I'm just starting my own mobile detailing business. Your videos are very helpful & very informative.
Thanks for all the FREE HELPFUL INFO 👍👍
God bless you
I think this is the best detail setup and video on UA-cam, simple, not a million things, neat, and we'll explained, nice job oscar, I love the minimalist detailing rig.
My Mobile setup, includes chevy express 1500, through time I began to downsize since in the beginning I literally tried to have a shop on wheels, but just like you said had to make van access eazy and obtaining items simple. Definitely need to provide a vid like yours, thanks
Those are REALLY nice vans! Love those. But yeah, the bigger the rig (or shop), the more you feel you have to fill up with products and tools!
experience taught me to lighten up the load, especially when you know your lane. The vans are cheap and durable and businesses in this tristate area sell em for cheap when they use em up
Sporties Mobile Detailing
Do you use distilled water for steamer because minerals ruins unit in long run?
Thank you for the video, this has helped me BIG TIME! Have an HHR Panel myself and needed some help organizing, was thinking about getting a larger van but after seeing this I'm going to keep it and build on what you've presented here. Plus it will save some money.
I have found that using 1 gallon pump sprayers for my wheel brightener, citrus degreaser, and carpet cleaning solution along with using spray foam for the tires saves time. The spray foam is a little more expensive but I’m not using the time and energy wiping tire shine on the tires. I just wipe the rims once the foam settles. I keep all my towels in a duffle bag. I wash the wax towels separate and also wash my cleaning towels separate. Of course the waffle weave glass towels are washed sep. if I’m going to wax the car a few drops of dawn won’t hurt. Especially if I’m gonna re wax. Also I take a microfiber towel and wet it down with APC then get to cleaning. Saves cleaner and the overspray etc. I also use bar keepers friend on the Windows with a net covered sponge. Really gets the water spots off and makes the detail pop.
Here in 2021 beginning my mobile detailing business and your videos are gold to me🔥🔥🔥
I use a Pacifica everything fits Great!! God bless you brother!!
Great video, l have been watching you videos for a while. Am planing on doing this using my Nissan verso. What ever works for you and makes your life easies. I always tell my teacher assistant “work smarter NOT harder.
Awesome picture quality. Very good setup. Show us your spray bottles. Agree simple is better. I would bring another extension chord a garden hose and or maybe 2 25 gallon spray tanks for rinseless and fresh water just in case. Great rig.
Thanks for the kind words and good advice. I plan on getting a spray tank and maybe a decent garden hose.
Great setup thank you.
great advice I really need to work on organization in my van thanks for the video.
Just started my detailing business and i just found your videos and they are definitely helpfull
I really think having a set flat rate is the way to go for me right now but as I go Im adjusting to a nice flat rate for all my hard work and that nice clean look that I’m providing my customers
You will ALWAYS be adjusting your pricing. So don't get too caught up in that
Great advice. I just realized that I have those same creates in my shed that I'm not using that I can start using. 🙃 😆 🤣
Ill learn and take noted from a pro, you legit became my mentor and I will take in all of your asvice yo pursue it on my own
Great video! Thinking of burning a truck and fo auto detailing. Simplicity works!
It sure does! Although I did start my business with a 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS. So start with what you have NOW
I love your videos keep it up. you really help me out a lot. with the videos you made
I bought the 1275 from horbor freight. Is it at difference in pressure and steam vs the one you have.
Love the quote! So true!! Want very much to get our stuff as stream lined as yours.
Ok, check this out.
My detailing rig is a Smart Fortwo 451.
I fit everything I need in there to do an A+ job. Polisher, pressure washer, chemicals, drying towels, buffing towels, whatever towels, hoses, buckets, whatever I need is in there. In a Smart Fortwo. Bear in mind, they are easy to access and organised as well. So when I need something I don't lose precious detailing time searching for an item or chemical solution.
