Mobile Detailers: A Few Questions

[Roz]

I've got a few question for the mobile-detailers on the forum. . . Hopefully you guys can shed some light on a few things and help me learn from your mistakes! OK, I am shut-up now, and I'll get right to it!!

1) Pricing
I just saw another thread is dedicated to this question. My goal is, to start out and do a few customer's (mainly friends family) cars cheaply. Let the customer know I'm starting out and NOT to tell others the price they paid but DO tell others if they were pleased (or not). Then once things get off-the-ground, move on to a full-fledged pricing program. I also plan to do a good/better/best type of service, but I would really like to focus on paint-correction and leave the production type work to the others. But on the same token, I will not be one to turn away a client or their money! (Sorry, this paragraph wasn't much a question, but I still seek advice on pricing.)

2) Payments/Receipts
Those of you that are mobile, how do you provide your customers with a receipt? Do you simply use the generic book of receipts that you can get an office-supply store? Do you transport a laptop loaded w/bookkeeping siftware and a printer and provide a more personal/professional receipt? How do you accept credit card payments?

3) The Rig itself
What do you guys use?? I'm located in the SE I see a significant temp-change throughout the year. I wouldn't think having an office-on-wheels would work for me. In the summer months I could easily justify a truck/trailer combo with all supplies loaded onboard and at my fingertips. However, my realisitc intention is to solely use a truck and only take/use what I need based on the specific job I have in front of me. That way my supplies stay well stored, and I'm not trying to manuver a truck/trailer in a customer's driveway. Which leads me to my next question!

4) Water/Electricity
Another one of my big questions is, is it "uncouth" to use the customer's electricity/water?? Do you supply the water and electricity? This would probably require a trailer, but could still be managable with a truck-only operation. Obviously, I would supply ample hoses/extension cords but would your above-average customer frown upon using their water/electricity? If the roles were reversed, I wouldn't mind it one bit. For example, when a landscaper visits a jobsite, they usually use the client's water. I don't see this being any different. I wouldn't imagine using a whole lot of water anyways, I'm sold on ONR. However, with drying/buffing a significant amout of electricty would be used. I wouldn't imagine it would be to the point of tripping a breaking and having to bother the customer with locating the breaker-box.

5) Water Reclamation
It's understand that this is a federal law and it's supposed to be enforced by local authorities. I honestly have no idea how well-enforced this law is, BUT, since it is a federal law so I wish to (try and) abide by it. However, am I better off using biodegradable products or a dedicated water reclamation system (probably a mat). I'm assuming I'll be ok with ONR since the minimal amount of water will soak into the pavement or evaporate. Thoughts?

I believe that's it for now. If I think of anything else, I'll definitely speak up!! Thanks in advance!

[C. Charles Hahn]

I've got a few question for the mobile-detailers on the forum. . . Hopefully you guys can shed some light on a few things and help me learn from your mistakes! OK, I am shut-up now, and I'll get right to it!!

First off, I'm not a mobile detailer, but I work out of a fixed location. A lot of what you're asking in the first two questions is pretty universal, so I'll give you my take:

1) Pricing
I just saw another thread is dedicated to this question. My goal is, to start out and do a few customer's (mainly friends family) cars cheaply. Let the customer know I'm starting out and NOT to tell others the price they paid but DO tell others if they were pleased (or not). Then once things get off-the-ground, move on to a full-fledged pricing program. I also plan to do a good/better/best type of service, but I would really like to focus on paint-correction and leave the production type work to the others. But on the same token, I will not be one to turn away a client or their money! (Sorry, this paragraph wasn't much a question, but I still seek advice on pricing.)

I would really hesitate to start out without a full-fledged pricing program or do work "cheap" just to get off the ground. You can't control what people tell others, even if you do ask them not to divulge what they paid. If anything, you should set the standard pricing you want to be making right off the bat, and then offer a "grand opening promotion" to get the prices down to a level you want to charge initially and/or offer some incentive for your customers to refer others to you (something like "If your friends come to me, make sure they tell me you referred them. For every 5 referrals I get through you, I'll give you a free wash and coat of wax").

By doing that, even if your customers do tell their friends how much they paid you, you can explain why the prices are higher to your new clients by simply saying "that price was for our opening promotion, which is no longer running." Not to mention that if you've got your prices listed on a website or something you can let potential customers and those they refer to you check them out the menu from day one.

2) Payments/Receipts
Those of you that are mobile, how do you provide your customers with a receipt? Do you simply use the generic book of receipts that you can get an office-supply store? Do you transport a laptop loaded w/bookkeeping siftware and a printer and provide a more personal/professional receipt? How do you accept credit card payments?

