Hi

 

I'm currently on a sabbatical from work and looking to get significant experience in vehicle detailing.  The info on our forum is fantastic but there's nothing like getting your hands dirty and giving it a go.

 

I received a one day training session with BriSkoda Forum sponsor, ChrisRS, sometime ago and found it very beneficial and a great form of 'art'.

 

I'm aiming to network with as many folk as possible, on here or elsewhere, with a view to becoming a respected and proficient detailer and, ultimately, run my own business. 

 

I'd like to understand the trade and the business side alike, so if you, or anyone you know, would be seriously interested or willing to meet, detail, train, discuss then please get in touch.

 

I'm in West Yorkshire but willing to travel to learn and develop the necessary skills.  Chris, if you could offer any further opportunities I'll snap your hand off!

 

Thanks in advance and best regards.

 

Chubbs

Very easy to discuss...Its very easy to say your a "detailer" there are many out there but for me, until 5 year into the business I only then considered myself a true professional and with a decent client base.

 

As a detailer you will be working on some cars where the paintwork is simple to fix and others which will take a very long time...The paintwork will not respond the way you want it to and you have to become creative as no paint is the same.  When i say no paint is the same i dont mean manufacturers, but the time of year the car was painted, even the time of day will determine the hardness of the paint.  Then you have paint on cars with super hard ceramic clear coats like Infinitis or BMW's or Merc.  So what im trying to explain is that its a learning curve and it takes time and experience.

 

In the beginning you will unlikely be working on supercars, we all believed when we started we would work on these amazing machines, hopefully you will have a different mindset and hope to be working on any car as long as it pays the bills.  

 

You will need:

 

Machines

Compounds

Waxes

Coatings

Pads

Clothes

(depending)

Van

Water tank

Pressure washer

 

Then insurance <----  This is super important.

 

This all adds up...

 

If you are being serious, then having it as a second job to start with until you have a client base large enough you can give up the other job.

Edited 14 April, 201610 yr by vRSRobT

I'd also recommend looking over at detailingworld forum and also watching junkman on you tube for machine polishing tips and techniques.

Very easy to discuss...Its very easy to say your a "detailer" there are many out there but for me, until 5 year into the business I only then considered myself a true professional and with a decent client base.

 

As a detailer you will be working on some cars where the paintwork is simple to fix and others which will take a very long time...The paintwork will not respond the way you want it to and you have to become creative as no paint is the same.  When i say no paint is the same i dont mean manufacturers, but the time of year the car was painted, even the time of day will determine the hardness of the paint.  Then you have paint on cars with super hard ceramic clear coats like Infinitis or BMW's or Merc.  So what im trying to explain is that its a learning curve and it takes time and experience.

 

In the beginning you will unlikely be working on supercars, we all believed when we started we would work on these amazing machines, hopefully you will have a different mindset and hope to be working on any car as long as it pays the bills.  

 

You will need:

 

Machines

Compounds

Waxes

Coatings

Pads

Clothes

(depending)

Van

Water tank

Pressure washer

 

Then insurance <----  This is super important.

 

This all adds up...

 

If you are being serious, then having it as a second job to start with until you have a client base large enough you can give up the other job.

Great post, thanks for taking time out.....! I guess the kit, insurance etc is the easy bit, finances permitting, it's the hands on experience that you just can't buy and that's what I'm looking for. I agree there are many challenges, no two vehicles the same, this appeals and it's where the quality of your workmanship can be tested and recognised.

I'd be more than happy to work on ANY vehicle to get the experience and get things off the ground, no good trying to run before you can walk!

I'd also recommend looking over at detailingworld forum and also watching junkman on you tube for machine polishing tips and techniques.

Thanks for the post. I've looked at Detailing World and watched a few YouTube vids and I get it, it's the hands on experience I need to get to grips with. Maybe a trip to the scrappers for an odd panel or two to practice or a friend or relative's older car to have a bash on?!

Thanks for the post. I've looked at Detailing World and watched a few YouTube vids and I get it, it's the hands on experience I need to get to grips with.

 

Maybe a trip to the scrappers for an odd panel or two to practice or a friend or relative's older car to have a bash on?!

 

 

Definitive a great idea to buy a scrap panel or two and practice. Try and get both soft and hard paint samples as well.

You have the option to practice any and all techniques this way..... even some wet sanding if you get brave.

 

Otherwise, yes.... build up experience on friends, relatives, neighbours cars. That has worked for me to gain the knowledge i have so far.

 

I'm not a pro and dont ever intend to be professional - but plenty of good advice in posts above.

Are there any friendly pro's near you where you can offer to help out and gain experience?

 

If you plan to take payment for any detailing work - i always suggest having the correct insurance in place;

for both your peace of mind and that of the customer

 

Good luck.

 

Cheers,

Ste.

You could also look at Autobrite Direct as they run back to basics training days (covers everything up to and including using DA and Rotary polishing kit) on Saturdays throughout the year and also offer 1:1 tuition as well.

 

They are based in Stoke-on-Trent.

Edited 15 April, 201610 yr by Prykey

Definitive a great idea to buy a scrap panel or two and practice. Try and get both soft and hard paint samples as well.

