A few tips on starting a part-time detailing business

[KillaCam]

This really helped me. The "kiss" method is good to go by. But one question, what about door jambs? Would you charge extra for that? Nobody likes dirty door jambs, or do you just include this for the interior package?

[garyg7133]

Personally I do not charge extra for door jambs. Whether I'm doing interior or exterior I include them. It makes the job look "unfinished" if they aren't done and can make a huge impression just by opening the door. They do not take long to do so I do not upcharge them.

[dougsrt]

Very good info! !!!

[KillaCam]

That's what I figured too, maybe Mike will chime in.

[DetailsBR]

I really enjoyed this article Mike. Very insightful. When i decided to start up, I sat for quite some time trying to work up the packages to offer to customers I think I did find a happy medium to offer the daily driver with just enough "extra" in it to upsell certain items. The one thing thing that I am adding to each detail as my final step ( and kind of a message to the customer that I care about their long term satisfaction ) is a one page "tips" sheet explaining very easy ways to maintain their clean vehicle between services.Naturally I attached a business card to the list. The first customer I detailed immediately commented on it and asked more questions about a full detail. Took me all of about 10 minutes to come up with the tips and it may have already made a difference.

Care to share these wonderful tips?

[Crazy Diamond]

Great tips, I have a small detailing business, I run mine by appt. only, and it works out great and keeps you from being overwhelmed.

[Fishincricket]

I'm glad I found this place.. I have been selling cars (new and used) in the same tiny Cadillac/Buick/GMC (formerly Pontiac/Oldmobile as well) for almost 10 years.. I've learned to collect small paycheck for up selling aftermarket accessories, Onstar Packages, etc... Until now I never considered offering my thousands of previous customers a detailing service! Our store is small and our "detailing" guy can barely keep up, plus their labor rate is dictated by GM, so I've always avoided offering what I knew would end up being a $250-$500 expense...

After making the decision to learn to detail the "right way", it only seems logical to consider opening a mobile detailing service as a side business.. I've already got the client base well established!

Thanks for the idea, Folks.

[Lim3]

great info. now i might be starting a part time nothing special detailing job. any where from standard washes to polishing/paint correction. i will begin by offering my services to local neighbors and friends before stepping it up a notch.

here is my question, what mobile vac should i use for such a venture ? i have gone thru a few different models i find in stores but none have that great suction to take care of those stubborn pet hairs.

[PedroMalheiro]

really nice information.

Thanks for sharing it

[jason.baross]

What do you do when you get a dirty interior with crap all in the cup holders, door pockets? Ie, loose change, coffee mugs/cups, headphones.

Thanks