Need some help starting up a mobile detailing business

**JBs** · 05-01-2007, 10:53 PM

so i need some help starting up a detailing business.

me and a friend are going to try to get this thing up and running and we only have about $500 to spend on everything (including PC).

i need to know what i should get (from AG of course

), but i can't spend much money.

i won't be getting a water tank or generator or foam gun, i just need the basics so i can get started. So for the vetran detailers, what can i expect as far as what products i will use the most, what is the best bang for the buck (like for washes), and how long do you think it will take for this thing to get off the ground and start running?

i am planning on making a site and i have a couple things priced out, but can someone help with what services we should offer and how much they should be?

i have read a bunch of articles on autotopia and other various sources, but i'm looking for advice from the professionals on here that have already made it

i know how to detail a car, i just don't have anything so i will need to buy all of the supplies and start this on a shoe-string budget. what are some things that i don't nessisarily have to have?

right now the list of things to buy is this:

Paint Correction, Polish, and Wax
Porter Cable 7424 Variable Speed Polisher
Dual Action 5 Inch Flexible Backing Plate
16 oz. Pinnacle Advanced Finishing Polish
16 oz. Pinnacle Advanced Swirl Remover
16 oz. Pinnacle Liquid Souveran
16 oz. Pinnacle Crystal Mist Carnauba Detail Spray
1 - 6.5 Inch CCS Orange Light Cutting Pad
1 - 6.5 Inch CCS White Polishing Pad
1 - 6.5 Inch CCS Blue Finessing Pad
2 Cobra Indigo Edgeless Microfiber Polishing Cloths
$269.99
Claybar
2 – 4 oz. Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay Bars
2 Cobra Microfiber Detailing Towels
16 oz. Pinnacle Clay Lubricant
$44.99
Wash
Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo
The Ultimate Guzzler Waffle Weave By Cobra 28 x 44
$27.99
2-in-1 Wash Mitt
$16.99
Interior
Cobra Microfiber Detailing Cloth
$7.99
DP Total Interior Cleaner
$12.99
DP Interior Surface Protectant
$14.99
Stoner Invisible Glass Pump Spray
$5.99
2 - Cobra Waffle Weave Microfiber Glass Towel
$14.99
Pinnacle Leather & Vinyl Cleaner
$16.99
Pinnacle Leather Conditioner
$24.99

TOTAL - $459

anything that i'm missing? anything i could do without?

sorry for the scattered thoughts, i appreciate any help

**Strokin04** · 05-01-2007, 11:04 PM

How much experience do you and your friend have detailing cars? Sounds like you need to start reading all the posts you can on this site to start learning the in's and out's of detailing. Also detail family and friends vehicles to gain experience and learn what detailing products work best for you. Good luck, Mike...

**JBs** · 05-01-2007, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by Strokin04

How much experience do you and your friend have detailing cars? Sounds like you need to start reading all the posts you can on this site to start learning the in's and out's of detailing. Also detail family and friends vehicles to gain experience and learn what detailing products work best for you. Good luck, Mike...

thanks, i have been lurking on this site for a while now, and been reading a lot. i definatly plan to do my family's cars so i can get a gallery up and showcase our work.

in order to use the $500 though, i need a business plan (my dad thinks it should be down to how much product is used for each car, how many suv's vs coupes, etc...)

thanks again

**bossboy** · 05-02-2007, 02:43 AM

How much product you use on each car will vary.
What products you use on each car will also vary. Get some stuff and give it a try on the family vehicles.

GL man!

**pirex** · 05-02-2007, 03:35 AM

Its look like you have the things you need on your list. But I think the pinnacle 360 would be a good product to buy

**budman3** · 05-02-2007, 08:26 AM

You are going to need a lot more clay, a lot more towels, a lot more pads, a lot more polishes, etc. From the list, you'll be able to do 5-10 cars... thats if you had more MFs and more pads... A 16 oz. bottle of polish can last 5-15 cars or so. A sealant longer but you'll need to buy more...

**Lone_Star** · 05-02-2007, 08:27 AM

Are you guys planning on putting money made into buying more products to expand. Or are you looing to only invest the original 500?

**JBs** · 05-02-2007, 09:36 AM

whatever money we make past the original 500 (so the profit) can go into more products.

is there anything cheaper i should be looking at (eg, not pinnacle $$$)?

and i'm kind of stuck b/c i can't buy some stuff and try it on family vehicles, because i don't have any money i can put into this right now, and i can really only spend about $500, so i need some recomendations of what products to get and how much i should get to last for a couple cars.

thanks a lot for all the replies

**AUdakota** · 05-02-2007, 10:32 AM

I would look into cheaper polishes, sure they may not be the top of the line but I would def. get some less expensive polishes like maybe some XMT or PB. Im with orangez on this one you will need many many more MF's. I think during a full out polish/detail on my truck I go through about 10-15 towels from start to finish. Also for an LSP I would look into some NB paste. Sure the LS is a great spray wax, but I think you could get many more uses out of the NB. And as far as APC goes, I would just get something local and dilute it how you please.

**CalgaryDetail** · 05-02-2007, 10:38 AM

start small. Dont jump face first.. it hurts.

I would start with wash and waxes. Try a few waxes, find what you like

Then offer a clay service.

Perhaps then interiors.

I think if you start with everything it may be over whelming and expensive. You can start for as little as the wash and wax supplies.

People love wash and waxes. throw in the interior and people are more then happy.

i often have to upsell things such as clay. People love wash and waxes so give them what they want.

When you are more experienced you can add more and more.

Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.
Saint Augustine