Starting a summer business

[Detailing King]

I am currently studying Law Enforcement at Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio. I am really into cars and detailing them. I really want to start a little job on my own detailing nice cars over the spring, summer, and fall months. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can get this job off of the ground? Your advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

~Jason

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Jason,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

Here are a couple of suggestions,

First check to see what laws and regulations your local city may have for starting a mobile detailing business.

Next, look through your local phone book and check out your competition, see what services they are offering and what they are charging.

[Detailing King]

Should i start broad by doing any cars, or be specific about which cars to detail?

[Superior Shine]

First thing first, what is your training?

If you don't have much (or any) training start with washing and wash and waxing. Learn everything you can about proper vehicle care. You can offer more services as you gain experience.

Second, learn to be a business man. Take classes on basic accounting, marketing, etc...

Then set your self up as any business would with all required licenses, permits and insurance.

As you profit from your work make sure you put some money back into the business to buy good equipment.

The sky is the limit!

[sneek]

are you just looking to do this over the summer and then stop?

[pepseeboy]

I wouldnt want to shatter your ambitions but a good detailer need a few years of expierence, not knowing how to treat a paint problem will cost you more then just customers, if you ruin a paint job on any car it will take a toll on your wallet, learn the biz and the process of detailing then decide if it is worth your time, practice on your families cars and friends, it is a rewarding field sometimes I do it for free just to see how a car will turn out.

[mirrorfinishman]

Jason,

Since you are already into cars and detailing them; why not just offer to do the same job on other peoples cars that you do on your own car.

You should also plan on checking in with your local Small Business Administration Office. I am sure they will be able to offer you good advice about how to start a small business.

Columbus, OH District Office
401 N. Front St. Suite 200
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 469-6860

http://www.sba.gov/oh/columbus/index.html