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I would personally stick to the detailing body shop side of things and become a total pro at it. Why? Because there's a lack of bodyshops about and the ones that are about mess you about on time / quality or money. This trade is lacking good quality body workers unless you go to the arm and leg insurance type places.

Sorry but my view is different.If the valeting/ detailing business works,getting into retailing from the same premises may be a distraction.Involving 2 others with no experience will not help and will substantially increase your workload and you will likely fall out.OK using your Dad as he should work for next to nothing.While it is easy to sell cars,the bottom line is that even if you have years of experience,it is now very hard to make any decent money in this job.

I would stick to your current business direction & if you want to earn extra money, get training in paintless dent removal this can be good money & fits nicely with your current business Dent man can earn £200 quid a day Get known in the trade as a place to go for a solution to a problem & the customers will flood in. If you do a bit of buying & selling plus detailing you might end up being known as a jack of all trades. and if you really want to do some cars, keep it as a now & then thing so you still get some fun out of it Thanks Charlie

Not sure that would work, a private punter can’t claim a private punter, there is no comeback in a private sale. Also as far as I’m aware if a van is invoiced to a company there is no comeback as there is no rights for a business to business sale? Or so our local trading standards told a friend of mine who bought a recovery truck from a dealer.

When I was a kid,I used to wash and leather off the stock every morning before 10.I can still remember my record which was 28 cars in an hour.To do that the wind speed and the temperature had to be right and you needed a good large wash leather !

I too started as a valeter which is why I get so frustrated when one does a shit job for me. Back in the day, we were steam cleaning dash boards and interiors with a pressure washer. Wouldn’t dare now. But why do valeters look confused when asking them to clean a roof lining.

I started off as a valeter on a 30 car pitch..... I was on £1.25 an hour £50 a week, the owner used to charge £50 for a full valet and I would machine polish when necessary, first compound, the T-Cut, then a polish and a buff as needed. I would wash all the cars twice a week and leather them off every single morning, it was hard work... I suppose its all to a different level now with different polishes... Big respect to what you do

Hi Umesh Coming from your self my friend I will take that as a compliment . Hope your well ?, must ring you some time

HI Kieran Welcome aboard . Nice intro as the others have said Trick to selling is make sure you do three things , Prep , prep ,prep , make sure the car is mechanically sound and fit for purpose , service it , inspect it very well , then it wont come back to bite you .If it does man up and fix it, but equally dont be a soft touch as they will try to skin your last breathe if you do . Regards detailing cars and selling them , I can tell you now that people who buy cars haven't got a clue about detailing and whats involved , but its a very useful skill to shall we say enhance the paint work and make the interior look sparkly clean too . We are pro detailers too so we know how they react to that word When you get to the higher prices 12/16k then its a different story but in the price range you said don't confuse the customer with sealants , nano products , machine polishing , carnuba waxes and the rest . Insurance !, put it dads name and add yourself on at the same time , we did when my son was 19 and it was easy , better when he was 25 so you shouldn't have any trouble really . Above all have fun , its hard work but done correctly it makes money , I get a sense of satisfaction from every sale . But I live for the deals .Like detailing too mind sometimes pick on a car and go to the limits of shine and finish , just because i can Just took a 66 plate Audi A3 quattro that wants detailing , the £900 will give me an internal glow when he pays me on Monday

Welcome. Have you seen the top of the home page? How to become a car dealer? Worth a read.

Great intro Kieran, welcome.

Good luck hope you do well .

I'll say it again. Refuse to entertain any form of conversation with this individual unless via email or post. Make no offers and withdraw the one you have made.

Makes perfect sense and sounds like you have your head screwed on with the plans you want. Find the niche and cars that sell for you and im sure it will be a success.

Sorry i wasn't quite clear. Having your dad on the policy is perfectly fine in the way your are talking about above. If however you was going to have him as he policy holder and him not be involved in the company that is 'fronting' of a policy At this point you are talking about 3 people being involved in the company and the profits my only concern is how many cars you are going to need to sell at 750- 3000 to pay 3 wages ???

Welcome and as said above refreshing to see a nice intro. The dad element is 'fronting' unless he is actually involved in the company registered director ETC. Have a look through the CRA 2015 and also go and see and accountant and get registered.

Hi Kieran, Great opening post, quite refreshing considering some of the recent one post wonders that have sought advice and disappered in to the night. Someone will be along soon to recommend an insurance broker who may be able to help get you an under 25 policy, unsure on the dad-element. Responsibilities, yes, you need to read up on/google/learn understand, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 like the back of your hand, but also take note that it differs slightly for the sale of used cars, versus, say, a TV. Probably worth calling a motortrade focused law firm like Lawgistics to have an initial free chat for 15 mins, I'd probably look at signing up to their help for 12 months, and do that, mechanically prepare the cars properly, MOT'ing, rather than say, spend money on warranties. All the best!

A nice intro Kieran To be aware of; think of how much you need to make, especially if there are 2 of you. break that down into a monthly amount and then work out how many cars you need to sell based on your current selling experience and margins. Think how much money you need to have to buy that initial stock of cars and recon money to make sure they are of a standard to sell. You will soon become liable for VAT. Your main responsibility to the customer is the CRA 2015. Take a look at that, and search around the forum for more info about it and warranties. Good Luck

Should always sell with 12 months mot from a trusted garage on all stock it's been discussed here many times I know not every one does it even some larger dealers but is saves a lot of grief later on though I guess it could be argued that was only the condition at time of test .. just a bit of friendly advice thought i think your probably right that the car was fine and wanted to return it due to insurance premiums etc for her son .

Something doesn't add up here as why on earth have you offered him £2000 less then he paid 2 years ago and 60k later. There must be some more details here that you haven't told us about or you are just very generous!

This topic is getting rediculous.Hit lister,exported,60k,2 mot’s,vehicle sold on to third party,head gasket, etc,then entertaining a claim from 3rd party relating to the original buyers contract 2 years ago......I’m out !