Taking the Leap

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DT08

New member
Hey guys!!!

Not sure if I asked this question before or if this is the right section for it, but when did many of you decide to start your own auto detailing business? Was it the thought of being your own boss, laid off, being around cars, etc? I ask this because I enjoy cleaning cars and seeing a customer smile and being so enthusiastic to have a clean car again. I ask b/c I have a full time job and I'm trying to make the transition from working for someone else to having my own business. I've been doing this for several years for extra income, but the timing feels good to make the move.

Once again, any advice is gladly appreciated.

Thanks!!!
 
Do you have any experience as a manager, or any kind of business background at all? If not, maybe take at least an intro class at the local community college.

Before you do anything take the time to research the requirements for running a business in your area, and put together a solid business plan. Also, especially in this economy, DO NOT quit your full time job until you know you've got what it takes to get your own business off the ground.

Also keep in mind that no matter how good you are at detailing, running a business is a totally different experience and requires an additional skillset. If you're making this move because you think it will be easier to work for yourself than for someone else, you're in for a bit of a shock. Running a business is hard work -- far harder than just being an employee.

The simple fact is that 50% of small business start-ups fail within the first year, and 80% in 5 years. You have to have some serious dedication to make it work.
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
Do you have any

experience as a manager, or any kind of business background at all? If not, maybe take at least an intro class at the local community college.

Before you do anything take the time to research the requirements for running a business in your area, and put together a solid business plan. Also, especially in this economy, DO NOT quit your full time job until you know you've got what it takes to get your own business off the ground.

Also keep in mind that no matter how good you are at detailing, running a business is a totally different experience and requires an additional skillset. If you're making this move because you think it will be easier to work for yourself than for someone else, you're in for a bit of a shock. Running a business is hard work -- far harder than just being an employee.

The simple fact is that 50% of small business start-ups fail within the first year, and 80% in 5 years. You have to have some serious dedication to make it work.
Click to expand...

This is excellent advise.

You have to consider once full time self employed forget a regular schedule. Your clients dictate your schedule.

In detailing also figure most people want their car done when they don't need it ie: weekends or while they are out of town.

Insurance is a MUST! So are funds for slow times while getting started and after.

When you add the business aspect depending on where you are rules, regulations and permits plus paper work are another must do. This, marketing and bookkeeping can be a part time job in itself.

It's well worth the money to have an attorney and accountant set you up if you don't have the background.

As Shiny said any education in business you can obtain first never hurts. Also check with SCORE in your area.

If you make a strong foundation of how a business needs to run first you have good potential to succeed.
The last thing you want is to be busy and not know how to handle taxes, bookkeeping, etc. Some of these things like sales tax are due monthly based on your sales.

In the end if you do the necessary homework and constantly learn it can be rewarding. Also let your family know what you are doing and this will take time away. You will be busy. You need support and understanding when you can't predict totally when you'll be available.

The best of luck to you!
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
...

Before you do anything take the time to research the requirements for running a business in your area, and put together a solid business plan. Also, especially in this economy, DO NOT quit your full time job until you know you've got what it takes to get your own business off the ground.

Very true. Several considertions 1) You need a customer base sufficient to sustain your financial needs. Not all customers will return weekly or even monthly so you may need a larger base than you think.
2) Do you have health insurance to care for you family (if you have one, if not you will need it for yourself - even we can get sick)
3) Though it may initially appear to be a glamorous profession, detailing day-in day-out can be a physical grind. Not just upper body, but especially lower body/back with the bending, squatting etc. Not to mention dealing with the elements.
Also keep in mind that no matter how good you are at detailing, running a business is a totally different experience and requires an additional skillset. If you're making this move because you think it will be easier to work for yourself than for someone else, you're in for a bit of a shock. Running a business is hard work -- far harder than just being an employee.
You need to be able to care for the "details" of day to day business operations. Managing inventory, keeping up with client communications, maintaing business records.
The simple fact is that 50% of small business start-ups fail within the first year, and 80% in 5 years. You have to have some serious dedication to make it work.
Click to expand...
Most business failures are attributable to under capitalization. The good thing about a detailing business is that you can manage your capital expenditures easily and grow at a measured pace. In fact that would be my recommendation, don't go all out with initially until you get a better handle on your work and finances, picking up the bigger ticket items as your needs grow.
 
Listen to these posts... all of them are 100% right!!! I started a year ago in April and I started from scratch but I had family to back me up with living and health expences. I thought it would be a walk in the park but it's not. I have worked very very hard and I am (after a year of working 6 days a week) FINALLY making it by myself but it is a true passion of mine to make it work and thats what kept me going. If you really want to start a Detailing Business and quite your job working for someone else, make sure you listen to what these guys above me say. If it wasn't for them... lets just say "I'd be screwed".
 
The fact that you have been doing it on the side for extra income has given you the experience to take the next step.

Always do what it takes to attain your goals of being successful and make sure that you never burn bridges and always have plan B in place just in case.
 
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