TRUCK OR TRAILER?

One of the most often asked questions currently asked by new entrepreneurs getting into the automotive detailing industry is:
“What is the best rig to invest in for a successful mobile auto detailing operation?”
“Is my money better spent on a lower cost, convenient truck mount system or a professional appearing, fully self contained trailer with exceptional street appeal”?

Although both systems have there own pros and cons, the advantages of the professional trailer operation clearly outshines the lower cost truck mount systems for several very important reasons:

#1 Trailer units add flexibility.

I have worked with and trained many industry professionals over the past 10 years and found this was the number one reason that the trailer operation was by far the better choice to insure a successful business. When building an automotive detailing enterprise, it is falsely assumed that large amounts of cash must be invested into a van or truck to house all the necessary equipment, chemicals, etc. While this is not a bad way to go, it does require the commitment of this vehicle for work only, and exposes you to the risk of theft of your capital (i.e. pre$$ure washer, supplies) from your vehicle while you are in the convenience store. True, there are locking toneau and shells, but the ability to easily access your equipment is diminished, not to mention the added hassle of driving around with chemicals, equipment and a 1,000 lbs. of water full time. Plus, should you ever require to use the truck to haul other cargo, the excess time required to unload and reload your vehicle could have been better spent prospecting for new clients to grow your business.

Many in the industry once believe that vans were the optimum set up for mobile detailing due to their added security and ease of access. Can you imagine how they felt after having their Van, equipment (and business lifeline) stolen off the street? The trailer set up is a highly specialized vehicle that has limited theft appeal to most professional thieves.

Although most trailers have 2 gas engines, there is no way anyone is going to start your trailer and drive off on it. Yes, they can be towed away, but most of the units we sell have a theft-resistant removable hitch option on all trailers that makes it virtually impossible to move the trailer without significant effort and attention. Add a heavy-duty cable through the tires, and the crooks will look elsewhere to supplement their income. I have also developed an alarm system similar to that on automobiles.

#2 Trailer units draw attention.

I have operated detailing businesses with both types of units and it seems that people really take notice of a trailer mount system. Most people see trucks and vans every day used by professionals in other fields, Air conditioning, painting, carpet cleaning etc, so most people don’t really pay attention to another van in traffic. But, if you have a sharp looking trailer, (we usually color match them to the tow vehicle) people will really take notice.

A good rule of thumb is to make sure your advertising and phone number & profession is highly visible on the sides and back of the unit. This is an extremely effective form of advertising, especially with this business. I receive more calls from the advertising on the vehicle than from any other advertising medium. I tend to steer away from costly hand painted lettering, there are many companies who make laser-cut stick on lettering and style and design are only limited to your imagination. Hand painted lettering tends to be three to four times the cost of laser cut decals. Keep in mind that just because you draw attention to your rig, it doesn’t necessarily mean that customers will call you to have their vehicle detailed. Your set up is a direct reflection on your business, if it is shabby and falling apart, they probably will not trust their investment in your hands.

Unfortunately, mobile auto detailing has developed a stigma over the years, and seeing some of the rigs on the road I can see why. I have noticed that most of the companies never make it past the first year. The key to being successful in this business is to project a professional image. A customer will be more inclined to pay top dollar for you service if he sees a sharp set up. I have had customers tell me that the reason they called was because the professional image my rig projects. This doesn’t mean that you have to run out and buy the most expensive trailer available, often times we upgrade and clean up existing trailers for minimal cost. The important thing is that it looks organized. Hoses, rags, and bottles on a rusted trailer with two different wheels doesn’t do much for your image as a working professional.

#3 Trailer units provide a cost effective way to grow your business.

Many mobile detailers I know of are happy with one rig and one route, but if you ever want to make a lot of money in this business you must expand your operation. Your goal is to do as many cars as possible in a given time without sacrificing quality. There are two ways to do this with mobile detailing.

One is to have a shop as well as your mobile route, which is costly, and the other would be to have several units operating at the same time. Although this can be done with Van/Truck mount units, the difference in costs is substantial when you factor in the added costs for insuring each vehicle, maintenance costs, gasoline, etc.

The second method is to expand your business by using cost effective trailers. You will avoid all the above additional costs, plus you can rent the units out when not in use, or hire employees that can use their own vehicle for towing the unit. Most vehicles can be equipped to tow detail trailers, which are relatively light with minimal tongue weight. I have a customer that doesn’t even do the cars himself anymore. This person wakes up, tows three different units (one at a time of course!) to three different locations, and his employees show up at the locations to do the work. Although it might sound a little tedious, he is making well over $1000 dollars a day and doesn’t even come near a buffer!

The Bottom line is trailer units offer the best of all worlds.

• The small initial investment in your rig will be repaid in very short order due to the increased volume your business will reap.
  
  
• The trailer system provides excellent visibility and exposure to your business, even when you are not working by drawing attention to your services.
  
  
• The trailer system allows vehicle flexibility by not committing you to a costly van or truck, and requires less storage space as well.
  
  
• The trailer system can be towed by almost any car or SUV with minimal modifications or costs.
  
  
• The trailer system provides a cost-effective way to expand your business, with the return on investment being realized almost immediately.
  
  
• The trailer system has proven to be many successful mobile detailers’ tool of choice for this ever-growing business!

Are you ready to grow your business?

Jeff Hasselbach
C.E.O. Detrailers