car valeting.

motorguy

sniggings wrote: »

Anyone do this for a living?

I'm looking for any advice, comments from people whether this is liking to be worthwhile looking into as a small business.

Have you any experience as a valeter?

hieveryone

sniggings wrote: »

I was thinking more the top end, so going to their home/work and doing a full valet or is it called detailing? I'm not sure of the correct term.

So maybe only doing one car a day or 2 at most, the full works on it, inside and out.

If you're not sure of the correct term for the business you're planning on starting up, I'd say it's a no go!

motorguy

Also, the "cost of entry" to a business like this is quite low, and every schmuck can wash a car and thinks they can valet one, so even IF you are successful, once someone else sees you are, they'll open one up near you.

Used to be round here a car wash was £5 for just a straight wash.

Now the eastern europeans have moved in and are charging the same £5 but doing

• wash
• chamois
• glass polish
• dry
• clean door sills
• slick the tyres

Plus you're in and out in less than 15 minutes.

Theres about 6 of them flat out at it all the time, but the "one man bands" dont have a look in any more.

sniggings

motorguy wrote: »

Have you any experience as a valeter?

no but can learn fast.

sniggings

I did say I was basing my business model on a mobile service, so the customers home or work location.

sniggings

hieveryone wrote: »

If you're not sure of the correct term for the business you're planning on starting up, I'd say it's a no go!

A bit simplistic don't you think.

[simon]

sniggings wrote: »

I eat burgers costing £1.99 George osbourne's cost around a tenner

People need food and we like things that taste good. How can you compare food which is a need, to having a car that looks clean, to be honest as long as the car is reasonably clean and with in half an hour where can anyone go wrong ?? If I wanted the car to look extra clean I would buy the products which will last for quite a few washes and do it my self which will save a tonne of money. Then I can eat my tea at the best restaurant in town many times a year !

For that reason, am out.

sniggings

[simon] wrote: »

People need food and we like things that taste good. How can you compare food which is a need, to having a car that looks clean, to be honest as long as the car is reasonably clean and with in half an hour where can anyone go wrong ?? If I wanted the car to look extra clean I would buy the products and do it my self which will save a tonne of money. Then I can eat my tea at the best restaurant in town many times a year !

For that reason, am out.

mate some people pay for a full valet, some for a pound spray at the local wash, if I have to explain that to you then you are really not adding much to this so why post as you are only wasting your time and mine as I'm trying to be polite in replying to you.

Brassedoff

sniggings wrote: »

I have no idea of the going rates but I was thinking around the £100 mark for a full valet/detailing which would take a full day, half a day for just inside maybe for around £50 for that.

The local Romanians do my Range Rover for £40. It takes them 40 minutes, thats a hand polish, wheels, carpets, sills, glass in and out, seats with leather cream and dash. You are a bit out of their price range I think

motorguy

sniggings wrote: »

how long does that take?

Just over half a day.

Theres a valeter up the road from me - ex BMW valeter with 10 years experience. Charges £35 trade and £45 to the public. Full internal and external valet.