Well..not too sure if this is in the correct section, please inform me if not. This is my first post on DB. I dabbled around in S2ki's Wash n Wax forum and that's what really sparked my interest in detailing. I am in dire need of extra cash flow at the moment, and I've chosen to invest some savings in a few detailing products and hope for the best. I think my love for cars, attention to detail, and knowledge in sales/marketing could carry me a long way in this business. I'm planning on doing a full detail on my '01 Berlina black S2000 as my first test subject, with a few friends/family member's cars afterwards. I'm trying to buy the bare minimum of high quality products I can, yet enough to do full paint corrections. I'm trying to keep overhead low so I can keep some cash in my pockets. Therefore I'm looking for some input from you guys on my product list. Here goes nothin'.. EXTERIOR 1.Shampoo for maintenance washes(bulk) 2.Shampoo for pre-detail paint prep(bulk) 3.Bug and tar remover 4.Wheel cleaner(non acidic)(bulk) 5.APC(bulk) 6.Exterior dressing(bulk) 7.IPA 8.Wax 9.Sealant 10.Good pad/polish combo (4" and 6" preferably) 11.Headlight sealant? 12.Convertible top cleaner/protectant 13.Clay/Lube 14.Pad cleaner/conditioner INTERIOR 13.Interior protectant/dressing 14.Leather cleaner/conditioner 15.Polish/sealant for gauge cluster TOOLS PC7424XP Backing plate combo(4" and 6" preferably) Hoses/attachments Wheel Brushes Interior Brushes CG Jetspeed dryer or equivalent High quality MF Cheap MF Light setup 5 Gal buckets(2) Grit Gaurds(2) Spray bottles Squirt bottles Applicators I think that should cover everything.. Basically I'm looking for insight on if this is a good product list for my business endeavors and current financial situation. Maybe steer me towards good products/ retailers. Also, all constructive criticism is 100% welcomed. Sorry if this is a recurring post or asking too much. I'm hoping to not get hit with the "search button" response. Keep in mind this is my first time posting. Thanks, Matt :thumb:
matt, welcome! what do you currently have? sometimes spending more will be better in the long run. good tools etc... you can always build your base of products. how much do you plan on charging and what is your budget.
Phil, I currently dont own much. Lexol cleaner/conditioner, a 2.5 hp shop vac, and a gallon of Meg's WB are the only things that I own that I'd consider using on client's cars. I'm not really sure what to charge yet. It'll depend on how much I spend initially and I won't be able to gauge the amount of work required until I get some hands-on experience. So for now I'll most likely do on-the-spot quotes for clients. I'm hoping to spend $800-$1200 initially.
I've learned the basics on paint correction from how-to's and videos on youtube, but no hands-on experience.
hmmm I would definitely try to get some more hands on before you venture in to something like this. do you have a car to practice on or panels?
Phil, Like I said, I'll be tackling my berlina black s2k first, with a few family members and friends cars afterwards. I feel that I'm fairly knowledgeable on most aspects of detailing, except buffing, but I have to start somewheres.
interior products http://www.detailersdomain.com/1zeinszett-interiorkit.aspx Prima Clarity - Gallon Prima Hydro - Gallon Adam's In and Out Adam's Car Wash Adam's Green Wheel Cleaner 1 gallon Adam's VRT Meg's M105 Menzerna Super Intensive Polish Menzerna PO106FA Menzerna Power Finish Menzerna Power Lock Uber Clay Bar Kit http://www.detailersdomain.com/theuber-blue-clay-bar-kitwithoptimumnorinse.aspx Uber All Purpose Towels http://www.detailersdomain.com/microfibertowels.aspx Flex or PC Kit http://www.detailersdomain.com/theuberportercable7424xporbitalpolisherwith8uberpads.aspx http://www.detailersdomain.com/uberflexxc3401vr8padkit.aspx Buckets http://www.detailersdomain.com/gritguard-dualbucketwashingsystem.aspx LED Light http://www.detailersdomain.com/brinkmanntuffmaxdualled.aspx Brushes http://www.detailersdomain.com/brushes.aspx Foam Conditioner Brush http://www.detailersdomain.com/foampadconditioningbrush.aspx That's a start I believe.
I'll probably start off with the PC, I hear it's a great starting tool to become familiar with paint correction. I really appreciate the help Phil! I'll be getting back with you a little later tonight definitely. Two thumbs up to Detailers Domain for great customer service.
I have an 02 honda s2000 in berlina black and have been detailing it for years and used most of the products including steam on it, so please feel free to email me with any questions on waxes, cleaning, rim cleaning, top cleaning and sealing the top so that it does not absorb water and get dirty looking in raining weather. hope this helps and again, please email me with any questions godoman
Phil will take good care of you. Very accessible, good customer service and a nice array of products to choose from. Decently fast shipping out too. Good luck and keep us posted on how things are going.
This is my first post and i also will be detailing my first car ... yup !!! Honda S2000, triple black ... this is going to be fun I'm still deciding about which machine to start out with .. pc or flex ? i'm a total newbie but i like like high end tools ... , How do i know what size pads to use ? so many questions... LOL ! I'm also on S2ki but don't post often... Kdude is my handle
