Ok, I have decided to go back to school full time even though I am 33 yrs old. And I have always enjoyed detailing cars. I have a nice trailer and a truck and a few DA's already. What would one really need to get into the mobile business and make it work from the get go?

And if any of you already do it.....is this something you would suggest as an alternate means of income while going for a BS?

 

whew!

you are talking capital. and a good chunk of it.
on site work or a customers house?

the reason I ask is, if going to different sites, like say a customers work, you'll need a water tank, generator, pressre washer, good vacuum, etc.

at some point it will be wise to jump up to a rotary, because the DA can only take you so far.

plus, having the proper supplies for any job that comes up, and also plenty of them.

it can be costly.

if your going to school full time, i would say just do the detailing on weekends. either at your house or the customers.

that way you dont have to worry about water or electric supply to do the job.

good luck. i hope i didnt deter you at all.

 

Thanks slanguage. No you didnt deter me at all. I am looking for a source of income that will ultra flexible while doing school, and something i like as well.

I would want to be able to provide parking lot and home service. I know there's a huge difference there, but it would be much more appealing and beneficial i think.

i have a makita rotary as well. i just didnt go into details for the small stuff like pads, small power tools, etc.

My biggest concern is the vacuum and heat extractor possibly. Is that necessary or just super nice to be able to offer? How many customers ask for the stain extraction really?

The water tank and fittings i can pick up local and easily. I have a 2300psi Generac pressure washer.

Business cards or homemade flyers?

 

Man.. Mobile detailing can be tiring, trust me. I think you'll get tired of dragging all of your supplies along. It seemed somewhat ideal to me too, until I realized how much money it costs to travel. Then the price of the detail goes up. Then the customer becomes less interested, etc.

As for stain extraction, Adam's carpet and upholstery cleaner, period. It removes stains like a beast. Spray a stream onto soiled area, piss it off with your fingers or a brush, let sit for 30 seconds, and wipe dry. It's magical I tell you.

Business cards all the way. I can't say how many more customers are drawn to my business from my business cards rather than homemade flyers. I got 1000 color, front and back, printing on back, name and number on front, my own picture, etc for $100. It's well worth it. If you'd like to look at one of my business cards, show up at the dinner meeting at In and Out and come find me

Where are you planning on going to college?

 

Athens State.

I see the point of all the equipment, and its hassle's. I just wouldnt want anything to hold me back if i got going and liked it, not to mention if it kept my spending money fresh.

I guess your work speaks volumes instead of your equipment. But i have always been one to think the right tools do the best job.

 

I disagree with Roger. Capital is all relative. To start a FULL mobile business where you carry your own power, water, etc, will take about $10k starting from scratch. For most start up businesses that is like 10 cents. Most businesses cost hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars to start up.

The route I went was to actually make my customers provide me with a garage to detail with, and water/electricity. I don't have as many customers, so I shot myself in the food in terms of volume. But the customers I do have TRULY understand what goes in to a detail and don't mind paying what I charge. Those are the best customers to have.

I would say you need a couple rotaries, a couple DA's (pc or flex). About 100-200 MF towels of various plushness, size, pile (waffle weave, or not). Also need about 20 buffing pads of various cut/size. at LEAST 5 different polishes of different cut to adapt your service to each individual car. Some cheap selants/waxes in the beginning and cheap APC and wheel cleaners, as well as different brushes for wheels, etc. For the APC, wheel cleaners, soap, and dressings look at the megs professional line. Gallons are CHEAP!

Look to spend around $3-5k in supplies if you already have a truck/trailer.

Hope this helps a bit


Also, I got 5000 business cards for $120shipped.. They aren't color, but my business colors are monotoned anyways. Front is the uv/glossy, back is matte so I can write on it. I AWAYS get compliments and they were CHEAP to get!

Also, get a website. Spend some money here. It will add a ton to your credibility... ask me how I know.

One more thing, do it right and be legit. The customers you should want to attract will appreciate, and some times require this. Get a DBA license and insurance.

 

Well, what are you thinking about charging? Are you going to offer more than just a premium? For example: wash-$35, wash+wax- $65, wash+clay+wax-$100, wash+clay+buff job+wax- $150, etc. Will engine and interior details be extra or something? If you decide you need help, I would be willing to ride along with you and do part of the detail to cut the time in half. This would increase the number of cars you could do in a day, but of course it would also take away some of the pay. I can do anything as far as detailing a car goes, so it would be up to you. If you want to go in on this together, shoot me a PM. I too have a pressure washer and all supplies needed (shop vac, steam cleaner, etc). I even have a fully enclosed 6x10 trailer. What I don't have is a truck. Lemme know what you think man.

 

I was going to inquire about a licensce ASAP. I at least want to be legit and look professional upon startup.

I am sure a full running mobile isnt NECESSARY in the beginning. My dad has been in the car business for all my life in this town. His name and reputation around town alone would generate immediate clients.

Thanks for the pointers you guys. I am still listening and subscribed!

 

hi guys well i am from Panama and i start a mobile detailing biss in Panama with a parner each one put like 100 $ and 3 months later we have 2 employes 500 $ of products and machines and we cashflow like 800 to 1000 $ per month only giving flyers in black and white cheap publicity 20 $ you print 1000 flyers , business is tire and take a lot of time but , good management , good use of resources and good results = cash flow... in USA like with 300 $ i think you would be ok.by the way the name of my biss is VIP DETAILING.

 

If you want to be 100% legit you'll probably also need to get yourself a water recovery system. Many states won't allow your run off to just go into the sewer system.