Discussion
I've been detailing my cars as a hobby for some time now, I wouldn't mind trying to turn it in to something a bit more full time as I'm getting bored at work.
Obviously all areas/towns will have different markets depending on how many similar business are around, but I'm thinking a decent van kitted out with everything I'd need, and doing this mobile, possibly learning how to refurb wheels etc too.
I'm sure reputation is everything, as well as reasonable pricing...
Have any of you ever got someone like this in to give your car a going over - and do you think it's a decent business model?
Obviously all areas/towns will have different markets depending on how many similar business are around, but I'm thinking a decent van kitted out with everything I'd need, and doing this mobile, possibly learning how to refurb wheels etc too.
I'm sure reputation is everything, as well as reasonable pricing...
Have any of you ever got someone like this in to give your car a going over - and do you think it's a decent business model?
The chap who came to do some scratches on my car had a tent that went over it attached to the side of his van, was thinking about something similar.
Small industrial units are also pretty cheap where I live and it would allow me to have other projects on the go I suppose, so it's an option but it seems quite a big jump while I'm currently still working.
Small industrial units are also pretty cheap where I live and it would allow me to have other projects on the go I suppose, so it's an option but it seems quite a big jump while I'm currently still working.
Thanks all for the replies.
After some more research there seems to still be conflicting ideas about detailing on a mobile basis. Basically it seems for the proper high end stuff, you do need premises, but you can still do some of the usual stuff, polishing/removing swirl marks, paint protection etc outside, as I have with my own cars.
The mobile corporate service does indeed sound a brilliant brilliant idea. There seems to be nothing of the sort locally; one factory where my wife works would probably be at least 2 days work, as there are hundreds of cars there and surely at least 10-20 of those would want a basic wash at least. There are so many local businesses that would love this. Some that may not be keen on that going on in their car park though.
Did you find you had enough space to work? Did anyone ever try and unfairly blame you for some bit of damage to their car that was already there? And was it quieter in winter or did it pick up as people wanted the salt etc washed off? What did you do if more people than you had time for wanted their car doing?
Sounds like the mobile stuff could definitely be a way to kick things off anyway with a view to perhaps gauging the market for a little unit for high end detailing.
After some more research there seems to still be conflicting ideas about detailing on a mobile basis. Basically it seems for the proper high end stuff, you do need premises, but you can still do some of the usual stuff, polishing/removing swirl marks, paint protection etc outside, as I have with my own cars.
The mobile corporate service does indeed sound a brilliant brilliant idea. There seems to be nothing of the sort locally; one factory where my wife works would probably be at least 2 days work, as there are hundreds of cars there and surely at least 10-20 of those would want a basic wash at least. There are so many local businesses that would love this. Some that may not be keen on that going on in their car park though.
Did you find you had enough space to work? Did anyone ever try and unfairly blame you for some bit of damage to their car that was already there? And was it quieter in winter or did it pick up as people wanted the salt etc washed off? What did you do if more people than you had time for wanted their car doing?
Sounds like the mobile stuff could definitely be a way to kick things off anyway with a view to perhaps gauging the market for a little unit for high end detailing.
Edited by Chateauneufdupape on Sunday 1st May 20:29
All things ive been working out for several different options/directions. If/when at some pointI make the jump I will be starting off slowly one day per week alongside my current work, this way I can get a proper idea of the costs and how best to go about it all. Often costs in theory are different to reality.
Investment wouldn't be massive to start off with so I think this could be a good way to kick things off. I don't work Mondays so if I had everything I needed to start out, and could manage to fill every Monday with work, I would give up my job and focus on making it full time.
Getting work would be a mixture of some cheap marketing, and doing some selling myself. I think a good work Uniform and professional appearance/advertising materials would be key to this.
Investment wouldn't be massive to start off with so I think this could be a good way to kick things off. I don't work Mondays so if I had everything I needed to start out, and could manage to fill every Monday with work, I would give up my job and focus on making it full time.
Getting work would be a mixture of some cheap marketing, and doing some selling myself. I think a good work Uniform and professional appearance/advertising materials would be key to this.
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