Owners: how long before the biz became your ONE source of income?

[Nappers]

Re: Owners: how long before the biz became your ONE source of income?

I'd like to relay one bit of advice that will affect your sanity. If this is really something you want to do, consider the impact of your decision on your wife/family. My wife never forgets to ask me every day when I'm going to stop detailing and getting a "real job".

While the money is there, she knows I could be making 2 or 3 times that in a corporate environment.

While the work is great and I've got tons of customers, it really doesn't matter. In her eyes, even if I got 20 cars a week, the fact I'm away from the family working is bad.

I'm not trying to discourage you, but it's something to consider, since it affects my mood greatly about what I'm trying to build when the person closest to you doesn't believe in you and is expecting you to fail all the time. Maybe something similar to you and your father in law.

That sums up a huge portion of the question. My wife would be 100% behind me if I were to go pro and open a detail shop. I went 100% behind her when she opened a drive through espresso shop. It was very stressful at first since she quit her job and took on this project with no "income". We were lucky and she remained in the black this past year and may now be able to pay herself soon.

Good luck.

Aaron

[Stevens Detailing]

Re: Owners: how long before the biz became your ONE source of income?

it's cool to see so many people give such different advise - it would be a boring world if we were all the same.

Here is my thoughts. Give your father in law the respect he deserves but still be an individual. Understand it's still your choice.

I started my buisness when I was 18, still lived at home and man was I clueless but I loved to detail and that's what mattered. Let me say though have the heart but still using your head is a good thing.

I'm 30 now. I have a wife, 4 kids and my wife doesn't work and on top of all that I live in Southern California (it's expensive). I have a shop at my house for custom work and a mobile truck. So, yes it is possible but like Frank said it took me about 5 years to make really good money because of the clientel I built up.

So, don't live buy the "just do it" saying. Wisdom is always found in people who have already been through it.

[everglo]

Re: Owners: how long before the biz became your ONE source of income?

personally, i disagree with mirrorfinishman's reply. and yes i know you've been the biz for 20 years. CONGRATULATIONS on that note man. Seriously good on ya. but realistically we should support others, unless its really obvious they're wrong.

i mean, how do we know that the Father In Law wasn't told that same piece of advice when he first started. and that the Father in Law could care less about the business and more about HIS daugthers sake whom this guy is married to. and how do we know that this piece of advice wasn't given to the Father In Law and he just used it as motivation to prove people wrong.

i say you do the same. Prove to him and everyone else that you can do this. although you shouldnt hvae to prove anythign to anyone. does your wife support you? if so, that's all that matters bro.

who cares what he says. you do what you want.

yes people don't need to detail their car, but you can always show them and tell them why they should (i.e sell it to them) and more and more people will believe once you've established a good product.

i mean if you really want it that bad, go get it. and if you do want it that bad, dont let anyone tell you otherwise. because if you want it that bad, you'll do whatever it takes.

you gotat be smart about it though. start from your garage and then move upwards. save all the money you can at first.

dont let people tell you, you can't.

GO FOR IT MATE AND BEST OF LUCK!!!

Unfortunately, this doesn't answer his question of 'How long it took others before they made good money'. I believe NavyBlue2000 is seeking answers from those who actually detail for a living(which you did not state that you do, no offense) and not just a pep talk. TrufflePig is right about one thing though. Your father-in-law 'could care less' meaning he DOES care so that is why I am sure he voiced his opinions/concerns. In southern California I see countless detailers pop up then fold just as quickly. So, I'd agree with your father-in-law but change the '...would go hungry...' to '...could go hungry...'.

I've been detailing full time for 3 years now and it's not always good times. Some months are good and some aren't. It tends to be seasonal(even in CA) and is swayed by the economy. As Frank sagely stated, it's a service that people don't necessarily need but rather want. After Katrina in 2005 I noticed that business went south due to increased gas prices. As more Americans live paycheck to paycheck the first thing they scrimp on is auto care. To most it's a luxury. If you have confidence in your ability to go out and get high end clients I'd say do it. These are my most faithful customers as they appreciate the service, value their time, and can afford it in an economic downturn. I'd advise building your client base on a P/T basis then transition to full time once you've built a pretty solid book which could take a number of years. Insurance(business & auto), workers comp, labor, fuel costs, 'cheap' customers, weather. These are all factors that take a bite out of your business. It's not all glitz, nor is it easy. Don't be bull headed and do it because someone told you not to. Be wise, research it further, then once you've made a decision, BE OF DETERMINED MINE. Ask BUDA. He writes for industry magazines and has plenty experience.

One last thing. Your father-in-law perhaps, like many, may not understand nor appreciate what is involved in detailing. Being 'old school' he may think it's just wash, rub on some wax, done. 'Sell' him as well as your customers on the value of your work.

[MaximusZTS]

Re: Owners: how long before the biz became your ONE source of income?

I tried to go the professional route instead of just a plain website with pictures.

I was going to use that exact same template for my website but I just have not gotten around to it yet. I was going to put Maximus on the plate. LOL.

Why didn't you use the flash banner at the top?

[Ivan Rajic]

Re: Owners: how long before the biz became your ONE source of income?

navyblue... i can't give you advice on the subject, although i do agree with the many responses you received so far...
one thing i wanted to help you out with/point out... on your website, in the gallery, the 2nd car... it's a mustang but above it it says "Of BMW...."
i notice small stuff like that haha
it is late so if i made a mistake, sorry