An auto detailing service professionally cleans, washes and waxes the interior and exterior of cars, trucks, RVs and even boats. There is no shortage of vehicles to detail, but detailing can be labor-intensive, so make sure you enjoy cars before you start this type of automotive business.
It can be very inexpensive to start an auto detail service, since you don’t necessarily need a store front or shop. You can offer a mobile service and travel to your customers’ locations, or you can rent space at a local car wash or automotive shop. The equipment you’ll need is minimal as well; quality car wash, wax and interior cleaning supplies. Once you have established a larger client base, you can purchase your supplies in bulk at lower wholesale prices, thus increasing your profit per job.
With so many vehicles, you have your choice of customers with whom to work. You may want to focus on a particular niche market to specialize in a certain type of service or particular type of customer. For example, there are new car owners, car dealerships, RV owners or rental companies, classic car owners, even your average joe car driver who wants his car looking good.
So how do you find your customers? If you are on a budget, network with people you know or print business cards and drop them off at local car dealerships or automotive businesses. You could discuss forming a partnership where they get a cut of your profits by advertising your service at their place of business. You could also place an ad in the yellow pages, newspaper or local magazines offering a first-time buyer discount to attract new customers. If you can, use humor in your ads, it’s a great way to attract attention.
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