Getting started - mobile detailing

[BrianMcLeod]

So I have been on the detailing forum for 2 years I would say I pretty much know what I am doing. I'm 16 and want to get mobile. where I could go to offices or where ever. What do I need for mobile services? Like a generator, water tank? What else?

Also I have a handful of customers but how do y'all get customers? Word of mouth? If you recommend anything else to help me let me know! Thanks a lot!! :)

[cartman1]

I know my response won't add to the discussion but it's great when a young person has an entrepreneurial mind. Good luck :)

[allenk4]

Not to be too jerky, but if you are asking these questions; you are not ready to start a business

Buy Renny Doyle's book today and read it three times

[cartman1]

Not to be an even bigger jerk but Target stores with billions of dollars of financial backing just pulled out Canada about a month ago because their stores were just not profitable. I'm sure they hired Ivy League educated consultants, made dozens of business projections and they still failed.

Maybe he'll make it ¯\(ツ)/¯

[Mantilgh]

Yes, to be fully mobile you would need a generator, or inverter, to run at least a shop vac. You might also need a 12v water pump, 12v water heater if it's cold depending on where you are and where your tank would be located, van vs. back of pickup. And maybe another batterie hooked up to run. Pump may be needed to feed a pressure sprayer, if using one, or to rinse. Rinse-less?

Besides that, just your basic tools/cleaners/towels and motivation.

Hurts a lot less to fall when you are younger. Physically and financially!

[thebamboo23]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-make-money-detailing-cars/88555-12-ways-get-more-auto-detailing-customers.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-make-money-detailing-cars/85840-hype-vs-effectiveness-when-you-start-your-car-detailing-business.html

[BrianMcLeod]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-make-money-detailing-cars/88555-12-ways-get-more-auto-detailing-customers.html



http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-make-money-detailing-cars/85840-hype-vs-effectiveness-when-you-start-your-car-detailing-business.html


Thanks! I'm gonna check out some more of you articles!

[BrianMcLeod]

I was mainly asking what brand/where to buy. And what size of water tank. I'll buy that book. And for any of you who have doubt you'll see ;)

[allenk4]

How to Start a Home-based Car Detailing Business (http://www.autogeekmobile.net/car-detailing-book.html)

[BrianMcLeod]

How to Start a Home-based Car Detailing Business (http://www.autogeekmobile.net/car-detailing-book.html)


Thanks! Bought it and already started reading it 👍

[Firehouse Mike]

Checked out your FB page---nice work posted there. Seems to be a bit of a theme here of not being a jerk.....I'm going to call it being honest. It's awesome you are looking for business opportunities at a young age.....but I feel like it will make it twice as hard for you too. If I were to hire a mobile detailer to come out and drop several hundred dollars on a detail and a 16 year old kid shows up, you better be bringing your A game and then some. Absolutely no offense intended, but people are people. You will NEED to be over the top professional in appearance, attitude and in your work. If the work is quality and it shows and you can make the customers feel good about the whole experience and feel great about you, then you have landed them for a long time!! Great job!!!

I will agree with allenk4, get Rennys' book and memorize it. :props:

Just my 2 cents worth.....and never stop learning!!

Mike

[BrianMcLeod]

Checked out your FB page---nice work posted there. Seems to be a bit of a theme here of not being a jerk.....I'm going to call it being honest. It's awesome you are looking for business opportunities at a young age.....but I feel like it will make it twice as hard for you too. If I were to hire a mobile detailer to come out and drop several hundred dollars on a detail and a 16 year old kid shows up, you better be bringing your A game and then some. Absolutely no offense intended, but people are people. You will NEED to be over the top professional in appearance, attitude and in your work. If the work is quality and it shows and you can make the customers feel good about the whole experience and feel great about you, then you have landed them for a long time!! Great job!!!

I will agree with allenk4, get Rennys' book and memorize it. :props:

Just my 2 cents worth.....and never stop learning!!

Mike


Yea, I understand. I know that was the one thing I had against me was my age. You said you saw my page matter in fact the owner of the grand Torino was not excepting somebody my age and he said the car looked better then when he bought it!

[215Detailing]

WATER TANK I purchased a 35 gallon works good 65 gallon may have been better
Tractor Supply Co. - Enjoy searching:water tank (http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&pageSize=&beginIndex=0&searchSource=Q&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&showResultsPage=true&pageView=image&searchType=1000&cm_askwd=&autoSuggestURL=AutoSuggestView%3FcoreName%3DMC_100 01_CatalogEntry_en_US%26serverURL%3Dhttp%253a%252f %252ftsc-prod-lb01.crossview.inc%253a3737%252fsolr%252fMC_10001_ CatalogEntry_en_US%26catalogId%3D10051%26storeId%3 D10151&searchTerm=water+tank)

[215Detailing]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/88090-honda-eu-2000i-generator.html I purchased a HONDA EU 2000i little over a grand ($1000.00) with tax good strong dependable unit QUIET