detailing business set-up

[iloveclios]

Hi all, I'm new to this site, how are you all doing?

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice as I was thinking of setting a detailing business and I have a few ideas on it.

But hey any advice is good and it will all be appreciated.

Thanks guys and girls.

 

[Chrisgti6]

How much experience do you have? Do you have a client base already?

 

[Knuckles]

Hi and welcome.

As above.

Establish a decent client base.

Do a lot of write ups to get noticed, or spam the f**k out of Facebook with shameful detailor pics and "pls liek dis" posts

Then after you've got a decent client base and are getting noticed and recommended, rent a unit and set up shop.

 

[terryc101]

As above really, and check the local area to see who else is around. If there's a handful of other detailing places locally then you'll have to build a really good reputation to make yourself stand out.

Were you gonna do it at home,unit, mobile?

 

[Bluebeard]

There are very very few people who can tell the difference between a £10 Iranian hand car wash and a ££££ that a detailer charges.
Getting new customers is very difficult.

I ran a valeting business from a very tiny unit and my overheads were £350 a week. Not including my wages or tax bill.

If you were doing basic valets at £55 a pop, you'd need a large customer base just to cover your basics before you even start to see any profit.

And if you think you can convince people to spend £300+ on a detail who are currently happy with their £10 hand car wash at the local Tesco's, you're in for a nasty shock!

I enjoyed my time valeting, I mainly did builders vans at £350 a time but did the occasional car detail. (I think my Facebook page is still active, Pro Clean Bristol)
But the hardest thing is finding premises that are quality enough to appeal to customers but cheap enough for you to still earn profit.

Good luck whatever you choose to do.

 

[iloveclios]

Thanks all,
Have a lot of experience in it all working for other people but ideally wuld like to be mobile valeting and detailing.
Haven't had much time to get around to talk to potential customers as of yet as I work nite shifts in a factory but from doing my research of the local area there is only 3 carwashes about but no detailing firms.