Home Business Idea: Automotive detailing
Business description-America has become known as a commuter country. Everybody has a car and some people even consider theirs an extension of their family. The problem arises that in our hectic, workaholic society, nobody has the time (or the inclination)to keep their four wheels looking her best. But if you love cars and keeping them beautiful and clean you can provide the solution as an auto detailer. You will travel to your clients' homes or offices to wash, wax and pamper the family wheels. Besides giving the usual bath and wax, you will shampoo carpets, clean upholstery, polish chrome and shine tires. The advantages to this business are that: you can start on a shoestring, work part-time if you like, you are out in the fresh air all day, and you get the glow of accomplishment that comes from putting in a good day's physical labor. Keep in mind however that you will need some experience with washing, waxing and detailing vehicles. You must also know which products are safe for which finishes and which give the best results. You will also need the physical stamina to work outdoors all day doing fairly intensive labor and the drive to keep at it even when it can be hot and sticky. In addition the high physical labor of your business you will need the marketing skills to continue to grow your business.
Materials needed-This is one of the cheapest and easiest businesses to start. Assuming you already have a vehicle to get you to your clients, all you will need is a wet/dry vacuum; mini-carpet shampooer; buffer/polisher; brushes; rags; soap; window cleaner; wax; leather, upholstery and tire cleaners; a bucket; a hose; and something to carry it all in plus access to an electric outlet and an outdoor water spigot. Keep in mind that since you will be dealing with people's automotive babies, you may want to carry liability insurance. Be sure to check with your agent for prices and terms.
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Space requirements-You will only need some space at home to store your materials listed above when you are not using them.
Time requirements-This type of business can be run full or part time. If you are good at organizing and scheduling you can complete several cars in a day and then take some time off. Keep in mind however that this is usually a pay as you work process meaning that you are only earning money as long as you are working.
Income potential-3 This type of business has a wide range of salaries. National surveys show that automotive detailers average between $20,000-60,000 dollars. This can vary widely depending on the location of your business and the overall demand.
Keys to success-The major key to success in this business is marketing. Keep in mind that your clients can be anybody who has a vehicle and the discretionary income to pay for your services. You can place fliers on car windshields in office complex parking lots and distribute them inside the offices, too. Try introducing yourself to denizens of small companies and the human resources staff of large corporations. This can go a long way toward gaining business, especially if you invest in a polo or good-quality T-shirt with your company name on it. You can also solicit business from car dealers by selling them "free" coupons they can give to people who buy their vehicles. You can also go after homeowner and home-based businesses by placing your fliers under doormats or as door hangers, or by running ads in direct-mail coupon books.
Risks-There is very little risk associated with this type of business. Since the start up costs is almost nothing the only other thing to worry about is delivering quality work that keeps your clients happy. If you don't you will soon be hitting the road!
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