I want to start up my own valeting business.

[Ryan in wales]

Hi all! As you can see I am new to the forum and would appreciate some much needed help! I want to start my own Mobile Valeting Company, but i am only 17, the biggest concern is would people mind a 17 year old cleaning their cars? Next thing is insurance, being this age is never the best to try and insure things and I presume that's the same with this?
The next thing is how do i go about doing it? I live in a quiet part of Wales but full of elderly people, who have all on a number of occasions told me they would like someone to clean their cars for them. I know I would need to do some market research on the business (flyers, meeting people etc) but how do i go about this in such a large area i would need to cover?
The initial outlay of purchasing a van etc isn't a large concern as i would go from little and if all is well progress up to a larger van. I have noticed you can purchase ready made up business' off ebay, is this a good idea?
I would appreciate some help from all you car enthusiasts!! Obviously it's in very early stages, but it needs to start somewhere? Thanks.

Edited by Ryan in wales on Wednesday 1st September 21:52

[Ryan in wales]

Yes thats true there are many farmers driving around in their muddy 4x4's but thats a useful thing, many own normal cars (mercedes, bmw's etc) so there is that market, also i would be able to cover a big area from where i'm based including aberystwyth.

[Ryan in wales]

jr123 said:

Get over to Detailingworld.co.uk

Many of them are mobile detailer's, they have a business section and can give you all the advice you need, at 17 your insurance will probably be high on a van as well though.

Are you going to wash machine polish, wax and such if so you may require some sort of liability insurance.

Many thanks for that useful website. With the liabilty insurance do you know any useful places/websites to look at??

[Ryan in wales]

SC7 said:

I did this myself, and have had the business 5 years now.

My advice would be to start off by doing it at weekends, then work your way up. Be prepared for it to take months and months to build up a client base.

If you do a good job, you will reach a point where you don't need to advertise as you will have regulars and get your best customers by word of mouth.

Another piece of advice I would give you is to avoid garages/traders. They all want something for nothing. They want a better job than anyone else and they want to pay less for it. Obviously when you start out you can't be picky, but as you build the business up you'll find that the little old ladies and lazy businessmen will be your bread and butter, as well as offices.

Equipment-wise, start off simple. You'll want the following to get going...

Long extension cable (use customer's power where possible)
Good quality (read Honda) generator
Small-ish Karcher washer
Numatic/Karcher wet/dry vac
Baffled water tank in the van (Bear in mind: 40ish litres per car)
Good quality hose (Hozelock)
Pressure sprayer bottles (again, Hozelock)
Sponges, Mitts, Brushes, Cloths etc.
Consumables (Turtle Wax Professional range is a good starting point)

As you get going, you'll find out what works for you.

Hope this helps.

It helps alot hearing it from somebody who has done it themselves! Do you have this liabilty insurance? I'm still in early stages ofcourse. If you don't mind me asking where are you based?

[Ryan in wales]

SC7 said:

My liability insurance is included with my road risks policy mate (covers me to drive customers' cars and any vehicles that I own).

I must admit it was a struggle to get the insurance before I was 25. Only a couple of insurers will touch you. I went through a broker called Nash Warren, who have been fantastic throughout. I think I paid about £1600 in my first year - But it's well worth it when you consider I owned a Transit Connect, a 530i Sport, and was covered to drive any car I was cleaning too.

I'm based about 12 miles east of Manchester.

Thanks, I shall have to keep them in mind! That was my main worry really! If I could get insured! That seems pretty good too! Especially being able to drive any car. Do you have a webiste I could have a look at? Thanks.

[Ryan in wales]

SC7 said:

I don't I'm afraid mate.

I had one starting out but I just didn't get any business from it. It was more trouble than it was worth.

As long as you're on Yell.com and you hammer it initially with leaflets/business cards then you won't need a website.

That's not to say don't get one - Just that in my personal experience it was a waste of time and money.

That's okay. Within an area like mine I think word of mouth is much more appropriate! It's just getting enough people! I'm sure Manchester is a much bigger place than North Wales!! How man cars do you normally get done in a day?

[Ryan in wales]

SC7 said:

I work off half an hour for a "Wash & Go", an hour for a Mini Valet and 3 hours for a full valet; so it just depends how long I want to work.

I do two days every week at an office in Salford where 7/8 Mini Valets per day is the norm.

Get yourself some leaflets made up and hit the locals! You'll soon get people ringing, and if you do a good job they soon pass your details on.

Many Thanks for all of your help! It has made everything a bit more clearer! I will have to get some leaflets out to everyone! Would you mind if I ever sent you a messege on here? If I have some questions or anything?