Is this everything I need to successfully run an auto-detailing business?
This is my list, if someone thinks I should add, remove, or change and item, I am all ears. And the chemicals I am getting but did not list.
- Random orbital polishers
- Fluid recapture devices
- Steam / carpet cleaner
- Hoses for water and air
- Hot water extractor
- Wet / dry vacuum cleaner
Ok some people are real idiots, I am not retarded and I am friggin coming online becuase my neighbor was starting one and he said these were his major items. I dont need a some jackass to tell me that I need customers or that I am in trouble when you have no clue.
Have a nice day to those who just answer and dont dance around the bush.
Tagged with: air compressor • all ears • bush • chemicals • clue • dry vacuum cleaner • hoses • hot water • jackass • neighbor • nice day • steam carpet • wet dry vacuum
Filed under: air compressor dryer
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no successful business operates without customers.
If you have to come on line to find out – you’re in trouble already. Check with a CPA, or someone from Small Business Administration, before you get in over your head. And good luck
it also doesnt hurt to have customers too.
Good advertising and a Business License
Ok, so I did this myself a few years ago.. in 2001 to be exact. Since you didn’t say whether or not you are starting a mobile business or a shop, I’m going to assume a mobile business.
I started out with a Ford E-350 van and added:
- 100 gallon water tank with gravity-pressure spout
- electric pressure washer (2. one primary, one backup)
- gas-powered generator
- very powerful pro-quality shop-vac
- GEM random orbital polisher (though I’d recommend a smaller unit too for smaller cars)
- 100 Ft industrial extension cord
- boars hair wash brush with 8ft extension handle
- hose for backup with nozzle
- assortment of spray bottles and containers for chemicals
- 100% Terry towels
- Micro-fiber towels
- various buckets for chemicals and water
- various pads and bonnets for orbital polisher
- step ladder for tall cars
- all your chemicals ( I used a professional outfit in California that had a distributor in my area and I bought bulk)
I would not recommend a steam cleaner or water extractor at first. I bought a $500 min-steam cleaner and though it cleaned the carpet, it never got real stains out. Instead I used god quality auto carpet cleaner, applied the suds by hand and used a stiff bristle brush attachement for my drill to ‘scrub’ the carpets. I then used the shop-van to suck away the water.
I also recommend getting a lot of latex gloves to protect your hands.
I would look into a synthetic chamois too, instead of using the terry cloth towels for full car drying. Use the terry towels for wheels, tires, door jams, etc.
Find a good chemical distributor so you are never left in the cold when you need products. Plus, they will usually let you try products for free to see if you like them.
A portable tent might be worth it if you have to do cars in the sun a lot. Though the chemicals I bought were formulated for direct sunlight so they never caused me problems.
Good luck!
-Chris