I've been out of work for about 18 months now, and nothing at all is making me want to get back into an office (if that's even a thing any more).
Since I had my first Clio, some 12 years ago, I've been into cleaning it 'properly' - no yellow sponges, leathers, or sloshing buckets of dirty water over the car post clean (why on earth does anyone do that?!).
I've cleaned a few friends cars for fun, and for a little bit of pocket money over the years, and I'd love to be up there with JimWD and the likes, but that's way way off.
Considering starting my own business doing it, but I'm struggling to price it.
Offering high end services to your regular punter down the street, the sort who take their car to the local ex-petrol station for a scrub by a team of people for £10 in 4 minutes, is going to take some convincing - even though usually people 'get it' once they realise the car is still gleaming a week or two down the line, compared to massive missed patches, and cheap tyre shine slung down the side of the car before getting home.
To start with, I'm mobile, operating out of my car, or my driveway. I'd love to get a unit, and a van, and a load of expensive equipment but that's just simply not feasible.
Offering ceramic sealants or 100% corrections just isn't possible working on the side of the road at someone's place, or on my driveway.
Offering a decent 'safe' wash and some protection, is - however for the 2 hours it would probably take the first time, no one is going to pay me enough to cover my time, materials and overheads such as tax (if/when it takes off etc).
Offering a price list I can throw at people, may not be ideal, because cleaning for example, my own car, which is protected and generally fairly clean, will take a lot less time than a family SUV that's not so much seen a bucket of suds in 6 months, let alone any protection since it left the factory.
I don't know whether to offer fixed price work, 'message me for a quote once i've looked at it', or what...
I'm really struggling to get going with this - as in my head I just can't make ends meet. Washing two to three cars a day, for £15 a go isn't going to cover the cost of fuel and materials, let alone pay my mortgage. Then what happens when it rains ? Bit of an issue in this country
So - do you
run a car valet/detailing business ? Or do you/family/friends
use a mobile/ independent business ?
Would you be happy to leave your car with a relative stranger ?
Would you expect me to turn up to your house, use your water and electricity, and charge you for my time ?
Would you want more services available through me, such as a wheel refurbishment ?
What would you pay for a 'simple' maintenance wash ? Would you book in every 4-6 weeks, or use a few different companies to try them out ?
Would you be tempted by offers, such as a referral or loyalty scheme ?!
If you have made it this far - thanks for reading !
