How do I start a weekend business?

[94LeBaron]

I have been detailing my own car and my GF's car and my parents cars. I do it for a hobby. I don't use a buffer yet. I have a turtle wax spreader that does a nice job for doing it quick but I still think doing it by hand gets the best results. I use meguiar's products for the most part except tire shine I use black magic. I like to use a wash and wax then clay and then I glaze my car and then I use wax. Anyways I have some experience. I don't have tons of money as I am in college and working as well a student worker at a dining hall, dishwashing, beverage runner, serving line, etc. Anyways I would like to know what I need to know to start a legal detailing business in Pennsylvania. What should I charge? What services should I offer? How do I go about drumming up business? Are there licenses I need? What sort of insurance should I get or should I just come up with a waiver for people to sign? Do you think a waiver would actually hurt my small business? If a waiver is the way to go for a really small time detailer how should I word it so my rear end is legally covered? I really just want to do wash and clay and glaze and wax and sweeping the interior. What should I know about running a detailing business? I really would like to start one because I enjoy it and I would like to add a little extra income on the side once Spring comes. Although I can detail a car in the winter. Thank god for Mequiar's quick detailer I cleaned the car and waxed it today just because I was bored and there is snow on the ground and I just wanted to see if it could be done to look like a car that has just been washed. So where do I start? Any tips for someone starting out?

[Mike Phillips]

Welcome to Autogeek Online!


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As for starting a business, the bet thing to do would be to start reading and gathering information. We have a forum for this topic and in it there are lots of great threads that will give you ideas and help you to start forming a plan of action.


Check it out...

How to make money detailing cars




Here's a couple of threads to get you started...

Getting Insurance for a Detailing Business - Thread Archive

A few tips on starting a part-time detailing business

How to put up a website for about $20.00 a year

Tips for using a discussion forum to reach more customers...

Brand Yourself, Brand your Forum Nickname and Brand your Business Name

How to choose a name for your detailing business



These two articles will help you to help yourself...

A tip to help yourself get great answers when you start a thread

How to write a good title for your thread

[350z00m]

[Scott DeBrun]

If you have a heated garage then you could detail year round if not then do reaserch and be ready for spring. I have read that most pro detailers charge between $30-40 an hour. Keep in mind this will cover your cost of product as well.