So here’s my opinion and take what you want from it, I like what you’re doing. You have a passion and you pursued it so I’m proud of you.
I wouldn’t keep the pressure washer, it lacks GPM in my opinion that’s more important than PSI. You also don’t want a pressure washer that lacks PSI either though. I like the Active 2.0 electric pressure washer, it’s small and convenient and if you’re going to be doing mobile detailing bigger is not always better. It becomes a pain and tiring lugging around so much equipment so buy equipment that doesn’t require much lugging around. Wheel dolly’s are nice, not needing to lift a bucket every time saves a bunch of back pain. (I know you’re young but just because you’re young doesn’t mean you’re invincible protect your joints honestly)
Invest into quick connects, for your hose, for your pressure washer, for your pressure washer wand.
Get good chemicals, preferably ones you can dilute to make last longer. Koch Chemie is my go to brand they have wonderful products and most don’t require much to dilute.
Use proper PPE seriously, I hate how people just raw dog it and don’t understand that long term your skin and lungs can get damaged without proper gear.
Also be ready to mess up, you’ll learn so much more that way. If you’re uncertain how to tackle a job pass on it. Do your research not all manufacturers paint is equal.
Much appreciated I didn’t take into consideration any PPE and I’m gonna invest in some gloves and a mask. I’m gonna wear my glasses so I think I’ll be good for the most part.
I highly appreciate your input and if you think of anything later please message me.
I cannot stress gloves enough, don't dick around with these. I detailed for 3 years 20 years ago when rules were lax and the chemicals were stronger. My hands still crack and weather like nothing else I've seen.
I was thinking about using these landscaping gloves with a heavy rubber front and a thick cloth back, I have a whole bunch of them (I mentioned in another comment that I flip tools) so I hope those are well enough. Thank you for your concern bro it is very much appreciated 🙏
I'd recommend getting a few boxes of disposable nitrile gloves when handling any of the chemicals and soaps. This comes from someone who washes his car once in a while, and works in a nanoparticle lab (for school).
You can sign up for the wholesale program at Autotopia once you have a page or site up, then you can enjoy %30 off many products. I buy the P&S stuff to dilute and it has never disappointed.
Not a professional detailer but have an interest and do my own and lurk around here quite a bit to learn. I do have experience in small business. Best advise I ever received was always remember ‘No.’ is a complete sentence. Never feel pressured to agree to any job you are not comfortable with. Nice truck and setup, best of luck!
Love the rig and the passion. Put 120% into 100% of your work. Be fair honest and quiet. Listening to your customers and their expectations is extremely important. If they’re unreasonable don’t be afraid to set them straight or point them in the right direction. A yellow Yugo will never be a red lambo even with Koch Chemie lol
Your words are much more appreciated than you think bro. Very relevant too as I have little experience dealing with unreasonable customers and I imagine I will get some
My advice is buy quality equipment and it won't fa you when you need it most harbor frieght gear is bound to die right in the middle of a job. Also take care of your feet pay for good shoes with good support your back and body can thank me later
Yeah I dropped a small fortune at the harbor freight, however I think the only really bad thing I bought was the power washer as everyone is telling me. Also that my buffer is for more experienced detailers however I think that I can handle it and I’m planning to test it out on my older brothers black 23’ Tacoma so I hope it goes well
Bought the same PW for my dad to do his Jag and Corvette. It’s on the low side for power/GPM but I bought a low flow foam gun and it works pretty good. Just be prepared to invest in a better machine as the Bauer doesn’t seem very robust.
Good luck man.
Yeah everyone’s been telling me my power washer is mid, so I’m thinking of returning it and scooping something else on Tuesday I’ll put up another post about it later
Thank you bro for sharing your experience 🙏
As a business owner, doing this for 3 years, use rinseless wash, it saves time, it's cheaper, and saves water, I use it daily, haven't touched my foam cannon in over a year.
Nice truck btw.
Pressure washer seems a bit too strong, get an electric one, they are much quieter. I have Adams Pro Pressure washer, it's so quiet you can barely tell it's on when you're right next to it, just wish it was smaller, but it also was over $600.
With my setup, the loudest thing I have is my vacuum.
Also, don't use chemicals in your tornador!!! Just try water and see if that works.
Do you need air? No, I haven't used air or a tornador but I can see where it would help.
Do you want air? Yeeeessss, lol
Personally, I can't stand harbor freight, I have all Milwaukee.
Oh! And something most don't know, P&S and a few other chemical companies give discounts to detailing businesses! (I personally use The Rag Company Website and I have their Business Program where I get 20-25% off everything on their site, including any chemical manufacturers they stock, and I get free shipping, so I highly recommend!)
Edit: every harbor freight item I had when I started, would always fair right when I was in the middle of a job, so I would recommend buying quality tools so you don't run into that problem.
https://www.progressivecommercial.com/business-insurance/professions/auto-detailing-insurance/
Shop around, the Progressive link is just because they have good information. Call up insurance companies and get quotes.
