vicious28shine
New member
I'm looking at getting into Auto Detailing as a profession, Eventually as a fulltime business. Would it be acceptable to start out offering just exterior services?
Starting out shoe string budget
- Thread starter vicious28shine
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Thomas Dekany
New member
Of course. Do what you need to do, BUT! Do an excellent job each and every time. What do you have to start with?
C. Charles Hahn
CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
Sure, you can do that.... just don't let Bud see/hear you do it.
That said, I would get in touch with Barry Theal; you're in his neck of the woods so if you want to become really immersed in this stuff, he might be able to help you out.
That said, I would get in touch with Barry Theal; you're in his neck of the woods so if you want to become really immersed in this stuff, he might be able to help you out.
vicious28shine
New member
Yeah I already spoke with barry, He has some space coming up in october. Barry is a genuinely nice guy. He is only 12 miles east of me.
vicious28shine
New member
well I just purchased a milwaukee polisher with pads and some 3/4 bottles of meguiars polish- heavy cut, final, and step 2. I have tire-wheel brushes, meguiars paste wax, compound, a random orbital with bonnets, some brushes for engine or crevice detailing, glass cleaner, 2 wash buckets, wash mits, bug sponge, some microfiber cloths, 50 foot extension cord, low-tack tape for raised body panel areas-hood etc..wool bonnets for heavy cut,
clay bars and quick detailer for lube. (As a pro) what else would you advice I have in my arsenal, keeping it simple for now? Of course' as I get business I would vest alot in the beginning back into my business for more
eqippment, tools.
clay bars and quick detailer for lube. (As a pro) what else would you advice I have in my arsenal, keeping it simple for now? Of course' as I get business I would vest alot in the beginning back into my business for more
eqippment, tools.
autoconcierge
New member
vicious28shine said:
I had one of those.........................1989 lol, if there is one thing not to skimp on it is the machine polisher(Liken this to tires for your car......as you DO NOT skimp on those either) Rotary correction takes time to get the hang of, you should also get a Griots DA and do most of your jobs starting with that unless you have more experience than you have described in your post as this will keep you out of hot water.
Good luck on your future endeavors and go for it!.
Thomas Dekany
New member
Good advice, listen to Bob.
Auto Concierge said:
The real question hasn't been asked yet.
Do you know how to detail at a professional level or amateur level? The last thing the market needs is another amateur calling themselves a professional and stealing (undercutting) business from the real pros. If you need training, work for someone else for a couple years and learn how to do it correctly at a pro level then, and only then, go out on your own. Don't just decide to start calling yourself a pro and hacking up cars because you thought it would be a nice weekend money maker. I'm sick of seeing people doing this. It has disgraced the entire professional level detail operation.
Do you know how to detail at a professional level or amateur level? The last thing the market needs is another amateur calling themselves a professional and stealing (undercutting) business from the real pros. If you need training, work for someone else for a couple years and learn how to do it correctly at a pro level then, and only then, go out on your own. Don't just decide to start calling yourself a pro and hacking up cars because you thought it would be a nice weekend money maker. I'm sick of seeing people doing this. It has disgraced the entire professional level detail operation.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Auto Concierge said:
Back in 1989? You young 'uns....:chuckle: I used one back in the '70s, seemed like a heavy monster back then.
-AND-
tdekany said:
viscious28shine- Listen to those guys and get the Griot's. I doubt that even Barry will argue with that, he's always going on to me about how he loves his Griot's random orbital. And even with him guiding you, a rotary won't be something you master all that quickly.
Mini1:
Let me commend you for grasping the harm that a person like ViciousShine can do to the detail industry and those struggling to make money.
If you cannot afford the proper equipment then it is clear you cannot afford to pay for a business license, liability or casualty insurance, water containment system, etc.
Why encourage a person to enter your industry as less than a professional? I just don't get it.
Everyone here, I believe, is in the detail business trying to make a living. It is not smart in my mind to enourage competition that is not going to obey the laws and undercut prices to get business.
Condemn and criticize me as you will, but if you are in business that is your first priority to operate a successful business not be a social worker trying to help someone start a shoe-shine stand outside a hotel entrance.
Let me commend you for grasping the harm that a person like ViciousShine can do to the detail industry and those struggling to make money.
If you cannot afford the proper equipment then it is clear you cannot afford to pay for a business license, liability or casualty insurance, water containment system, etc.
Why encourage a person to enter your industry as less than a professional? I just don't get it.
Everyone here, I believe, is in the detail business trying to make a living. It is not smart in my mind to enourage competition that is not going to obey the laws and undercut prices to get business.
Condemn and criticize me as you will, but if you are in business that is your first priority to operate a successful business not be a social worker trying to help someone start a shoe-shine stand outside a hotel entrance.
mini1 said:
Junebug
JAFO
Bud - I'm sick of you and your attitude. You automatically ***-U-ME the guy wasn't going to get a license and insurance. We all started somewhere, and if Barry can help this guy out then he's in good hands. Next you have a thought, just let it go.
vicious28shine said:
You're not asking me because I'm not a pro, even if I have done some gigs for money. I am still new enough at this that almost every detail for me entails learning a few new things, and trying a few new things. I probably have more products than any enthusiast I'll ever meet, save for someone at this site. My tidbits of advice: Buy in bulk. You're going to restock anyway, eventually. Take care of your products, such as waxes in a cool area or even fridge (picked that up from here). Read up on MF care.