Even out of a fixed location, I just use the standard receipts from the office supply store if customers want one. I do keep track of my work in QuickBooks though. For credit cards, I use Square (squareup.com) with my iPhone. You might check into it since there's no annual fee or anything to use it, and you will be able to accept any Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover branded credit or debit card.

[Flash Gordon]

I've got a few question for the mobile-detailers on the forum. . . Hopefully you guys can shed some light on a few things and help me learn from your mistakes! OK, I am shut-up now, and I'll get right to it!!

1) Pricing
I just saw another thread is dedicated to this question. My goal is, to start out and do a few customer's (mainly friends family) cars cheaply. Let the customer know I'm starting out and NOT to tell others the price they paid but DO tell others if they were pleased (or not). Then once things get off-the-ground, move on to a full-fledged pricing program. I also plan to do a good/better/best type of service, but I would really like to focus on paint-correction and leave the production type work to the others. But on the same token, I will not be one to turn away a client or their money! (Sorry, this paragraph wasn't much a question, but I still seek advice on pricing.)

IMO you should charge by the hour regardless. Even if that amount is as low as $10 per, untill you become more estalished/expierenced

2) Payments/Receipts
Those of you that are mobile, how do you provide your customers with a receipt? Do you simply use the generic book of receipts that you can get an office-supply store? Do you transport a laptop loaded w/bookkeeping siftware and a printer and provide a more personal/professional receipt? How do you accept credit card payments?

Quite honestly, you won't need receipts. More times then not they will end up in the round file cabinet. For those who do request one, keep a booklet in your car. They are avalible at Office Max/Office Depot

As for accepting CC.....I reccomend you stick with cash or check untill you are better established. Plus Visa hits you for 3%

3) The Rig itself
What do you guys use?? I'm located in the SE I see a significant temp-change throughout the year. I wouldn't think having an office-on-wheels would work for me. In the summer months I could easily justify a truck/trailer combo with all supplies loaded onboard and at my fingertips. However, my realisitc intention is to solely use a truck and only take/use what I need based on the specific job I have in front of me. That way my supplies stay well stored, and I'm not trying to manuver a truck/trailer in a customer's driveway. Which leads me to my next question!

My rig is a two door hatchack. I don't do the whole water tank thing

4) Water/Electricity
Another one of my big questions is, is it "uncouth" to use the customer's electricity/water?? Do you supply the water and electricity? This would probably require a trailer, but could still be managable with a truck-only operation. Obviously, I would supply ample hoses/extension cords but would your above-average customer frown upon using their water/electricity? If the roles were reversed, I wouldn't mind it one bit. For example, when a landscaper visits a jobsite, they usually use the client's water. I don't see this being any different. I wouldn't imagine using a whole lot of water anyways, I'm sold on ONR. However, with drying/buffing a significant amout of electricty would be used. I wouldn't imagine it would be to the point of tripping a breaking and having to bother the customer with locating the breaker-box.

Thats the only way I operate when I do mobile. I have never had anyone tell me I could not use there water/electricity. Having said that, you will need your on hose and extension cords

5) Water Reclamation
It's understand that this is a federal law and it's supposed to be enforced by local authorities. I honestly have no idea how well-enforced this law is, BUT, since it is a federal law so I wish to (try and) abide by it. However, am I better off using biodegradable products or a dedicated water reclamation system (probably a mat). I'm assuming I'll be ok with ONR since the minimal amount of water will soak into the pavement or evaporate. Thoughts?

As of this date, here where I live, there are no laws regulating water usage/reclamation. I do feel this will be changing though, which sucks

I believe that's it for now. If I think of anything else, I'll definitely speak up!! Thanks in advance!

Hope the info I provided helped. I'm sure others will have more to add

[Roz]

I appreciate you guys taking the time to reply!!! Some good advice here, thank you!!

Keep the replies and thoughts coming!!!

Does anybody else have anything else to add???

[Joe@Superior Shine]

1) Pricing
I just saw another thread is dedicated to this question. My goal is, to start out and do a few customer's (mainly friends family) cars cheaply. Let the customer know I'm starting out and NOT to tell others the price they paid but DO tell others if they were pleased (or not). Then once things get off-the-ground, move on to a full-fledged pricing program. I also plan to do a good/better/best type of service, but I would really like to focus on paint-correction and leave the production type work to the others. But on the same token, I will not be one to turn away a client or their money! (Sorry, this paragraph wasn't much a question, but I still seek advice on pricing.)

Price as high as the market will accept.

