So You Want to Be a Detailer?
Episode 3
Why Every New Detailer Should Record Their Work
Congratulations—you’ve jumped in headfirst and completed a few details! By now, a question has probably crossed your mind: “How long should a detail take me?” The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Detailing time depends on countless factors: your process, whether you’re working solo or with a team, vehicle size, condition, services performed—the list goes on. But here’s the real talk you need to hear: Never—ever—compare how long it takes you to someone else. That’s a losing game. Every detailer’s experience, process, and circumstances are unique. Instead, focus on improving yourself and your process. One of the BEST ways to do that? Record your details. Not for social media or likes, but for you. Watching and evaluating yourself can skyrocket your efficiency, save time, and ultimately boost your bottom line.
There’s No Standard Timing, And That’s Okay
Before we dive into why recording your work is so valuable, let’s reinforce this: no two detailers will take the same amount of time. Even as someone with nearly three decades of experience, my times fluctuate depending on the vehicle, its condition, and the services I’m performing. A basic interior-and-exterior cleanup may take me two hours. A full interior/exterior disaster detail with paint correction and ceramic coating? That could easily run me 8–12 hours or more.
And that’s okay. Starting out, your efficiency will likely be slower as you settle into your workflow. Comparing yourself to someone who’s been detailing for years is pointless. Instead, focus on improving your own process. This is where recording your details comes in.
Why Recording Changes the Game
When I say “record your details,” I’m not talking about creating polished YouTube videos or Instagram reels. You don’t need fancy lighting or editing—just grab your phone, set it up, and hit record. The point isn’t to impress anyone; it’s to help you observe and improve yourself.
Here’s the magic of recording: you’ll become your own best teacher. When you watch the playback, you’ll immediately notice inefficiencies in your process—things like:
- Wasted steps: Are you constantly running back and forth for tools or products?
- Disorganization: Are you working all over the car instead of finishing one area before moving on?
- Redoing work: Are you accidentally resoiling areas you already cleaned by going out of order?
Once you notice these issues, you can make adjustments. Don’t try to fix every inefficiency at once; focus on the most obvious ones first. Make one or two changes, then record yourself again on the next job. Repeat this process over a series of details, and you’ll be blown away by how much faster and smoother your workflow becomes.
The Key to Success: Consistency
One of the biggest takeaways from this exercise is the importance of consistency. Developing a Standard Operating Procedure (S.O.P.)—a set workflow that you follow every time—will make you more efficient, reduce errors, and make your life easier. If you’re working with a team, it’s even more essential. With an S.O.P., your partners will know exactly where you left off if you need to step away, and vice versa.
Your S.O.P. doesn’t need to be rigid or perfect. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Think of it as a living document that evolves with you as you gain experience, upgrade your tools, and refine your techniques. Even after years in the business, I still tweak my process when I find ways to improve.
Take Advice, But Make It Your Own
You’ll inevitably come across advice from seasoned detailers. Listen to it—many of us have great suggestions—but remember, there’s no universal “right way” to detail a car. What works for one person might not work for you. Experiment, adapt, and figure out what fits your style and workflow.
Final Thoughts: A Process That Pays Off
For new detailers, recording your work is more than just a way to improve efficiency—it’s a way to ensure long-term growth. As you refine your process and develop consistency, you’ll not only save time but also increase the quality of your work and your profitability.
Give this a shot, and trust me, it’ll pay off. Don’t get discouraged if it feels awkward or slow at first. Building your process will take time—likely a year or more to truly fine-tune it—but the rewards will speak for themselves. Even after 25+ years in the game, I still review and reevaluate my methods.
Start small, stay consistent, and watch your detailing business flourish. You’ve got this.
My2CentsWorth,
Buy Me a Coffee
Support My Journey from Full-Time Detailer to Educator & Content Creator