Starting Up Part Time Detailing
Hey, I was wondering if any of you have started a small detailing business? If so, how did you start up. I am a junior in high school and want to start a part time auto detail for a summer job. It would start off small doing a basic wash and wax and claying. Any suggestions on how to start this pursuit? Also, any ideas on how much to charge for a washing and waxing? All advice would be appreciated.
Re: Starting Up Part Time Detailing
With your intentions, I would go with a Griots Garage 6, third generation. It ' s a great unit for the $ and provides a liftime guarantee. Hard to beat. This in the only machine I own and it works wonderfully. As far as products, I would look to Mcguiars or Menzerna both will heat the job done. Others will chime in. Good luck.
Peace,
Darrin
Re: Starting Up Part Time Detailing
how much to charge is based on your target market and your location. For me, standard wash and wax on a sedan would be $40
Re: Starting Up Part Time Detailing
If you're doing washing and waxing that will be about $50 on a sedan. People will hire you based on you prices. You'll most likely be cash or check, so just undercut whomever else is in your area.
Products of your doing something that basic, keep your products cheap. Something like Megs Cleaner Wax. Its like $8 will achieve what you want it too and everyone will be happy.
Re: Starting Up Part Time Detailing
OTS is very right in that your market will help guide your prices, but just let them be a guide. All markets are different, for example my basic wash, Nanoskin mitt decon, and wax is $120. I'm the most expensive here, but no one that I know of is in the $40 range - but that's just my market. Do some research on your specific market and see what other shops charge and try to be in the same range - ideally you'd like to be higher than the average shop in your market.
Re: Starting Up Part Time Detailing
Quote:
Originally Posted by
North26
If you're doing washing and waxing that will be about $50 on a sedan. People will hire you based on you prices. You'll most likely be cash or check, so just undercut whomever else is in your area.
Products of your doing something that basic, keep your products cheap. Something like Megs Cleaner Wax. Its like $8 will achieve what you want it too and everyone will be happy.
Going the route of undercutting your competition only hurts all of you in the long run. Instead help build your market up - you'll also attract better clients if your prices are higher.
Re: Starting Up Part Time Detailing
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dannyboy98
Hey, I was wondering if any of you have started a small detailing business? If so, how did you start up. I am a junior in high school and want to start a part time auto detail for a summer job. It would start off small doing a basic wash and wax and claying. Any suggestions on how to start this pursuit? Also, any ideas on how much to charge for a washing and waxing? All advice would be appreciated.
First step get Renny Doyles book.
How to Start a Home-based Car Detailing Business, car detailing book, best auto detailing books
Re: Starting Up Part Time Detailing
Thank you for your advice everyone. My plan is to be mobile, so I am wondering if it would be wrong to use the clients water and later on use their electricity for a polisher.
Re: Starting Up Part Time Detailing
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dannyboy98
Thank you for your advice everyone. My plan is to be mobile, so I am wondering if it would be wrong to use the clients water and later on use their electricity for a polisher.
As long as it's agreeable before hand. Everything needs to be up-front before you start. Look for Mikes VIF, sorry don't have the link right now. The key is they know exactly what you doing and their expectations match. No surprises anywhere. Good luck @ take care.
Peace,
Darrin
Re: Starting Up Part Time Detailing
Also, I need a business license to do this? And if so, how does one file for a business license?