Any suggestions whether to use a jpg of my M I have or is it too specific and kind of smack of exclusivity?
Not interested in scaring people off.

Business cards serve great bookmarks! It generally works out to where every 1000 business cards, you may be 1-10 leads. Not a worthwile investment in my opinion.

"But they are good to have! What if I meet someone and they want their car detailed!?"
-Get their phone number. If you don't have their #, you do not have business, and you have to wait for business vs having their number and doing it on your time.

I find that I am actually doing better NOT using business cards, and instead having a notepad in my pocket.

If you are adiment about having them, then my only piece of advice is this: get your picture on the card and keep it as simple and cheap as possible.

Well, while working yesterday, a neighbor of the customer asked me for a card and how much I charged.
Granted, he can obtain the info from the customer as they know each other; I'm fortunate in that respect.
I made a point of telling her that he asked.
That's not always the case as you must know.

Just as a word of advice, never give out your prices until you have inspected the car ;0

I use to charge a flat rate, until I had some real messes to deal with and then people ontop of that nickpicking every last detail. I now just tell people that I will be about to give them a quote once I inspect the vehicle and assure them that my prices are very competitive and that I really love detailing and am a perfectionist and would love to take care of their investment as I have done so many times before. "Why look just how happy this customer is with my service!" I would then tell them that I do not carry business cards because people simply do not call and I do not find them as a worthy investment (.01% return) and I will be glad to take down their phone number, best time to contact them so that we can work it out and make it a pleasant experience for them.

They love this, and it always works.

Facts tell; Stories sell.

Just as a word of advice, never give out your prices until you have inspected the car ;0

I use to charge a flat rate, until I had some real messes to deal with and then people ontop of that nickpicking every last detail.

Guess I'm lucky in that respect.
So far, all have known about what price others charge so my price seems to be fair.
I'm learning this as I go.
I spent 12 hours on two cars yesterday-7 on one 5 on the other.
$50 tip and paid in advance for her brother who has a 740.
Problem I have is carrying too many products, but didn't want to leave anything to chance so I need to pare it down once I find out what works best for a given situation such as stains on carpet or washing mats.
Bought some Woolite last night and hoping this will make interior detailing easier rather than using Simple Green which didn't get the leather clean.

Didn't think I would like working so hard, but I do and the rewards are starting to accumulate.
Two more work trucks coming up along with 3 cars.

Autogeek carries a detailing bag (http://www.autogeek.net/autogeek-detail-bag.html) that might come in handy, though personally it just doesn't seem big enough, hense my reason why not to get it. I too have too many products and need to tone it down, and have learned a lot so far. As of right now, I figured out what works well for me, so I will share. It is all Meguiar's, so just listen to what it is, and you can substitute what you like for your own preference (ie #26 for any wax).

-Gold Class Shampoo
-Mirror Glaze Mild Clay
-Quick Detailer
-#80 Speed Glaze
-#7 Show car Glaze
-#26 Hi Tech Yellow Wax
-NXT wax
-Detailer line Glass cleaner
-Endurance High Gloss Tire shine
-Cleaner Wax Paste
-Hot Rims Mag/aluminum polish
-ScratchX
-Quick Out
-Oder Eliminator
-Natural Shine
-Quick Interior Detailer
-Leather cleaner/conditioner
-5x Meguiar's SS Microfiber
-5x Cheap off brand microfiber
-Couple Even coat applicators
-Meguiar's Microfiber wash mitt
-Wheel brush
-Hot Rims multi-piece wheel cleaner
-5x foam applicators
-foam gun
-water blade
-water magnet waffle weave microfiber
-PC 7336
-1x foam finishing pad
-1x foam polishing pad
-4 pack of microfiber bonnets
-iPod <-- VERY important! Up to you whether you want to use headphones or speakers. Sometimes the headphones get annoying so some speakers work great. If you have a good pair of headphones, then those would be prefered!
-Something to carry it all around in!

I have a customer's E46 M3 on my cards. I thought about putting pics of one of the exotics I have done, but then didnt want it to seem as if I had just stolen an internet picture of a car and used it.

Do I think the cards are generating me all of my business? No. Do I feel more legitimate with them? Yes. Do people ask for them? Yes.

I generally leave 2 or 3 cards in each car I detail (around the shifter or in the cup holder) so that if someone were to ask the customer later who detailed their car, its SUPER easy for them to pass my name along by simply handing out my card.