Hey really love your videos!! I've been watching your videos a lot and I was wondering if you use a generator to power your tools or just use an extension cord and use customers outlets? I'm trying to organize and start my own detail business!
Right now I have 3 tubs organized as interior, exterior, and polishing and extra stuff I won't typically use in the third. I also have my towels separate from the products and tools. I also bring a small bucket that I put my main products I'm using to carry around the vehicle as I go. I'm always trying to improve my efficiency so if anyone has any tips I'll gladly consider them.
I love this video bruh. I've watched it several times and I pick up on something different everytime. What you said about taking what you need,,,,, man I agree with you 100%. Keep doing what you do bro. God bless
Hi, nice video bro ! i live in San Francisco California and im so tired driving for Uber so i like to change...thx the tips
You can get by without water tanks, right?
Do you bring a pressure washer?
My detail rig is going to be a minivan. Remove the seat and you have plenty of room. Organization is key weather you have small or big vehicle. Although I’m not in the business yet but going to be in soon.
What's your steamer and can you share a link to buy it?
Thanks for another great video Oscar. I'm interested in a polisher (similar to yours) that is in the $50-60 range that also is capable of having a brush attachment. This would be for cleaning my personal vehicle only, so I don't need one over $100. I've owned own of those battery operated bathroom cleaning rotating tools, but I don't think it will work for my needs (too weak). I'm not finding anything on Amazon. Thanks in advance!
Thanks for watching! The only polishers I can think of that fit that price range would be:
- www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/polishers.html
Detail Groove thank you! I completely forgot about checking HF! You da man!
Where can I find that spray bottle holder?
What kind of ladder do you use?
Love your setup bro. Do you detail at any apartments, office buildings or places with no access to power? If so how do you deal with that issue?
hahah sometimes you just got to find a way to get it done! Once I had ZERO power for an interior cleaning. The steamer would have helped, but I wasn't the end of the world. I had to vacuum, but had no power. So I literally swept it all up with the brushes I had. It wasn't that bad, so that helped- but I had to get it done somehow.
Other than that, you're kind of shot because you'll need power. Always ask the customer if they have power, if there's a way to get power, or simply explain that you mostly service customers at their home location so you don't carry a generator.
Detail Groove respect like u said u find a way to get it done.at one point I had no vehicle I caught a Uber r Lyft to job sites with a bucket and supplies.fast forward now I'm in a van pressure washer n generator and for about a year .I used customers power
Hey Oscar, do you leave any of your chemicals in your car on a hot hot day? I know you don't go through winter weather there but would you take the chemicals out of car during below freezing temperatures? where I live, winter is really bad.
We actually had a few freezing temperatures hit us this year! It was crazy in Texas. I didn't. I just threw some towels over the products and such (I also had my car inside my garage)
thanks oscar good tips were or what make are your mini sander polishers in the floor stowage of your van
Me personally have to bring everything only because im always upgrading packages so im really trying to figire out a way to get a spot for everything do to the fact i have a crew and by the end of the day everyone tired and things are shifting back and forth on the way back to shop
Yess, that's a big problem. It leaves the shop looking nice, it gets back to the shop looking like a hurricane was in there
Hi man ,the steam hover have the extraction ?is good?can you give more details please?
I've been detailing cars for 23 years and I've worked lot's of car dealership as today I still get service Managers from different dealerships calling me to go back because I do a great job thinking about going Mobile Detailing but I'm so scared to take that step.
Hey Oscar Great video. I wanted to know if the McCollum steamer also do extracting for carpet cleaning? If not I thought about going with the portable hoover spotless cleaner.
Thanks! No, the McCulloch is a steamer. No type of extraction can be done with it. Although I still get great results with it! I don't have an extractor and don't plan on getting one :)
Detail Groove
Oh okay! I'm just getting into car detailing and I'm doing well but I haven't had any interior detailing jobs yet, just washes and vaccum. I have my own setup with a water tank. But here is what I wanted to know, what do you think of the Vapor Rino? My brother wants to come into the business with that only but I'm not sure if that's a great idea or not. He wants to run his entire detail service with one machine. The machine does a lot.
