Taking it to the next level at a young age.

[SL1CK]

So I've posted a thread in here once regarding the type of detailing that is preferred when a detailer starts out.

I've decided to go the mobile detailing way.

Now I need help. I'm 19 now, and would REALLY like to get this underway. And by that I mean, getting a dedicated vehicle for my "mobile business" and everything else that follows.

How do I go about getting a truck for myself at this age, in terms of financing, costs, etc? I'm looking for a small kind of truck (Ranger/S-10 type) like that red/yellow one that one fellow member on here has (very nice btw).

At the same time, if things don't turn out the way I wanted them, I don't want to take an ENTIRE loss of the trucks cost, I would want to buy one that could potentially have a close-to-equal resell value.

Any advice?

I know I'm leaving something out but I can't quite remember at the moment, I'll probably be back with more questions.

Thanks!

[BlueZero]

Re: Taking it to the next level at a young age.

Best of luck to you!

One thing I've learned from having a few different business ventures is it's more about running a business than what the business is about. (Not sure if that made sense, sorry I've got a cold and am on cold medicine). Even if you know detailing inside and out you won't be able to run a business. Buy a few business books and study up. Also a good accountant makes a huge difference too. Work smarter not harder.

Hopefully someone else will give you some advise that will help.

[BlueZero]

Re: Taking it to the next level at a young age.

Just to mention another thing. With the fact that you are young. Confidence is key. I'm sure you will get people that figure since you are young that you don't know what you are doing. I used to get that a lot in my profession. I'm not saying to jump in over your head but have confidence in your skills and don't let your clients think anything else.

[Daniel Kinder]

Re: Taking it to the next level at a young age.

Hey sl1ck
How long have you been detailing?
Do you have alot of people that your servicing?
How many detailer are in your area?
Are there any mobile detailers in your area?
If you think you can make it then trade in your ride in on a extra cab ranger/s10 and if for any reason it didn't take off then you wouldn't be at to big a loss,and you wouldn't have to sell?
Just some things to think about.and others will post more helpful info and/or better ideas.
Anyway hope ever thing works out and you get your mobile detailing off and running , good luck!
I agree with blue zero about not letting people run over you and about having confidence in yourself.
And most important is to be professional, if not it will show and thats one thing you don't need

[SL1CK]

Re: Taking it to the next level at a young age.

Best of luck to you!

One thing I've learned from having a few different business ventures is it's more about running a business than what the business is about. (Not sure if that made sense, sorry I've got a cold and am on cold medicine). Even if you know detailing inside and out you won't be able to run a business. Buy a few business books and study up. Also a good accountant makes a huge difference too. Work smarter not harder.

Hopefully someone else will give you some advise that will help.

Understood, I've REALLY taken to the principles of microeconomics and studied hard about what owning a business is like, but I'm sure studying even more won't hurt! It also helps that I'm a math tutor as well.

Just to mention another thing. With the fact that you are young. Confidence is key. I'm sure you will get people that figure since you are young that you don't know what you are doing. I used to get that a lot in my profession. I'm not saying to jump in over your head but have confidence in your skills and don't let your clients think anything else.

Yes, I use to/still sort of get this. I also use to discuss this back then with some members from MOL and they said that as long as you have the GREAT skills to do what you want to do, and are good at it, there should be no
reason to why age should matter. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!

Hey sl1ck
How long have you been detailing?

Do you have alot of people that your servicing?

How many detailer are in your area?

Are there any mobile detailers in your area?

If you think you can make it then trade in your ride in on a extra cab
ranger/s10 and if for any reason it didn't take off then you wouldn't be at to big a loss,and you wouldn't have to sell?

Just some things to think about.and others will post more helpful info and/or better ideas.

Anyway hope ever thing works out and you get your mobile detailing off and running , good luck!

Hey stang_krazy,

1) I've been detailing for 2+ years, with experience as well (detailing customer vehicles).

2) So far, I have 6 details scheduled as of now. In terms of clientele? I have some, but still am not up to par with the pro's.

3) How many detailers are there in my area? Tons. But how many actually do the true, dedicated work that we perform on vehicles? Slim to none, seriously. It's mostly production work that's labeled as "a full detail".

4) Mobile detailers, there are, from what I've counted, less than 20 (and less that actually put in the care that we do). I think that there is great potential to break out in my city's market, in terms of mobile detailing.

5) I would never want to trade my Cadillac =) haha. In love with it.

Thanks for the input as well.

[wiseguys]

Re: Taking it to the next level at a young age.

With that much competition you need to find a way to set yourself apart from them. You need to create your own market "niche", or specialty. It's also great if you can find a way to create an experience for the customer. People don't go to the football game just to watch the game in 100deg or -10deg weather. They could easily be sitting in their living room w/ their a/c or heater on, grilling out, laid back on their lay-z-boy. They go for the experience. The intensity of the crowd. The hotdogs, the environment.
Well all that may be a little much, but it's to make a point. Find your niche and execute it well. Something like 90% of business aren't all original idea's or cutting technology, but are of an existing idea but executed more efficiently and effectively.
Best of luck to you! Keep us posted on how it's working out for ya! A pickup should be fine. Don't go for anything fancy when your just starting up. Businesses don't fail because they don't have the most expensive equipment, but because lack of profit. Focus on that!