2) Payments/Receipts
Those of you that are mobile, how do you provide your customers with a receipt? Do you simply use the generic book of receipts that you can get an office-supply store? Do you transport a laptop loaded w/bookkeeping siftware and a printer and provide a more personal/professional receipt? How do you accept credit card payments?

CASH, I never accepted CC ever in the last 20 some years in business. Get custom invoices printed with your logo and contact info on them. We are in the image business and yours should be top notch!!

3) The Rig itself
What do you guys use?? I'm located in the SE I see a significant temp-change throughout the year. I wouldn't think having an office-on-wheels would work for me. In the summer months I could easily justify a truck/trailer combo with all supplies loaded onboard and at my fingertips. However, my realisitc intention is to solely use a truck and only take/use what I need based on the specific job I have in front of me. That way my supplies stay well stored, and I'm not trying to manuver a truck/trailer in a customer's driveway. Which leads me to my next question!

Use the nicest vehicle you can afford. I have had them all, van, truck, trailers, etc... Cargo van works best for me.

4) Water/Electricity
Another one of my big questions is, is it "uncouth" to use the customer's electricity/water?? Do you supply the water and electricity? This would probably require a trailer, but could still be managable with a truck-only operation. Obviously, I would supply ample hoses/extension cords but would your above-average customer frown upon using their water/electricity? If the roles were reversed, I wouldn't mind it one bit. For example, when a landscaper visits a jobsite, they usually use the client's water. I don't see this being any different. I wouldn't imagine using a whole lot of water anyways, I'm sold on ONR. However, with drying/buffing a significant amout of electricty would be used. I wouldn't imagine it would be to the point of tripping a breaking and having to bother the customer with locating the breaker-box.

We carry every single thing we could possibly need with us. We pride ourselves on being able to detail anything anywhere.

5) Water Reclamation
It's understand that this is a federal law and it's supposed to be enforced by local authorities. I honestly have no idea how well-enforced this law is, BUT, since it is a federal law so I wish to (try and) abide by it. However, am I better off using biodegradable products or a dedicated water reclamation system (probably a mat). I'm assuming I'll be ok with ONR since the minimal amount of water will soak into the pavement or evaporate. Thoughts?

We wash waterless most of the time. We do have and use water sometimes. If you want to land the big money jobs you will need to be completely legitimate. Water reclaim equipment is a must.

In a perfect world one would start off with the perfect detail rig, invoices, equipment etc.... I didn't. I started out with what I could afford and made due with what I didnt have. If you don't have a tank ask to use water on-site but save up for a tank ASAP. (Explore going waterless) Use whatever you have now for a rig but quickly move up when you can, etc...

GOOD LUCK

[Flash Gordon]

In a perfect world one would start off with the perfect detail rig, invoices, equipment etc.... I didn't. I started out with what I could afford and made due with what I didnt have. If you don't have a tank ask to use water on-site but save up for a tank ASAP. (Explore going waterless) Use whatever you have now for a rig but quickly move up when you can, etc...

GOOD LUCK

Joe, are you saying someone just starting out in this business should spend 30-40 thousand dollars before they even land there first client

[ROMEO]

Joe, are you saying someone just starting out in this business should spend 30-40 thousand dollars before they even land there first client

By reading his post it seems to me that what he means is that if everything was perfect one would start a business with everything from the get go, but that there is nothing wrong with just starting with what ever is at hand, and save up to get the rest as you go.

[Showroom Shine]

There has been alot of good feeback here. Pricing has to go along with the market where you live and detail. Charge by the hour. Learn the trade. Alot of new business owners don't learn the business. Stay on AG,detail,and learn. If need be take some training. Invest in Yourselfand your business.

[Mike Phillips]

Joe, are you saying someone just starting out in this business should spend 30-40 thousand dollars before they even land there first client

He started out by saying...

In a perfect world...


If you're world isn't perfect, that is if you don't have all the money you need to start out at the top, they you use what you have and re-invest back into your business as you can to upgrade to where you want and need to be.

[cleanscapes]

5) Water Reclamation
It's understand that this is a federal law and it's supposed to be enforced by local authorities. I honestly have no idea how well-enforced this law is, BUT, since it is a federal law so I wish to (try and) abide by it. However, am I better off using biodegradable products or a dedicated water reclamation system (probably a mat). I'm assuming I'll be ok with ONR since the minimal amount of water will soak into the pavement or evaporate. Thoughts?

As of this date, here where I live, there are no laws regulating water usage/reclamation. I do feel this will be changing though, which sucks

Flash Gorden or anyone else. we all have to reclaim every single american. It is a law in all 50 states since the 1970's called the clean water act. Now there are was you can do it with out it costing to much.