How To Handle Your FIRST Mobile Detailing Customer- Car Detailing Business Tips
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 3. 07. 2024
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Congratulations, you've finally landed your first couple detailing customers! As exciting as that is, it can also be very nerv-racking because now you want to make sure that you're doing the best you can to make them a happy and satisfied customer.
So how do you go about this? Do you go the extra mile? Do you get there early? What do you say when you get there? Those are all the questions I had when I started servicing customers.
In this video, I give you a general structure I go through when I arrive at a customers location. From how I setup, how long it takes me to setup, where I park, what I ask, etc...
This will be VERY beneficial to those that are on your first couple customers and you're still not sure of what all to do.
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How to go about your first couple mobile detailing customers
âą How To Handle Your FIR...
Sooooo....took your advice...straight up woke up to my paycheck, didnât tell my wife anything, went and got a pressure washer, vacuum, generator, etc. offered to wash my neighbors car for free yesterday....literally got four clients, finished two. It was insano!!!! I feel like I fell off a mountain right now, but super happy I found your videos a while back man! Iâve been mentally plotting for a while, but I couldnât have asked for a better first day, and your videos, the Gems đ you drop bro, đŻ they are appreciated!
That's amazing man! Considering you're new to this business, how are you growing your client base? Can you just ring the doorbell of people in your area and offer your services?
Shayaan Khan I probably could I havenât. I went and bought a âteeter hang up system â from someone off Offer Up, the guy told me he was putting his house up for rent, and I told him I could pressure wash his driveway and patio, to enhance the look. I charged a really low price because I felt like if his neighbors saw, I could probably make more off of them wanting that to be done. So that, Instagram, I was considering washing my car in high traffic areas like plazas, and if someone asked if they could be next...I could literally stop cleaning my car and start cleaning theirs.
That's cool man! I'm also planning to start this business but I don't know where to start. In a city like mine most people don't have big houses with backyards. I think I should just buy basic equipment, take a partner with me and walk up to people's houses in my neighborhood.
Shayaan Khan thatâs a great way to start off for sure especially if you live in a more rural area, try and establish your services somewhere on instagram or facebook so you can show off your work as well! Set up some type of contact info whether it be an e-mail or a phone number people can contact you at. Slowly transition from door to door to them reaching out to you.
@@BLZPHR Thanks a lot :-)
Bro why is your content FREE these kinds of videos are soooo good I want to start a business when I get my license I wouldn't expect this kind of content to be free. Keep it up bro
Dean Psilopatis you can start a business anywhere
I donât even do car detailing but this content is đ„đ„đ„
Thanks Jose!
Iâve been watching your videos lately every day and I can say I feel confident about opening my detailing business anytime now Thanks đđœ
hey all right!
asked you this question about your setup and breakdown time and you took the time to not only answer it, but give a demonstration as well!
kudos Oscar thank you very much.
I have done a few paying jobs and it seems I need to hire someone after I'm done to help put away the mess I have on the driveway. Extension cords, hoses, wash buckets, towels etc. Man it's a chore in itself just to get it put away, 20 to 30 minutes!
Great advice. I'll concentrate on putting away as I'm finished cause as you said after 2-3 hours in that hot Texas sun...whew!
I just wanna get out of there.
Looking to improve my efficiency in ALL aspects of my business and develop good habits and constantly improve on those as well.
keep the videos coming and thanks again.
haha yup! your question got me to go out on this video. So thanks to you! And yeah, setup and breakdown time is killer if you throw the kicthen and sink at the detail. That's why I try to stay suupppeerrrr simple with my products and tools :)
Your videos are awesome! The titles are on point, can't stop clicking through them lol.
I'm here to help in whatever way I can!
Them: Nice weather.
Me: Thanks!
ahaha
You're the one inspire me to start this move I clean I love your videos I watch all of them but also have a big problem I can't manage the advertisement to set my business trip
Great info, as always. Thanks for the video.
By doing so you look organised and professional and also loose less time trying to find your stuff all around. Nice video!
That's the plan!! Thanks for watching :)
Hey Joe again I also forgot to add great videos I like all your info. It's been a great help to me thank you
THANKS BUD!
Thanks for the video!! Just getting started and your videos are very helpfulđđ
Glad youâre liking the photos Eddie đ
Nice video for a newbie, thanks!
You are WELCOME!
Awesome video man. My full exterior/interior detail setup takes me ~15 minutes to setup including a powerwasher hookup. About the same to take down.
thanks Tony!
Awesome video man
Thanks!
Another great video Oscar!
Thanks a lot!