Just keep going at it and build momentum! I personally am not a fan of it. Does he want to use it to wash cars and detail interiors with that? Does he have any experience in detailing?
Detail Groove
Yes, he has experience in detailing and he wants to do cars, engines, and interior detail. He was working under someone else and now he is ready to do his own thing. He is all about steaming and vapor only, he doesn't want to touch anymore water, especially during the winter.
It makes sense! As long as he can make it work, that's all that matters :)
where did you get the 3" interior brush attachment for the griot's buffer? and is it easy to install? I have looked and only find 5" but not sure if it it is compatible with the machine. hard to say :/
What type/brand of spray bottles are you using? Sams Club has some of $6 for a 6 pack but nervous about the quality.
Hm, it's a mixture of Chemical Guys/Meguiars spray bottles and some locally bought ones as well. I would give the Sams bottles a try.
Is there a need for shine supply's super spot (enzyme cleaner) and carpet cleaner? Or does solution take care of everything?
Depends on what stain you're trying to get out. Most of the time you can just get away from APC. Enzyme is used for pet stains or stains with odors on them. That's kind of general. But if you also have a steamer, then you can use steam and APC
So when you pull up to a costumers house, where do you plug in you’re vacuum or you’re polishers??
what's the real difference. with steamer you use versus the vx5000.
Well, the real difference would probably be nothing because the both shoot steam, they both work for detailing, and they're both steamer. Having said that, the VVX5000 will run circles around the McCulloch any day of the week. The PSI is stronger, bigger tank, strong wheels, stainless steel, different options of steam output, etc... Now, having said THAT, I still recommend the McCulloch over the VX5000 simply due to price. It's about ~$600 price difference. Start off with the McCulloch than upgrade later
Great Video...How do you like the HHR Panel? How has the reliability been? I have thought about getting one and wanted to get a real world perspective. Thanks in advance for your reply
For the type of setup that I have, it's perfect! I'm not trying to bring every big item under the sun. Super compact and efficient for me
Thank you, how about mechanical reliability on the HHR? Any major repairs to date?
Great video, I noticed you didn't have a water tank, do you run a waterless detailing business? If you do how is it?
hey bro do you do buff? and do you. have a water tank power washer?
I'm definitely not the best at paint correction, but yes. And no, no water tank, or pump, or pressure washer
Just curious. You are on your game when it comes to organization. Were you in the military or is your personality just suited to organize?
Haha, that's just how I am. Granted, I read a bunch of military books and get a lot of influence of how they operate and translate it to business.
I noticed you don't have a pressure washer. What kind nozzle do you use for washing?
Ehh, sometimes (most of the time) I don't use a hose. I use a combination of rinseless and waterless wash methods. Here's a playlist I have on how I wash cars: ua-cam.com/play/PLX3W8cCVn5IeJMX0mWkptNoUPoy8HdjIy.html
may i ask, what kind of car is that?! the chevy! im looking to expand my business
Are you looking to grow? How long have you been detailing? I think this
is common since. I think this all depends on where you live and how good you are and what you do. Also what kind of vehicle you drive.
Oh the irony of spelling sense wrong when referring to common sense lmao.
Hi, I do like your shape of your van, They do not sell chevy in England , I do mobile detailing keep it simple , Fuel is very dear in the Uk,
So do you wash your costumers vehicles waterless? Where's the power washer
I 99% of the time perform a rinselesss wash with Optimum No Rinse. I'm also 99% of the time at a home location where water and power is accessible. When I'm off site, I'll take a 5 gallon bucket fill with 4 gallons
How is that steamer working out ? Is it any good ? Looking to get a steamer
Great video. I just realized we made an identical video haha. for me I just keep it simple with 1 bottle of solution for cleaning interior and a brush, scrub pad and a can of trim shine. Maybe 5 items to do a whole interior. like you said there's no point in trying to buy every new released item. I tried it the first year and I was spending too much money.