More than anything detailing is word-of-mouth. I had more business than I could handle for 2 years without ever having a card made up and only in the past 6 months did I have cards made. Its only ~$70/1000....why not have some made as even if those 1000 cards get you one detail, they've paid for themselves.

As of right now, I figured out what works well for me, so I will share.
You should consider:

1) More than 1 useable pad in your bag. Finishing pads, while nice, dont serve much purpose in paint correction and 1 polishing pad isnt enough for a whole car...certainly not if you need to do any type of severe or 2 stage polishing

2) If #80 is the most abrasive polish you need for the cars you encounter, I envy you tremendously. While it does have some abrasives, it does nothing on anything more than minor swirling. You should think about atleast carrying #83 as well if you are such a Meg's fan.

I carry 3 bags when I detail:

1) The Polisher Bag holds both my PC 7336 and my Makita 9227C. This bag also holds the different pads and backing plates for the polishers.

2) A larger product bag which carries my Folex, CD2, Tire Shine, 303, polish-mixes. I find its MUCH easier to pare your larger polish/product bottles down into smaller 5-6oz bottles which allows for much better transportation and more room.

3) A LSP and towel bag. This is about the size of an airplane carry-on and holds all of my MF towels, extra pads, all of the waxes and sealants I might choose to use on a certain day. (I likley have 20+ LSPs and choose to bring 5 or 6 out with me)

Autogeek carries a detailing bag (http://www.autogeek.net/autogeek-detail-bag.html) that might come in handy, though personally it just doesn't seem big enough, hense my reason why not to get it. I too have too many products and need to tone it down, and have learned a lot so far. As of right now, I figured out what works well for me, so I will share. It is all Meguiar's, so just listen to what it is, and you can substitute what you like for your own preference (ie #26 for any wax).

-Gold Class Shampoo
-Mirror Glaze Mild Clay
-Quick Detailer
-#80 Speed Glaze
-#7 Show car Glaze
-#26 Hi Tech Yellow Wax
-NXT wax
-Detailer line Glass cleaner
-Endurance High Gloss Tire shine
-Cleaner Wax Paste
-Hot Rims Mag/aluminum polish
-ScratchX
-Quick Out
-Oder Eliminator
-Natural Shine
-Quick Interior Detailer
-Leather cleaner/conditioner
-5x Meguiar's SS Microfiber
-5x Cheap off brand microfiber
-Couple Even coat applicators
-Meguiar's Microfiber wash mitt
-Wheel brush
-Hot Rims multi-piece wheel cleaner
-5x foam applicators
-foam gun
-water blade
-water magnet waffle weave microfiber
-PC 7336
-1x foam finishing pad
-1x foam polishing pad
-4 pack of microfiber bonnets
-iPod <-- VERY important! Up to you whether you want to use headphones or speakers. Sometimes the headphones get annoying so some speakers work great. If you have a good pair of headphones, then those would be prefered!
-Something to carry it all around in!

:laugh

There are some good additions i could add to mine that you list.
About the water blade, I've read mixed opinions about its efficacy.
Worth it?

I'll sell you mine :)

I'll sell you mine :)

Used? You must like it then. lol

You should consider:

1) More than 1 useable pad in your bag. Finishing pads, while nice, dont serve much purpose in paint correction and 1 polishing pad isnt enough for a whole car...certainly not if you need to do any type of severe or 2 stage polishing

2) If #80 is the most abrasive polish you need for the cars you encounter, I envy you tremendously. While it does have some abrasives, it does nothing on anything more than minor swirling. You should think about atleast carrying #83 as well if you are such a Meg's fan.

I carry 3 bags when I detail:

1) The Polisher Bag holds both my PC 7336 and my Makita 9227C. This bag also holds the different pads and backing plates for the polishers.

2) A larger product bag which carries my Folex, CD2, Tire Shine, 303, polish-mixes. I find its MUCH easier to pare your larger polish/product bottles down into smaller 5-6oz bottles which allows for much better transportation and more room.

3) A LSP and towel bag. This is about the size of an airplane carry-on and holds all of my MF towels, extra pads, all of the waxes and sealants I might choose to use on a certain day. (I likley have 20+ LSPs and choose to bring 5 or 6 out with me)

Those must be some large bags.

I have Megs SR2.0 #9. Is that equivalent to the #80?
I was disappointed with its use on my swirls, maybe not aggressive enough with it since my first time using it.
I'm sure I used a polishing pad though.
Where to get Folex? OTC or Autogeek?

