Austin
FTF's #1 Knob Polisher
Contrary from popular belief, starting a mobile detaling company can be rather pricey. I'm going to run down a quick list just to show what's involved when preparing a new mobile detail rig.
1. Truck/Van/SUV:
A vehicle is the cornerstone to a successful detail company. Your ride should appear professional in every sense of the word (no mismatched panels, bald tires, dirty wheels). Modified exhaust is fantastic on a personal vehicle, but it may not fit well in a quit community you're servicing. Think about what your potential client base will be and drive accordingly.
2. Vehicle lettering:
Proper signage really seals the deal when it comes to appearing professional. Letting a long bed truck could run anywhere from $100-$400. A key piece to remember - if you letter your vehicle, don't act like a fool. You're making a name for yourself and should strive to act nicely in public. (IE - don't flip off the guy that cut in front of you)
3. Equipment & chemicals:
This is where the big dollars start flying out of your bank account. There are many tools of the trade, and a good few are hefty investments.
- Buffers: One of my favorite on the market is the Rupes 21 forced rotational buffer. It has a rotary drive that oscillates with a 21mm throw to polish with phenomenal results while remaining safe for almost any skill level. Expect to spend $500 on a combo kit with quality pads.
- Vacuum: I run a $30 ShopVac for all of my details. It's small enough to fit anywhere and still has the power needed for most jobs. It's important to purchase a vac that can handle amounts of water for carpet cleanup.
- Hot water extractor: A big part of deep cleaning carpet is being able to properly remove dirt and stains. I recommend the Aztec Hot Rod - about $750.
- Steam cleaner: Having steam in your arsenal can save hours of scrubbing and hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in chemical costs. This is optional for a start up but definitely recommended by yours truly. A new unit is under $1000, you're lucky to find one used around the $500 mark.
- Misc chemicals: Soaps, degreasers, interior cleaners, dressings, etc. are vital to properly cleaning any vehicle. Expect to spend a few hundred dollars for a couple months' supply.
- Exterior care: Compounds, polishes, sealants, waxes, glazes, etc. are used to create top-quality paint finishes. Another few hundred will stock your shelves for months to come.
4. Legalities to consider:
I have a view that if you're going to run a business it should be done legitimately. Don't skip corners on this or it could bite you in the arse. Have a business license. Get quotes on insurance for your business. These things can seem like a waste of money at first, but they'll help out in the long run. Prices vary by state and region.
5. Build your brand:
Working in a t-shirt that shows off your favorite NFL team is great, but why not take a chance to build your name even more? Purchase a few polo shirts and have your company name embroidered on the chest. Business cards should be high quality and unique without being overly flashy. Consider having some flyers printed to tape to mailboxes in an area you'd like to service.
If this seems like a big list of dollars, it's because it is. Take pride in your work, under promise and over deliver. Create a unique experience for every client - treat them like family. And remember - the day you stop learning is the day that you die.
1. Truck/Van/SUV:
A vehicle is the cornerstone to a successful detail company. Your ride should appear professional in every sense of the word (no mismatched panels, bald tires, dirty wheels). Modified exhaust is fantastic on a personal vehicle, but it may not fit well in a quit community you're servicing. Think about what your potential client base will be and drive accordingly.
2. Vehicle lettering:
Proper signage really seals the deal when it comes to appearing professional. Letting a long bed truck could run anywhere from $100-$400. A key piece to remember - if you letter your vehicle, don't act like a fool. You're making a name for yourself and should strive to act nicely in public. (IE - don't flip off the guy that cut in front of you)
3. Equipment & chemicals:
This is where the big dollars start flying out of your bank account. There are many tools of the trade, and a good few are hefty investments.
- Buffers: One of my favorite on the market is the Rupes 21 forced rotational buffer. It has a rotary drive that oscillates with a 21mm throw to polish with phenomenal results while remaining safe for almost any skill level. Expect to spend $500 on a combo kit with quality pads.
- Vacuum: I run a $30 ShopVac for all of my details. It's small enough to fit anywhere and still has the power needed for most jobs. It's important to purchase a vac that can handle amounts of water for carpet cleanup.
- Hot water extractor: A big part of deep cleaning carpet is being able to properly remove dirt and stains. I recommend the Aztec Hot Rod - about $750.
- Steam cleaner: Having steam in your arsenal can save hours of scrubbing and hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in chemical costs. This is optional for a start up but definitely recommended by yours truly. A new unit is under $1000, you're lucky to find one used around the $500 mark.
- Misc chemicals: Soaps, degreasers, interior cleaners, dressings, etc. are vital to properly cleaning any vehicle. Expect to spend a few hundred dollars for a couple months' supply.
- Exterior care: Compounds, polishes, sealants, waxes, glazes, etc. are used to create top-quality paint finishes. Another few hundred will stock your shelves for months to come.
4. Legalities to consider:
I have a view that if you're going to run a business it should be done legitimately. Don't skip corners on this or it could bite you in the arse. Have a business license. Get quotes on insurance for your business. These things can seem like a waste of money at first, but they'll help out in the long run. Prices vary by state and region.
5. Build your brand:
Working in a t-shirt that shows off your favorite NFL team is great, but why not take a chance to build your name even more? Purchase a few polo shirts and have your company name embroidered on the chest. Business cards should be high quality and unique without being overly flashy. Consider having some flyers printed to tape to mailboxes in an area you'd like to service.
If this seems like a big list of dollars, it's because it is. Take pride in your work, under promise and over deliver. Create a unique experience for every client - treat them like family. And remember - the day you stop learning is the day that you die.