Hahaha yeah, I saw that! And yes, it's easy to spend too much money on items we will hardly. ever. use.
So you don’t have a water tank how do you do it with customers in apartment housing
how do u empty the leftover water on the mcculloch steamer?do you have to squeeze the trigger till it runs out or simply flip it upside down and pour the water out?
Yup- I just lock the trigger and let it spray out. It's not only to let the water out, but release the heat as well.
Can you use that steamer on the out side of the car as well? Like a fortador?
lol, noooooo waaayyyy! This little steamer cost $200.. Those Fortadors cost thousands. The pressure is very weak on this thing
Do you not use a water tank? How do you get a hold of Water/ Electricity Oscar?
Detail Groove Thanks For Replying Oscar! One more thing so i was debating on that if i should buy a water tank but how do you tell your customer if you can use there water/electricity?
That's gold bro good shit !!! You're a very smart guy ,,, btw How do u power everything ???
Thanks a lot! I use the customers water and electricity. I have a generator but never use it.
Can you fit a tank and generator and compressor in your HHR? I’m thinking of getting a HHR panel to do my detail but I don’t need that many chemicals like you I’m more into the exterior details
Yes you can. Here are a few threads of HHRs: www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-make-money-detailing-cars/85997-my-new-hhr-panel-my-mobile-detailing-vehicle.html
www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-make-money-detailing-cars/76233-hhr-panel-mobile-detailing-unit.html
thats funny, i do alot of headlight restorations and interiors down here
Detail Groove rhode island, just did a set today. hopefully ill move up to full detailing. i love all the tips and tricks you post btw it really helps motivate me
Do you use the costumers water every job i noticed theres no water tank just wondering
You need to have your own water then your not exactly a mobile detailer it's a must man I'm in spring Houston I'm also a detailer
I rather use costumer water so i can knock out as many cars as possible without having to make a water run thats why i asked
No water tank? I guess your use the water at the places you go? If so do you find that okay.
How's that steamer? I'm in the market for one now . does it work well for doing interiors? thanks
Luxury Details I actually have the same one and it works perfectly. Will recommend!
AandJ.Detailing81 Jeeplife thanks for the reply I'll prolly buy one . wasn't shure if I should just spend 800$ on one or if it wasn't really necessary. thanks
Yup- as mentioned, for the price, it's super good! I wouldn't clean an engine with this, but it does do the job on interiors. And I've also owned the VX5000, so I've had first experience between the high and low quality
Detail Groove I was thinking about buying the vx5000 Is there any other better models around the same price range that u know of. thanks
Nooo, my knowledge of steamers ends there at the VX5000 and the McColluch 1385. But I would HIGHLY urge you to start with the 1385. What are you primarily going to be using it for? How often?
Yes, the VX5K beats the living crap out of the 1385 in every functional aspect you can think of.. But the price is REALLY high and the amps it pulls can blow circuits if you're not careful
how many spray bottles does that crate hold. and where did you get it from?
Honestly, I have no idea where I got it from lol. It was just laying around my garage so I cleaned it off and used it!
Are you strictly rinseless? Do you use customer's water?
If needed, I will do rinseless with ONR. And yes, I always always always use the customers water and power :)
you should carry a small and portable pressure washer and garden hose
Since you have a white vehicle and have a good amount of space on the sides, you could create a logo with contact information and a little bit of what you offer as in services.
Have you done any work in county clubs? Do country clubs allow you to use water or They only allow waterless?
So one concern of mine, as far as only bringing essential items, is that after you talk to the customer they decide to want more than initially discussed. Example: You and the customer agree to do just the interior. Then you get to the job site and then the customer says, "you know what? I've decided I'd like to start the exterior detailed, too" has this ever happened to you. It's one of my fears! FYI: I had my first customer this past Sunday!!!