What about that pad that comes w/PC orbital? It has a glued on plastic backing plate.
Should I not use it?
I have one polish pad, 1 finishing pad and I can't find the cutting pad.
Guess I need to order some.

The pad that comes with the PC is garbage.

For pads, Lake Country is the best, and carried by most online distributors, including our sponsor Autogeek.net
Coupon code "clubmember" for 10% off!!

I would never let the water blade touch my paint, but it works wonders on windows :)

The PC has seroius limits, and I find that #80 will get you to those limits in most cases. I use a polishing pad for this, and find that I only need one as #80 does not gum up the pad. The Finishing pad is for #7 glaze as it makes it really easy to apply. This is not meant for paint correction, but does wonders on single stage paints and black clear coated paints.

I always know what I am getting into before I go there. If I feel #83 would be needed I will toss that in there as well along with another pad. I have only had to bring it a few times, and even then did not end up needing it for more than 1 panel.

I am not a full time detailer as I use this money to pay my small bills and fund my other business so it is not as if I get people with Corvettes or such with very hard paint. Most of the people I detail for have a silver, white, or gold japanese car and then only have 20-30% have a darker finish where I would even concider paint correction.

Oh and I wouldn't recomend a cutting pad on a PC. This tends to do more harm than good due to the nature of the PC, and I would strongly advise just using a polishing pad. #9 is very mild and not very suitable for the PC. I would recomend #80 for sure. Very economical and I have yet to use anything better for the PC with so much versitility. Remember with cleaner/polishes with diminishing abrassives that you need to break them down for about 4-5 minutes with 15-20lb of pressure on the head.

EDIT: You know what, I am sorry about getting off topic so much. 95RogueM3 (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/member.php?u=11865) made a good point about leaving a few cards in their car, and if you do plan on going full time this is a good idea. For business cards, the simplier, the better. Vista Print (http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/freeprembc.aspx?GP=6%2F5%2F2007+4%3A18%3A34+PM) has some great deals on business cards. Cheapest you will probably find (much cheaper than $70) for 1000 cards. Concidering the price, it is worth it for you. If at all possible though, do have your picture on it!

I am getting cards done and I think I am going to go with overnightprints.com

http://www.twobitoperation.com/blog/2007/04/06/business-cards-vistaprint-vs-overnight-prints/

Here is a post that may be a bit biased, but the quality differences are apparent. Slightly more expensive... but to me it's worth it!

The PC has seroius limits, and I find that #80 will get you to those limits in most cases.

Oh and I wouldn't recomend a cutting pad on a PC. This tends to do more harm than good due to the nature of the PC, and I would strongly advise just using a polishing pad. #9 is very mild and not very suitable for the PC. I would recomend #80 for sure. Very economical and I have yet to use anything better for the PC with so much versitility. Remember with cleaner/polishes with diminishing abrassives that you need to break them down for about 4-5 minutes with 15-20lb of pressure on the head.
This is seriously false information you are throwing around, definitely have some experience before advising another on what a machine can and cant do. PCs can take out damn near anything a rotary can. They are VERY versatile and with a cutting pad can COMPLETELY exceed the capabilities of #80. Anything but some of the HTEC line (which require rotary heat to break down) can be used by PC with incredible results.

*Not to mention #80 is FULL of oils which lead to swirls being filled moreso than removed. (especially to the eye)

Read up on www.autopia.org to learn about detailing. There is a wealth of knowledge over there...you can figure out what you've been missing out on by using the PC with only polishing pads...

Business cards? Absolutely. They make it easy for customers - both existing and prospective - to keep in contact with you. They present you in a positive, professional light - especially when you take the time and money to get them done right. I'm not in the detailing business, but am in sales for a North American manufacturing company and I pass out and collect business cards every day. It is a standard practice in business. Even if it is not very comfortable or seem worth while to you at first, many of your clients probably use them. I'd say go for it.

This is seriously false information you are throwing around, definitely have some experience before advising another on what a machine can and cant do. PCs can take out damn near anything a rotary can. They are VERY versatile and with a cutting pad can COMPLETELY exceed the capabilities of #80. Anything but some of the HTEC line (which require rotary heat to break down) can be used by PC with incredible results.

*Not to mention #80 is FULL of oils which lead to swirls being filled moreso than removed. (especially to the eye)

Read up on www.autopia.org (http://www.autopia.org) to learn about detailing. There is a wealth of knowledge over there...you can figure out what you've been missing out on by using the PC with only polishing pads...
PM sent.

