possiable start up

[nhdetail]

hi guys, Ive worked at a car dealership for 4 yrs doing there detailing. Recently they decieded to sub out there work. So ive been playing with the idea of starting my own detailing service. I own a da,so would be able to do a small amount of paint defect removal, But would like some help, as to how to get started. If you would be able to point me towards the right direction, that would be great. thnx

[Mike Phillips]

Re: possiable start up

Seeing this is your first post... Welcome to Meguiar's Online!


There are a number of threads on this forum on this topic, sometimes it can be hard to choose the right search term to locate them.

If you want to start your own business detailing cars, the first steps would be to check with your city agency in charge of starting a new business in your home town and see what they require. Most will want you to have a DBA on file, (Doing Business As), which is your business name and you'll need to publish this in a local newspaper, this usually cost about $30.00 or so...

You'll also want to get a tax ID number because as a small business the Government will want you to pay your taxes on your income.

So check out the legal business side of starting your own business. After that you'll want to choose a business name, something people can remember you by and will also tell them,

"What's in it for me"

That's a start for you... when it comes to detailing for money as a career, most guys are pretty good at the work or detailing side, it's the business side of the business that most detailers struggle with.

[nhdetail]

Re: possiable start up

thanks for the fast response. I will deffently look into that

[Derrick]

Re: possiable start up

look into all the different methods of advertising to. Its good to get your name out there quick because depending on where you live detailing may not be in high demand. I know im from san antonio and on any given day there are about 4 mobile detailers posting up adds on the interenet and many others around here who think grabbing a hose and running out to a house is mobile detailing so when i got started it took weeks before i even got one call and even they dint show up lol. Even though most of them are basically just car washers and not real detailers it still hurts business because in advertising everyone claims to be the best and a professional detailer.

[AeroCleanse]

Re: possiable start up

Seeing this is your first post... Welcome to Meguiar's Online!


There are a number of threads on this forum on this topic, sometimes it can be hard to choose the right search term to locate them.

If you want to start your own business detailing cars, the first steps would be to check with your city agency in charge of starting a new business in your home town and see what they require. Most will want you to have a DBA on file, (Doing Business As), which is your business name and you'll need to publish this in a local newspaper, this usually cost about $30.00 or so...

Where I live you don't have to publish it. You need a sales tax permit, so you can collect sales tax. This may depend on where you live, but in WI they tax car detailing.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: possiable start up

look into all the different methods of advertising to.

Here's a couple of suggestions...


Your business name should,

• Work well as your website name
• Tell your customer quickly and plainly... what's in it for me?" (A clean shiny car)
• Be easy to remember and spell so they can type it into a browser or remember it when they try to find you by some other means.

Hope this helps...

[Mike Phillips]

Re: possiable start up

Click the link below to the advanced search option...

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/search.php

Type the word business into the search box and then right below it is a drop down list where you can choose to search the entire thread or the thread title. Select Search Titles Only and then click the Search Now button. Plenty of good reading...

Search by Key Word

Key Word(s):

Search Entire Posts Search Titles Only

[nhdetail]

Re: possiable start up

wow you guys are great. I ran into 1 of my clients from old place,and expalined the situation. Was informed to let her know if i start up. And learnt a valuable lesson. Dont work for yrs at a shady car dealership

[Forever New]

Re: possiable start up

Welcome to MOL. I agree with everyone so far. A name must be catchy and simple. It will be your first impression with new clients. Find a way to set yourself out from the crowd. Know your market and price yourself accordingly. Things will always be slow at first, but once you establish yourself and begin building a client base, make sure you include top shelf customer service in everything you do.

[Brents Classic Custom Detail]

Re: possiable start up

Find a good place, get your name out there and the most important thing......

USE THE BEST, DO YOUR BEST AND REMEMBER NEVER STOP LEARNING!

WHEN YOU STOP LEARNING, IT'S NOT THAT YOU KNOW IT ALL BUT YOU HAVE LOST INTREST IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING

(A QUOTE FROM MY FATHER)

GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES, FRIEND!