Hey everyone I was just wondering who here has started a their own detail company from scratch? Ive been detailing cars for a while now on just weekends for some extra cash and I was wondering how difficult it is to make that next step to try and start my own shop? Any suggestions or tips on how to go about it good advertising tips? Whats the average amount of cars a week that should be coming in to succeed? I know theres a bunch of different variables to make this work but im just trying to see how others went about it.Thanks

 

I would contact some suppliers of the product you hope to be using (Meguiars, Pinnacle are just a few) and see if you can become a dealer for them. Buy in bulk save some dough, buy low sell high. Your local thread is a great way to attract some business. The summer is coming up, make some flyers with your services and prices and hand them out at some car shows. Always make sure there is a need before you go and take out some outrageous loan. I'm not a pro, but I just thought I'd throw my two cents to ya. Hope this helps.

 

First question you have to answer (to yourself, not us) is whether you're looking to be a legitimate business with appropriate license, insurance, etc.? Or are you looking at a fly-by-night, off-the-books, operation?

 

prepare for a lot of lower back pain

 

As Vollrathian said, prepare for a lot of back and joint pain... I don't have a shop as of yet, but I'm working on it. I want to make sure everything is perfect before I jump into that big of an investment.

I have been detailing vehicles out of my home for about 4 years. This is a very cost effective way to do it, since you are not paying rent, insurance, etc for a building. However, this can only get you so much business, because you are in a residential area.

During the summer, I usually do between 5 and 6 cars per week. Remember, this is only me doing them. I have no one working for me.

If you do start a shop, you will be paying rent, electricity, water bill, products, insurance, and you will have to have some employees. Honestly, depending on your prices, you will probably have to move at the bare minimum 15-20 cars per week to stay afloat.

Another recommendation: I would have different levels of detail. Not just a full detail. I.E. wash $--, wash and wax $--, wash, clay, wax $--, wash, clay, buff, wax $---, interior, etc.

Business cards are also a must!!! I had 1000 glossy, two sided custom business cards printed up, with my own picture and name, and a full description and price of what the detail includes. It cost me $50. This is an excellent way to get business. Give 100 to each friend, and let them pass them around! Dont be afraid to give a small finders fee for people who bring you business either. You'd be surprised how much more business you get if you just put up a small finders fee.

Hope this helps!
Matt

 

^ Ya i feel that being done just out of your own house you kind of miss out on more costumers

 

During the summer I worked at an autodetail shop. It really took all the fun out of it for me. People would bring their cars all swirled and scuffed up and only want a wash and wax so I really felt like the car needed much more attention.

Lately I've only been really detailing for car enthusiasts because I know they will take care of the car rather then let hard water sit on the car and whatnot.

I believe there was someone else on these forums who actually started their own business and recommends against it.

 

As for people not being car enthuiest and bringing me there cars and having me do them i dont really mind moneys money. But its always nice to get a little recognition.

 

For me, the car enthusiasts will appreciate a good detail and accept the price that comes with it. All of my customers who weren't car enthusiasts either tried to haggle the price down (of my already real cheap price) or expect me to be done with a 2 stage polish + sealant + wax within 2 hrs.

 

My cousin owns his own shop here in Dayton, Oh and does pretty well. PM me if you have any specific questions.