Great episode to watch for us who need a point in a right direction not go out and get lost.
Glad I could help Patrick :)
This was a great video.
Thanks a lot bud!
Dude this video was key! I have that problem of taking too much crap, taking everything out, and by the time I'm done everything just gets shoved in the car mixed around and vamanos!
Ahahaha yes, that's the exact problem I was having!
great and thanks for the info
You bet Nathaniel
And Oscar since we both have the same steamer, and you don't use a hot water extractor can you please do a video on Interior shampooing for carpets and seats? I've been cleaning interiors the best way I know how with the steamer, but I'm always looking for new and improved ways to be more efficient in detailing....p.s I can't wait to check it out since I'm subscribed..
I shot some videos today actually. Not the best, but it'll do. I honestly don't think my method is any different that what you're doing. I steam clean the area (sometimes with and other times w/o a towel on the head), then spray APC as it's warm, agitate with brush, and mop up with towel. Inspect and repeat on areas that need it
This shouldâve been sold in a online digital course.. this is true value
haha- thanks Imad!
Oscar you have a lot experience and knowledge and there good video keep coming more videos how mani years you are detailed
Thanks! about 3 years
Very helpful đ
Thank you đ
very helpful
That's what I'm aiming for!
Thanks Oscar!
Good content, he looks like the guys from Chemical Guys
Hi man you mention the water and electric source, do you ask the customer before hand or at the spot? Also how often do you need to bring your own sources
Hey oscar. I was wondering, how do you go about asking the customer if it is okay to use their power and water supply. I feel like it makes myself look less professional or give the customer a bad first impression since I do not have a water tank
The only reason you think it makes yourself look less professional is because you're telling yourself it's less professional to use the customers water and power. This is literally word-for-word how I ask: "Okay, will this be at a home location or apartment? Great, will there be an electrical outlet nearby? Excellent. That's all I'll need"
Detail Groove what about the water source?
Don't want to seem like am the bad guy here but if your mobile you should be supplying everything to charge the correct amount of $$$. In my point of view just doesn't look right on your part.
I tell each and every single one of my customers "Hey, I need to plug into your water and electricity, as I don't run independently on a water tank and generator, is that fine?"
and no one has yet to say "no"
In-fact, they welcome me to. Then again, I do mobile detailing in Minnesota... people are nice(r)
@@antoniomoya4625 Business success is all about setting expectations. If you set expectations with the customer of using their water supply and electric and price yourself accordingly there is no surprise for the customer and no loss of image. Customers such as you, who expect a mobile detailer to provide everything, would simply select a different business with no loss to your reputation. Problems only come up when your process isn't explained clearly and correctly. The customer should have a clear understanding of your process.
Thank youđđđđđ
You have great management skills..I'm really down to having to start with no money, unemployed , but have experience from the 80s detailing drug seized cars for auction..I guess to get a side job clientele what's the bare minimum I need and where can I take shortcuts on cost..(ie. substitute for industrial strength degreasers, etc.)
For about $200 you can get the base essentials to offer interior cleanings and a wash
Your videos r helping me
Great to hear!
good stuff bro,.. i have one question, what generator you use out doors???
I like this guy.
I have a question. Why is there a garage door on the garage when the whole side is open? Is it a courtyard or somthing? Seems odd.
Haha not at all. I think most of the homes there actually have a wall, the previous owners knocked it down. Personal preference, I assume
Just wondering if you have any links to buy the ladder or work platform u had.
Nice water tank. Iâve been looking for a small one like that where did you get it?
Oscar,
Hello my name is John. Very helpful information as I am considering doing my own detailing business. I have allot of years on my own cars along with cars of friends and family which all have said you should do this professionally. I was raised into a family that consistently had classic cars in which my father was my mentor introducing me to proper techniques for detailing. I am now 40 years old and probably started close to 14 years of age. Times have changed along with products for efficiency. I currently work as a Production Manager for the Aerospace industry. The pay is good well over 100 K. Always wanted to do this professionally (detailing). Do not want to quit job until I know for sure this will be a success. Not prying or at least not trying to. However with the proper marketing is 100 grand or more achievable? Also mobile services seems to be the best new way for service. I would imagine putting a 30 to 50 mile cut off would be ideal? I have a lincoln Navigator which all eqipment would fit in the back, but surely is a gas hog. Only vehicle available at this time as my wife uses our other vehicle. Anyways thanks in advance for the info. In addition your videos are informative and appears you are organized as I am just by letting us first timers in business detailing aware. This along with knowing better more efficient ways of equipment loading. In many ways time is everything. Being efficient by being organized is key and can be a huge time saver in the overall detailing experience.
