newbie question

[mcd]

ok since im new to detailing and dont know anything about mobile detailing i couldnt decide what to do. So here my question is;

what type of van should i get to start a mobile detailing business? I heard chevy van is pretty good but i wanted to ask u guys before i make a wrong decision... Im planning getting whatever i need to be a good detailer so i need a van that i can put all my stuff in and have some extra space ( never know what will i need for ) and something affordable...

sorry, im sure theres already a answer for it here but i cant find it.
Thanks for ur replies.

[William_F]

Re: newbie question

I can't give you a specific answer, but I were you I would begin with figuring out what equipment I wanted to use for my operations. Once I had an idea about that, I would look at models that can hold all the stuff I want on board and still have some room.

From there I would use internet resources like consumer reports and edmunds to research the vehicles I was considering and look at things like durability and reliability and use that in relation to the price of vehicles available to make my decision.

I think it's hard to say just by brand which one would be best for you. People are loyal to brands and Ford owner might say he'd never buy a Chevy van even though the Chevy might fit all your criteria. Same thing with some one who owns a Chevy.

You might also consider a trailer, especially if you already own a vehichle with a decent towing capacity.

Good luck in what ever you do....

[AdvanceDetail]

Re: newbie question

ok since im new to detailing and dont know anything about mobile detailing i couldnt decide what to do. So here my question is;

what type of van should i get to start a mobile detailing business? I heard chevy van is pretty good but i wanted to ask u guys before i make a wrong decision... Im planning getting whatever i need to be a good detailer so i need a van that i can put all my stuff in and have some extra space ( never know what will i need for ) and something affordable...

sorry, im sure theres already a answer for it here but i cant find it.
Thanks for ur replies.

Hi MCD,

welcomeee to MOLLLL!!!
i want to help you with some recomendations before you jump all out on a mobile detailing buisness, i am also starting to begin my detailing buisness (in Chile) (a bit mobile) but i would start by doing this:

1-instead of investing in a van and the full equipments, start by getting some good products and tools. by doing this you can practice working on your family's car and gain experience before working in clients car.

2 there are some things money cant buy and one of them is experience, i recomend reading alot, especialy on MOL, theres alot of info here and would help you ALOT in understanding proceses in correccion and cleaning, the last thing you want is ruining someones rims, burning thu paint, or if the owner asks can you fix this scratch? what would you say?? i spent every free time reading this forum and it was a real help, especialy the show off picture area.

3-i wanted to start mobile, but because of the startup costs (mostly the van price or trailer costs) i opted to have the detailing buisness work by itself. Meaning: i did not want to borrow money to start, and would invest the money made from the details work, back into the buisness, so i started by working from my house, i would talk to friends to show them my work via pictures or showing them my car, and telling them i can do the work for them at the products costs (not free )


4. i started simple:

• wet dry vac
• power washer
• water hoses and extensions
• Dual action polishes
• rotary (use it after you master the DA)
• canopy
• and alot of products (about 99%of my arsenal is meguiars)
• some polishing pads
• web page (free web: webs.com or similar)
• Buisness cards

5. after reading alot on MOL, i started working on my own car (after all if i damage something its my fault) then friends car, and later clients car, you dont want to be a hack when someones is paying an expert to fix their pride and joy.

6. after working for some clients i used my suv as a work truck, but iam saving up for a nice van (and something fuel eficient) as my triton v8 is not the best city car.

hope it could be of some help, keep going, and keep reading mol, you never stop learning, new products, tools, cars and paints are coming out all the time.

good luck on your new business!!!

-Nelson

[mcd]

Re: newbie question

wow! thanks alot guys. you gave me new ideas with your detailed answers. Now its time to search for the tools i need.

[FIREBOY]

Re: newbie question

wow! thanks alot guys. you gave me new ideas with your detailed answers. Now its time to search for the tools i need.

good luck with your mobile unit i was thinking of doing the samething up here in jersey but i need to wait until spring before putting everything into action.