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  1. #11
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    Re: Advice for someone considering a mobile detaling side hustle!!!

    Great points and advice from Sudsmobile and Mike Phillips

    I’d add also be smart and research products as several products diluted or can substitute for buying other products.

    For example:

    1. Clay lube, waterless and rinseless can be bought separately of buy one product and dilute to get the specific item.

    2. All purpose cleaner and degreaser the same.

    3. Fight the urge to buy the latest wax, sealant, etc. You’ll end up with several sitting on your shelf. Buy smart and stick with it. Technology changes but do your research. Hard to do as we all love detailing.

    4. But quality equipment to avoid buying the same item 2 or 3 times If you can.

    As Mike P mentioned, I also don’t carry water nor electrical. As a result, I detail out of a MB E350 (seats fold down for my platform ladder, the longest/tallest item I carry).

    I inform the client and have never had someone tell me no when I inform them of what I need (water/electrical). Be upfront and honest.

    Your quality work will be your best ally in building your business.

    I use my neighborhood online forum to post, my cities FB page to show my work (before and after, process used which is intended to educate) and I never talk price.

    I try to set myself apart from both a knowledge and quality perspective. Your base is small as most folks go to the automatic places or do it themselves.

    Most have never experienced the art of detailing.

    Believe in yourself, have passion and continue to build your knowledge/craft.

    You’ll be fine.



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  3. #12
    Super Member sudsmobile's Avatar
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    Re: Advice for someone considering a mobile detaling side hustle!!!

    Impossible to use the water in many municipalities. I'm assuming Las Vegas is one of those places.

  4. #13
    Mike Phillips
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    Re: Advice for someone considering a mobile detaling side hustle!!!

    Quote Originally Posted by sudsmobile View Post

    Impossible to use the water in many municipalities.

    I'm assuming Las Vegas is one of those places.

    Great point. Important point.

    Check with Code Enforcement in your area. Then learn how to use a rinseless and waterless wash.


    I prefer waterless when I can. When I can't then I use rinseless. I have a TON of write-ups that show and talk about this in the last year or two.



  5. #14
    Super Member sudsmobile's Avatar
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    Re: Advice for someone considering a mobile detailing side business?

    Fwiw I was referring to the fact that terrible hard water and extreme heat are usually a bad mix and that he will most likely have to carry his own spot free water.

  6. #15
    Mike Phillips
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    Re: Advice for someone considering a mobile detailing side business?

    Quote Originally Posted by sudsmobile View Post

    Fwiw I was referring to the fact that terrible hard water and extreme heat are usually a bad mix and that he will most likely have to carry his own spot free water.

    Copy that.

    I hate to assume but without that extra little tidbit I assumed you meant the issue of using running water without a recovery system or simply codes against it.



  7. #16
    Super Member Jacob Harrod AUTOCLEAN's Avatar
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    Re: Advice for someone considering a mobile detaling side hustle!!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Phillips View Post
    Here's my best advice, first thing, come up with your Service Menu at least 3 packages or "items" on the menu.

    Why?

    Because you want to practice, the old tired and true approach of having something for everyone. Some people just want a basic wash and wax. They don't know what a ceramic coating is and won't pay for it for their car. Some people have something that's "cool" to them and want the best you have to offer. And some will fall in the middle.

    So at a MINIMUM - create a MENU that includes 3 packages you can offer and then give them a name and list what they include.

    Above all - keep it simple. Don't make your customer WORK at figuring out how to do business with you.

    Some guys come up with fancy marketing names for their packages like,

    Platinum Package
    Gold Package
    Silver Package

    5 Star Package
    4 Star Package
    3 Star Package


    Me? I keep it more simple,

    Package 1
    Package 2
    Package 3


    Then list what's included in the package using a bulleted list.

    Package 1
    • Wash and dry
    • Clay
    • Machine wax
    • Dress tires
    • Clean glass


    Price: $000.00


    The above is for outside only. If you want to include the interior in each package you can also do that or make it a separate menu item.


