Thinking about going part-time legit

[Chubs]

Hey
This is going out to those guys with there own business. I have a question. I have a full time job and been detailing as a hobby. I want to go legit with detailing part time and with hopes of going full time and maybe mobile too in the years to come. I guess my question is should I go legit part time so I can get the higher end clients or should I stay under the table searching for those clients. I have generic bus. cards and think they are hurting me. There're not giving off the image I want because I've been told I can't say what I do on them since I'm under the table. I'd like to have a better image of myself with better bus. cards, get a info pamphlet for customers do call backs, and mainly get a bus. name on the side of my car and some of my friends that said they would put them on there cars as well. The right offs would be nice also on equipment. Sorry about rambling. I guess I'm asking how others started out and if I'm going in the right direction. I realize living the the snowy winter in PA don't help but I can always plow or something. Any comments will be greatly appreicated.

Thanks,
Brandon

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Chubs,

I think the trend in the United States if more growth in the DIFM sector and for a decline in the DIY sector.

This being true, you should be able to capitalize, (no pun intended), on the increase of people willing to pay to have their car taken care of for them.

DIFM = Do it for me
DIY = Do it yourselfer

I'm pretty sure if you want to stay busy year around, your going to have to move to the sun belt.

Going legit but doing it as a Mobile Detailing Business will save you a lot of upfront investment. Later, after you build up a reputation and some clients, you can possibly find a shop for a reasonable rate.

Mike

[6318]

should I stay under the table searching for those clients

I like it under there...nice and cozy...

[Chubs]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the reply. The wife wants to go to school and after that we want to move the the Carolina's. I just want to get est. here and some more esperience while I'm at it. Detailing and the business end of it. Mobile detailing is not real strong here yet but there is a couple of them, about 2, so if I jump on now and keep my quiality that the customers I have now love I should do pretty good against the rest. Wish me luck and don't ever end this forum. It's way too helpfull.