The Auto Detailing Business At The Next Level

[WrightDetail]

Re: The Auto Detailing Business At The Next Level

I plan on launching my dream, mobile detailing biz in 08...and dedicate it to my Dad ( rip )

All of my late Dad's comments and overseeing me wash and detail his Grand Marquis while he sat in the garage and watched and neighbors came over to visit. I miss him so and even now as I am detailing, I feel his presence..

Already have a list of friends waiting for me to start, planning on a $ 50 neighborhood special, since wont have to barely move the truck...also for lets not forget the military ( planning on offering 15% discount )....if any of you are around a base, see if you can get access ( lots of paperwork needed and clearances ) but would be well worth it.

I know with economy probably not the best times to start a business, but being moblie, overhead will be low, running out of home and since lost my Tucson in winter car accident, perfect time to replace with a new truck .

Best of luck to us all !

( sorry to babble a bit )

[Lydia]

Re: The Auto Detailing Business At The Next Level

Yes, that's the reason yalerd. The Real Estate market particularly is not doing well, hence the drop in real estate clients.

[yalerd]

Re: The Auto Detailing Business At The Next Level

Well I don't live in the US but I do live in America, the Caribbean to be exact, we get a lot of influence from the USA.

I've seen lately that US market is not the same, now it's a bit more conservative and the US economy it's not at it's best so could this be why at the beginning of the year you had a lot of work but mid year it started falling?

Just curiosity guys.

[Lydia]

Re: The Auto Detailing Business At The Next Level

I had a decent year. I actually went full time with my other job (Anytime Fitness), so my detailing business hasn't gotten much attention lately, but I'm hoping in '08 to do more detailing on Saturdays and maybe some week nights. I actually had quite a bit of business in '07 just from referrals; I don't even have any business cards or flyers. Hopefully in '08 I will get some business cards and perhaps some flyers, and actually start looking for business seriously. I have all the supplies I need, and while some more equipment would be handy, I can definately get by with what I have. I just need to start doing more to get business. I would say there is definately enough people around that would want the level of detailing I want to provide, I just need to get my name out there.

[Renny Doyle]

Re: The Auto Detailing Business At The Next Level

Joe I think you will be stronger in 08 then ever before if you keep with you current actions!

KNJ and RZ Autodetailing...I wish you both the best! The start-up is an exciting time. Detailing as a hubby is one thing but making that transition to the Pro level brings on many new challenges!

As Joe noted, the make-up of our clients has changed this year. Real Estate Professionals, Builders, contractors and banking/mortgage professionals are not doing so hot. As this level of client has fallen, others have taken off! It's our jobs to go find who has the money and convenience them we are worthy of the investment!

Any one else have comments on 2007 and how it went or what they see or plan to do in 2008!

[RZ Autodetailing]

Re: The Auto Detailing Business At The Next Level

Iam looking to get a van by end of feb -mar...i have everything to put in the van, iam just tired of using my pick up truck and loading and unloading everyday....I just might need some help as far as mounting everything in the van, so anyone with a mobile van setup..i might need some suggestions.....

[KNJ]

Re: The Auto Detailing Business At The Next Level

I hope to get my business off the ground this year. I plan to start by appointment only for co-workers and others and build a client base. I am still working on my business plan and have set a goal for the end of January to have all the legal and insurance completed.

[Superior Shine]

Re: The Auto Detailing Business At The Next Level

Ren, I will remember 2007 as the year we hit a brick wall. Early this year business was SMOKING HOT. About May or so POW almost dead stop.

We almost completely lost our realestate industry related clients. Other clients I have had regular for years spaced out their detailing a bit.

I had to adapt quickly. Long story short I had to move a bit out of my comfort zone. We now service a larger area.

Superior Shine is leaner and meaner now. We had a lower gross this year but I actually put more $$$$$$ in my pocket than last year.

I watched as other mobile detailers in my area went out of business.

We have some very exciting things planned for 2008. Some things we have already talked privately about and are already taking off.

TO THE MOON AND BEYOND!

[Renny Doyle]

Wow...am I the only one blown away at how fast 2007 seemed to fly by? I remember my Mom telling me that life gets faster the older you get...man no lie and when you own a business it's on steroids!

As a pro detailer, how did 2007 treat you or I should ask how did you treat 2007? Would love to hear feed back on how well others did or if some faced challenges and struggled a tad?

What will you be doing different in 2008? Are you stepping up your business to the next level in 08 or ?

Happy detailing all...and Merry Christmas!