You have the option to practice any and all techniques this way..... even some wet sanding if you get brave.

 

Otherwise, yes.... build up experience on friends, relatives, neighbours cars. That has worked for me to gain the knowledge i have so far.

 

I'm not a pro and dont ever intend to be professional - but plenty of good advice in posts above.

Are there any friendly pro's near you where you can offer to help out and gain experience?

 

If you plan to take payment for any detailing work - i always suggest having the correct insurance in place;

for both your peace of mind and that of the customer

 

Good luck.

 

Cheers,

Ste.

Thanks Ste, good advice there! I thought I'd try to hook up with anyone on here first to see if they'd be kind enough to let me tag along to gain experience but offer a voluntary hand. Failing that I'll be looking to see what local companies exist......will also give me an insight into local demand.

You could also look at Autobrite Direct as they run back to basics training days (covers everything up to and including using DA and Rotary polishing kit) on Saturdays throughout the year and also offer 1:1 tuition as well.

 

They are based in Stoke-on-Trent.

This sounds promising. Future father in law lives in Stoke by a stroke of good fortune! I'll look int that, thanks!

You could also look at Autobrite Direct as they run back to basics training days (covers everything up to and including using DA and Rotary polishing kit) on Saturdays throughout the year and also offer 1:1 tuition as well.

 

They are based in Stoke-on-Trent.

 

This is a good course and very popular too.

 

I do know both April and May are already fully booked;

this is posted up, if you follow the group on Facebook.

 

I attended the course a year or 2 back and posted a thread with helpful details at the time....

This is a good course and very popular too.

 

I do know both April and May are already fully booked;

this is posted up, if you follow the group on Facebook.

 

I attended the course a year or 2 back and posted a thread with helpful details at the time....

 

More detail/pics within this thread...

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/322598-detailing-training-days-information/?p=3864634

More detail/pics within this thread...

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/322598-detailing-training-days-information/?p=3864634

 

Spot on, thanks!  Will defo look into this...........!

Spot on, thanks!  Will defo look into this...........!

 

No problem at all.

 

The back to basics day is done as a group session 10-12 places.

I understand they do a full day 1-2-1 tuition option too - but no idea on price for that.

I do it as a part time self employment but really enjoy it even though it can eat up in to my weekends.

 

If there was one thing I would say is pretty essential is a website / facebook page (I have both) where your work can be displayed as there's not much better marketing tools than good photos of previous work done - especially the before and afters.

Ironically, a majority of the detailes from when i started have already, or are looking to branch into something else along the same kind of idea as detailing.

 

Website is a good idea as is facebook, but knowing/understanding marketing strategies also helps otherwise your site/facebook becomes nothing.

Autosmart do valeting training and i think they have ventured into the machine polishing as well.  With your location you could look at the likes of Swissvax to train you to "thier" standard.  Autoglym also do training and im sure there is a list of others as well.

 

Also invest in a paint depth gauge

 

I could tell you my story, but it would be considered as me "advertising my services" so i wont, there are many different ways to get there and to become recognised.

Spend money, do the KDS course.

 

Then spend more money and do as many cars as you can for free.

 

Once you have around 40-50 complete cars done, then have a think if its for you.

Ironically, a majority of the detailes from when i started have already, or are looking to branch into something else along the same kind of idea as detailing.

 

Website is a good idea as is facebook, but knowing/understanding marketing strategies also helps otherwise your site/facebook becomes nothing.

Autosmart do valeting training and i think they have ventured into the machine polishing as well.  With your location you could look at the likes of Swissvax to train you to "thier" standard.  Autoglym also do training and im sure there is a list of others as well.

 

Also invest in a paint depth gauge

 

I could tell you my story, but it would be considered as me "advertising my services" so i wont, there are many different ways to get there and to become recognised.

 

Great post, thanks!  Will look into Swissvax.  Nearly forgot the paint depth gauge, good shout!

 

Any ideas/advice re the marketing via social media etc?

 

Regards

 

Chubbs

Spend money, do the KDS course.

 

Then spend more money and do as many cars as you can for free.

 

Once you have around 40-50 complete cars done, then have a think if its for you.

 

My understanding is that Kelly @ KDS is no longer doing it (only heard it through a good friend who follows alot of detailers, so not sure how true it is)

Dunno, but wouldn't be surprised, the amount of hours it takes, he won't be making money on it.

 

As for swissvax..............................................................

I wonder if the potential for full time detailing is diminishing. Here's my thoughts

1) You need to be in an area with affluent people. Ask around and see what reaction you get if you suggested charging a few hundred pounds to "clean" their car. Most people are happy with the £5 drive through once a week and won't obsess over using a 2 bucket wash or using wool mitts.

2) Existing detailers in your area will probably keep their existing client base. I would compare this situation to your hairdresser; how often do you change your hairdresser ? Car owners who understand detailing will probably stick with someone they already trust their pride and joy with

3) The quality of the hobby detailer seen on this and other forums can be excellent. Your potential client base can potentially be eroded by weekenders who are happy to work for beer or more likely ...wax money !!