Thanks again and look forward to hearing from you.
You're welcome! So YES, with the proper sales/marketing, operational efficiency, and financial keeping (taxes/bookkeeping), generating $100K in top line revenue is very doable. This answer is going to be very different than all my other answers, but if I was you, I would do the following (this is a SUPER high level overview):
I would not think about leaving my day job to do detailing. I would instead because a master local business marketer and generate tons of traffic and leads. I would then have a van setup with an employee that goes out and does the jobs. I would be the guy that generates traffic and leads, and the technician would close the deals and service the customers.
You'll take your main income and use that to fund your side business. You can have MUCH faster growth this method. But if you'd like more specific help, shoot me an email to oscar (@) detailgroove (dot) co
Pinche paisa i love it!
Ahah
How much time does it take to do the interior provided theres no stains or problem areas? How much time to do the exterior if its a pickup truck, SUV, or a 4 door sedan to do a wash and wax? Clean the tires, even though that can vary? Clean the grill and polish it? Do you just take cash? When do they pay? Do you ever do clean up jobs when they're gone? Do you verify that they have the cash in hand before starting? What if the truck is filthy? Where I live, it's very hot in the summer and certain car products it says not to use in direct sunlight. How do you work around that? I have those fold out canopies.
I have videos on every question
You use the customers electricity and water ?
Yeeeep
Hey man, when you detail a car do you ask for a shaded area to apply polishes, waxes, etc... If they are unable to provide a shaded spot, do you turn them away?
Haha, no, you just work and figure it out. Most of the time I'm in unshaded area
I got a question if you wash the exterior do you get your own water or u ask the costumer for their water and electricity?
New to your videos. Question what's the average price you charge per vehicle?
Ehh, $240
Do you have a product list of essentials?
Also what type of pressure washer /gun/tank set up is the best
Here's a list of tools and products I use: detailgroove.co/resources/
I do not carry a water tank or pressure washer. I only have/use a generator when needed
I use an 80gal baffled water tank with a 1inch outlet.
(Important) Any domestic pressure washer is fine as long as it will take water from a static source. (The tank)
For rinsing and economical time/water usage ideally the pressure washer should be able to deliver more than 5 litres/min at pressure.
A variable gun/lance is a good feature.
Hope this helps
Can you tell me what kind of ladder (stand) your using?
I have a video on it. I think it's a Gorilla platform?
Theyâre called work platforms. You can find them at Home Depot.
How about getting information about when was tge last time they got it waxed, how ofyen do they wash it, ect.
Ehhh, that's not too difficult to figure out. And honestly, it's not going to make much of a difference
Do you ask them at all if they are interested in a maintainance plan or do you wait and text them about it later?
Damn foo
You good at this
What about payments? Do you only take cash ?
Do you write a receipt?
Thanks
I have a video on that: czcams.com/video/e0nwMM9Awok/video.html
What's your thoughts on having them pay up front opposed to after ?
As long as it works for you, that's fine! To each their own
If you were to ask me all those personal questions when arrive to my house, I would think you'd be trying to rob me. Is it my day off?
How long have I lived here?
How's my area?
What do I do for a living?
Leading to...
How much do I make, what could I afford
well that escalated quickly
That's honestly what i thought but i live in a bad state where that's common
Thatâs because most people who think like that have a low self image and a negative thought process.
@@dianashields3733 yes very true. Its really all in the head.
where did you get the electrical cord reel ?
Home Depot for like $15
Whatâs am effective way to get water supply with a mobile wash?
How do you accept the payment? Over the phone or in person once your done
Once I'm done via Square
Can you tell me the steps you do? Like say the interior and wash and wax? No engine cleaning, headlight restoration....If there's heavy stains do you charge more? What if the customer has a lot of paperwork, personal items, do you take it all out and put it in a special container?
i have tons of videos showcasing all of that
Oscar where did you buy your Steamer? I'm trying to purchase one. Please help me out! đ
Amazon :)
Do you use customers water and electricity
What are some of the prices you think I should charge, I'm only gonna do interior and exterior detail and engine detail, plus how much should I charge them for the gas iama spent driving to their location?? Thnx
Hey! Here are a few videos I've made that can help you out with pricing :
czcams.com/video/RA-QlzdId20/video.html
czcams.com/video/Ad0l_srUrXU/video.html
czcams.com/video/08mKAt2jalw/video.html
czcams.com/video/grc-WIHW-Ss/video.html
czcams.com/video/lA-23t2TxKM/video.html
czcams.com/video/X-X_dwC6fJI/video.html
czcams.com/video/blgoU_sHnBw/video.html
Question about insurance for mobile detailing?? Having a hard time finding someone in Wisconsin to cover me.
