Detailing business is coming together. Not as quickly as I’d hoped, but it’s still coming along. We’ve spent most of October going over the business aspects and we’ve reviewed our credit card processing. We purchased a wireless credit card machine that can be used anywhere and in fact, it can be used for the car rental business as well and save us money by changing our merchant account category from “card not present” to “card present”. Apparantly, it makes a huge difference.
Besides preparing for credit card processing, we formalized the business under our LLC as a DBA: Altitude Detailing. I also have the web site up and running. www.AltitudeDetailing.com
Initially, I planned on primarily doing shop details. However, after talking to several friends and reviewing several professional detailer web sites, it became obvious that I’d have to offer both shop work and mobile work. So, since I already have the truck and trailer, all that was required was getting everything I need to be self sufficient for mobile work. My trailer is a fully enclosed 22′ car transport trailer and is designed for just that. I wanted to utilize it, but not modify it. Everything had to be portable and be able to roll up the back ramp.
I started by looking at auto detailing supply sites reviewing what they offered. At first glance, I was shocked at the costs to have a tank, sprayer and some hose outfitted to a trailer and/or rig to go into the back of a truck. Being that I’m an engineer and huge DIYer, I decided to do it myself.
- First I trudged off to my favorite farm and ranch supply store, which are plentiful here in Colorado, and purchased a 65 gallon water tank for half of what the detail supply companies were gouging, err charging.
- Next I fitted it to a steel cart, purchased at Home Depot for $80. Purchased some PVC piping, a few valves, a water filter and some straps to hold it onto the cart, and voila’ I had mobile water on wheels to roll up into my trailer.
- I then purchased a portable generator from Lowes. They had a sale on large 3,500 watt units with dual 110 plugs and a 220 plug for welding if necessary. This one is pretty self explanatory. I was thinking about a power converter, but with needing to run a polisher, a vacuum, lights and possibly a carpet shampooer, I felt a full scale generator was in order.
- Since I already own the power sprayer and everything else, the two main purchases was the water tank and generator.
- Not wanting to remodel the trailer, I simply added 8 large eye-bolts to the frame for tie-downs to secure all of the portable equipment.
Everything works great. I loaded it all into the trailer today, tied it all down and drove home with out any incidents. All was right where I left it and it took all of 10 minutes to load and go. Pretty nice to say the least.
The only thing I need to add to the trailer at this point is another cabinet to store products, towels and anything needed for detailing.
I purchased a 12′ x 20′ fully enclosed canopy earlier and am waiting for it to arrive. My intent is to be able to incorporate it onto the back of the trailer as an extension. Then, cars can be placed into the canopy and all of my needs are right there in the trailer. Fully self contained.
Now, I’m ready for mobile detailing.
Posted: October 17th, 2007 under Business.
Comments: 1
