Detailing Services You Need In Your Business (+Expert Input)

Last Updated on July 5, 2023 by Chase Manhattan

Starting an auto detailing business requires a well-rounded understanding of the various services that customers may need. This guide will walk you through the essential detailing services you should consider offering. Each service is explained thoroughly, ensuring that even newcomers can understand what they entail.

So keep reading, and let’s see if this business is right for you!

Complete Interior Detail Package

The interior of a vehicle often requires as much attention as the exterior. You should offer a comprehensive and complete interior detail package that covers all aspects of the vehicle’s interior.

Cleaning Every Interior Surface (door panels, arm rests, dashboards, cup holders etc.)

It’s essential to clean all surfaces in the vehicle’s interior, including plastic, cloth, upholstery, or leather seats. You should use gentle, safe, or organic cleaners that won’t damage the materials. To separate your business from competitors, consider offering eco-friendly cleaning options.

Carpet Cleaning and Shampoo

Carpet cleaning and shampooing are crucial services in any interior detail package. Carpets can harbor dirt, dust, and grime, which can affect the overall cleanliness of a vehicle’s interior.

Pet Hair Removal

Especially for pet owners, pet hair can be a significant issue in their vehicles. Offering a specific pet hair removal service can attract customers who struggle with this issue.

Floor Mats Treatment

Floor mats often bear the brunt of dirt and grime in a vehicle. Including a floor mat treatment in your interior detail package is a smart move.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

While not a standard detailing service, offering additional services like cabin air filter replacement can set your business apart. This step improves the air quality inside the vehicle and can be a valuable add-on for health-conscious customers.

Complete Exterior Detail Package

The exterior detailing of a vehicle is what most people think of when they hear “car detailing.” Here are the services you should include in your exterior detail package.

Foam Cannon Pre-Treatment

A foam cannon pre-treatment helps eliminate surface dirt and grime before hand washing. This method reduces the chance of scratching the vehicle’s paint during the wash process.

Hand Wash & Bug Removal

A thorough hand wash is crucial in any exterior detailing service. Paying special attention to bug removal can help prevent damage to the vehicle’s paint.

Clay Bar Treatment

A clay bar treatment can remove embedded contaminants from the vehicle’s paint. This service isn’t always necessary, but it’s good to offer it for vehicles that need extra attention.

Wax or Other Paint Sealant Application

Applying a wax or other paint sealant after washing and prepping the vehicle’s paint can help protect it from the elements. This service helps keep the vehicle looking its best longer.

Additional Services

To make your business stand out, consider offering additional services that aren’t typically included in basic detailing packages.

Protective Paint Sealant Applications

Protective paint sealant applications can provide additional protection to a vehicle’s paint. This service can be particularly appealing to customers who want to keep their vehicles in pristine condition.

Ceramic Coating

A ceramic coating is a premium service that provides superior protection for a vehicle’s paint. Offering this service can help attract high-end customers.

Paint Protection Film

Like a ceramic coating, a paint protection film offers additional protection for a vehicle’s paint. This service can be attractive to customers who want the best possible protection for their vehicles.

Engine Bay Detail and Steam Cleaning

An engine bay detail and steam cleaning service can help make a vehicle’s engine bay look its best. This service can be especially appealing to car enthusiasts.

Headlight Restoration

Over time, headlights can become cloudy or yellowed. Offering a headlight restoration service can help improve the appearance and functionality of a customer’s headlights.

Scratch Removal

While some detailers will include this in their exterior detail packages, I recommend offering this service separately. Preparing for scratch removal can be a time consuming process that will quickly eat away from your profitability unless you’re equally prepared and experienced.

Tips to Expanding Your Auto Detailing Services

Expanding your auto detailing services can help attract a broader range of customers. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

• Understand your market: Before adding a new service, make sure there’s a demand for it in your market. You don’t want to invest in new equipment or training only to find out that your customers aren’t interested in the service.
• Get the necessary training: Before offering a new service, ensure that you and your staff are properly trained. This step can help ensure that you provide the best possible service to your customers.
• Invest in quality equipment: The right equipment can make a big difference in the quality of your services. Make sure to invest in high-quality equipment that will enable you to provide top-notch services.
• Market your new services: Once you’ve added a new service, make sure to promote it. Use your website, social media accounts, and other marketing channels to let your customers know about the new services you’re offering.

By offering a wide range of detailing services in your auto detailing menu, you can meet the needs of a diverse customer base. Remember to keep your customers’ needs in mind as you decide which services to offer. By doing so, you can ensure that your business is well-positioned to succeed in the competitive auto detailing industry.

FAQs and Related Questions

How can you make sure these new services are profitable?

This part of the game will take some experience. Over time, you’ll develop a general idea of how long it takes you to complete a service – both for cars and trucks – and then you can adjust your pricing accordingly. When you’re first starting off I recommend doing some competitive research to see what local competitors are doing for their prices.

What happens if you make a mistake?

If you make a mistake on a customer’s car, always be upfront, apologetic, and ready to fix your mistake – regardless of the cost to you. In this business, word of mouth and reputation is the largest factor in determining your success. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned an unhappy customer into a loyal customer by providing them the best customer service I can muster.

How should I start?

I would recommend you pick up a few basic clients first. When I say basic, I mean something as simple as a rinse and wash – no detailing (wax, coatings, clay bar, etc..). This will allow you to work on one part of the process at a time, ultimately to become more efficient over the long run.