chops1sc Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 I'm looking for some advice on starting a business. I want to start doing headlight/taillight restoration in my area and I would like to hear some pros and cons of doing this type of work. Any help is greatly appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marquez93 Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 I don't have much advice, but would this be a side business on top of your day job? I don't think you could get enough work or charge enough if all you are doing is headlights and taillights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chops1sc Posted January 24, 2016 Author Share Posted January 24, 2016 Just on the side work. I typically get off from my job at 3 and I usually have a lot of free time on my hands. I'm also thinking about offering debadging then slowly including light detail work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junior Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Chris, I think it's an excellent idea. I thought about doing the same thing. I was thinking I might get some biz cards and put them on cars with yellowed headlights. There is a company here charging $75 plus. I think that's probably a good price point but I might do a wider range starting at 40 or 50 because one price really won't cover it and some cars will be very quick and easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junior Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 (edited) Here is my take Pros- Much less involved than traditional detailing(you are dealing with a very small area and typically one surface type) Takes much less time than a true detail Less supplies and tools needed easy to travel with and set up at a location versus a full detail Can transform the look of the car more than many other detailing services- I think this is what a business card needs to key on Cons- People may not see the value in it similar to the way some folks look at swirls they really just don't care as long as the car is "clean" Price sensitivity as a result of the first point Requires specialized tools and a butt load of tape Edited January 25, 2016 by Junior Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnitetrain Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Some state safety inspections might include some sort of headlight clarity to pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chops1sc Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 (edited) I'm thinking around $20-$30 per light depending on how bad they are. I already have the equipment. I'm spreading the word around here at work and I'm doing a friend of mine's car today! Plus offer reapplying sealant every 3 months for $10 lol Edited January 25, 2016 by chops1sc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NG13 Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 You could also push the safety of having clear, bright headlights. Many people would be hooked by that more than the improvement in appearance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sahls01gmc Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Ya gotta start somewhere! I think you should charge at least $30, and I wouldn't do any job for $10. Unless you're talking about sealing the headlights....then I suppose that would be worth $10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chops1sc Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 Yeah the $10 is just a maintenance program so to speak. Here's how my friend's Pacifica turned out: Junior 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
694doorbird Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Chris, lights look amazing!! I can see your idea working, but my question is; How many people out really care about yellowed lights? Where I live/work, I see plenty of cars with lights so bad it amazing they can see. The sad part is that many keep the car clean but don't pay attention the the lights. Maybe making a small poster or something showing the difference between clean and dirty lights can help. Once you get started, word of mouth would be a big help also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chops1sc Posted January 27, 2016 Author Share Posted January 27, 2016 I am currently working on a Facebook page and business cards. I think for the majority of the people ignorance takes over every aspect of vehicle maintenance. Even oil changes are an alien thought, lol! Junior 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junior Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 A lot of ignorance is out there fo show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junior Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Oh and one other piece of advice I would pass on, if you could get a fleet account or dealership type account you would be set. Might be easier said than done. I picked one up for truck maintenance for a moving co. through social media by chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dnull Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 been detailing for some time now but never tried to do the headlight restoration, anyone have a video or some direction? maybe add this to some of my detail packages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chops1sc Posted February 14, 2016 Author Share Posted February 14, 2016 I know this is going to make y'all cringe but I made sure to protect the finish before applying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now