I'm in college, thinking of making some extra cash to pay off my IS-F. I was thinking to start a little car wash business, kinda like going to the owner's house and wash the car. Probably gonna be only doing more luxurious cars like Infiniti, Lexus, Audi or higher end. What do you guys think?

Maybe wash (interior & exterior) - $80?
Polish - +$25?

My dad showed me amazing techniques on washing a car and he just "baby-ed" out my cars, like extremely detailed. So I was thinking to use his knowledge and put it to good use. Dad said go for it, but I have no idea how this market works. I mean, luxurious car owners have a couple of hundred dollars to throw around.

 

80 dollars to wash a car? or do you mean detail?

some guy in my area does mobile detailing for 70, he does an awesome job. The only problem is if you go to someones house and they dont have a shady place to park the car, polishing is going to be a bitch because swirls will show up. So they might complain about that, unless they dont even know what swirls are lol.

 

Being a kid in college without much reputation it will be hard to generate details other than word of mouth.

What machine will you be polishing with? How much experience do you have? What is your regular exterior routine going to look like?

Not trying to down you at all, but I was in your shoes a few years back. I'm glad I took my time and learned how to properly polish a car before I jumped in over my head. At the time I thought I knew it all, but that was far from true.

 

Agree with Don... As a detailer on the side, I can vouch for needing a reputation. You wouldn't think they would, but I always have customers asking me pretty detailed questions about my process, my experience, tools, materials, etc... some actually know what they are talking about.

You also want to be careful operating without a license/insurance. You have to be careful these days with people wanting to sue for everything.

Just think it over and be sure you aren't getting in over your head.

 

Hey Anson,

Starting any business takes a lot of time and thoughts. I would start off saving up some money to buy you sources such as trailer, water tank, pressure washer, generator and etc. so you can have a foundation to base off. The first few months will be hard, but it you keep handing out flyers, business cards and posting up yard signs, just throwing yourself out there, you'll get business.

If you planning to keep this business running after college then I'd say go for it. If it's just going to be a way to earn extra money, it'll not going to be worth the start-up time and fee.

I am a college student as well, and I have my business for almost 6 months now and I am so glad I made the move. The money is great! the work is fun! and You make you own work schedule and it doesn't interfere with you schooling.

Good Luck!

 

A thought for free advertisement - keep your ride looking immaculate, have some sort of sign, magnet, etc. with your info.

My neighbor did what you want to do. At the beginning he had people pay him what they thought it was worth - and built up a rep and customers that way.

Good luck if you give it a try!