Attached you can see my breakdown of where my clients have come in from over the last 6 months. Referrals always make up the majority of my new clients, I think this is REALLLLY important to keep in mind. It works both ways. A job might bring in two more clients, or it might scare away the client as well as give you a negative reputation. No matter what, do your absolute best to make sure that every client walks away happy. Aviation is an extremely small world and word gets around fast. The good news is that it goes both ways. A strong reputation will continue to bring new clients in, with no work required on your end. I have focused on posting blogs, social media, posters, business cards almost every day and still my marketing efforts bring in less than my referrals. That being said, social media can bring in a surprising amount of clients. It opens up your market in a way I never thought possible. I have clients that fly down from all over the country because they saw a Tik Tok or a post on Facebook. I have jobs coming up in multiple different states because they saw my content. If you are located in an area where you are constrained by lack of airports, consider becoming a travel aircraft detailer. It opens up your potential clients to the whole country. I can expand on that more if you would like! Please let me know if you have any more questions about where to get clients.

What type of insurance do you carry for the business and what's your annual cost roughly? Do you need aviation specific liability or does a standard commercial general liability policy cover you on the ramp? Did the FBOs require a certificate of insurance before letting you operate and what were their minimum coverage requirements? Who do you use or who would you recommend for an aircraft detailing operation specifically? Any coverage gaps you discovered after starting that you wish you had from day one? Thanks again. It's exciting building a new business.

Hey everyone, Gary here. I'm based out of the Boston area and building a premium mobile aircraft detailing operation targeting FBOs, private owners, and charter operators in the New England market. I come from a business background, already have an LLC structure in place, and I'm treating this like a real operation from day one, not a side hustle. Claire, a few questions for you: 1. Coming into a market where there's already an established operator, what's the fastest way to break in and differentiate on quality and positioning rather than price? 2. On the technical side, what would you prioritize learning first for someone just getting started in aviation detailing? 3. What's the one thing you wish you knew before your first FBO relationship that would have saved you the most time or money? 4. What chemicals, products, or equipment have made the biggest difference in the quality of your results? 5. What does your pricing look like across the board? From a single engine piston all the way up to a Citation X or Global, and how do you handle quick turns for charter operators? 6. What vehicle do you run for your operation? Van, trailer setup, something else? And what would you do differently if you were starting fresh today? Appreciate the community and looking forward to building here.

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