I'm out of work... start detailing?

[Prospective Buyer]

Ok this isn't a sob story... I'm 16. Applied to several places to work. No one called me back except one but I'm too young. So I figured, hey why not detail cars? I love cars, and cleaning them.... any advice for a starting a small detailing service in MA? My neighborhood has plenty of customers, but what's the best way of alerting them? I don't want alot of people coming to my house if I don't know them.....

[The Stig]

Do you have detailing equipment? Such as a PC or flextool? I would try advertising on craigslist.

[IROCanSS]

Word of mouth. I used to detail all the people's cars at my moms work then it spreads.

You need a lot of equipment but there is good money in it.

[Prospective Buyer]

I need to buy the PC... I have a few things of car soap but I plan on buying Adams polishes. I already have a few microfiber towels. Do any of you have any prices for your services, basically how much do you charge

[IROCanSS]

It depends on what you do and how good it is. Also depends on vehicle size and condition.

For a full wash, clay, wax, polish, windows, interior, etc. You could get well over $100 but you better do a good job.

I've detailed hundreds of cars. It takes a labour of love. A few things of car wash and z couple micros isn't gonna cut it!

I have a full cabinet full of shit and I only detail my car and occasionally a friends or something. Nothing for money. Last car I detailed, just for fun:

[Transfusion]

Ok, this is not a sob story either. I just got back to work after 6 months off and no xmas except for my boss to say go jerk a big bone up your you know what. And after applying for over 250 jobs, a short vacation for mental rehab to vegas, I had an illusionary 1 , yes I said 1 fricking interview which I jammed and flamed. I am now employed, so , Do what you love and love what you do and that circle will get you through anything. Never give upl someday I will be looking for a good car cleaning
and when I find it I hope it's yours kid. Good Luck and carry on.

[Apex Paul]

Originally Posted by jrhaus76

Last car I detailed, just for fun:

If you're ever looking to have some more fun I'd be happy to set you loose in my garage

To the OP: Be wise; get yourself an insurance policy to cover anything that goes wrong. A little too hard or too long on an edge with that PC and you might be looking at primer or bare metal.

[Prospective Buyer]

Originally Posted by Transfusion

Never give upl someday I will be looking for a good car cleaning
and when I find it I hope it's yours kid. Good Luck and carry on.

That'd be pretty awesome if you came across me and I worked on your car!

As for materials,

I need
1. Foam Gun.
2.Clay
3.Soap
4.Wax
5.Porter Cable
6.Website, I used to make them for friends... so that's no problem.

It's the summer. I have a lot of free time on my hands, being unemployed and all Once school starts...time to hit the books.

[Prospective Buyer]

Originally Posted by Apex Paul

To the OP: Be wise; get yourself an insurance policy to cover anything that goes wrong. A little too hard or too long on an edge with that PC and you might be looking at primer or bare metal.

Insurance I'm 16... how much would that cost?

[rykeith]

Originally Posted by Prospective Buyer

Insurance I'm 16... how much would that cost?

[Silverado]

I don't know what insurance would cost (probably wouldn't need it if you are just doing "neighborhood cars" in their own driveways)....

First thing you do....print up some fliers and take them to Kinkos (or some other copy place) to make enough copies to spread around the neighborhood.....offer up "detailing services" (spell out what you'll do) and offer to "come to them" (doing it at their place saves you some money because you use their water)....etc. Then, go get some supplies....don't go crazy, just get some basic stuff. See what happens. If you get enough jobs, then you can afford to get a few more supplies and maybe branch out past your neighborhood.

Best advice....BUST YOUR ASS!!! If you get any jobs, you make sure those cars come out the best they've ever looked. That way, you will get repeat customers and great references. Besides, all the great ideas in the world won't get you there, but working hard and doing it right always pays off.

Oh, another word of advice....keep your own car as clean as possible all the time.....if people are going to let you detail their rides, they will expect yours to be pristine...if it isn't, they will question letting you do theirs.

Good luck.

[Prospective Buyer]

Originally Posted by rykeith

Once i scrolled down to the eyebrows I knew...

[Prospective Buyer]

Originally Posted by Silverado

I don't know what insurance would cost (probably wouldn't need it if you are just doing "neighborhood cars" in their own driveways)....

First thing you do....print up some fliers and take them to Kinkos (or some other copy place) to make enough copies to spread around the neighborhood.....offer up "detailing services" (spell out what you'll do) and offer to "come to them" (doing it at their place saves you some money because you use their water)....etc. Then, go get some supplies....don't go crazy, just get some basic stuff. See what happens. If you get enough jobs, then you can afford to get a few more supplies and maybe branch out past your neighborhood.

Best advice....BUST YOUR ASS!!! If you get any jobs, you make sure those cars come out the best they've ever looked. That way, you will get repeat customers and great references. Besides, all the great ideas in the world won't get you there, but working hard and doing it right always pays off.

Oh, another word of advice....keep your own car as clean as possible all the time.....if people are going to let you detail their rides, they will expect yours to be pristine...if it isn't, they will question letting you do theirs.

Good luck.

With the flyers I intended on fixing our cars first. then showing them off on the fylers.. then let the other cars I've done speak for themselves.. I guess my main problem is starting off with the right amount of product/supplies

[CamaroSpike23]

OP... 2 things


1. go to the cosmetic section on this site and take a look at what the pros are using

2. go to the regional section of this site and find some members/car shows/etc in your area and get to work! Good luck1