...your thoughts?

[jugslinger]

Hello everyone. I have a genuine interest, passion, and natural ability for detailing. I've always believed in the old phrase, "find something you love to do and you'll never work a day in your life". I love to detail automobiles. I do my own as well as my friends vehicles ... pretty much ... just for the fun of it. I am considering the possibilities of doing this as real "paying" gig. Problem is, I've got a real job (9-5) that pays an excellent wage with a great benefit package that consumes most of my time. Is it acceptable and professional to get into this part time? What's the best way for me to attract customers? Should I focus on individuals, lot jockeys, or both? I welcome any ideas, input, advice, etc., etc. Thanks in advance!

 

[NattyBumppo]

Problem is, I've got a real job (9-5) that pays an excellent wage with a great benefit package that consumes most of my time. Is it acceptable and professional to get into this part time? What's the best way for me to attract customers? Should I focus on individuals, lot jockeys, or both? I welcome any ideas, input, advice, etc., etc. Thanks in advance!

Same situation here. I can't dream of leaving my full time gig...especially now that 75% of my detailing biz comes from people in my office complex .

I started the business at the end of last summer and don't try to hide the fact that it is a part time gig for me. In fact, I go to great lengths to ensure potential clients understand that completely. I only detail by appointment and usually don't schedule more than one appt. per day. The only exception is if the appts. are for standard wash/wax/vacs and not full blown details. THen it is easy to fit two or three into a relatively short amount of time. The fact that I'm off every other Friday helps a great deal. I can detail two Fridays a month plus one day on weekends. I need to save one weekend day for myself and kids.

I don't see any problem with p/t but realize that there will be skeptics who may think you are a weekend "hacker". Best way to squash those critics is by building a rep for the highest standard work.

Good luck,

Natty

 

[kbtr6]

I agree with NB, pt is fine but you have to make sure your service and the quality of the work is beyond reproach and don't hesitate to "give" a little extra. The quality of your work will either be there or not, (hopefully it will be) but that's the best defense against the skeptics.

 

[TheCompleteLook]

Natty is hitting the nail right on the head. Just be sure to keep the "hack" image in a competitor's shop. I believe that staying away from high-volume places like offices will keep you saine, but that's just my opinion. Keep with the referals from friends and neighbors and you can keep your clients on the higher end so you make the most $$$ for your time.
Starting out like this might help you do what I did - "Boss, I quit! Want your car detailed?" Good luck!

 

[NattyBumppo]

Starting out like this might help you do what I did - "Boss, I quit! Want your car detailed?" Good luck!

LOL....sounds like a Visa commercial! Priceless! Oh how nice that must have felt. Congrats.

Natty