I feel as though ive been doing a lot of peoples cars lately and they are all very pleased with how they come out.... Though maybe I should create a little side business for spare time details.... few things im not sure how to handle... I would love to do it at home all the time cause its just easier for me having all my products at hand... how do any of you go about dealing with said customer that might bring the car to you. Do they wait in your house? do they get dropped off? do you pick up the cars? If you live in a gated community (i do) does it seem unprofessional to have to have a customer buzz you to get in? And for mobile detailing i obviously dont have truck or water tank.... are customers ok with you using their water? do you offer a slight discount for having to use it? Bring my own hose or ask if they have one?
If your work is good than people are generally willing to drop their car off. Do not under any circumstance have they wait for you to detail their car even if it only takes a couple of hours for a small job. Set up a date and time and make sure they have a ride to take them home or out to a movie or something. If you live in a gated community chances are you may have issue running a small business or operation out of the house. I think for mobile detailing people are fine with you using their water a tank is not a 100% necessity. Just be careful of what kind of water source they have because if they use a well or some other source with hard water than you may be in for a headache washing in sun.
My little side business is completely mobile and I've never had an issue with using the owners water and electricity. They kinda assume you'll need to use it. I manager to pack everything I needed for a 1 step correction job on a huge black truck, including 2 buckets, holegen lights, and all my washing and polishing supplies, all inside a tiny '88 MR2 (two seater, mid engine, tiny trunk). So a large vehicle isn't strictly necessary, but is nice lol. If its just a side gig for you, and people really like your work, they won't mind at all buzzing you to get in the gate. That could almost be a selling point. Their car is safer there, and it shows then you're not a cheapo slam bang it out kind of detailer. I link you'll do just fine
I had run into the same problems a few years back. Since its a side project for me, mostly for fun, I do it out of my house. I've found that people have no problem bringing it over, with a ride home. And there are many times I go pick it up and bring it home. For me, it's just easier to be home. I can go to the bathroom, stop and eat and just take my time. I like it better that way, but again, this isn't my main business, just something I do for fun and a few extra bucks..... Sounds like we are in the same boat.
Ive been doing this on a semi part time business for two years now. 95% of my business is mobile. Anything that comes to my house is dropped off, I wouldnt let anybody wait at my house. My details run between 3-6 hours obviously depending on whats done and the vehicle Im doing. I have EVERYTHING I need for a mobile detail. Hoses, cords, nozzles, products, except for the water. If they have the items there to use then thats what I use. Just be prepared it isnt much fun calling your wife b/c you forgot the car soap lol. One thing to keep in mind is travel time. I travel over an hour to do some details so I have a prorated fee for travel times. Anything with in a 15 minute time frame is included in the detail price after that I charge 5 dollars per fifteen additional minutes. This is based off of google travel times and when I quote the price the travel fee is already included. I once traveled an hour and a half to do a 15 ft horse trailer but it was worth it. My busiest times are spring and fall. Every weekend is booked for me. Be careful how much advertising you do b/c you might end up turning work away or pushing dates back into December or worse January. If at all possible dont quote site unseen. If you know the person it could be a good thing or a bad thing, they might talk the condition down and then expect you to work your magic for a cut throat price. All it takes is to be burned once and you will learn. I have several packages and options that can be added on like most. I offer incentives during the slow times to help business, knocking off 15 bucks just to get the work is worth it when you might not be doing anything. Always ask alot of questions and be prepared. You might not think you need something when you do. Good luck.
I do all my work at home and most my customers drop cars off. I do offer a pick up and drop off in a limited area this has worked great for basic services. For more detailed jobs they drop it off for a couple days and I do pick up my customers after their cars are done.
This sounds like somethi want to get into once i get good teqnique and know more or less how long it will take to perfom the detail.
