Squeeeky Clean

[coopstah]

I'm thinking about starting my own Auto Detailing business again ( I tried a few years ago but it failed as I physically couldn't do it anymore since I have had both hips replaced and I'm good to go) and I was hoping you could offer me some tips or tricks to help me out I understand if you'd rather not as most of you don't know me however in one of my recent posts I mentioned I would make it a point to stay in touch with you folks more then I have , as I can't expect others to be willing to help me out if I'm never around , right ? I know there are a lot of talented men/women on here who are very talented in the car detailing business, I'm not looking for a lot just a little help, finally I can promise you when you get to know me a little I'm not a bad guy at all , God bless !

[Detailing by M]

Re: Squeeeky Clean

thousands of threads with this title in it.
all your question have already been answered.
search here and on autogeek.

my response to this question is to go work for someone and copy them.

[coopstah]

Re: Squeeeky Clean

I should have bet the farm on this one !

I'm sure thousands of threads have talked about this
i was looking for a little *HELP* with a direct answer
Oh well i guess asking a direct question these days people go
in another direction no biggy maybe someone will be of assistance , God bless !

[GuessWho530]

Re: Squeeeky Clean

I too am also trying to start my own.
Just search through the forums but here are some searching cut out for you:
Machine Polisher: Typically a Rotary or DA is shown, but if you're a little new, DA is the best way to go ( A popular one is the Porter Cable 7424XP )
Compounds: Rubbing Compounds, Polishing Compounds.
Tire Dressing
Rim cleaners: Try to find one that isn't acid based or vulnerable to leaving weird residue that is impossible to take off
PH Balanced car wash soap
Wax: The most popular one in the line of Wax is the NXT Generation 2.0 Synthetic Wax
Tape
Buffing Pads: Foam is preferred over the wool pads
MICROFIBER CLOTHS!
Well.. that is all I can think of right now. I may add more later when I remember them but good luck!

[coopstah]

thanks so much

I'm sorry I need to clarify things , I'm a disabled vet and I need to be really careful dealing with the VA , so this detailing I mentioned is ONLY small time stuff " Guess who" honestly its only for pocket money that's it ~ however I truly appreciate your willingness to take the time and helping me out with some pointers , you're the best

Coop

Stay in touch

[GuessWho530]

Re: thanks so much

I'm sorry I need to clarify things , I'm a disabled vet and I need to be really careful dealing with the VA , so this detailing I mentioned is ONLY small time stuff " Guess who" honestly its only for pocket money that's it ~ however I truly appreciate your willingness to take the time and helping me out with some pointers , you're the best

Coop

Stay in touch

Hahaha, the VA will get on you for doing detailing? I never knew that the Veterans would get hit hard for trying to open up Business and getting the VA benefits. I thought as long as you've gone through the military for 20 years, no matter what you do, they'll help you out. *Note, I am a 19 yr old student and still learning about things*

[Dellinger]

Re: thanks so much

I'm sorry I need to clarify things , I'm a disabled vet and I need to be really careful dealing with the VA , so this detailing I mentioned is ONLY small time stuff " Guess who" honestly its only for pocket money that's it ~ however I truly appreciate your willingness to take the time and helping me out with some pointers , you're the best

Coop

You must be service connected since you are getting disability.

This is how I would play it in your case...

Keep it real simple... two packages at most:
1.) wash/spray wax- exterior only depending on your what your local market will bare...$40- 55. 90- 120 min.
2.) wash/clay/ dedicated wax/ light interior- $120- 150 4- 5hrs

You times will improve once you get used to a routine (you should be quicker than the above but I don't know your age or just how bad your disability is)... price according to vehicle size, color, and condition. On the interior... wipe down front dash, driver controls, center console. Vacuum carpet and upholstery. Clean windows. No shampooing... if doing spot cleaning... charge extra. If someone want's 'more'... as in buffing or horribly soiled carpets... send them down the road... that's NOT what you do. Develop a relationship with another high-level detailer in your area and you can refer business to them when a job is outside your bounds and he can do the same when someone is 'price shopping' him.

You will not form a business entity and doing 'simple' but a thorough job on fundamental services will keep the necessity for insurance at a minimum (although insurance and a legal business entity are surely desired no matter what services you offer.) BUT you can't 'safely' form a business and show income because if the VA or IRS audits you and you show income from a business where you are physically working... then it's no good... but you knew that.

Don't offer any correction services/ scratch removal/ buffing.

For wash pickup... Meg's Hyper-Wash
For clay/ decon... a clay towel (nanoskin or similar fine grade mitt)... use this with hyper-wash, after initial wash, for decon. If you want an actual clay lube, Meg's Last Touch 1:1.
For wax/sealant... Meg's UW as a finishing wax, M20 or M66 as an AIO for neglected paint. Use Meg's D156 for a spray wax for you basic package.
For APC... Meg's D101. Diluted 4:1 for exterior.... 10:1 for interior.
For windows... Meg's glass cleaner concentrate
For Wheels/Tires... Meg's D143
For Tire dressing... Meg's All Season
Buy some wheel/ tire brushes
Your biggest expense is going to be an assortment of QUALITY MF towels. Research proper ways to care for the MF towels.

You should be set with those basics for +/- $400 and be supplied for a while.

Keep it simple and deliver solid fundamental services and you should be able to make some decent side money... it's gonna take time though. You know... do the friends & family thing and slowly word-o-mouth will deliver you some clients. If you are in a subdivision... even better.

Good luck,
-Gabe

[rst08tierney]

Re: thanks so much

Hahaha, the VA will get on you for doing detailing? I never knew that the Veterans would get hit hard for trying to open up Business and getting the VA benefits. I thought as long as you've gone through the military for 20 years, no matter what you do, they'll help you out. *Note, I am a 19 yr old student and still learning about things*

He's disabled in the VA 's eyes and probably receives x amount of money for his disability benefits. . Working would change his pay disbursements.

On a lighter note, I would start advertising on Craig's list and offer to detail neighbourhood vehicles. Take your time. 6 to 8 hrs for minor corrections. Most will probably give you business, especially playing the disabled vet card. Just take your time on each vehicle and have the customers bring you their cars

[coopstah]

Re: Squeeeky Clean

I'm NOT "working" i'm simply cleaning a few cars, lets not misconstrued this please , thank you !

As far as "playing the disabled vet card" i never bring it up unless someone comments on my license plate which says "veteran" and they would only see it when i pull up to their house.

Have a good night