detail and washing business info needed
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 548
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From: hamilton, Ohio
detail and washing business info needed I am thinking of starting a mobile business to detail and wash cars. I really enjoy cleaning my cars and toys and thought why not make some cash. My question does anybody have any tips or advice for me. Also is there anywhere to take a class or seminar on proper care and technique.
ive been doing this for the last 4 years on and off. however only got serious about doing it full time within the last 2 years. let me tell ya its a tough business. however it makes me happy knowing im doing something i love and making way more money than i did working for the man.! the first thing is build up steady clientel and get as much word of mouth as you can. if you do a excellent job and have fair pricing then you should succeed with this. just takes a lil bit of time and patience as it wont happen overnite. dont give up even if its slow. also any profits you make should go back into the business to buy better chemicals ,tools and cleaning instruments. thats really it off the top of my head. but if you got any questions let me know..
figured in my hourly rate and how many hours it would take to do a complete detail on a certain vehicle. 40$ per hr x 3 hrs on a suv 40$ x 2 on a car and on boats i charge 35$ a foot. any metal polishing i do is and additional 45$ an hr! on motorcycles / atvs i charge a flat fee of 90$ show cars are where my real money is made cause that is a wetsand/compounding and metal polishing job. so those are 50$ an hr. and i can go in excess of 80 hrs on one.
it is a tough business but you need to do what you love. On average here in SC, most detailers charge about 30-40hr and for a car like mine it would be a 3 hour job. This would include wash, wax, sealant, interior clean, vacuum, carpet clean, wheels and tires cleaned and wheels buffed and shined, and engine bay cleaned and shined. Looks good but I only do it before a car show if I dont have time to do it myself. Best way to get clients is go to local car shows and club meets, bring your car detailed by yourself so you can show off your work, and let the car talk!
