Your Blueprint to a Successful Auto Detailing Business

I’ve worked in the automotive industry for many years, and I’ve loved cars my entire life. Starting my own paint protection company was a natural fit for me.

But just because it was a good fit doesn’t mean it was easy! There’s a steep learning curve in building a business from scratch. Many people helped me over the years, and I’m always grateful for the opportunity to do the same for other fledgling entrepreneurs.

Here are my top 12 tips to start your own detailing company.

12 Steps to Professional Success

1. Be curious and passionate. Learn about the craft and profession of automotive detailing. Always seek to improve your skills.
2. Go to reputable training. I train my employees in my shop, but I’m always willing to learn and take classes myself. I’ve been trained by guys with decades worth of experience. We are fortunate to go to Las Vegas for the annual SEMA show—not to party, but to find out about new products and meet industry leaders.

3. Watch out for scams. I’ve watched an explosion of shops offering training on some really shady stuff. Understand there are no shortcuts. It’s a tough job that requires hard work. Guys who don’t want to do the hard work either quit—or sometimes offer their services as “trainers.”
4. Connect with colleagues and mentors. When you go to training, seek opportunities to make connections. I was able to have Mike Phillips come to our shop and present a Road Show. This was special to me because my dad and I watched some of Mike’s original tutorial DVDs. My dad has since passed, so it was a real high point for me to have Mike in our shop—a “wish you were here to see this, Dad” moment.

5. Dress professionally. You are professional, so show up looking like one. People judge you by your appearance. Wearing a simple black polo shirt with black slacks can show your clients you’re serious. Your clients pay good money to care for their vehicles because they care how they look. If they care how they look, they likely care how YOU look.
6. Talk and act professionally. Every contact with a potential client is an opportunity. Speak clearly and respectfully. Stand confidently. Use proper manners like shaking hands and holding doors open. When customers enter my shop, I make sure to open the garage door for them and stand by with a smile to greet them. Also, talk with the customer’s wife if she is there. Ask if she has any questions and talk directly to her.

7. If you don’t know, say so. This is about honesty and building trust. People are trusting you with one of their largest investments. If you don’t know the answer, say that. Don’t fudge it. Then go find the answer and get back to the client.
8. Make your business legitimate. At a minimum, you need business insurance and a business license. Your local small business development council can be a great resource for this.
9. Network. Rather than paying expensive marketing “gurus,” learn how to sell your services face to face. Treat your clients well, and they will be your best sources of repeat and referral business.
10. Adopt a “Servant Mindset.” There’s a misconception that owning a company means you can do what you want. That’s nonsense. When you own a company, everyone is your boss. Treat your customers like they are your boss–because they are. Busy people with disposable income are happy to pay if they know they are going to get solid service from someone dependable.
11. Know your numbers. You want to own a business, not have a hobby. Do research online to set your pricing. Track your time and materials to determine your actual costs.
12. Cuss, Cry, Pray. When I started, I said some colorful words as I tried to perfect my craft. I cried a few times wondering where the next job was coming from. One morning after mass, our pastor pulled me aside and offered encouragement. A few hours later, an Aston Martin rolled into the shop, and the rent problem was solved.