it right away. Be willing to accept the fact that probably 24 out of every 25 people that you talk with will decline your offer. That’s a 96% percent rejection rate. It would be easy to just give up after talking to the first few people. However, that’s not what it’s about. It’s about getting new customers, one at a time.



Remember, the odds are only in your favor to find that one new customer if you continue on and actually talk to at least twenty five people. Don’t allow yourself to get discouraged. Think positively. Remember, the next person you talk to could possibly be your next new customer.
 
Since you're trying to establish a business relationship, there is really no better way than talking directly with a potential client. Think about it; you get a chance to see weather or not they are the type of person who you think you would like to work for and at the same time they get a chance to get to know a little bit more about you and the services you are offering. It's a win/win situation.
 
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