55 Ferraris , 12 Porsches , 2 Bentleys + .. in 8 months!

[Cosmin]

Cosmin can you post some pictures of the inside of the van. .

the van is packed , but if is organized it fit everything. the set-up is for light to mid volume. the bags with towels are missing , usually are keeps by the extractor and on top of the canopy

Pass side rear door , lower half:



pass side door , upper half



rear view :


rear view :


driver side rear door

[art72]

a quick tip related with business : the power of a "quick" wash, with example.

paint correction generates more money now , maintenance/regular wash generates more money tomorrow....
so... don`t underestimate the power of a quick wash , of course when is sold with profit.
here is an example:
john want`s paint correction , you charge him once $400+ for correction. and yous ee him again in 6 mo or a year.
Matt want`s his car washed weekly , you charge him $50-$70 in max 2 hours

by the end of the year , your correction from john bring you less $1000 , and the regular "quick"wash from matt a min of $2600

of course if you can get the car corrected and keep it in maintenance wash , that`s even better...

Funny you should mention this, as I was just recently calculating the time a full paint correction and detail job takes -vs- setting up a 'hand car wash' and doing more 'production' type sales. (i.e. quick wash as you mentioned)

While I would almost prefer detailing an exotic over 1-2 days and adding those to my empty portfolio, it definitely seems cranking out enough daily drivers with a quick $35 - $50 - or $70 job adds up pretty quickly.

I'm hunting for a 'high traffic' location for Thurs, Fri, Sat, & Sundays... mainly for "Hand Wash" & Mini-details.

Then, if it works out... plan to schedule the corrective & mobile services for Mon, Tues, and Wed by appointment.

*Still not sure where the day off fits in yet, lol.

[nickgodfrey]

Wow Cosmin, that van is NICE! Did you have to get a loan, or have you been able to pay cash cor all your gear? Very nice indeed.

[Cosmin]

Funny you should mention this,
While I would almost prefer detailing an exotic over 1-2 days and adding those to my empty portfolio, it definitely seems cranking out enough daily drivers adds up pretty quickly. *Still not sure where the day off fits in yet, lol.

keep 1 day off , use it for paper work , inspections , schedule , plans , and rest.
my goal per day is 200-400+ as 1 men show , but i try to pull 350-1000$ per day with a helper, made with mix of correction and maintenance wash wax.

Wow Cosmin, that van is NICE! Did you have to get a loan, or have you been able to pay cash cor all your gear? Very nice indeed.

i got a loan , i can pay it in full but i prefer to build a credit history, by the time i plan extend or have a steady location i can loan more.
i was plan for a van for a few months and had my numbers together for equipment too.
i can handle any kind of job.
next month i have first boat , it will be a full interior clean up , so another horizon will open for me.
after 2 years from working from my sedan trunk , the last month with the van was a huge difference.

thank`s guys!

[NTcarwash]

As others have stated, incredible, inspirational story. Thanks for sharing, + all the tips.

[Jomax]

You are my inspiration. was thinking of starting a part time business after i learn how polish and protect. But might go full time after college because of you Being a Ford Nut i always loved the transit ever since they came to the states. What are you getting for MPG with it loaded?? Your posts my not be perfect in terms of a English professor, but they are perfectly clear and make sense, having parents where English is their second language i understand perfectly. I hope to one day meet you

[rele]

I am speechless Cosmin

If I may ask where are you from?

[JonFD]

Thanks for the true view and some great tips! How do you help identify with what your client wants? I find myself often doing more then expected because of my damn pickiness.

[Cosmin]

Thanks for the true view and some great tips! How do you help identify with what your client wants? I find myself often doing more then expected because of my damn pickiness.

that`s no good if you plan have profit and stay motivated.
if weekend worrior it will be ok , but when you have a few clients line up that day , time is priceless and has to be use right.

the best way to identify what the client wants is to ask questions and let them talk.
questions like: is any problems with the paint? are any stains you want me to address, what do we do today, what do you expect from this detail , is anything else i should know before i start... this will be just a few.
some answers will be : i have this scratch/scuff/stain here , got some bugs/tar/sap here, i want crystal windows, i want no dressing on interior, the car sits outside i want extra protection etc , kind of to give you an idea.

based of the conversation and condition of the vehicle , i have an attack plan and i stick with it , so i don`t go over my limits and do things are not included in the detail. that way i address the issue , get the detail done in time and get paid for the time work i estimate.
hope this helps ,
thank`s

[Cosmin]

I am speechless Cosmin

If I may ask where are you from?

i am Romanian.

a quick update... i hired a helper , he doesn`t polish yet , but he helps with everything else.
to have an idea how things go: he helped me 17 days with a total income of $7880 in those days, we had days with $50 a day and days with max $770. and remember he doesn`t do any polish or correction yet.

i had day with
- black porsche 2 step correction(swirl free) interior included,
- range rover , maserati , jaguar all washwax and interior
Total time 10hours and 40 min - drive to 2 locations included.

another day :
- SUV Porsche cayenne black , 1 step correction , interior , engine ;
- Ferrari f430 wash wax , interior , engine
- Bentley black - wash wax and interior
total time 10 hours 20minutes - drive to 2 locations included.


i see a lot of people who start new business and offer cheap price service , if that`s your value.. is fine with me , but here is an example that even if you charge right for your time , value and knowledge things roll and you don`t get stuck with 1 car a week as a few think.
with my prices i may not be booked for a month but i do have cars to do , regular clients to visit and my name is out there ....
Cosmin