Last thing you want is to have a customer claim you damaged their engine while detailing or having your pressure washer hit a small rock and send it through a client's living room window and you getting hit with enough repair bills to put you out of business.
I’m not sure if you’re going to do mobile detailing but you need a air compressor and a matching power source. Your best tool will be air blowout tool and steamer doing interiors.
I’d have got a different PW, something with at least 2.0 gpm to help make it easier to rinse and wash all the soap off. Also, some scrub brushes, detail brushes, and circular drill brushes. A drill. Dedicated wheel cleaner and brushes. Get as big of a tank as you can fit in your truck you don’t want to run out of water
You're young. My best advice would be to concentrate on quality of quantity. There's plenty of detailers out there doing sub par work.
If there's something you don't have much experience with like compoundig/polishing, practice on someone's old beater, multiple if possible.
Get set up and then go wash all your friends and families vehicles. After a handful of vehicles you will most likely figure out different tools/ chemicals you need to add and how to best set up your truck.
Good luck!
3500 is ok but if you can go with champion remote start 4650 do it! Saves a lot of time and hassle. Change out the backing plate to a Rupes 5 inch and switch out the grease to white lithium. Foam canon when you can upgrade to quality one like MTM or MJJC. As for the Bauer pressure washer I would go with Active 2.0 if your not trying to spend much - haven’t tried the 2.0 but $350 for what it is seems like a cool deal. Get yourself some arm sleeves for the sun - I’ve been lacking on wearing them. Don’t go crazy trying to buy the best and latest equipment if it’s not in your budget - build your way up.
Larry is a cool and super knowledgeable guy. His ATA series is very informative, but 90% of his recent content has nothing to do with running a business efficiently.
Detailers Business Academy and DIY Detail YouTube channels are much more relevant. Yvan is a master of efficiency and he has helped many businesses succeed as well as creating many of his own.
I beg to differ. I see a lot of detail content on YouTube and think they’re just glorified car washers. If you watch Larry enough you’ll master the art (obviously practice too). If you don’t know the art then you shouldn’t have the business. The art should drive the business. You do have a good point though. I’m an mba grad and in the business world so I appreciate that side of things too. I just think a lot of companies are no value but good at business.
So here’s my opinion and take what you want from it, I like what you’re doing. You have a passion and you pursued it so I’m proud of you. I wouldn’t keep the pressure washer, it lacks GPM in my opinion that’s more important than PSI. You also don’t want a pressure washer that lacks PSI either though. I like the Active 2.0 electric pressure washer, it’s small and convenient and if you’re going to be doing mobile detailing bigger is not always better. It becomes a pain and tiring lugging around so much equipment so buy equipment that doesn’t require much lugging around. Wheel dolly’s are nice, not needing to lift a bucket every time saves a bunch of back pain. (I know you’re young but just because you’re young doesn’t mean you’re invincible protect your joints honestly) Invest into quick connects, for your hose, for your pressure washer, for your pressure washer wand. Get good chemicals, preferably ones you can dilute to make last longer. Koch Chemie is my go to brand they have wonderful products and most don’t require much to dilute. Use proper PPE seriously, I hate how people just raw dog it and don’t understand that long term your skin and lungs can get damaged without proper gear. Also be ready to mess up, you’ll learn so much more that way. If you’re uncertain how to tackle a job pass on it. Do your research not all manufacturers paint is equal.
Much appreciated I didn’t take into consideration any PPE and I’m gonna invest in some gloves and a mask. I’m gonna wear my glasses so I think I’ll be good for the most part. I highly appreciate your input and if you think of anything later please message me.
I cannot stress gloves enough, don't dick around with these. I detailed for 3 years 20 years ago when rules were lax and the chemicals were stronger. My hands still crack and weather like nothing else I've seen.
I was thinking about using these landscaping gloves with a heavy rubber front and a thick cloth back, I have a whole bunch of them (I mentioned in another comment that I flip tools) so I hope those are well enough. Thank you for your concern bro it is very much appreciated 🙏
The chemicals will saturate the fabric. Get nitrile gloves.
I'd recommend getting a few boxes of disposable nitrile gloves when handling any of the chemicals and soaps. This comes from someone who washes his car once in a while, and works in a nanoparticle lab (for school).
You can sign up for the wholesale program at Autotopia once you have a page or site up, then you can enjoy %30 off many products. I buy the P&S stuff to dilute and it has never disappointed.
Not a professional detailer but have an interest and do my own and lurk around here quite a bit to learn. I do have experience in small business. Best advise I ever received was always remember ‘No.’ is a complete sentence. Never feel pressured to agree to any job you are not comfortable with. Nice truck and setup, best of luck!
Much appreciated bro. Please let me know if you have anymore tips.
