My Small Business Plan

I think insurance isn't really something you NEED to have, depending on who you are detailing for. I am going to be doing some detailing this summer, not a whole lot, but just family, friends, and some co-workers. They are all people close to the family in some way or another, and I don't think they would be scared away if I don't have insurance. If I was doing a higher volume of cars though, or detailing for people I don't know at all, I would definately look into it.
 
Unsane- Last year that is pretty much what I did too...I picked up the President of our company's navigator (he droppped it off at work and I took it home) when I walked around it before starting I noticed there was a square in the front bumper where somebody backed into him or he hit somebody...the next day he came up and asked if I bumped somebody or something with the front bumper!!

Fortunatly I had showed a co-worker there was damage before

I took the car home to work on it. Of course he could have said that is irrelevant that you showed somebody. You just never know what could happen...even if you dont do the damage yourself. I learned that day how expensive it could have been. Even though it is family and friends/co-workers you just never know.
 
Scott-my policy, especially with new customers is to walk around the vehicle with them before I start working on it.
 
Scott- That is a MUST with every person now...they have to be there when I arrive so we can go over the vehicle inside and out to note any damage and to set realistic expectations of the final product.

That day could have costed me a lot of $$...good thing he is a millionaire and works because "he can't sit at home doing nothing" :) "work is my hobby".
 
AutoNova said:
Try a good program like Business Plan Pro by Intuit, it will really take you step by step through your palns. It is widely available on the Internet. I can send it to you if you want it.
Click to expand...



I'd like a copy of that. I would really appreciate it.
 
Hmm don't take this the wrong way at all, but I think you should look at spending a bit more money if you're looking to be a serious detailer. I just turned 18 and started detailing when I was a junior in HS, too... then I probably had over $1000 worth of products and tools. As you will see here, the general idea is that results are achieved through process, not the products you use. However, looking at your list, you seem to be lacking many of the necessary products to use on an average customer car. I would definatley find a way to gather a bit more start-up capital... or at least put the proceeds from your first few details right back into the business. I'm not saying thousands are required... however, for $250, you can barely get a PC, pads, and another product or two.



Very organized ideas, though! I'm really trying to grow my business this spring... if your bored and want to chat about some of the difficulties of starting a detailing business in high school, drop me a PM, lol... we're probably goin through the same problems
 
Interesting thread. Just bought my PC the other day, and ordered all my pads and such. Gonna do my truck first, then some family cars. I can't wait to use the PC because I never thought I could find a job I would actually like, but detailing a car is quite rewarding and I like reading posts from you guys that do it for a living. I think that would be a really cool job. Do any of you guys mind disclosing what you might take in in a year? Personal question I know, and totally understand if you decline to answer. I am just curious to know what a mobile detail guy can expect to make (I know it all depends on location, etc, etc, but nonetheless...).
 
My situation right now is that I don't have liability/detailing insurance. If I only do 1-2 cars a weekend, Spring and Summer, a little in Fall, most of my profits would go to insurance! This could possibly be how others feel. I've considered insurance, but right now, everything that I've made up to this point would be payed to insurance.



In my case, is it really necessary?



Thanks
 
As long as you have a couple grand disposable in the bank, I don't think insurance is necessary for a spare-time detailer. If it was a primary source of income, then yes by all means CYA (Cover your ***)! My part time business will offer drop off and pick up for the driver, but I will refuse to drive the car (even though I should be covered under my auto policy anyway).
 
I've decided that I will be purchasing the proper insurance. It's such a small amount compared to the possibility of a bad thing happening, it really is worth it.
 
If you plan on operating a business out of a residence ensure that you are not violating any zoning codes / mortgage clauses



A good source of information is â€ËœBusiness Planning Made Easyâ€â„¢ (bplans.com)

JonM
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top