What to buy at the beginning of everything...

[Sani]

Hello to everyone! My first post!

First, I would like to let you all know that I am from Slovenia, so I could or lets say I will have some grammar issues So I would be pleased to forgive me on that one, but feel free to correct me (from mistakes we learn, don't we )

Been reading this forum for a while now and just love all those great and useful topics so now I have registered to ask some questions on my own and of course try to help other members if I can.

I am big petrol head and BMW fanatic. From my early ages I had always been around cars and everything connected to them. I love cleaning and detailing (mostly by hand) my Bimmer and cars from others too, so I am looking to start part time detailing business and earn something from it, maybe grow it to a full time one day.

Right now I am pretty much at zero. Until now I was just thinking about everything and learning.

What I am asking you guys now is, what, in your opinion, are "MUST HAVE" items when starting. I am focusing more on a mobile, but I could use my garage too (wash in the driveway and everything else in the garage). Production detailing is a target.

I have one smaller electric pressure washer, that can do the work but I would use it if customer would allow me to use his/hers power and water (I think that wouldn't be a problem, but rinseless is a way I am looking for the most)

Looking to buy Krauss Shinemaster S21 for my first polishing machine. Anyone own it maybe? Any opinions would be great!

And that is pretty much it. Which products are you suggesting me for a beginning and which items are a must to start? There is a lot of limitation for me here in Slovenia, so I can't buy/order all possible brands like you can here on AGO.net, or if I do I must pay shipment costs and everything which almost doubles the price, and that's not an option.

Car I would be using at start is my BMW e46 limousine (can't afford a car for work right now), so keep in mind that one too

I am looking forward to all your answers and thank you for them in advance.

Cheers from Slovenia!

[Mantilgh]

You really don't need a whole lot to start out, just some basic things. A good vacuum is about the only necessary thing. Then pickup a better pressure washer and a polisher as you go.

Here's a guide that will give you some ideas.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...k-through.html

What brand products do you have access to over there?

[AZ Mike]

You really don't need a whole lot to start out, just some basic things. A good vacuum is about the only necessary thing. Then pickup a better pressure washer and a polisher as you go.

Here's a guide that will give you some ideas.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...k-through.html

What brand products do you have access to over there?

It will depend on what products are available in your area.

[Sani]

You really don't need a whole lot to start out, just some basic things. A good vacuum is about the only necessary thing. Then pickup a better pressure washer and a polisher as you go.

Here's a guide that will give you some ideas.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...k-through.html

What brand products do you have access to over there?

Thank you for that link! Didn't saw this thread before!

















Well, I have brands, but products are very limited I think. Stated it wrong a little before

Let me give you an idea with some links (they are in Slovenian but you can search true pages )

Polishing products:
Strojno poliranje - operi-avto.si

Backing plates:
Nastavki za gobice - operi-avto.si

Pads:
Penaste polirne gobice - operi-avto.si

Waxes:
Za??itni voski - operi-avto.si

DA polishing machines:
Ekscentri?ni polirni stroji - operi-avto.si

Washing soaps:
?amponi za pranje - operi-avto.si

Wheel cleaners:
?istila za plati??a - operi-avto.si

Cloths:
Krpe - operi-avto.si


For maintaining cars it's OK, there are good options, but when it comes to polishing (especially when it comes to machines) I think, I am limited (maybe I am wrong, lol?)

There is plenty of products and equipment, but sometimes when I read some good opinions on some products and equipment here or on some other sites. When I go to look what would the price be for those or are they even available, they are not there, and that bothers me. I am sure products that are listed are good and can do the job, but as far as my experience goes I don't know which one. I hope you understand me what I want to say.

The website I gave the links above is "the only" store for car detailing where I can buy/order the products here in Slovenia. There is one more, but it's much smaller and don't have much different products ether. Yap... We are really small country

As I am looking I could go with the Menzerna, I think. It would do the job fairly in my opinion, and later, step up to Meg's.

[andy0902]

Welcome to the forum. Your English is way better than my Slovene (or is it Slovenian?)

[Sani]

Welcome to the forum. Your English is way better than my Slovene (or is it Slovenian?)

Thank you!

About that "Slovene vs Slovnienian"... It's long lasting conversation with no end. We talked about that few times in school too. When I started learning English in first years of primary school there were both options in books. So I think it's up to your personal preference. There is more use of "Slovene" in British English and more use of "Slovenian" in American English. In ether way, when those two words are used, it obvious who and what are we talking about (If the person you are talking to know where Slovenia even is ). Can't misunderstood it. I personally use "Slovenian" "I am Slovenian and I talk Slovenian"

Are you trying to learn Slovenian? It's one of the hardest languages to learn



Can someone please tell me why I don't get instant mails for replays? I have it checked in option menu, but not getting mails, so I must check the thread to see if there are any replays...


Sorry for off-topic

[Sani]

So after reading a topic on 500$ start I checked my options Here is the list...


Optimum No Rinse with Wax, 32 oz. $19.99
yes, 26,89€ for 923ml (31,2oz)

Optimum Car Wash, 32. Oz. $11.99
no

Two five gallon buckets from your local hardware store. $10
sure

Grit Guard $10
yes, 11,69€

Microfiber wash mitt $8
yes, have my own

Ridgid 2.5 HP 3 Gallon shop vac. $30
yes, but definetly not for such a low price

ProForce microfiber towels, three 24 packs. $12 for each pack, $36 total
no (would be glad to have MF for that price), best price is 10pcs for 17,99€

Meguiar’s All Purpose Cleaner Plus, 1 gallon. $15.99
yes, 7,90€ for 1 liter (0,26 US gal)

Meguiar’s Ultimate Paste Wax. $18 at Wal-Mart.
no, only in a kit (Meguiar's Ultimate Paste Wax 311g - operi-avto.si) 36,72€

Nano-Skin Speedy Prep Sponge, Medium Grade. $12.99
no, my only options on clays (Iskanje - operi-avto.si)

Misc. Brushes. $30
sure

5 inch dual action polisher backing plate, $17
no, my only options (Nastavki za polirne gobice - operi-avto.si)

Harbor Freight Dual Action Polisher $49, plus $9 shipping, $58 total.
no (will buy something much better so..)

Meguiar’s M205 Polish, 32 oz. $27.99
yes, 35,89€ for 1 liter (33,8oz)

Meguiar’s Hyper Dressing, 1 gallon. $37.99
yes, 26,42€ for 1 liter (0,26 US gal)

Five generic spray bottles, $2 each, $10 total
sure

Two Rubbermaid containers with lids, $10
sure

See what I am talking about now? Options are but...






I hope it's not wrong if I posted some of the links to that external page. I am not promoting it in any way, just wanted to let you guys see what my options are here in my little country

[andy0902]

And I thought English was the hardest language to learn! Not sure about why you are not getting notifications via email. I get them, but often they are delayed a day or two.
Andy

[Sani]

If you are willing to do something, you will do it

Problem about instant notifications started working few weeks ago. There was something with the forum Everything works fine now.

[Guyb]

Sani, hope you have found your supplies to start. operi-avto has a good selection of products. I understand it is not practical to order from Autogeek due to exports, customs and vat would increase the cost. I would sit back with kava and kürtőskalács an study the products.