If you had 5-10 grand what would you get ? I am looking for odd stuff that may not come to mind. ie. chemicals, polished ect I already have. If I can get enough business without a trailer I may do without to start, basically my current set up, 07 Chevy Avalanche.
This is what I was thinking of doing myself, buying a trailer or equiping my truck becuase I can attract much more business going to them. I am curious to see what others think. I figured I would need bout 10 grand myself to buy a trailer and equip it nicely with a generator, pressure washer, extractor, and tank. I also have tons of chemicals to get me started so that would, not be a concern. I am waiting to see what others post up, gouse's trailer is my dream setup!!!!
Steamer, extractor, PW, Foam Cannon, stock up on a lot of soap and wheel cleaner, lots and lots of microfiber, clay, pads....
Check Check and Check, the only things I don't have is a good PW and steamer, all the other stuff is covered
Get rid of the extractor. Once you have the steamer, it becomes obsolete. I found that out AFTER buying the extractor. You don't need it.. even for nasty stains. The steamer works well. Campspray is the best, and most versatile pressure washer. If I had 10g all over again.. I'd focus more on polishes and pads and good product.. then a $800 HWE. Also, I wouldn't get a trailer. It'll get tedious to move around REAL quick, guaranteed. Also good lighting. Down payment on a decent rig: Ford Flex, Toyota Tundra(Tacoma), Honda Element, Scion xD, Toyota FJ, the list goes on..
Í recently have gone mobile myself. My mobile setup is fold the back seats down in my GTI and throw everyrthing in. I was surprised how much I could fit in there. Mobile is def appealing to customers tho IMO. For obvious reasons.
Thx, I have an Avalanche as stated above. I have all the pads and polishes I could ever need. I have been doing the business a while, just more serious now that I won't have a job
i have to agree on the HWE, if you have a steamer, i think its an expense you dont need to make now. i have been trying to go mobile for a few months, but its not as easy as i thought. all the basic stuff has been covered, other than an EZ-up. shade in the summer months is important. i bought a 10X10 and wish i would have bought a 10X15. some cars are hard to work on in a 10X10. also a good small step ladder/platform.
I bought an enclosed trailer and built it up on the inside myself for less than $5000. (do not have it any more) That included a tank, PW, Generator, flooring, insulation, vinyl, etc....
Oh sorry.. didn't read it thoroughly : Then just start doing it. Don't get a water tank, or generator. You want to be able to cater to clients who have those already available to use.. i.e a water spout, and electricity. When I'm mobile, I make the requirement to have AT LEAST a two-car garages worth of space, or I won't do it. Because I refuse to detail out in the sun if I have a perfectly good space in my garage to do it. So if you don't fufill the requirements, you come to me, or don't get a detail.. plain and simple :shrug: It may sound snotty.. but in the end it will definitely pay off for you physically, and mentally. Also, get a CR Spotless if you don't already have one. And a PTG if you want to hammer on cars. Certain cars I only go so far because I didn't buy a PTG from the get-go. I'm not going to cut corners when I get one though.. Positector 200A. Saving for it now. I think all you'll need is a decent steamer (can be had for $500-800 new) and a good pressure washer and you'll be fine. Sell the HWE.
I have a Cadillac EXT and I'm mobile. I carry 70 gal. of water,heated extractor,generator,pressure washer w/ 0' hose,wet dry vac/blower,3 buffers, (Flex,rotory, pc) 6 gal pancake compressor, ( ocassionally) all the products and micros I need. I Love Detailing,and I like the extra cash too. I do not have a building, yet. Go to Autogeek and search mobile set ups. I have a few picks there. Let me know how it works out! All this equipment is in the back of my truck. Hope you can see it!
what kind of generator is that? i want a small one i can pack in my xb. i have a craftsman 1000watt but dont know that it will run my big ass vacuum well. i tried it at the shop and it did ok but seemed to kinda run it slow
It's a Coleman Powermate.I can run my heated extractor and another piece of equipment without any bogging down! Lowes had it for $399. I also have an Alton I bought at the Andersons . I had a few minor problems with. It was in the height of my season so I just bought another one. Now I have 2 working generators!
