- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
QUESTION ON Starting a Car Detailing Services
I would like to start my own business in car detailing not in only cleaning cars but also limo’s, 18 wheelers, a pickup and deliver at home and businesses, and also if the customer has a dent on the fender, I paint it right there in the shop, I am a car painter been one for 20yrs. To have waiting area for the customers and a area for my employee’s . So if you can tell how to get this started, this has been my desire for a long time. thanks for your help my God bless you. —
– John Gonzales
ANSWER
Advice by Tammy Harrison
Dear John:
I believe you have a grand idea for a business! In fact, my brothers were involved in car detailing for many years – one of them still does it!
You will need to look into all of the things that business owners have to muddle through before they can open their doors. You can find a great article about some things to consider at https://www.powerhomebiz.com/Index/checklist.htm . You must create a business plan as well as a marketing plan so you know what you want to do, what your goals will be, how you want to reach your target audience; as well as to help you obtain financing or partners. Be sure to ask an attorney and a tax advisor about whatever information you need to set up a business.
One of the biggest things, from the sound of your message, is determining how to reach your audience – or the people who you want to work for. The most profit in the business can be found through used car dealers who purchase automobiles at auctions. Most of them need immediate detail work before they can sell the car and most of them purchase at a volume. You can start by visiting with local dealers who do not have in-house detailers. You could also attend the auto auctions in your area, handing out business cards and visiting with the many dealers who come to make purchases.
Another place to look for customers is at the local truck stops. I am remembering a huge truck stop outside of central Missouri that had unbelievable traffic at all hours of the day and night. If your business were mobile, you could service their trucks while they were fueling, showering and/or dining! I would think, to do this, you would need to get permission from the business itself. To do this, you may think of offering them a percentage of your income from their business! That is a great way to get permission as well as to save yourself up-front money if they asked for a rental fee or vendor’s fee.
The most important thing for you to do is to earn trust in the industry. Get involved in your community and offer to do some charity work or donate your services to needy not-for-profit groups. This way, you earn free publicity while showcasing your talents. Be accessible, communicate to whomever and whenever you can and enjoy all of it!
Best of luck to you – I’m sure you can make your dreams come true!
Tammy Harrison
Recommended Resources on How To Start a Car Detailing Services
- Start Your Own Automobile Detailing Business
- How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Car Detailing Business
- The Profitable Auto Detail Shop: How to Start and Run a Successful Auto Detailing Business
- Car Detailing Business Guide: Get All The Business Advice You Need On Car Cleaning Services, Car Detailing Pricing Plus More Car Detailing Tips About … As A Professional Car Detailer Business Owner
Article originally published in March 2003. Updated March 3, 2012
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link