Tips on laying the foundation of a home detailing business?

[onelovelyzee]

Hi everyone,

My cousin and I are going to open a detailing business in our home. We have a good amount of space to work with. I was curious if you needed anything to open the business such as a license or if you needed to register the business.

So far we've taken care of a few steps including:
1. Creating a website (needs work)
2. Buying the supplies
3. Refining on skills
4. Creating a mock price/service list
5. Before/After pictures of our work

And we need to accomplish a few things as well:
1. Creating a logo
2. Spreading the word
3. Taking care of social networking


Some of the questions I had were:
-Do we need to register the business?
-Any other tips for things we need to get done before opening up shop?

For the services offered I was thinking of keeping it simple for now:
Package #1: (Price?)
- Car wash
- Hand dry
- Clean wheels
- Dress tires
- Clean windows
- Vacuum
- Wipe interior


Package #2: (Price?)
- Car wash
- Hand dry
- Clean wheels
- Dress tires
- Clean windows
- Vacuum
- Wipe interior
PLUS:
+ Clay bar
+ Wax
+ Deodorizer

Package #3: (Price?)
- Car wash
- Hand dry
- Clean wheels
- Dress tires
- Clean windows
- Vacuum
- Wipe interior
- Clay bar
- Fragrance
PLUS:
+ Machine polish (XMT 360?)
+ Paint sealant
+ Clean/Condition seats

[SuperGlide]

*Register
*Insurance
*Venders license for sales tax

[Evan.J]

Whats your local laws of registering?
If the name is anything other than your names it needs to be registered. Be sure to check into your local township, city, boro to make sure you meet all the requirements then you county then state as well.


Do you have insurance?

You should buy Renny Doyles How to start a home based detailing business. This book gives you everything you need and more when it comes to running a business.

Be sure your getting your logo professionally done. You want everything to look professional if you want to be a professional.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-business.html


Here are a few link to things you should read into:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-business.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ness-name.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-business.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...leave-one.html

[statusdetailing]

Whats your local laws of registering?
If the name is anything other than your names it needs to be registered. Be sure to check into your local township, city, boro to make sure you meet all the requirements then you county then state as well.


Do you have insurance?

You should buy Renny Doyles How to start a home based detailing business. This book gives you everything you need and more when it comes to running a business.

Be sure your getting your logo professionally done. You want everything to look professional if you want to be a professional.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-business.html


Here are a few link to things you should read into:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-business.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ness-name.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-business.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...leave-one.html

+ 1 on Renny's book.

Don't get cocky. It will take you years to be putting out truly high end work.

Insurance Insurance Insurance

Business Plan

Check with your HOA if there is one

Check if the city will even let you run that type of business out of your home. Usually it's ok. Sometimes it's not.

Stay away from dealers if you can, but at the same time, they are good cars to "practice" on.

I probably wouldn't start out doing any paint correction..slowly add in AIO and 1 step correction and move on when you get comfortable with that.

Don't even bother buying a rotary. It will just get you in trouble.

Go with the microfiber system.

Get Renny's book. . .yeah I said that twice.

[CarolinaShine]

For the logo I would get it done by someone with some graphic experience. I knew someone to help me out, and stuck with something very simple. There are a ton of designers who advertise on craigslist, I would email a bunch of them and try to barter a detail for a logo.

Check with your county, state, and town/city to see what you need as far as your business organization. For me all I had to do was file for a DBA with the county, and apply for a business license with the town. This was for a sole proprietorship. Check your sales tax laws to, some places require you to collect sales tax. First and foremost I would get Renny Doyles book and read it a few times.

[CarolinaShine]

Don't even bother buying a rotary. It will just get you in trouble.

Why not? Buy one, you'll need it eventually and you might as well have one to learn on. Plus on boats and RV's they are a must IMO.

I wouldn't jump in and start doing major corrections but if you get the DA polisher down, I would get one and start learning!

[statusdetailing]

Why not? Buy one, you'll need it eventually and you might as well have one to learn on. Plus on boats and RV's they are a must IMO.

I wouldn't jump in and start doing major corrections but if you get the DA polisher down, I would get one and start learning!

Good point, but I still think I would master the DA first. They are definitely necessary for boats, I'll give you that.

[silverfox]

As an owner of two businesses in my younger years, the first advice I give anybody is Never, Ever go into business with family members or close friends you plan on keeping.

Man, good luck to you.

[jrs1418]

Definitely check with your local state offices on regulations, registrations & taxes.

Insurance is a must have, and be sure to have adequate coverage for the price level of cars you work on.

Have a strong marketing plan. Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Yelp, Google AdWords, Instagram, Craigslist, Local clubs/Shows.

Have a sound agreement with you and any of your partners, in writing. Lots can go wrong here.

[thebamboo23]

Good point, but I still think I would master the DA first. They are definitely necessary for boats, I'll give you that.

im with status.. ive been detailing for 2 years and i still dont think itd be necessary to pick up a rotary. DA can be just as effective (takes a bit longer) and its SAFER.

and plus, its not like OP is gonna get boats/RVs anytime soon. i say no no to rotary