There are a bunch of little things that don't cost much money, that could prove helpful for the smallest or weirdest tasks. Like plastic razors, qtips, a plastic card (the Langka card works great for me, to wrap an MF towel over to get grime off of door handle edges for example), toothbrushes (cheapest I found are a 24pack at Amazon- and yes I learned of using such a product here at this site), even toothpicks (toothbrush couldn't get the grime embedded into the "PRESS" on the seat belt buckle; I know that's interior, but you're getting my drift), stuff like that. All of the above might be had for maybe, I dunno, $20?
When I do the infrequent, occasional gig for money, my thinking is usually "quote a price for what I think the work is worth, and then make sure to absolutely blow them away".
Other products that may not have been mentioned: tar remover (3M general adhesive remover or Tarminator, for instance), metal polish(es)- I have Mother's, but want to obtain some Menzerna as well for its non-abrasive quality, and I've been recently using K-AIO for the first time on exterior trim, and to me it's a life saver. I also think of ONR as a serious bang for buck when bought in the largest volume, as it can be your clay lube, wash, QD, etc. The last bits are somewhat similar to the "your six products" thread if that's what it's called- of course, don't be surprised if one or two people might freak out a bit there too.
C. Charles Hahn
CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
JuneBug said:
Don't forget, JuneBug, you ARE A Super Moderator.... isn't there something you could do about it?
autoaesthetica
New member
Yes you can start on exterior only. Many people begin by just protection type details, then move to paint cleaning and then eventually machine polishing.
As Thomas said, its really important to be really good at them as to set yourself apart from your competition.
Another thing I am not sure many people appropriately noted was that you really should be careful about toe-stepping on the quality professionals in your area. What I mean is here, there are people who do maybe 1 or 2 details a month, but I have seen them swoop right in and under cut these guys(the licensed tax payers) for something like 25% percent cost. Results are pretty good, but certainly nothing to rename the trade. I see this more on local forums. Everyone starts somewhere, but just be aware and be respectful. Chances are if you are doing quality work, you will be just fine and not toe-stepping.
Side note: One of the UK's best detailers uses a heavy Milwaukee rotary...some guys like their ladies a big bigger, ya know
As Thomas said, its really important to be really good at them as to set yourself apart from your competition.
Another thing I am not sure many people appropriately noted was that you really should be careful about toe-stepping on the quality professionals in your area. What I mean is here, there are people who do maybe 1 or 2 details a month, but I have seen them swoop right in and under cut these guys(the licensed tax payers) for something like 25% percent cost. Results are pretty good, but certainly nothing to rename the trade. I see this more on local forums. Everyone starts somewhere, but just be aware and be respectful. Chances are if you are doing quality work, you will be just fine and not toe-stepping.
Side note: One of the UK's best detailers uses a heavy Milwaukee rotary...some guys like their ladies a big bigger, ya know
JuneBug said:
You are certainly entitled to your opinion as I am my opinion. If you do not like what I say that is what it is, you don't like what I say, but there is no need to attack me personally.
For the life of me I do not understand why anyone would want to create competition that is going to low-ball prices and hurt the image of the detail industry.
It is stated time and time again that these "shoe-string" part-time operations low ball prices and do not have the same overhead as a legitimate business. So why invite them into the industry.
Sure Barry may have gotten away with non-compliance and was smart enough to grow his shoe-string business into a flourishing and profitable business. But most, when you compare the number of shoe-stringers that enter this business and are out in 3 to 4 months, do not and as they operate and leave the business they create a trail that hurts us all.
If you and Barry want to assist this young man more power to you. I would offer him help and assistance too, but it would all be couched in obeying the laws of the land and doing everything professional and that takes money. When you talk of "shoe-string" it is clear you do not have the money to obey the laws of the land, it costs too much money.
If you do not agree with my position that is your privilege but do not attack me personallly for holding a position that seeks to upgrade the image of the detail industry.
REgards
Bud ABraham
Junebug
JAFO
Bud, your opinion is well noted here. You seem to think you are the savior of all things detailing, you are not. I don't think you really understand what this forum is and what it is about. But I can tell you this, you are on very thin ice, tread lightly. That's the one and only warning I intend to give you.
JuneBug said:
Bob
If you do not like what I have to say, ignore it. I was invited to be on this forum to express my opinions. If they are not what you agree with that is fine, I do not expect you or anyone else to accept them.
There are many people who read this forum who never post because they do not want to get involved in the personal debates and attacks that occur.
What is there to understand about "this forum." It seems to be like any other forum, people involved in the detailing business looking to better themselves and grow their businesses. With a few "do it yourselfers" who come here to learn how to take care of their cars themselves.
If your threat a personal one that is directed against my person, or something else? In any case I think it is very unprofessional of you to threaten me in the first place and to do it publicly.
Why not contact me personally and let me know your feelings either by email or better yet, call me on my nickel I would be pleased to talk with you and try to understand why you are personally upset with my posts.
Offer is open to anyone who wants to engage in a civil, non-confrontational conversation about the detail business or my posts. Let's spare all the others who could care less about what you think of me, and take it up one on one.
Regards
Bud Abraham
DETAIL PLUS SYSTEMS
mikenap
New member
buda said:
Junebug is a moderator, Bud. I'm sure it's no personal threat, just warning you that he'll pull the plug if need be.
C. Charles Hahn
CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
mikenap said:
And all I can say is
ray2:
Barry Theal
New member
Gentleman,
While at times we may agree with one another or disagree, we need to remember to keep things civil while in open discussion. Thank you.
Barry
While at times we may agree with one another or disagree, we need to remember to keep things civil while in open discussion. Thank you.
Barry
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