If you recently read my last post on Water Hoses 101 for Detailers, a follow up product to that is quality hose reel. In this post, I'll break down why it's a good idea to invest in a nice hose reel if you are going to be a full time detailer, and break down a few types, from retractable to hand crank models. If you are just a car enthusiast, I'll list a few budget options as well that should do the trick. With [...]
If you are in the car wash business in the United States any level –from a convenience store owner, car wash owner, or mobile detailer, I wanted to take the time today to list a few of the best trade shows and conventions to add to your calendar this year. Networking with other detailers and business owners is a great way to check out the latest technology and detailing products, and many don't cost that much. In this post, I'll break down these tradeshows [...]
If you run a mobile detailing business or even a traditional full-service car wash owner, you're bound to run into an unhappy customer from time to time. Some of these complaints may be warranted – maybe one of your guys was having a bad day. Lot's of things can happen. The best approach is to always reassure the customer and assure them that your top priority is their satisfaction. In this blog, I'll cover a few strategies I have heard in the detailing community [...]
So, you want to be a mobile auto detailer but you’re unsure of how to start your company, how to manage your books or do your taxes? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Today's post is brought to you by Shawn Dalton, a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Ohio. Shawn has over 5 years of experience in tax accounting/preparation and business formation. Below, he shares a few tips for understanding taxes, deductions, and how to set up your business if you [...]
If you are new to detailing or have been in the game for very long at all, water containment mats are one of those products that are nice to have as a professional detailer. In this post, I'll explain why you may want to think about investing in one, and provide a few recommendations. Why Use a Water Containment Mat? If you are new to detailing or have been in the game for very long at all, you may have heard something about water [...]
While it's probably not the first product that comes to mind when you think about detailing, a step ladder or platform is one of those purchases you will be glad you made as a detailer or car enthusiast. Attention to detail especially on roofs is something that is difficult to do, especially if you don't want to use a brush (which can lead to scratching). In this blog post, I'll break own 3 solid platforms and ladders to help you wash a variety of [...]
Even with many detailers using less water than they used to, a water tank is something that you really should think about as a mobile detailer. These come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and there are a few things to consider before purchasing one for detailing. Unless you plan to purchase a water tank from a detailing store (that usually includes a tank, pump, skid, etc.) it's really quite easy to replicate one of these setups and save you a ton of [...]
Whether you are a professional detailer looking to add RVs to your service menu, or just an RV owner needing some advice, there are a few things to keep in mind when washing an RV vs a car or truck. From the equipment to wash methods, to the actual surface of the RV, there are a few tips and tricks to know about that are slightly different than a car or truck. In this blog, I'll break down 9 of the most popular RV [...]
The sales pitch. Get a winning template, and you can use it like a secret weapon to win customer after customer. In detailing, there are many opportunities to try our your sales pitch on customers over the phone (when they contact you), as well as a mobile detailer, fleet washer, or even car wash owner. Your pitch will probably be a little more professional when selling to property managers face-to-face, so it's important to have a gameplan going in. In this blog, I'll break [...]
The movement to waterless and eco-friendly products is ongoing, and remains a pretty controversial topic in the detailing community. EPA regulations that prohibit chemicals from entering storm drains is partly the reason, but many states like California have water restrictions which can make it difficult. If you are just looking for a few alternatives to make the transition, or are already advertising as eco-friendly, I wanted to share a few products to add to your detailing arsenal that don't contain the harsh chemicals found [...]