3 Invaluable Tools For Detailers

As an expert reconditioner preparing to make the transition to a mobile operation, you should already have an idea of the types of equipment you'll have to have with you at all times. Some mobile detailers take a while to understand, however, that there are 3 often overlooked types of equipment you can have on you that will greatly reduce the recondition time. Less time with unnecessary logistics means more gigs each day and more cash for you. A powerwasher, a fuel powered generator, and a sixty gallon water tank will allow you to operate exclusive of the client's water and power system. Hooking into an energy grid and water system at every client's location will add unnecessary time to a day of detailing - lowering the amount of money you could make each day of the job and putting your mobile reconditioning business at the mercy of questionable on-site resource availability.

1. Pressure Washer - A five and a half HP unit should work when it comes to cleaning under the hood and wheel wells. We've found decent, working power washers many times in the classifieds for under the usual store price of $200, but, if you go with Craigslist, be sure you are getting a working power washer that's in good condition. Keep your pressure washer maintained. A mobile car detailer cannot do their job without one of these, so some guys will carry a second unit. Washing an engine and cleaning the wheel wells are only two of the jobs a pressure washer can perform. Making their engine look cleaner than they've ever seen it is wows a client and consequently encourages a word-of-mouth recommendation.

2. Generator - Although many clients will be able to direct you to an outside plugin for the extension cord you carry, and it doesn't take much time to plug in and get going, there are very serious drawbacks to relying on one power cord plugged into onsite energy. You will be drawing a huge amount of power for several tools, and won't want to risk blowing a fuse or breaking a circuit in your customer's house. Have a working generator, doesn't have to be anything massive, in your van, off of which you are able to run your reconditioning equipment independently. This will save you a lot of time and risk.

3. 60 Gallon Water Tank - You must have a plastic water tank situated higher than the power washer's water tank. Be sure that the 60 gallon tank is full when you start your day of mobile car reconditioning. As you detail, the pressure washer's water reservoir is gravity-fed by the hose running from your water tank. Believe us, attempting to set up a hose connected to somebody's outdoor spigot has been the doom of many a mobile detailer. Keep in mind, you need to be excellent at scheduling gigs throughout the work day and don't want to be stuck needing to call the next three clients to inform them you are way behind schedule.

Having these three pieces of equipment, in a good working state and inside your van, allows you to operate with the consistency you need in order to succeed in the mobile car detailing business. Weekly tool maintenance is critical, as well as keeping a watchful eye on the volume of water in your tank. Learn about each piece of hardware and understand what’s likely to go wrong with it. Lots of people will keep backup washers for their pressure washing unit, for example, because these blow out often.

Find this original article and lots more at the author's site geared toward people trying to get together their mobile detailing equipment