New guy from South Jersey

[smitty5150]

Hey. I`m Bob. I`m 29 and from Southern New Jersey. I have been lurking on this forum for a few months and finally decided to join up. I am in the midst of starting my own detailing business and I am very impressed with the wealth of knowledge on this site. I cut my teeth more than ten years ago working for a local car wash/detail shop right out of high school. I`ve been taking care of my family, friends, and personal vehicles ever since. Coming to the end of a lengthy unemployment stint, I finally decided it wise to try starting my own shop. I have since started working full time, but I have also been working towards getting everything in order to start my business. I am now ready to attack it head on, starting on weekends and nights and hopefully building a reputation to a point where I can say goodbye to conventional employment and be my own boss. My initial plans are to advertise the hard way, with flyers/business cards/word of mouth. Once I have established my legal business entity and all of the required documentation and insurance, I will get a little more aggressive and take out ads both in papers and on the radio. I will be doing this from home at first, and I just picked up a minivan that will allow me to offer some mobile services as well. Any advice you great members can offer is most appreciated. I have thought about this idea for many years and I am willing to do what it takes to make this a successful venture.

Thanks to everyone!

[Bunky]

Hi Bob from Jersey.

[Pats300zx]

Hi Bob...Welcome To Autopia Forums...

[Concours.John]

Welcome Bob! I myself just recently opened my shop. I have been in the industry since 95 professionally. Do your research. Even with a great reputation the shop eats a chunk of what you do and don`t make. Build up a good reserve. There will be no time for a part time job once you take the leap.
Best of luck!

[smitty5150]

Thanks!

I am very thankful to have the job I have now, as without it there may not have been the opportunity to branch out and do this. My passion for cars goes well beyond appearance, and I believe it shows in my work. With a lot of my family and friends supporting this endeavor, I see no reason why it will fail. I am taking my time and setting everything up correctly. Definitely looking forward to the day an have to give my 2 weeks so that I can stop turning down or postponing appointments.