Weekend Detailer?

05SilverTRD

05SilverTRD

New member
Is is possible to have a semi-successful business just detailing vehicles on the weekend? I have a full-time job during the week, so that is out of the question. I am not looking to make a living doing it, just to maily fuel my passion. I would not mind a little supplimental income either. Also, I am in California and I know our environmental rules are really strict, anything special I should know? I am willing to invest some money in it to get started. It would also provide me with some tax write offs, which would help with the rental property that I own. Any help or suggestions would be apprecaited. Try not to :hah at me too much.
 
Do you know anyone that works at a car dealership that can pass along referrals? My neighbor runs a service center, and sends weekend work my way from customers that he knows well. It works out pretty well during the warm months. I tell people up front that I'm not insured, what process I'll be using and I rarely use the rotary on someone else's car. I'm not in it to make a lot of $$$, and never sign up for more than one or 2 details in a weekend. Have to have some family & free time too!
 
I don't know anything about your envir. laws out there. You'll probabaly need a drive on mat to reclaim your wash water and chemicals .And a disposal plan.

I started out my weekend hobby with the same intentions as you and it has just boomed ,so get ready to put your detail skills to the test ..LOL. Do you have you dba name or GE lic. yet . Thats first if you want to write off expenses. Here in Hawaii its a 1 time fee of 20 bucks and you can print up the form from the state tax website.

Get some good business cards and make a price list / flyer that you can hand out or pin up places. I got alot of start up biz from my co-workers which really surprised me because they hardly wash their cars !! and then their neighbors and friends..It just starts snowballing. So you want to look as professional as possible . I like polo shirts and good shorts . I printed my logo on the front pocket . Well I don't want to write a book here but you can PM me anytime w/ questions ..Good Luck and Aloha ..
 
Thats how I started up, just doing friends and word of mouth. Then I went to new car salesmen and started making them deals. For every 4 referals I would detail their car for free. It works out because new cars are a lot less work! When the potential client sees the carsalesmens car they always want their car to look like that and be protected. I never advertised or marketed and I'm so busy I kick people away. Here's a bonus tip on some tire cheap tire spray if you get a chance good luck.
http://www.rightlook.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=692
 
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