Auto Detailing Idea

[brownbob06]

A friend and I have been trying to think of ways to start our own business for quite some time now, but couldn't come up with an idea for quite some time. We were initially pretty set on something more geared toward computers or the internet, but we didn't have much for startup costs, so I began thinking more towards the service end of things.

I thought about the things I love, and the main thing in my head was cars. Well, my idea is pretty simple in words, but I'm not sure how it will work out in real life.

The idea is essentially an auto detailing business in which we would go the a persons home and detail their car in their own driveway so that they don't have to do anything at all.

As for supplies, we have the big things covered, a gas generator, an electric pressure washer, a buffer and a vaccuum. I'm not foolish, I know we'll need ALOT more things, but those are the big things. Other things would include soap, wax, carpet cleaning solution, chamois, sponges, washcloths, q tips, armor all, rim cleaner etc. etc.

The big thing that we need though is a water tank, I'm not sure how much the run though, I plan on talking to my dad to see how much he paid for the one he uses to water the cows (he has it mounted on it's own trailer so that it can be pulled behind a truck, which is something else we need to look into)

We plan on starting small, with friends and family to get the word out (and to get a little bit of practice and constructive criticism from people we can trust).

We also plan on calling the local places that offer detailing and seeing what they charge for which services.

Basically, I just want people's opinions on what I may be missing from this idea.

[ArloA]

hmm... in our course, that was awarded as the best business venture last year. it was a "call wash" as they call it. it was a good idea/plan but now, today's year, it was not a good plan anymore for a start up biz. don't worry, that's in our place and not yours. sorry if i can't give you enough details to help you but just take note of your competitors. in the business plan, don't plan how to defeat them, but how to be ahead of them every time! meaning innovate existing ideas and make it yours. make your auto detailing stand-up than other businesses in your market, that's the key for competitive advantage. This maybe an advice, but i just want you to be reminded of it. =)

[capforge]

You aren't missing anything critical. It is a very viable idea. Just go out and start now. Anything you might have missed you will quickly learn along the way. Best of luck.

[PDLopez]

It sounds like you have most of everything covered... minus the water tank/truck. Give it a go.

[bostonbrian]

Auto Detailing Training, Equipment and Supplies - Mobile Detailing Trailers

Here are some ideas of trailers.

You will want to size the water tank depending on whether you plan to wash the car or whether you are just washing wheels etc.

90 gallons might be too small.

What you might do is wash a very small compact car and estimate how long the regular house hose is on (measure the volume by multiplying the time it takes to fill up a gallon of water by the time it takes to wash with the hose on full blast.) Repeat this for a big van or pickup truck to get an idea of the range of volume you need, and then estimate how long it takes to do one car/van to estimate the smallest number of cars and the maximum number of vans per day.

Volume used (van) * number of vans/day = volume per day
Volume used (car) * number of cars/day = volume per day

Should give you a good idea of the maximum amount of water you need to tote.

Also remember that you'll need some sort of electrical or mechanical water pump for the tank.

Where are you located?

-Brian

[2gould]

I think it is a fine idea/service and I would use it. Hell, I'd even use it for just a wash. However, I would suggest doing a quick survery to see if there is a market for such a service. Friends and family can be usefull up to a point; however, you will want a larger sampling. Also, I would consider hitting up some office parks - I imagine the employees would love to have their car cleaned and detailed while they were at work, and not have to drive to get it done. The more I think of it, the better I like the idea. Just make sure you have a market before you go and spend the money on inventory and equipment.
Oh and BostonBrian definitely hooked you up with some killer formulas...
Good luck!

[rogercbryan]

There is a huge market for this service. I've seen it done in numerous cities. You could always use the water supply at the customers house as well. Unless you want to use Ionized water as part of your marketing stratagy... it streakless or some thing like that. A lot of mom & pops car dealerships use services like this.

I think you are on to something... Try doing a test run.. say 5-10 cars for friends.. dont try to make a killing on the first few... maybe a few dollars... get out there and do it and you'll learn a lot...

[2gould]

There is a huge market for this service. I've seen it done in numerous cities. You could always use the water supply at the customers house as well. Unless you want to use Ionized water as part of your marketing stratagy... it streakless or some thing like that. A lot of mom & pops car dealerships use services like this.

I think you are on to something... Try doing a test run.. say 5-10 cars for friends.. dont try to make a killing on the first few... maybe a few dollars... get out there and do it and you'll learn a lot...

Well, as long as there is a market in his area then I agree, he should give it a shot. However, don't forget the financials - make sure the numbers work.

[dkattis]

You have a solid foundation down. I run a mobile auto detailing business but over the past two years only ran part time due to college. I like the idea of starting with family but as someone said, it only goes so far. I would try and market in your neighborhood (flyers in mailboxes and car windshields or door hangers). This worked for me but I don't know where you are located. I also lived relatively close to numerous building complexes. Just go in and ask. I found large demand there considering people can leave work with a sparkling clean car.

Also, to look for professional and get your name exposed through your clients, I would make a business card and a work shirt. Nothing crazy, just a simple polo or t shirt with your company name on it.

Lastly, this requires some planning but you want to offer an array of options to choose from. For example, a full clean (interior+exterior), exterior only, etc.
Best of luck. Any questions, I would be glad to help.

-Dionysios K.

[brownbob06]

yea, that was something we were looking into as well, just interior, just exterior, interior detail/exterior wash, those types of things. This will only be able to be a part time thing since we are in Ohio and it's really hard to wash a car in the winter here sometimes (water will freeze almost instantly on car with soap in it).

Thanks for all the feedback!

[dkattis]

Sounds great man. Best of luck. I can tell you if your business picks up, you will make a nice amount for part time. Let us know how it goes, i'd like to know.

[rogercbryan]

Well, as long as there is a market in his area then I agree, he should give it a shot. However, don't forget the financials - make sure the numbers work.

I think you are overthinking this simple idea. Would you tell a 14 year old who is cutting grass to worry about the financials... you would kill their motivation... it simple... if you do the work and you profit... keep doing it. If your total investment is under $1000 for this type of business... just do it dont over think it...

If you can last 3 months... then sit down run the numbers... see what it will take to grow the business... but make sure you have a business first

[rogercbryan]

yea, that was something we were looking into as well, just interior, just exterior, interior detail/exterior wash, those types of things. This will only be able to be a part time thing since we are in Ohio and it's really hard to wash a car in the winter here sometimes (water will freeze almost instantly on car with soap in it).

Thanks for all the feedback!

You have to do full service to make it work. I'm from Cleveland and I've seen these companies work. During the winters the guys I know that do detailing in the summer do snow plowing... keeps them busy all year long.

[dkattis]

You have to do full service to make it work. I'm from Cleveland and I've seen these companies work. During the winters the guys I know that do detailing in the summer do snow plowing... keeps them busy all year long.

I can see where you are coming from but you would be surprised how many clients I've had that just wanted an exterior detailing. By all means, it works best as a full service but people like to have options to choose from. Makes the business look for reputable as well. That's just from my experience.

[Sminc]

I am not sure if your model works, off course you are providing a value proposition in that I will not go to you but you come to me home to detail my car. Bottom line is that with all the extra cost involved such as gas to drive to a location (gas is not cheap right now) plus all the other incidential, I am not sure if you will be able to compete and stay competative on the price compared to a brick n mortar car detailer

Best of luck