So You Want to Be a Detailer?

Here’s the Real Talk You Need to Hear

First off, let me say this: detailing can be an incredibly rewarding career or side hustle. It’s a craft that allows you to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. But—and here’s the hard truth—it’s not “easy money” like some people think. In fact, it’s not easy at all. If you’re jumping into this business expecting it to be smooth sailing, let’s pump the brakes and have a real talk.

For all you younger guys (or those just getting started), this is the part where I’ll show my age and give you a little life advice: nothing worth having in life comes easy. That includes success in the detailing industry.

I see it all the time—newcomers are fired up to start their businesses. They’ve bought their equipment and gained their first few customers. Then things slow down. Maybe you don’t land a job for a week, two weeks, or even longer. Perhaps someone is undercutting you on price. And that excitement? It begins to fade.

Suddenly, you’re on forums or Facebook groups asking questions like, “How do I advertise? How do I find customers? Why are lowball detailers killing my business?”

You’re frustrated. You feel like quitting already. Look, I get it. But hear me out:

Success in Detailing Takes Time and Grit

If you thought you were going to blow up overnight and have customers lining up around the block, I hate to break it to you—that’s not how this works. (And I’m not saying this to discourage you—just keeping it real.)

Many of the top-tier detailers you admire have been in this game for years, and trust me, it wasn’t easy for them back then, either. And those who started during COVID… had some unique advantages due to the circumstances. (This made it easier than it is now, but it is still a grind.) But now? It’s a much more challenging environment.

The truth is, there has never been more competition in the detailing industry than there is right now. (It’s a hugely popular new business.) This increase is mainly due to the misconception that it’s “easy.” Unfortunately, many newcomers are attempting to succeed by undercutting prices. Let me save you some time and frustration here: price wars are a race to the bottom. The only win in that game is going out of business more slowly than your competition.

So what’s the key?

Instead of competing on price, focus on value. Build something your customers can’t get anywhere else. The successful guys out there didn’t get that way because this business is a cakewalk. They got there because they worked hard, stayed passionate, and adapted to a constantly evolving environment.

The Formula for Long-Term Success

Over my 25+ years in this industry, I’ve built four successful detailing businesses in four different states using one key formula:

Deliver True Quality Work.
This can’t be faked. Customers can tell when you care about the details (pun intended). (“Anyone guess where my last business name came from?) “Detail Oriented,” And when you’re just rushing through the job. Quality trumps pricing every time.

Master Customer Service.
You’re in a service business—never forget that. Customers don’t just want their car cleaned; they want to feel valued. Take the time to educate them about what you’re doing and why. Set clear expectations from the very beginning.

Adopt a Philosophy of Cleaning, Protecting, and Preserving.
This isn’t just about making a vehicle look good today—it’s about maintaining its value for the long haul. Use the least aggressive methods that still achieve stellar results. It’s not only better for the car, but it also shows you prioritize the customer’s long-term satisfaction.

Build a Base of Repeat and Referral Customers.
Constantly chasing new customers is exhausting and unsustainable. Loyal, satisfied clients are worth far more—they keep coming back and spread the word about your business.

When customers feel like you care about them—and their investment—you stand out in a crowded marketplace. People will pay your rates gladly if your value is clear and genuine. But if your clients feel “nameless” or like you only see them as a paycheck, they’ll shop around for someone cheaper.

Adapt, Learn, and Keep Grinding

Here’s another hard truth: this industry is constantly evolving. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. You can’t afford to sit back and assume you’ve got it all figured out.

Slow period? Evaluate and adjust your approach.

Challenges with competitors? Find a way to stand out.

Feeling burnt out? Revisit what inspired you to start in the first place.

Always be learning. Always be growing. Even if you’re killing it right now, don’t rest on your laurels. The second you stop innovating, you start falling behind.

There’s no magic formula for guaranteeing success, but if you’re dedicated to delivering quality, building your reputation, and continuing to improve, the rewards will come. They won’t come tomorrow, and maybe not next month, but they’ll come.

Why Passion Matters

If you don’t truly love detailing, the grind will break you. That’s just the reality. But if this is your passion—if transforming a customer’s vehicle gives you that deep sense of satisfaction—then when the tough times come (and they will), your passion will get you through.

There will be hard stretches. Days when you wonder if it’s worth it. BUT—it absolutely can be. If you stick to it, keep learning, and stay consistent, the grind WILL pay off.

My Parting Thoughts

Let me be clear: I’m not writing this to scare anyone off. I’m still here, still grinding myself, and still part of this industry despite dealing with serious health issues that have forced me to scale back.

I’m sharing this because I genuinely care about the next generation of detailers and want to see you succeed. That is why I write these articles and am working on building my YouTube channel. I do this because I have a passion for it and truly love it. Despite everything, I don’t give up easily. (Trust me, YouTube in particular 100% isn’t my strong suit.) But I’m going to keep grinding until I figure it out and get it right. Because I love what I do, I love you guys, and I want to stay a part of this awesome industry that I’ve dedicated nearly 3 decades to.

My advice? Before you dive into this business, take a hard look at why you’re doing it. If you love detailing, keep grinding and don’t give up.

But if you’re just here because it seems like “easy money,” it’s time to reevaluate. This isn’t easy, but it is rewarding for those willing to put in the work.

Here’s the bottom line: if you stay committed, keep learning, listen to your customers, and focus on delivering value, success is absolutely possible.

The grind is real—but so are the rewards.

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