Thinking about starting a business, advice?

[viperhauler]

oh...get insurance...

in case one of those bastages says you scratched his car....

 

[Roz]

oh...get insurance...

in case one of those bastages says you scratched his car....

I plan on it . . .

Part of my standard-procedure is going to "check-in" the vehicle before I begin. Once I'm finished I'll have the customer evaluate the work (and the vehicle's condition) and have the cust sign-off in agreement that I did not create any damage. Hopefully that will eliminate getting a call several weeks afterwards when some bastage claims I scratched his car. . .

 

[viperhauler]

you should do both...

cuz the 300/year for a policy will still be better than not having it if you end up getting sued to repaint a porsche

i've never been sued...but i can only imagine...

 

[SilvrSRT10]

I plan on it . . .

Part of my standard-procedure is going to "check-in" the vehicle before I begin. Once I'm finished I'll have the customer evaluate the work (and the vehicle's condition) and have the cust sign-off in agreement that I did not create any damage. Hopefully that will eliminate getting a call several weeks afterwards when some bastage claims I scratched his car. . .

Keep a digital camera with you. If you see a scratch on a customers car before you start work on it. Document it.

 

[JRSVIPR]

If possible, Do a walk around with the customer before you start.

 

[Dom426]

i just started an llc gonna be saweeeet

 

[trubuilt]

no. 1...if you can help it...try to buy everything with cash..(save for maybe the van)...that way, if shit hits the fan, you won't have the debt to linger, as well...
:

Very good advise
Have a good accountant to keep the gov off your back
Spend less than you take in
Network
Always do a quality job
Tell the truth, Try to never screw any one over
Enjoy any time off
It will take longer than you thought to see the light but will be worth it in the end.

 

[Black1]

You most likely will end up working longer hours for less money. Making appointments, billing, collections, taxes, getting supplies etc.. But you'll be your own boss. Only take on the amount of work you can handle yourself. Employees can be more of a hassle than they're worth. At least that's been my experience. Good luck.

Yep, there it is!

I too have recently (re)started my detail business here in Michigan. So, along with my freight brokerage, I've been working 7 days/week. Weekday mornings in the office and weekend afternoon/evenings at the shop... then all weekend at the shop.

I just got home about 30 minutes ago from finishing up a BMW X5 that is due out in the morning. I've been there since 11AM. Same thing last night. I've worked about 68hrs this week in total.... and made about $700 dollars.

Check out "Auto Detailing By Jake" on Facebook.

Follow your dreams, Jimi. Don't let the hours discourage you! But, if you are looking for less time at work and more money..... better stay at your current job.

 

[Black1]

....I'm really hoping to cater to the specialty/collector/show-car crowd vs Mrs Smith's dirty/nasty/beat-up Suburban XL. Even with my experience more focused around daily-drivers, I'm confident I can "find" the clientele I ultimately want. ....

Show cars and Exotics are a hard market to get into... and you usually have to build your rep up over several years of doing the dude's (that owns the Ferrari) wife's Suburban kid-mobile before you can get your hands on what else is in the garage.

Besides, with all the time and effort and expertise involved in detailing a exotic/show car.... they don't pay as well as the nasty soccer mom wagons. I just did this Farm Truck this weekend:

BEFORE:

AFTER (before final wipe-down... just after wax stage):

It took about 12hrs labor and paid $400. :rock:

 

[mickster]

Only advice I can offer...... Buisness partners suck

he's right on that :rock: :rock: :rock:

 

[Django]

Too bad I'm out'a yer service area.

I've been lookin' for a guy since my main man retired from mobile detailing.

The Z could use some regular TLC........ or was that THC.....? I forget.

D

 

[ntw0rk]

Be sure to check the local laws on waste water from mobile detailing.

I know that in Florida it is really illegal allow the waste water from a mobile detailing to flow into the drains and stuff. But, that doesn't stop them from doing it....

Just cover your bases.

 

[Roz]

Very good advise
Have a good accountant to keep the gov off your back

I think I got that one covered . . .

Spend less than you take in

Network
Always do a quality job
Tell the truth, Try to never screw any one over
Enjoy any time off

All things I practice on a daily basis. :rock:

It will take longer than you thought to see the light but will be worth it in the end.

I sure hope so brother!! Thanks for the encouragement!!

Yep, there it is!

I too have recently (re)started my detail business here in Michigan. So, along with my freight brokerage, I've been working 7 days/week. Weekday mornings in the office and weekend afternoon/evenings at the shop... then all weekend at the shop.

I just got home about 30 minutes ago from finishing up a BMW X5 that is due out in the morning. I've been there since 11AM. Same thing last night. I've worked about 68hrs this week in total.... and made about $700 dollars.

Check out "Auto Detailing By Jake" on Facebook.

Follow your dreams, Jimi. Don't let the hours discourage you! But, if you are looking for less time at work and more money..... better stay at your current job.

I was hoping you'd chime in (since I thought you had re-started your business). However I really wasn't expecting to read the answer you just supplied (I appreciate the honesty though). I don't really mind the hours, and would entertain a (small) pay-cut if it would equate to really "making it" in the long-run. It's not so much the hours I work currently, it's the political bullshit and all the other shit I deal with (really a LONG story). But things aren't the same as they were a year ago or even 6 months ago. (I think I'm on a sinking ship)

I'll check out your fb page though, thanks!! :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock:

Show cars and Exotics are a hard market to get into... and you usually have to build your rep up over several years of doing the dude's (that owns the Ferrari) wife's Suburban kid-mobile before you can get your hands on what else is in the garage.

