I would really appreciate all of your honest answers for my question. I am 17 years old, almost 18, and I feel that because of my age people may see me as not someone to refer to for car detailing. So say you were looking around for someone to detail your car, would you have more concerns giving it to a teenager? Why or why not? Every answer is appreciated, thanks. Oops, sorry about the title not making sense, forgot the word "for" between hoping and honest.
I just turned 18, don't be discouraged by age. They are many people out there older than us that claim to be detailers, but do hack jobs. Start off slow with family and friends, sooner or later it is going to be friends of friends etc. As long as you do a great job, people will come.
Im your story right here..i started my own business last year (Scott's Mobile Detailing) when i was 19. I was sooo excited about starting my own business and making some good money. I am now almost 20 and i have been having to turn people down for business i got to busy. I also do alot of photography work now so that also came into play. Let me just say confidence and knowledge are the biggest things to have a customer refer you. Explain to them you are not just a young kid doing a hack job on their car and that you take alot of care and love what you do. Become more than just a detailer to your clients. I detailed an old er ladies benz one day and she was cleaning out her house and she was there all alone. She was the sweetest lady. After the detail i noticed she was moving some heavy things that she shouldn't be moving. This is when i offered to help her move a few things and reach some things that were high up that she couldn't reach. She told me i made her day. I have now received 12 referrals from her . I have gone back and washed her car for free a couple times when i was in the neighborhood because of this. I know this is long and maybe doesn't help, but just something i have experienced over the year. But you get the idea of what i mean. Sorry for rambling. If you have any questions feel free to ask away. I havn't been posting much cuz i have been shooting like crazy. But pm me and i will get back. Good luck!
+1 Think like Donald Trump! You are the best at what you do and it doesnt matter how old you are. Be confident and know as much as you can know about what you are doing. Be honest. In Real Estate its location, location, location, in detailing its Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!
Funny you post this topic. Carn and I were just talking about the opposite on the weekend. What happens when you like 45. Do people start to wonder if you have nothing better to do with your life? But I agree with VR. Nowdays age is nothing. There are 23 year olds that are CEO's of big companies. As long as the work is good and you look after your customers the news is sure to spread.
There are more 25-40 year olds I wouldn't give my car to than there are 18 years olds on the planet.... Really, thats true.
My first thoughts would be how can a 17 year old afford the equipment/chemicals required and how did he/she get the necessary experience? What would you tell me if I were a potential customer and asked those questions?
This is my suggested criteria - Selecting a Detailer: Choosing and trusting a professional auto detailer can be a tough decision; when you look for a detailer you want a person with experience, knowledge and specialized training, one who provides the best possible workmanship and products for a fair price Some things you may want to consider; •Ask for reputable professional detailer’s names on an automotive detailing site •Check their website ( most detailer’s have one) •Ask the prospective detailer for photographs of vehicles they have done recently (most detailers have a portfolio) •Ask for (telephone number) references from recent clients and check them •Ask them what detailing products they use (known brand names are preferable) •Ask how long they have been in business •Ensure they have adequate insurance cover and that they operate a registered business •Do they take all major credit cards? •If they quote a very low price it could reflect the quality of service offered. •Are they environmentally compliant? •Professionalism and the overall customer experience are also very important... Once you’ve selected a detailer be specific about what services you require (i.e. exterior paint renovation, interior detailing, etc Notice age is not a pre-requisite! I would add to the photographs, photographs- detailing knowledge and plenty of practice with the tools of your profession Oh! Good luck with your venture
I started at 16 If you do good work + have good service your age doesn't matter. You will be fine. People will talk about you quite a bit if you are good, so I wouldn't worry about it.
The "think like Donald Trump comment" cracks me up...that would mean be a great self promoter, tell everyone how good you are and keep your name in the press.:whistle: Not sure what he is actually good at though (other than convincing the public he's a great businessman). :shead: Be the best at what you do, enjoy your endeavors, put friends and family first and remember money isn't true success...happiness is.
One suggestion would be keep your car as clean and beautiful as you can. It will be your primary body of work for others to see at first. Just assure them you will treat their car like you do your own. Thats how I got started doing this for others, people saw my car and wanted theirs to look just like it.
I could not agree with them more. Just realize you are going to have to make a great first impression! Plus you might have to explain your experience more than someone a little older. The old saying don't judge a book by it's cover comes to my mind when I was reading this thread. If you are ready for a customers objection or concern with your age and/or experience level you will be fine. Just answer their concern with confidence and you will be fine:thumb: Everyone has already given you some great ideas to overcome a potential concern. Good Luck! :giggle: This thread reminded me of a Dr. I once saw in the ER. I asked him how old he was and how much experience he had. He looked like he was 12 :yikes:
Although once you get the clients it wont be hardkeeping them, assuming your work is top notch. The problem is some people will judge you by your age. It happens all the time in this word, we judge people based on gae, noth young and old. However there wil always be someone to give you a shot, impress these people as they will help you along the way. These are the people who will tell everyone they know... so you may have trouble at the begging (which every company does) but once you have your foot in the door you are golden... and i dont mean this to be discourging its just a heads up.... so keep your head down, rn this like a business as thats what it is and yu should do well
Nice we got a few young people on here, im only 17 too. I agree with everyone else and I really think you just need to show you actually know your stuff through talking them through the process and showing lots of pictures of your work. Good luck! i need some too lol...
Another thing is most of my clients don't care for a polish and a wax, rather just a simple hand wash on the exterior and a good cleaning inside the car. Does anyone else here have requests for just a hand wash? Also, what could I do to really impress the clients I have? I was thinking like a free engine clean, etc.? Edit: Except for doing an exceptional job
