I'm 23 & started my detailing business 5 years ago. I started installing PPF in October 2021 (after 2 introductory courses) & have done 7 full bodies in the past 2 months (and a dozen Full fronts/Track packs). Here are some insights from my past year;
- If you have any intention of doing full fronts/full car you will need a LOT of practice on all types of panels. Buy your plotter ASAP and practice on your personal cars, family cars, friends' cars, etc. Make sure to manage their expectations and be clear that it's practice.
- Practice cutting on pieces of film w/ the backing. Listen for the squeaking sound.
- I burned about ~$20,000 on film practicing between October to February. That includes redo's on jobs we did for past detailing clients at a discount. (Again, if you do this, manage expectations. These clients knew we were practicing and weren't picky. They rather pay 50% less to have SOME protection, even if not perfect)
-> For what it's worth, this is an extremely risky move (financially, time wise, and reputation wise). I was able to take on this level of risk $ wise, but it's extremely taxing. Everything was at a complete loss, and even charging customers 50% ended up at a complete loss after redos. The only pro is that you can "hyper-learn" the fundamentals of the skill. Everything else will come with time & more practice.
- Front-clips, door cups, door edges, etc seems like a waste to me because it'll barely budge your skills forward. Dealers don't pay, and people who aren't looking for full fronts don't pay either. Aim for full front & full bodies because that's where the demand is right now. I've done ONE partial front install in the past year. If you want quick $ in between PPF jobs stock up on tinted PPF. Product cost is ~$10 per headlight/taillight and it sells for ~$100-$130 per light in my market.
- Installing anywhere that isn't dust/temperature controlled will be EXTREMELY difficult. Do not underestimate this. It will affect everything from your plotting, weeding, solution ratios, to your installation defects (dust, dry spots, silvering). By installing in any other condition you are in for a bunch of wasted film.
Nowhere close to being an expert, but with every job I make a leap in quality & problem solving. If you want to grow fast be prepared for a lot of late nights, disappointment, and wasted film ($$$). However, it's also insanely rewarding if you can make it work.
Good luck!