4) You haven't mentioned where you will be doing this. If at clients homes how will you deal with the issues of things such as water access etc. possible damage to driveways by the products used etc or have you costed premises hire etc

5) You may wish to consider how you market yourself eg specialising in upmarket vehicles or adding value to vehicles per sale or something else.

Good luck with whatever you decide and apologies for the ramble but hopefully will give you a few things to consider.

I wonder if the potential for full time detailing is diminishing. Here's my thoughts

1) You need to be in an area with affluent people. Ask around and see what reaction you get if you suggested charging a few hundred pounds to "clean" their car. Most people are happy with the £5 drive through once a week and won't obsess over using a 2 bucket wash or using wool mitts.

2) Existing detailers in your area will probably keep their existing client base. I would compare this situation to your hairdresser; how often do you change your hairdresser ? Car owners who understand detailing will probably stick with someone they already trust their pride and joy with

3) The quality of the hobby detailer seen on this and other forums can be excellent. Your potential client base can potentially be eroded by weekenders who are happy to work for beer or more likely ...wax money !!

4) You haven't mentioned where you will be doing this. If at clients homes how will you deal with the issues of things such as water access etc. possible damage to driveways by the products used etc or have you costed premises hire etc

5) You may wish to consider how you market yourself eg specialising in upmarket vehicles or adding value to vehicles per sale or something else.

Good luck with whatever you decide and apologies for the ramble but hopefully will give you a few things to consider.

Please don't apologise, cracking post looking from a different perspective and all valid points to be considered.  These are the types of posts I need to stimulate and provoke thought to prevent throwing money, time and energy away.

 

Clearly there's a market but it's being able to identify those markets and then tap into them, not that easy for the reasons you highlight but I believe it's possible.

 

I'd planned to detail ANY car or vehicle to start with but the niche markets are the high end vehicles where potential customers have more disposable income or the price of the service is comparatively less when compared to income.

 

Do these products damage driveways?  Can you expand on this please?  I'd planned to travel to customers or they could come to me at home to provide flexibility.

 

It's been pointed out that detailing work during the winter months may be significantly reduced, albeit I guess it may depend on the type of vehicles being worked upon?

 

Any other ideas are always very gratefully received.

Please don't apologise, cracking post looking from a different perspective and all valid points to be considered. These are the types of posts I need to stimulate and provoke thought to prevent throwing money, time and energy away.

Clearly there's a market but it's being able to identify those markets and then tap into them, not that easy for the reasons you highlight but I believe it's possible.

I'd planned to detail ANY car or vehicle to start with but the niche markets are the high end vehicles where potential customers have more disposable income or the price of the service is comparatively less when compared to income.

Do these products damage driveways? Can you expand on this please? I'd planned to travel to customers or they could come to me at home to provide flexibility.

It's been pointed out that detailing work during the winter months may be significantly reduced, albeit I guess it may depend on the type of vehicles being worked upon?

Any other ideas are always very gratefully received.

Thanks for your appreciative comments. I have no knowledge of whether any detailing chemicals will stain concrete or paving. However I was thinking more of the situation where what comes off the car e.g mud and particularly brake dust might mark your clients nicely cleaned pale block paving. However I'm sure some of the experienced hands on here will be able to advise if this is really an issue or just a theoretical risk.

One other thing I considered was what are your photography skills like. Whilst you don't need to be an aspiring pro you may want to try taking some shots of your own car and becoming practised at taking decent shots because this is something you will definitely need for your advertising. I suggest checking out some detailers Web sites and seeing what impresses you or otherwise and then try and replicate the shots.

Having looked at many mobile valeting and detailing Facebook and Web Sites in my area the one major problem in the UK is the weather .. so many have to cancel or curtail what they're doing as you get a sudden downpour in the middle of the job .... I know it limits your choice but have you thought of an indoor place where the weather hasn't the same effect

Having looked at many mobile valeting and detailing Facebook and Web Sites in my area the one major problem in the UK is the weather .. so many have to cancel or curtail what they're doing as you get a sudden downpour in the middle of the job .... I know it limits your choice but have you thought of an indoor place where the weather hasn't the same effect

you can buy car sized portable tents from costco for under £250 which are ideal for valeting under during our inclement weather!

Thanks for your appreciative comments. I have no knowledge of whether any detailing chemicals will stain concrete or paving. However I was thinking more of the situation where what comes off the car e.g mud and particularly brake dust might mark your clients nicely cleaned pale block paving. However I'm sure some of the experienced hands on here will be able to advise if this is really an issue or just a theoretical risk.

One other thing I considered was what are your photography skills like. Whilst you don't need to be an aspiring pro you may want to try taking some shots of your own car and becoming practised at taking decent shots because this is something you will definitely need for your advertising. I suggest checking out some detailers Web sites and seeing what impresses you or otherwise and then try and replicate the shots.

Selling the final finish is no doubt what's needed. I have a contact who could do some shots for a minimum fee. Great idea though!

I see what you mean re the aftermath of cleaning and detailing....I wait a reply but don't envisage a massive problem but never say never I guess!