Woohoo!! Congrats on the customer! How did you get them? How'd it go? And yes, that could always be a problem. You'll have to gauge what those essential items are for your customer. If you discussed a potential exterior detail, then you should take the items necessary for that detail.
Detail Groove It went fairly well. He needed a headlight restoration. Unfortunately, a lot of the damage was on the inside of the lens and of course I've never seen that. Of course this had to happen my first customer. I was really nervous about getting paid. I was basically showing him everything as I was doing it. He found me through my website. I'm happy about that, don't get me wrong, but I can see how many people have viewed my website and I feel like I should be getting a lot more inquiries. Really trying to get some traction. I do have a full time job, so I need to maintain both, for now.
It's okay! Everything you do will be a learning curve. You're not going to know everryythinnngg that comes your way. And as far as the website traffic goes, where are you using to track your stats? Make sure it's actual human beings and not spam getting in there. It happens A LOT.
Detail Groove I use Weebly, and it tracks all of the information as far as views go. I just watched your SEO video and it was really informative! I'm going to apply that sometime this weekend.
Go for it! What's funny is that video is super informative and technical, yet, not many people pay attention or take action on it. Check out the SEO ebook I wrote while you're at it: detailgroove.co/seo-customers
how long does it typically take you to do a full interior?
These are realllllll general time frames: sedan/coupe- 2.5 to 4.5 hours, truck/suv: 3 to 6 hours
Detail Groove 2.5 to 4.5 hours including extracting carpets ? Or no ? Thank you man !
Did you sell your VX5000?
Too much powa! haha. Seriously though- some outlets couldn't handle the amps needed to keep it running.. It's a realllly good machine, but the $200 steamer I have gets me the same results as the $1000 steamer :)
Why don’t you trick out your ride with advertisement decals? Would look sick.
I used to have it wrapped. Then it started cracking so I just took it off. It didn't bring me any business when I had it wrapped so didn't really matter to get it done again
Why in the world was this recommended to me, and why did I watch it? lol
What kind of van is that?
Detail Groove
Thanks boss, love what you're doing. Having hard time finding this vehicle, good for personal and professional life it looks like.
Thanks Jimmy. I would start off with your personal vehicle that you have now. That's what I did
Detail Groove
I am . . . 2010 Scion TC 🤣
Not really cutting it anymore. Also, I actually own a house cleaning service and am branching off into detailing because 90% of the house cleaning equipment can be used for auto and I can offer customers a "complete healthy living package".
The van you're using would be great for all my other equipment like bigger floor machines and such. Right now I'm using two different cars for bigger jobs but I don't want a full size van because of gas and the size, my partner wouldn't handle a full size van very well. Lol. Thanks again brother.
Hey oscar where's your generator?
Detail Groove see I was curious because I am soon to be starting and the only thing I don't have is a generator, the one I want 600. How did you use your electric stuff without it? (Vaac, polisher,etc)
I would make sure there's an eletrical outlet nearby. That applies to whereever I was going
Do you need a generator ?
If you do a lot of work at businesses or off-site locations where there is no electrical plug. Most of my details are at home locations so I don't have to worry about water or power
If you have a customer who lives in condo or apt, what you gonna do for them ?
I always ask "is there an electrical outlet nearby for me to use?". They'll often find somewhere I can work, sometimes they have dedicated areas to wash, or they'll have their own garage with an outlet. Although some apartments/condos will kick you out. Hasn't happened to me, but I have herd of it from others
slow down. simple words are better words. 5 min of this video are repeated phrases.
Ye log bolte boht hai dikhate kam hai
Man that quote from jobs is exactly what I needed. I'm trying to get started and keep thinking, " I can't start until I have x, y or z." In general I have 2 of everything in my shop. Which is a problem when I do auto motive restoration and woodworking as hobbies. I know you've grown a bunch since this but this is exactly the video I needed.