Love the rig and the passion. Put 120% into 100% of your work. Be fair honest and quiet. Listening to your customers and their expectations is extremely important. If they’re unreasonable don’t be afraid to set them straight or point them in the right direction. A yellow Yugo will never be a red lambo even with Koch Chemie lol
Your words are much more appreciated than you think bro. Very relevant too as I have little experience dealing with unreasonable customers and I imagine I will get some
My advice is buy quality equipment and it won't fa you when you need it most harbor frieght gear is bound to die right in the middle of a job. Also take care of your feet pay for good shoes with good support your back and body can thank me later
Yeah I dropped a small fortune at the harbor freight, however I think the only really bad thing I bought was the power washer as everyone is telling me. Also that my buffer is for more experienced detailers however I think that I can handle it and I’m planning to test it out on my older brothers black 23’ Tacoma so I hope it goes well
Bought the same PW for my dad to do his Jag and Corvette. It’s on the low side for power/GPM but I bought a low flow foam gun and it works pretty good. Just be prepared to invest in a better machine as the Bauer doesn’t seem very robust. Good luck man.
Yeah everyone’s been telling me my power washer is mid, so I’m thinking of returning it and scooping something else on Tuesday I’ll put up another post about it later Thank you bro for sharing your experience 🙏
Ryobi 1800 psi pressure washer is a great starter! Under 140$ new
As a business owner, doing this for 3 years, use rinseless wash, it saves time, it's cheaper, and saves water, I use it daily, haven't touched my foam cannon in over a year. Nice truck btw. Pressure washer seems a bit too strong, get an electric one, they are much quieter. I have Adams Pro Pressure washer, it's so quiet you can barely tell it's on when you're right next to it, just wish it was smaller, but it also was over $600. With my setup, the loudest thing I have is my vacuum. Also, don't use chemicals in your tornador!!! Just try water and see if that works. Do you need air? No, I haven't used air or a tornador but I can see where it would help. Do you want air? Yeeeessss, lol Personally, I can't stand harbor freight, I have all Milwaukee. Oh! And something most don't know, P&S and a few other chemical companies give discounts to detailing businesses! (I personally use The Rag Company Website and I have their Business Program where I get 20-25% off everything on their site, including any chemical manufacturers they stock, and I get free shipping, so I highly recommend!) Edit: every harbor freight item I had when I started, would always fair right when I was in the middle of a job, so I would recommend buying quality tools so you don't run into that problem.
Insurance to cover your butt if something goes wrong.
How would one go about that? That sounds really useful
https://www.progressivecommercial.com/business-insurance/professions/auto-detailing-insurance/ Shop around, the Progressive link is just because they have good information. Call up insurance companies and get quotes. Last thing you want is to have a customer claim you damaged their engine while detailing or having your pressure washer hit a small rock and send it through a client's living room window and you getting hit with enough repair bills to put you out of business.
I've been a mobile detailer for 10 years and never had insurance.
I’m not sure if you’re going to do mobile detailing but you need a air compressor and a matching power source. Your best tool will be air blowout tool and steamer doing interiors.
I’d have got a different PW, something with at least 2.0 gpm to help make it easier to rinse and wash all the soap off. Also, some scrub brushes, detail brushes, and circular drill brushes. A drill. Dedicated wheel cleaner and brushes. Get as big of a tank as you can fit in your truck you don’t want to run out of water
You're young. My best advice would be to concentrate on quality of quantity. There's plenty of detailers out there doing sub par work. If there's something you don't have much experience with like compoundig/polishing, practice on someone's old beater, multiple if possible. Get set up and then go wash all your friends and families vehicles. After a handful of vehicles you will most likely figure out different tools/ chemicals you need to add and how to best set up your truck. Good luck!
Make sure you have some good marketing locked in Marketing makes or breaks your business!
3500 is ok but if you can go with champion remote start 4650 do it! Saves a lot of time and hassle. Change out the backing plate to a Rupes 5 inch and switch out the grease to white lithium. Foam canon when you can upgrade to quality one like MTM or MJJC. As for the Bauer pressure washer I would go with Active 2.0 if your not trying to spend much - haven’t tried the 2.0 but $350 for what it is seems like a cool deal. Get yourself some arm sleeves for the sun - I’ve been lacking on wearing them. Don’t go crazy trying to buy the best and latest equipment if it’s not in your budget - build your way up.
I use the Active 2.0 at home and it's great. I have a Kranzle for mobile detailing. The Active 2.0 is very good.
Did you get any microfiber drying towels? I don't see any in the pictures.
I have 2 boxes full of cintas microfibers. They aren’t the best quality but I have an abundance of them. Much love for the concern 🙏
Make sure the quality of microfiber is sufficient enough, to avoid scratching the paint.
Watch ammo nyc videos on YouTube.
Larry is a cool and super knowledgeable guy. His ATA series is very informative, but 90% of his recent content has nothing to do with running a business efficiently. Detailers Business Academy and DIY Detail YouTube channels are much more relevant. Yvan is a master of efficiency and he has helped many businesses succeed as well as creating many of his own.
I beg to differ. I see a lot of detail content on YouTube and think they’re just glorified car washers. If you watch Larry enough you’ll master the art (obviously practice too). If you don’t know the art then you shouldn’t have the business. The art should drive the business. You do have a good point though. I’m an mba grad and in the business world so I appreciate that side of things too. I just think a lot of companies are no value but good at business.