Here in Oregon I just asked the insurance guy . He said 800 bucks roughly for the year or I pay two months in advance and monthly payments go divide by 12 which is 66.66
What kind of metal table is that?
What do you do if they refuse to pay you what do you do ?
Hey Oscar Joe from Long Island from Anthony's mobile car wash trying to look for that step ladder thing you have sometimes you use it for a table sometime you stand on it I can't find it.
what if I get to the payment and they refuse to pay/said I didnât do a good job?
For someone like me who lives in the try state area(NJ,NY,PA) and I want my business to service this area. How would I manage my schedule if I have a client in NJ and then the next one in PA?
Or is covering such big area not possible?
If you're just starting off and you have no customers right now, I wouldn't worry about that right now
How do you feel about steam car wash?
Personally, I am not a fan one bit of steam washes. It's a big clunky machine you have to carry around. I prefer just to go with rineseless wash methods using ONR.
I see your in Texas, Iâm in Houston/Katy area was wanting to get an interior cleaning.?
Yup, I service those areas. Shoot me an email to oscar(at)detailgroove(dot)co
Ever have a customer with a bunch of brat kids that wouldn't leave you alone or a customer that stood and watched everything and slowed you down with questions about every move you made? That'd make for an interesting topic lol
Haha no, I have not had anything close to that happen to me yet lol. I'm sure it will happen at one point
Yeah it happens. I charge by the hour.
I like being watched. Im good at what I do, I have no issues with being watched.
I think its a bit odd having someone watch you considering some details could take up to 3 hours+
Hey oscar do you use a Hot water extractor? And if you do which one
Nope! No extractor. I only use a steamer. Thanks for watching!
Hey my friend, hope things are well. Quick question... what time do you start your morning and end your day? or at least what is your goal. Because of the heat, I often work late, until 1 or 2 am, but there seems to be a lot I miss because the world starts at 6am. Just curious.
I try and book the customer at 9am. The heat sucks.. I'll just work through it, sweat like crazy, and call it a day (depending on the detail that I'm doing). A truck that wants a wash and wax, full interior cleaning, and an engine cleaning will take me 12 hours. I can also do 3 basic washes and interior cleanings in 8 hours (accounting for drive time and breaks)
Detail Groove I really appreciate that feedback. That helps me guage my work
Glad I could help!
do you have to have a small business license?
Do you ever feel awkward for asking them for their electric and water supply? Has it ever come up to be an issue?
He actually made a video on this! Best of luck!
What type of steamer do you have in this video?
McCulloch 1385 steamer
Hey dude I am trying to get myself started for mobile as well. Can you please let me know the best compounds for working in direct sunlight?? I have Meguiars 105 & 205 I'm sure you know how those are in some Cali summer heat
The Oberk system works well but when it's extreme heat, everything sucks because the panels are so hot, the correction heats up the panel, and you have to adjust your system
@@DetailGroove Okay bro thank you and thanks for actually reaching back outđ€
Today is the day I do my first legit customer
Iâve always wanted to be in the car detailing business, but my worry is that when I start I will barely be making any money. As I have a wife and a newborn child, itâs a big concern for me. So Iâm very hesitant to quit my job now which I hate, but pays decently, in order to start
My dream career. Any suggestions?
DO.NOT.QUIT.YOUR.JOB. Start as a weekend warrior. Work when you get off of work, etc...
is there any way i can get tech with tech if i have any questions im just start up my mob lie datelining business
Do some customer allowed us detailer to use their water and power? Iâm thinking of buying a generator.
Most will yes especially if you tell them beforehand lol
Me and my partner are two months in our mobile set up we had funds saved up and we both been detailing for years for a dealership . We have a generator water tank pressure washer all types of vaccums steam cleaner the works . Only thing weâre worried about is winter time how many years would you say before weâre steady in the winter and to be able to live off of our business ?
Wow, these are a lot of assumptions. Everything is going to change once you get out there and start working. So it's good to plan but wouldn't try to map it out
My bad bro
I already watched 3 or 4 of your videos in 24 hours
I will keep watching
Do you have a video on how to get a white girl with blonde hair and booty?