    Look at the menus on competitor's facebook pages and websites. DO NOT COPY THEM - but do learn from them.

    Take advise from those on this forum that are already successful.



    Mike I've found this advice to be very helpful.

    Actually when customers come to my they typically say something like, "I need a full detail.", or "I just need my interior done." Then they may name off a couple of their concerns on the exterior.

    "I need a full detail." Is pretty vague. This is where having my package established sets me apart from the pack. If they say, "I just want my interior done." I usually tell them I'd be happy to do that but it would be cheaper to purchase my Emerald Package, I would charge them $50 and hour for interior cleaning or what ever their single concern is.

    Just like that one guy the other day. He told me, "All he needed was a wash and wax." I told him it was 50 bucks an hour and it would probably take me 3 hours, so that would be $150. He told me he'd think about it. I haven't heard back from him.

    Here's a copy of my Emerald Package which is my cheapest package. It seems to be picking up popularity here and usually takes around 6-8 hours if I am careful about the jobs that I accept.

    My next package that I roll out will be my Emerald Elite package which is my BF One Step package topped with BF Black Ice. This package will start out at $349 for a small vehicle. What I did on that Ford Focus is pretty close to the Emerald Elite Package.

    My Ruby Package is my two step ceramic coating package. Then after that Diamond.

    I initially started out by calling them package 1, package 2, Etc., but my friend who is pretty knowledgeable in sales informed me that based on his research is was better to have the, "fancy" names. So I named my packages after gemstones.

    One thing I've found is that my Emerald Package is a great introductory package to customers that haven't had their car detailed before by me. It's cheap, but once they get the AUTOCLEAN treatment I believe I earn their trust and they come back for repeat business.

    Thank you mike, your advice of having packages has been some of the best advice I've followed. The "Final Touch" is the placement of the microfiber towel and thank you card.

    Emerald Package -


    This package offers my most affordable pricing as well as the quickest return of your vehicle.

    The Emerald package is also a great maintenance package.


    Small - $109.00


    Medium - $129.00


    Large - $149.00


    Extra Large - $159.00


    The base Emerald Package includes -


    Cleaning of the wheels, tires, and wheel wells.


    A careful and meticulous wash of the vehicle with a premium quality wash product.


    303 Touchless Sealant applied to the paint if no upgrades such as an iron decontamination and clay package are purchased.


    If upgrades are purchased I will machine wax your vehicle with a wax that is matched to your paint color.


    Excess water blown out of emblems, cracks, crevices, ETC.


    All tires checked and inflated to correct PSI


    Tires shined with Mckee’s 37 SiO2 Enhanced Tire Shine. This is a solvent free product that will not sling on to the paint, dries to the touch, and actually protects your tires sidewalls from cracking and turning brown.



    Door jambs wiped out


    Interior blown out with air and debris blown out from under the seats


    A thorough vacuuming


    Interior surfaces excluding storage compartments wiped down.


    Control panels cleaned with micro vacuum attachments, brushes, and various techniques


    Vents Cleaned


    Interior surfaces dressed and protected with 303 Protectant.


    A quick wipe of the sun visors with AMMO Shag to remove fingerprints or light dirt


    Rubber and WeatherTech floor mats quickly scrubbed and sprayed off.

    If you would like for me to give your floor mats more of a concours cleaning, then for an additional $9.99 I can machine scrub and protect your floor mats with the BLACKFIRE Mat Cleaner and Protectant this covers the extra cost of the product, will leave your floor mats protected without being slick, and keep them looking great!


    Glass cleaned


    Fragrance applied to inconspicuous areas of the vehicle unless specified otherwise.


    After all of this the final inspection will be conducted and the, “Final Touch” will be installed


    Thank you for placing your trust in AUTOCLEAN Detailing Services, your business is greatly appreciated.

  8. #17
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    Re: Advice for someone considering a mobile detailing side business?

    Wow, I am looking at that list and thinking I would have to work really really fast to get that all done in what I would consider a "profitable" time for me. How long does the emerald package typically take you?

