Trying to start...

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally posted by kbkid
Shiny Lil Detlr- Your price list is pretty much what I was looking for. I think I'm going to call a few shops and get a feel for what they are charging, but I think I'm going to base my price list off of yours if you don't mind.

Also, I'll give those business cards a try. They shouldn't be too hard to do. I appriciate everyone's input. Please keep the comments coming. Any tips or advice about starting out..

Kyle

That's no problem, you can certainly use my price list as a starting point. In fact, if you'd like I can send you my master copy as a Word file (thru email) to make it easier on you. Just let me know.

If you've got MS Publisher, the business cards and such are EASY to do. Here's what I'm using:



And I had a couple 24x36" yard signs made up to put out while I'm in the driveway working:



I could probably use the yard sign design as fliers, also.

[kbkid]

Aww that would be great if you could e-mail it to me.I might just use your price list and then the things I'm not capable of doing, I'll remove it from the list. I really appriciate it.

Kyle
kyle_0907@yahoo.com

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally posted by kbkid
Aww that would be great if you could e-mail it to me.I might just use your price list and then the things I'm not capable of doing, I'll remove it from the list. I really appriciate it.

Kyle
kyle_0907@yahoo.com

You have an email.

[kbkid]

Until I get my PC, I'm going to continue to use the Consumer line of products to detail cars. What would be some nesscary items to have on hand. What are the things I should have if I was detailing.

Then once I get the PC, what would be the must have's in my toolbox?

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally posted by kbkid
Until I get my PC, I'm going to continue to use the Consumer line of products to detail cars. What would be some nesscary items to have on hand. What are the things I should have if I was detailing.

Then once I get the PC, what would be the must have's in my toolbox?

I'm going to respond to the questions from your email to me as well as the ones here.

The first thing to think about is, "who do I want my clients to be?" -- That will be determined by not only the prices you charge, but also what type of vehicle owners are in your area. If you charge in the range I do, you'll be attracting people with nastier daily-driven vehicles, who will want you to do some extreme cleaning. Therefore it will be imperative that you have a variety of all purpose cleaners, degreasers, carpet shampoos, etc. on hand.

Just think about the "worst case scenario" and decide what you would need in order to handle someone bringing their vehicle to you. In order to do a professional job, and charge professional prices, you need to be equipped similarly to what a pro shop would have. It may be a good idea to go to a local shop, and pose as a potential customer. Ask to see the work area of their shop, or at least be allowed to stand outside the door and look into the work area. Survey the setup they have, and what types of products and/or equipment they are using. That's a great starting place.

As far as exteriors, once you have the PC you'll want a bare minimum of the W-7006, W-8006, and W-9006 pads (several of each), and the 80-series meguiar's body shop polishes (#80, 81, 82, 83, and maybe 84). You'll want a good "one-step" wax product, and a good LSP for after a multi-step preparation.

I also highly recommend that after you've mastered the PC, you step up to a rotary. Since I've had mine, I have been truly blown away at how much faster I can get results, and how much more I can do on the really deep scratches and such.

The key thing to remember is that starting this as a business is NOT a cheap venture; buying a large stash of products and equipment can get really expensive, but as the old saying goes "You gotta spend money to make money."

In the end, spending the cash on equipment now, will pay for itself later. Plus since you have a "real" job that issues you a W2 for taxes, you can write off some of your supplies.

[mirrorfinishman]

HI Kyle,

You may want to think about offering one complete interior/ exterior package that includes all of the basic cleaning, polishing, waxing and protecting processes.

Here's an example:

QUALITY CHECKLIST
1– Polish and Wax By Hand
2– Clean and Protect Chrome
3– Clean and Vacuum Interior
4– Protect Leather and Vinyl
5– Clean Tires and Wheels
6– Clean Windows
7– UV Polymer Wax

You may also want to think about pricing that package according to the size of the vehicle. Such as one price for mid-size cars and a higher price for full size cars. Of course, larger cars require more time and materials so you would need to go with a higher price for larger cars.

Since you're just starting out you might have to take on whatever a customer requires, however it's much better to let your customer know up front what it is that you can do for them and that's why a package deal is a lot easier to put together. With a package, the customer always knows what to expect and you always know what needs to be done in order to do a good job and satisfy each and every customer.

[buda]

Mistake to Charge LESS

Please read my answer to another post about pricing.

Further, it is a mistake to charge less than your services are worth because you are starting out and think you have to "start small."

Detail services are worth what the customer is willing to pay for them, and in this case, detail customers will pay upwards of $200 to $250 for a complete detail.

You only deny yourself a good price for your effort and hurt the industry by charging lower prices.

Our detail services are worth charging for.

Regards
Bud Abraham
DETAIL PLUS SYSTEMS