I got you covered: czcams.com/video/dQw4w9WgXcQ/video.html
Curious if you've ever completed a job, and the customer states he isn't satisfied for whatever reason and refuses to pay? How would you handle it? I can imagine some people trying to do this to lower cost(even if previously agreed upon)or not pay at all, even if you did a great job
I've never had that problem. I'm sure it will happen at some point, but as of now, has not
@@DetailGroove well hopefully it never happens haha...thanks for the great content manđ
Is car detailing still a good idea through this pandemic thing
Yes, I started up right in the beginning and now making profit and have multiple maintenance clients. Itâs definitely still profitable through this pandemic
Oscar I have 2 weeks doing Detailing and most of the customers are more interesting in interior Detailing, I try different techniques to get more efficient, but sometimes I stress I don't have a pattern to follow, is that's just at the beginning
You have to be frequent before you get great. The more you do, the more you'll form that routine
Ive been in business on my own for 7 years and worked at a stealership for 2 years before.
I start with the trunk area... Then any items I find in the car during the detail that isnt obviously junk gets put into a bag or box and placed in the trunk.
As Oscar said.. Once you have done a few you'll work out what works for you.
I usually start with the drivers side as that's typically the most used/dirtiest area and work my way around the car counter clockwise (left rear, trunk,right rear,right front.) If the vehicle is really dirty all around like a car/van/suv with kids I'll do pre-vacuum (quick vac to get all the loose debris) then do my normal routine. Hope that helps.
Hey Edgar! I'm really interested in interior detailing too. Considering you were new to this business (at the time of writing this comment), how did you start growing your client base? Can you just ring the doorbell of people in your area and tell them about your services?
So if their car is caked with mud, do you wash that or brake dust debris from the driveway when done, and where do you pour any wash water?
I haven't worked on a car that has super caked on dirt. I'll usually know that in advance and I'll take a pressure washer. If not, I'll just spray APC, let it dwell, then max out the pressure from the hose.
Detail Groove thank you. I was interested more on the business side and the courtesy of leaving the debris versus washing it into the grass or the roadway once you got it off of the car. We live in a rural area with big pickup trucks and many dirt roads.
If possible, I'll park the vehicle at the bottom of the driveway while I wash it so I can push the debris onto the street.
How can I start a mobile car wash out of my Honda crv
Oscar I'm Ben from the UK I have just recently set up my own detailing/valeting business And having watched a few of your videos I have picked up a few tips. Thanks a lot. Do you have Facebook?
You're very welcome! A Facebook page foorr.. Detail Groove? My detailing business? My personal page?
Have you ever used a power washer?
Not in the last 3ish years
So you use the customers water and electric? Do you do more washes at houses or at their place of work?
Yep! 90% of the time I'm at a home location
Thanks bro. Debating on starting up a power washing and auto detailing business. I have the money to spend on it without being in trouble but I'm afraid to quit my main job because the money is so good...it blows though.
just do it on the side bro, for now
Im in the some boat as you. I have a good paying job for a 20 year old but i hate it haha
@@ryanjohnson5882 how has ur business grown ??
What car is this? What kind of chevoorlet
How much do you charge for a detail
As much as I can
Do you wash and re use your micro fibers or throw them away?
Reuse them as much as you can
Wash them,
After the wash if they are not clean enough to use on panels I use them for wiping wheels...
If they are really past it (You'll know) dont be afraid to throw them away.
Im mobile too
woohoo!
What brand is that steam machine your using?
It's the McCulloch 1385 Steamer
Detail Groove
I tried looking everywhere for one and I think you can only order them online. I needed one like yesterday
The only place I had it in my area was Fry's. Not surprising at all. Amazon is next lol
Que pasa si el cliente habla español y yo no se el idioma me voy dejo el trabajo tirado
The detailing market is way oversaturated now. I'm hanging up my polisher. I'm out. You guys can have it. I got another business now and I'm not going to tell you what it is.
which steamer is it?
McCulloch 1385 steamer
@@DetailGroove thanks bro. Last question, what product do you clean the surface with before ceramic coating (of course after decontamination and polish).
Something like CarPro Eraser
@@DetailGroove thanks
Hablas español Oye quiero poner mi propio negocio quiero que me orientes cuanto mås o menos sale si rento un local
Do I need a big car to start?
noopppeee :)
I detailed out of a g35 coupe when I first started
i started out of my camry and now my 240sx and sometimes my truck
Do you charge less for using the customer's water?
We do not
@@DetailGroove cool man thanks
2:50 Do I have call my customer "Robert, Dustin, John, Diego, Noah?" - Can't I simply call him by his OWN name? :-P
đ
How much do you need to charge?
What do you mean?
@@DetailGroove how much should I set the price for?
It depends on so many factors