Start an Car Detailing, Auto Repair or Car Wash Business
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Ways to Start an Auto Detailing Business
The auto detailing industry offers lots
of lucrative opportunities for enterprising entrepreneurs, and start-up costs are minimal. This makes
auto detailing a terrific business if you're an entrepreneur on a shoestring budget.
There are three types of detailing operations: Mobile, express and site-based. Mobile businesses are
quicker and easier to launch, and also the most cost effective way to enter the business. You also have the
option of working as an Express Detailer at a car wash or auto dealer. This can give you a consistent flow of
customer traffic without having to spend a lot of effort advertising.
There are also other customer goldmines, such as hotels with concierge service, limousine companies,
car shows, RV dealerships, auto repair shops, car leasing companies, gas stations - not to mention boat and
airplane owners....
Automotive Business Start-Up Checklist:
- Car mechanics typically receive ASE certified educational training, according to the National Institute of
Automotive Service Excellence.
- Obtain the necessary business licenses. Check with your local government office to find out which
licenses and permits you need for your automotive business and how to apply.
- If you plan to operate your automotive business out of your home, check with your local government
office about zoning ordinances and possible land use restrictions
- Set up a business bank account with your local bank. Make sure that the bank is FDIC is
insured. It is important to keep your auto business and personal finances separate, and often your
banker can help with small business loans or financing.
- Arrange a meeting with an accountant to discuss tax strategies and ways to maximize your business tax deductions. You can get referrals from other business owners you know
or sometimes your banker.
- File your fictitious business name with the county clerk, or if you want to form a corporation, find
out how to incorporate your business
- Meet with an insurance agent to discuss insurance you may need for your automotive business. The IIABA
(Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America) is a good place to start. You can also get free
quotes online for business insurance
- Set up your business phone system. Whether you use a toll-free 800 phone number, a multi-line
phone system, VoIP or simply add an additional phone number to your existing service, you'll want a
designated line to establish a professional business image.
- Order business cards. One of the cheapest ways I know of to advertise a business. See how you can
design your own professional business cards online, plus simple tips for increasing your sales
- Get a website. Save money by creating your own website with simple online design programs, or outsource the job
to an affordable website designer. Whether you sell car products online - or you use a website to
display information about your auto service company, it's important to take advantage of this low-cost
marketing resource that can help you get more customers.
This jam-packed guide will walk you through the four different types of car washes you can
start--full-service, self-service, automatic rollover and exterior conveyorized--and provide the pros and cons
of each so you can determine which is your best choice.
You'll also discover the start-up costs of each, as well as the equipment you'll need, the administrative
tasks involved in the daily operations, the personnel you'll need to staff your business, and what it's like to
run a car wash on a day-to-day basis.
You'll also find innovative ways to
promote your car wash business so that you've got a line of cars just waiting to get in, and how to write
a business plan that'll get you the financing to go big. Start here >> Open a Car Wash Business
Car Repair Business
Expert Paul Anderson put together a complete business start-up guide for auto repair
companies. It includes everything from start-up procedures, management and bookkeeping, shop layout
designs, what to charge clients and how to find customers. You can download it here
Free Sample Car Repair Business Plan
Business Idea: Mobile Mechanic
Automotive Business Plans (downloadable):
Automotive Business Resources:
Find Customers for Your Automotive Business
Order business cards. Often overlooked, business cards can be a very efficient and low cost
advertising method. See how you can design your own professional business cards online >> Free Business Cards. See also: 30-50% off Postcards, Brochures and
more Design your own marketing materials online using professional templates. Designs provided, printing
done for you.
Get Free Publicity - Besides advertising in your local yellow pages and placing
ads in newspapers and neighborhood mailers, you can save money by sending a press release or "letter" to
your local paper announcing the grand opening of your new business.
If you can offer a special discount or hold an event and tie it in with your grand opening, publications
will find this more newsworthy and are more likely to publish news about your storage company. Your press
release can be short and simple, and you can find press release samples you can follow on this page:
How to Write a Simple Press Release
Offer coupons in neighborhood mailers or local newspapers to attract new customers to try
out your service. You can use mailing services or design your own coupons using online coupon creators.
Local Search - More and more
people are looking for local businesses online (instead of the traditional yellow pages) - and you don't
want to miss out on this market. Local Search sources that are affordable and receive substantial traffic
include: Google Local, CitySearch, Yelp and Super
Pages.
Give Out Promotional Items.
ThisPromoWorks has lots of cool items that you can customize with your logo - hand them out to prospective
customers, and they'll think you're cool too! This is an easy way to invite a client to do business with
you.
Gimmicks like magnets, small calendars and pens are a inexpensive marketing tools - and useful to people who
receive them. You can find many of these "ads" around someone's house or office months - even years after
they've received them. Your business gets recognition again and again. Design Your Own Promotional
Items at ThisPromoWorks.
50% OFF custom printed
keychains. Available in a variety of designs, shapes and sizes
Automotive Business Associations
- Automotive Recyclers Association
Since 1943, this non-profit trade association has represented an industry dedicated to the efficient
removal and reuse of automotive parts, and the safe disposal of inoperable motor vehicles.
- Capa.org
The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) is a non-profit organization established in 1987 to
develop and oversee a test program guaranteeing the suitability and quality of automotive parts.
- International Carwash Association
The International Car Wash Association is an industry-driven membership association that's primary mission
is to serve the needs of the car wash and detailing industry's professionals and to represent their
interests.
T I P : 
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