Summer Jobs!

woaface said:
Now that's a reply!

That was very helpful...I love the whole business thing...I'll come out in kakhies and a tucked in collared shirt:)

No Belt! Or better yet, Sweats. If you scratch the paint they'll be ticked!!
 
A lot of good replies here!
Start out with a low speed buffer - really a wax applicator - saves a lot of time, Buy plenty of extra bonnets/applicators/buffers - they clean up nice in the wash!
Sweats - absolutely. Even wrist watches and jewelery can create an unwanted scratch.
"Plan your work and work your plan." Single best piece of advice!
I think you could probably charge more money - maybe $90 to $150 - cars to behemoths!
Good luck! You never know - a career can be made in this business!
 
I meant coming out in nice clothes when I'm just there to show them how it works at all.

Applicator pads...yes, they do come out clean in the wash...gah you need to buy a ton though! I needed around 12 to hand wax my neighbors expedition, and do the interior seats. You never realize how big that thing is until you sit up top!

As for "do I know what I'm doing" Hmm, I'll have to find out more about that recapturing, and whether it's a reality here, because I've never heard of it or seen anyone do it around this place.

Not only did Cruztaker help me out immensly, and also my sister who has run me through the basics since I was 10....I know this girl who's dad run's a detail business, he is allowing the three of us come out and watch him work and teach us exactly how to use a buffer. I'll be getting a cheaper orbital and not a high-speed.

Buffing is the only thing I'm a little vague on since I've never actually done it, but in theory, as long as I pay attention and use some common sense and remember what Barry said...I'll be good to go. I WILL have practice on this before I start with anyone elses car and the guy's (taylor and brandon) will practice on brandon's SC430, taylors Explorer and my Marquis each twice before we head out.

We're going to plan this down to a T and make sure we have all the in's and out's figured out and in.

Business License...because I'm confined to a small area and all of us are under 18...I am 99% sure I don't need one, but I'm planning on going up to the county buildings to find out this weekend or such.

Do you think a recaputurer mat would be needed when it's a "come to you" service? I'm doing this at the clients house, in their driveway.

Did I cover everything?:lol:

I didn't see this as critical...at least it was mentioned first, I need to know everything before I start.

Thank you everyone for every little bit you have to put in:up: :rock: :rasta:
 
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DONP1217 said:
I would really do your homework before you start this "business". You are opening your parents up to huge liability if you damage someone's car.

Do you have insurance, a business license, water reclamtion mats etc.? Do you know how to use that buffer you are going to buy? Do you know the difference between a polish, wax, and paint sealant? Do you know the difference between a rotary and orbital buffer? Do you know what kind of polishing pads and towels you'll need to use so you won't leave scratches all over someone's car? Do you know what chemicals to use on the windows so you won't leave streaks all over the windows?

You do know that you can't just dump the waste water on the ground. Since you are operating as a business the EPA mandates that you must capture all your waste run off and dispose of it in a sanitary sewer. You'll need to spend about $750.00 on a water reclamation mat and find someone who will let you dump your waste water in their sanitary sewer. You'll also need a container to transport your waste water off site. Hack job mobile "detail" businesses violate this law all the time but if you get caught you could be looking at thousands in fines.

I am not trying to be critical, you just need to know what you are getting into.


WOW, what happened to a "summer job"? No disrepect, but it seems like you're taking all the fun out of these guys showing a little intiative and ambition. :nono: I don't think they're talking about incorporating and issuing an IPO and I don't think they'll get in trouble doing this in their customer's own driveways.

Go for it guys! :rock: My only advice is, in addition to doing an excellent job, is to be VERY courteous, professional and neatly dressed at all times. Remember, treat every car you detail as it were your own.

Best of luck! :up:
 
Yeah dude, you can't get girl(s) in a metro!

Watermatch recaputurerrrrr...rrr. Don't need one. Taxes...we won't make enough for the IRS to care since it's a one season stand.
 
STLThunder said:
Go for it guys! :rock: My only advice is, in addition to doing an excellent job, is to be VERY courteous, professional and neatly dressed at all times. Remember, treat every car you detail as it were your own.
For the time we wash them, they are our cars. And we're ALWAYS curteous and professional and neatly dressed. :)
 
woaface said:
For the time we wash them, they are our cars. And we're ALWAYS curteous and professional and neatly dressed. :)

I'm sure you are :up: , I'm just an old man who can't help giving out advice :lol: Forgive me! :bows:
 
...and remember

woaface said:
For the time we wash them, they are our cars. And we're ALWAYS curteous and professional and neatly dressed. :)


..you break it you bought it.

Good luck! And NO you still can not wash my car!! :lol:
 
You watch man! I'ma jump your car in the middle of the night and you'll wake up in the morning sayin'
Haggis said:
HOLY SH*T! THE SUN IS IN MY DRIVEWAY! I'VE BEEN BLINDED IT'S SO BRIGHT!!! GAH! THIS KID DESERVES THE KEYS TO MY RIDE FOR A WEEK FOR THIS!
Or
Haggis said:
This kid has one wild imagination! What a great asset he is here...maybe he should take the keys to my car for a week!
:D
 
woaface said:
You watch man! I'ma jump your car in the middle of the night and you'll wake up in the morning sayin'

Haggis said:
HOLY SH*T! That little SOB stole my car... :fire: !!! GAH! THIS KID DESERVES TO GET A BOOT UP HIS ARSE! Honey sharpen your swords. We're agoing a Woaface hunting!! :uzi:
Or

Haggis said:
This kid has one wild imagination! Think he can steel my car and get away with it! All b*lls and no brains, I'll teach him

Nice try!! :D
 
woaface said:
Yeah dude, you can't get girl(s) in a metro!
Actually, you can, only it's much more challenging.:coolman:

Trust me. I still have the marks on my butt from the seats in my volkswagen, and that was 30 years ago!
 
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