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Old 04-13-2011, 08:37 PM
justplainjason justplainjason is offline
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Default Detailing business

I know a lot of you out there have had or have auto detailing businesses. What basic tools and equipment would you say I need to start and where would I go for resources on techniques?
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Old 04-13-2011, 08:38 PM
dixie_boysles dixie_boysles is offline
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Default Re: Detailing business

Meguiars Online is amazing
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Old 04-14-2011, 12:17 AM
knightmare1015 knightmare1015 is offline
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Default Re: Detailing business

Agreed. Be honest and forthright, and you'll need a portable pressure washer and some drying towels. Meguiar's online is a good place to start. The Ding King is also another place you might want to check out. Paintless Dent and Ding repair goes along way in the detailing business epsecially these days considering you're trying to start in a bad economy. People can't really afford a new pro paint job, so paintless dent and ding repair would be great in your arsenal.
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Old 04-14-2011, 12:36 AM
Tom Tom is offline
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Default Re: Detailing business

Checkout http://www.autopia.org/forum/forum.php

It's essentially a forum for detailing professionals, there's a ton of detailing product discussions. There's also a sub forum that deals with the actual business aspect of the business which you may find helpful.
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Old 04-14-2011, 12:43 AM
knightmare1015 knightmare1015 is offline
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Default Re: Detailing business

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom View Post
Checkout http://www.autopia.org/forum/forum.php

It's essentially a forum for detailing professionals, there's a ton of detailing product discussions. There's also a sub forum that deals with the actual business aspect of the business which you may find helpful.
Thanks Tom, I could use that info myself. I'll check it out when I get a chance.
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Old 04-14-2011, 02:25 AM
BCobe BCobe is offline
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Default Re: Detailing business

You could also check out Auto Geek. The sell detail stuff also. Heard its over priced though

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/
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Old 04-14-2011, 09:30 AM
Clinton Clinton is offline
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Default Re: Detailing business

Also check Detrailers.com, they have the equipment you need. I bought my stuff from there. As far as supplies go I stuck with all Meguiars, it was actually cheaper to buy from Walmart rather than online cost vs shipping ya know?! If you need any other help shoot me a pm I'll help you out!
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Old 04-14-2011, 02:22 PM
FX4 FX4 is offline
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Default Re: Detailing business

Plan on spending about $5,000 on the low side of things to start (not including many things)... are you going to be mobile? if so are you going to use people's water and electricity? Whichever products you decide to with, my suggestion is to buy in bulk (at least 1 gallon) and buy empty bottles to fill. Couple helpful things not mentioned.... polishers, air compressor, some kind of carpet cleaner (steamer, hot water extractor,etc.). Trailer would be a nice idea. Instead of buying a pre-made one, you can always piece it together... however you will end up spending about $2000on the trailer, water tank, tool boxes, power washer.

Big tip,if you do go mobile, and want to get a water tank with a pressure washer, make sure your pressure washer has a self priming pump, and is capable of pulling water from a static source.

Also, get some insurance and business license, the last thing you want is dropping something on a customer's cars and have to pay for a repaint, and when you can't afford it and your customer's sues you and you have no license, it just does not work well.

Rafal
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  #9  
Old 04-17-2011, 10:53 AM
justplainjason justplainjason is offline
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Default Re: Detailing business

Thanks for the input guys. I am working in baby steps right now. Starting by practicing techniques on friends and families cars.
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