Thinking about a mobile detailing business

[icedearth1]

Hi all, I'm new here so go gentle.
I am thinking about starting a mobile car detailing (Wash, paint protection, Wax, polish ect ect) business only on weekends as I am a full time Warehouse manager during the week. I have some regular customers already which are family only, who generously pay me cash for the work I do for them even if i do refuse it, they force it down my throat. I am starting to get a few phone calls from random people whom my relatives are referring my work to who are very interested in my services after seeing the work I am doing on my relatives cars.

My worry is setting up the small business really........ like I would not have the faintest where to start, like registering a name and not taking someone elses, ABN stuff and the like. I would be a sole trader, any here? Could you give me some tips please?? Is it really worth doing it all for just the work on the weekends, but I know if I start doing referrals I will get asked for receipts so I want to follow the letter of the law and do it correctly. I have a great passion for cars and if it ever took off I would not hesitate doing that as my full time job. And then I also have to consider insurance??????? Just thought of that too!!! I guess what i currently do is easy as a warehouse manager and not have the worry of keeping up with the books, but gee I would really love to be my own boss.

[JakeThomas]

Hi Iced,

Welcome to the forums!

Starting a small business is pretty daunting, there a lot of unknowns so it may seem hard to know which direction to go.

I'd recommended your best starting point would be a government funded organisation called the BEC. (Business Enterprise Center). They assist those who run / are thinking of running small businesses take the leap by offering advice on all stages on business - best of all, the advice is completely free!

After that, feel free to post an specific questions on here and we're be more than happy to help you out!

- Jake

[ronniewilliams]

Hi! icedearth1 welcome to the forum Jake is right that starting a new business is much difficult because its new and particularly when you don't know about starting the business than BEC is the best way to continue. They help you a lot that you can easily run your own small business.

[Business Coaching Sydney]

Hi Icedearth
All good advice above, I would also suggest talking to your accountant, they know your personal situation better than anyone else does. As a SOLE TRADER as long as your trade under your own name, you wont need to register a trading name. If you do want to have a unique trading name other than your personal name, you will need to register the name to make sure no one else is using it, this also serves as protection for yourself as you grow your brand. Getting an ABN is a fairly simple excersize and really, you are good to go.
My suggestion would be to make sure you understand how you will make a profit from your new venture. Make sure you understand what your costs are and that you price your services so even if you are paying an employee you would still make a profit (I know this is thinking way ahead of where you are but will make sure you have structured your business for growth if you decide to down the track)
As for insurance you would need to look at getting some sort of liability insurance, just in case you damaged a customers car. I suggest you talk to a business insurance broker to get advice on this.
hope that helps
Ben

[bwendo]

My worry is setting up the small business really........ like I would not have the faintest where to start, like registering a name and not taking someone elses, ABN stuff and the like. I would be a sole trader, any here?

I would get an ABN and a run of businesscards cheap with your promotional information and contact details for starters. Also, a dedicated mobile phone is easy enough to organize so you know when you are talking business and you can answer appropriately.

Go easy on getting into to much detail with insurances and registrations, even aim for a regular corporate gig at some offices or something so you can rely on a regular bank of cashflow to get things moving along. Once the money starts moving you will know when to do all this.

Good Luck and remember it is a marathon not a sprint - you want to groom your good clients early on and don't hold onto the hard to please ones.

[jwmann2]

You would need to register the name mainly for tax reasons and in case someone else isn't using it. You need a log book and business cards for starters. You may also take a look at having some car magnets made. Have you drawn up a business plan? Looking at a diagram of how to draw a business plan will help you answer a lot of your own questions. Best of luck to you.
P.S. I own a mobile notary business.