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  10. #18
    Super Member Jacob Harrod AUTOCLEAN's Avatar
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    Re: Advice for someone considering a mobile detailing side business?

    Quote Originally Posted by muaddba View Post
    Wow, I am looking at that list and thinking I would have to work really really fast to get that all done in what I would consider a "profitable" time for me. How long does the emerald package typically take you?
    Here is the new and updated Emerald Package as of yesterday. Note the price change.

    I try to vette the customers I take on. This helps a bunch as far as how long it takes me to get done and it makes it much more enjoyable as well.

    I typically shoot for between 6 - 12 hours depending on the size of the vehicle.

    Hopefully this will help you develop a package that is profitable for you.

    Emerald Package -


    This package offers my most affordable pricing as well as the quickest return of your vehicle.

    The Emerald Package is a great balance of price and quality.


    Small - $229.00


    Medium - $249.00


    Large - $269.00


    Extra Large - $279.00


    The Emerald Package includes -

    Cleaning of the wheels, tires, and wheel wells.

    A careful and meticulous wash of the vehicle with a premium quality wash product.

    303 Touchless Sealant applied to the paint if no upgrades such as an iron decontamination and clay package are purchased.

    If upgrades are purchased I will machine wax your vehicle with a wax that is matched to your paint color.

    Excess water blown out of emblems, cracks, crevices, ETC.

    All tires checked and inflated to correct PSI

    Tires shined with Mckee’s 37 SiO2 Enhanced Tire Shine. This is a solvent free product that will not sling on to the paint, dries to the touch, and actually protects your tires sidewalls from cracking and turning brown.

    Door jambs wiped out

    Interior blown out with air and debris blown out from under the seats

    A thorough vacuuming

    A dry extraction of the carpets and Upholstery

    Interior surfaces excluding storage compartments detailed.

    Control panels cleaned with micro vacuum attachments, brushes, and various techniques

    Vents Cleaned

    Interior surfaces dressed and protected with 303 Protectant.

    A detailing of the sun visors with AMMO Shag to remove fingerprints or light dirt

    Rubber and WeatherTech floor mats cleaned with a mat cleaner and a non slip protectant

    Glass cleaned

    Fragrance applied to inconspicuous areas of the vehicle unless specified otherwise.

    After all of this the final inspection will be conducted and the, “Final Touch” will be installed

    Immediately prior to pick up or delivery I will wipe your vehicle down with a hybrid ceramic detailer to enhance gloss and shine. This will also enhance the previously applied sealant, and give you a true white glove experience.

    Thank you for placing your trust in AUTOCLEAN Detailing Services, your business is greatly appreciated.

    Advice for someone considering a mobile detailing side business?



    Sent from my SM-G975U using Autogeekonline mobile app

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  12. #19
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    Re: Advice for someone considering a mobile detailing side business?

    Thanks for the update. That's 6 - 12 hours for somewhere between 229 - 279. Doing the math, that means between 23 and 38 bucks per hour gross (assuming 12 hours for larger vehicles, 6 hours for smaller ones), minus all of your overhead. Is that right? Or are you typically selling upgrades and driving that price up by 50 or 100% most of the time without an additional time investment?

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  14. #20
    Super Member Jacob Harrod AUTOCLEAN's Avatar
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    Re: Advice for someone considering a mobile detailing side business?

    Quote Originally Posted by muaddba View Post
    Thanks for the update. That's 6 - 12 hours for somewhere between 229 - 279. Doing the math, that means between 23 and 38 bucks per hour gross (assuming 12 hours for larger vehicles, 6 hours for smaller ones), minus all of your overhead. Is that right? Or are you typically selling upgrades and driving that price up by 50 or 100% most of the time without an additional time investment?
    Some times I am able to sell up grades.

    There is most definitely an additional time investment when I do sell these upgrades.

    Here's my actual price list. I adjusted it some yesterday and didn't save it.

    Small - $199.00


    Medium - $249.00


    Large - $279.00


    XL - $299.00



    Sent from my SM-G975U using Autogeekonline mobile app

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