The differences come with paint hardness, not the defect FYI. PC has extreme limits on hard paint and it is simply just too harsh for a PC. Pure polishes will not cause swirls; I don't know where you got that information from. They completely non-abrasive. Here is something YOU should read up on.

A little respect would be appreciated.
Cutting Pads with the PC a Good idea? (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/1/14432/ShowThread.aspx)
PC + 83 not "Cutting" it! - The limits of the dual action Polisher (http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3056)

PM sent.

The differences come with paint hardness, not the defect FYI. PC has extreme limits on hard paint and it is simply just too harsh for a PC.
There is no paint too harsh for a PC..:confused If the user attempts too much pressure for too much time, yes the motor can get bogged down, but that isnt the paint that is too rough on the machine, but the user.

Pure polishes will not cause swirls; I don't know where you got that information from. They completely non-abrasive.
What exactly is a pure polish? Have you ever used a polish full of diminshing abrasives or even one that is aggressive enough to induce micro-marring? If not, you havent even begun to breach the limits of the PC. #80 isnt abrasive enough to tackle many jobs.


Here is something YOU should read up on.
A little respect would be appreciated.
Cutting Pads with the PC a Good idea? (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/1/14432/ShowThread.aspx)
PC + 83 not "Cutting" it! - The limits of the dual action Polisher (http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3056)
The fact that you link to a Meguiar's forum where ALL they hawk is their own brand polisher and polishes makes me laugh. I dont want to indoctrinate myself with their bullshit...Id rather try products on actual vehicles instead of reading up on a biased forum and bench-detailing based upon what you've read. (Yes, I am saying you do this).

Respect is something I allow people to earn. ;)

vistaprint.com used to have free business cards. That was years ago, but may still be in effect

vistaprint.com used to have free business cards. That was years ago, but may still be in effect

When there a few days ago, I did not see this offer.
I will look again.
Do you remember the approx number of cards and other details?

OK, you two, don't get carried away in my thread.
I'm sure you both are well-experienced, but I have SOME common sense and experience too.
I use a few Meg's products,but also Leatherique, Mothers, and a myriad of other brands.
Never see either of you mention 3M products and these are sold by pro-automotive paint shops.
Autopia seems fond of Sonus products which seems a little overly biased, IMO.
As for technique, I'm sadly lacking in that department, but I will improve.
Aside from that, let's keep this on topic.
There's other threads we can engage in for product discussion.
Thanks for the help.
I'm going ahead with the planned cards using my pic.

OK, you two, don't get carried away in my thread.
Fair enough...Ill agree to disagree for the sake of your thread.

Never see either of you mention 3M products and these are sold by pro-automotive paint shops.
Autopia seems fond of Sonus products which seems a little overly biased, IMO.

3M has some great stuff, and actually the first polish I bought to use with my PC was their Finesse It 2 (as per Davids stickied detailing thread).

Sonus is generally not so great: I dont like their polishes, nor much of what they offer. (At one point they provided me samples for review and critique)

The only sonus products I use are:

1) Their "light duty" clay as it really is just that.
2) Leather Conditioner= FANTASTIC and its an easy application process.

Free business cards at Vistaprint is 250. I think they put their logo on the back though, I don't know if that matters to you. Sign up for their emails or PM me your addy and I'll forward you one.

Every professional business person who is serious about their work "SHOULD" definately have business cards. I am a graphic artist and I highly recommend you get some otherwise you wont be taken seriously!
Just my humble opinion.
Good luck!

Every professional business person who is serious about their work "SHOULD" definately have business cards. I am a graphic artist and I highly recommend you get some otherwise you wont be taken seriously!
Just my humble opinion.
Good luck!

Your opinion is welcome and I agree.

Good...then go for it buddie, and definately include the BMW Logo. I dont think you will be in any copyright infringement trouble. Just dont go advertisin' in the yellow pages LOL
Good luck!

I love buss cards and always see a huge investment with them. But yeah get the peoples number hell call them from your phone right there to make sure you have it right. I suggest carrying a PDA so you can jot down notes so you can remember exactly who they are and what they want. If you're forget full less reason. If you remember them and what they want a week after you talk to them then they will remember you. Follow up on your leads is a big key.

The way I see if is in order of cards if one person gets ref'ed then the cards payed for themselves. Make a nice classy card. Shoot me a PM if you need any help with a designer.

Overnight prints seems like a good deal. You guys can contact me if you need any design done. I'll do it for cheap.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c299/mjbara2002/mjfxdesignsfront.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c299/mjbara2002/mjffxdesignspistol.jpg