Would you let someone detail your bike ?
#42
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: sand mountain Alabama
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I detail bikes for extra income. I do not advertise other than word of mouth. My busiest time is spring. The second time is the middle of the summer when bike sales pick up.
you need to expect a lot and I do mean a lot of bikes that have sit for a long or at least a period of time so they can either ride and look good or going on the sales market. The sales market will most likely be most of your work. Most riders prefer to detail their own bike unless work interferes and that will help increase work once you become known.
Bikes form a barn is good money but a lot of work. Most of the time, actually almost all the time, I have to dissemble the bike to get it properly cleaned. I noticed you are talking about part time that is very good. It will take a year or so to be known.
Good luck in your adventure.
By the way I really enjoy doing it.
Jim
you need to expect a lot and I do mean a lot of bikes that have sit for a long or at least a period of time so they can either ride and look good or going on the sales market. The sales market will most likely be most of your work. Most riders prefer to detail their own bike unless work interferes and that will help increase work once you become known.
Bikes form a barn is good money but a lot of work. Most of the time, actually almost all the time, I have to dissemble the bike to get it properly cleaned. I noticed you are talking about part time that is very good. It will take a year or so to be known.
Good luck in your adventure.
By the way I really enjoy doing it.
Jim
#45
Ladies and Gents -
I've been thinking about starting a part time detail business - but I'm not sure of the level of interest yet. The business pro's say 'start with a business plan', so here's a question that's part of that train of thought.
I've worked in a detail shop years ago doing mainly cars / trucks - but I thought I'd do bikes. I have experience, know what I'm doing, use the right materials etc. I'm in my 40's, will have insurance - legit in everyway - but just not a full time thing.
I know I can start with some of the people that I personally know who have bikes and then move forward from there - slow starting - but it's part time, not a big deal. I'd offer this by either having the owner drop the bike off / pick it up - or I would come out to their home and pick it / drop it off up with my enclosed trailer for convenience.
Question is .... would you 'trust' a guy right out of the phonebook for this type of thing - would you do the dropoff or trailer idea - any other comments for this type of service ? Would the level of interest be a full and complete detail (multi step wash / polish / wax / metal polish / seal etc) or just a wash and medium detailing.
Thx for your return posts
I've been thinking about starting a part time detail business - but I'm not sure of the level of interest yet. The business pro's say 'start with a business plan', so here's a question that's part of that train of thought.
I've worked in a detail shop years ago doing mainly cars / trucks - but I thought I'd do bikes. I have experience, know what I'm doing, use the right materials etc. I'm in my 40's, will have insurance - legit in everyway - but just not a full time thing.
I know I can start with some of the people that I personally know who have bikes and then move forward from there - slow starting - but it's part time, not a big deal. I'd offer this by either having the owner drop the bike off / pick it up - or I would come out to their home and pick it / drop it off up with my enclosed trailer for convenience.
Question is .... would you 'trust' a guy right out of the phonebook for this type of thing - would you do the dropoff or trailer idea - any other comments for this type of service ? Would the level of interest be a full and complete detail (multi step wash / polish / wax / metal polish / seal etc) or just a wash and medium detailing.
Thx for your return posts
#46
I wanted my Streetbob w/bags detailed for my wedding.I didn't know where to take it.A guy down the road (well known for detailing hotrods) offered to do mine free if I supplied the products.He wanted to start doing bikes but had no idea how long it would take,what to charge,etc.(no,he doesn't ride).I was pressed for time so I took him up on the offer.I was very pleased.If I ever need that showroom look and am pressed for time,I'd have him do it again(Street Glide now).I never did ask what he'd charge though.
#47
#48
you can screw my ol lady but I won't let nobody touch my bike, especially being all black.
if it doesn't come out right I only want to blame myself. I think you can make a few bucks doing it, there is a demand,I have had people ask me to do there bikes but I refuse to do it. do you think you could make mine shine more? if so you will make millions. wish you good luck
if it doesn't come out right I only want to blame myself. I think you can make a few bucks doing it, there is a demand,I have had people ask me to do there bikes but I refuse to do it. do you think you could make mine shine more? if so you will make millions. wish you good luck
Hysterical.
I won't let anyone touch my bike OR my lady...
(I'm still trying to figure out which one costs me more!)
Last edited by jayman720; 02-03-2009 at 07:15 PM.
#50