Starting Out. What's Needed?

Hello,

I'm new to the forum but not new to detailing cars. I'm looking into the prospects of starting my own business. I detail my friends and neighbors vehicles on the side, but I was wondering what it takes to get started in this business? I'm looking for detailed answers encompassing the industry. I know how to detail, but I'm unclear on what it takes to get started. Most people on the forum are asking questions related to detailing vehicles, I'm looking for answers on running a business and what it takes.

1.) Do you need a business license?
2.) Do you need to carry insurance?
3.) What is the average start-up costs?
4.) Equipment (what do most detailers have)?
5.) What are the pitfalls of the business (besides inclement weather)?
6.) What are acceptable payment methods (besides cash) and what to watch out for?
7.) Anything else you can think of would be much appreciated.

In advance I would like to say thank you to the individuals who respond to this posting. I greatly appreciate all the advice.

JB

Yes you need a business license. You need insurance, what kind and how much depends on your setup really, just make sure you get enough coverage to cover you a$$... Start up cost vary with any business, but i can tell you this, whatever figure you come up with, DOUBLE IT, because the stuff comes up that you never though about, and make sure you have some money put back to live on cause things can get tight sometimes. You detail so you should have an idea of what you need, i am no detailer but i would guess atleast a shampoo machine, a pressure washer, a buffer, chems and cloths, ECT.... Pitfalls are not enough money to survive or grow, location, weather, and poor planning... I prefer cash but debit/credit cards are used more. Good luck!!!

If you start small and work a second job u should have no problem getting going. Thats what i did, $50.00 got me going and that was three years ago. Now I own three busniess. Just get what u need to do a detail. Sometimes you will work harder in the start of it because you dont have fancy equipment and helpers. But if you go through the form there are alot of pages about start up.
This is the forum that helped me out, so hopefully it will do the same for you!

good luck and welcome!

The need for a license will depend on where you live. No license is needed here in Oklahoma, just a Sales Tax Number (and that's only to purchase goods at a good price from vendors).

I allways love bad weather,,,, just means I get a day off and the next day will be really busy. EVERYBODY wants their car washed after the rain. its a good day to get new custys

5. detail dome for weather detaildome.com

how much does it cost, are you in a truck with shell or cargo van 5000.00 add anywhere from 800 to 2000 for a trailer.