Besides, with all the time and effort and expertise involved in detailing a exotic/show car.... they don't pay as well as the nasty soccer mom wagons. I just did this Farm Truck this weekend. It took about 12hrs labor and paid $400. :rock:

This is true. I've networked with my customers at Infiniti (who have some badass rides at home) and I think I can really tap into that niche if I put forth the effort. I've already earned their trust as a service advisor, I hope that allows me to keep some credibility and let's me detail what's in their garage. IF they're happy, hopefully they'll tell their friends.

I don't mind doing the soccer-mom-wagons. Whatever it takes to generate revenue!!! :argh:

Too bad I'm out'a yer service area.

I've been lookin' for a guy since my main man retired from mobile detailing.

The Z could use some regular TLC........ or was that THC.....? I forget.

D

I'll fly out for a nominal fee!!! :congrats: I wish you were in the area dude . . . I'd give the Z some TLC or even THC. The customer is always right.

Be sure to check the local laws on waste water from mobile detailing.

I know that in Florida it is really illegal allow the waste water from a mobile detailing to flow into the drains and stuff. But, that doesn't stop them from doing it....

Just cover your bases.

Thanks for the thought. I'll definitely have to check. I honestly hadn't thought about it. I didn't think it'd be any different than cleaning your own personal car in your own driveway. . .

 

[SilvrSRT10]

It's not so much the hours I work currently, it's the political bullshit and all the other shit I deal with (really a LONG story). But things aren't the same as they were a year ago or even 6 months ago. (I think I'm on a sinking ship)

One of the reasons I left IBM. I began to hate the corporate life and all the bureaucracy that went with it. Managers that sucked and coworkers that would stab you in the back so that they could get the next promotion.

But being your own boss has it's challenges too. Picky, anal, unhappy customers. They are out there, they will find you, you'll have to deal with it or tell them to find your service elsewhere (I've done that too).

 

[viperhauler]

that's funny...you trade one set of problems for another...

i'm glad i did it...and i 'm even more glad i did it in my 20s....

but man...it's a whole 'nother world out here, now...

 

[Black1]

.....
I was hoping you'd chime in (since I thought you had re-started your business). However I really wasn't expecting to read the answer you just supplied (I appreciate the honesty though). I don't really mind the hours, and would entertain a (small) pay-cut if it would equate to really "making it" in the long-run. It's not so much the hours I work currently, it's the political bullshit and all the other shit I deal with (really a LONG story). But things aren't the same as they were a year ago or even 6 months ago. (I think I'm on a sinking ship)

.....

Wasn't trying to discourage you at all.... :dontknow: I know you will do well at anything you put your mind to. :rock: But, I wouldn't quit your day job and start looking to detail cars. If you can build up a clientele for some weekend (day off) work first, I think that would be a good way to get your feet wet. See how it goes from there. You live in a pretty good sized city, so there are TONS of possibilities.

I just never got into the whole "mobile" detailing thing. There is a lot of travel time from job to job, lots of equipment involved, and only so much daylight. Plus, there are restrictions and laws (moderate to severe enforcement) depending on the city/state you work. I can see the need if you have a few large dealer lot accounts.... but, it never appealed to me. I'm anxious to see how it works out for you and what ideas you have! I know it can be a good business when you set up in a larger metro area. But, I've always known the brick-and-mortar approach has worked well (at least for me).

If you are looking for pricing on equipment and supplies, here is a great resource. They have all the major brands and do a hell of a volume business, so the prices are pretty good:

www.autogeek.net

Also, Meguiar's Online is actually a very good detailing forum. They have a LOT of experienced folks on there and some really high profile pro's (like Todd Helme Check this shit out! )are readily available to answer questions.

www.www.meguiarsonline.com

 

[Roz]

One of the reasons I left IBM. I began to hate the corporate life and all the bureaucracy that went with it. Managers that sucked and coworkers that would stab you in the back so that they could get the next promotion.

But being your own boss has it's challenges too. Picky, anal, unhappy customers. They are out there, they will find you, you'll have to deal with it or tell them to find your service elsewhere (I've done that too).

Hehe, I'm really hoping I can get into a position that has the word "manager" in it. I'll get more pay for less work. I'll delegate all the shit-work to those below me and I'll get a new demo. . .

I deal with those types of people daily being at a luxury dealership. Some of my co-workers pawn those people off to managers (which yeah, that's the manager's job I guess you could say). I generally try to save the situation before that happens. I enjoy (sick, huh) trying to turn the situation if possible. There's just no pleasing some people. But, by doing that, I've gained the trust of some really good-paying customers as well as I've earned their loyalty (they ask for me each time). Example: last year I turned a bad-situation around with a customer. Two weekends ago, I was treated to some nice seats at the UT/AL game. All I had to do was show up, the rest was taken care of. :rock: Kissing the customer's ass (not the boss') goes a LONG way (most of the time). Sometimes it's like giving candy to a retard, the more you give, the more the want from ya!!! :argh:

 

[SilvrSRT10]

that's funny...you trade one set of problems for another...

True. But you have more control over them. You make the decisions. Whether you succeed or fail is all up to you. Not some manager that goes drinking and golfing with your cube mate who you trained and now gets promoted past you.

 

[viperhauler]

True. But you have more control over them. You make the decisions. Whether you succeed or fail is all up to you. Not some manager that goes drinking and golfing with your cube mate who you trained and now gets promoted past you.

so....

i wasn't supposed to go golfing more and drink 4 times as much as if i worked for someone else?????????

damn....fine time to find out

but.........

that means...

i can come in drunk tomorrow...fire myself...and draw unemployment...no shit...it's legal

 

[SilvrSRT10]

so....

i wasn't supposed to go golfing more and drink 4 times as much as if i worked for someone else?????????

damn....fine time to find out

but.........

that means...

i can come in drunk tomorrow...fire myself...and draw unemployment...no shit...it's legal

Huh??? My point was that people I trained (new hires) get buddy-buddy with the manager and get preferential treatment.