Mobile Car Detailing

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Mobile service - my customers love the convenience. They get to relax at home while I make their vehicle(s) look new again!

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Ask to see before and after pictures. This is a results-driven industry, and any business in this industry should recognize that.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. To all my customers (past, present and future): Please, keep your wheels clean! The longer brake dust sits on your wheels, the more it's going to damage the finish - usually to the point of no return. Best of all, if you keep up with it, cleaning your wheels should only take a few minutes.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Year, make and model of the vehicle to be detailed. Interior color and fabric (i.e. leather or cloth upholstery). Also, an accurate description of the current condition is key. It can be challenging to quote an accurate price without knowing how much work a given vehicle is going to require.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Simply put - I have the experience, ability, and desire to go above and beyond my customers' expectations.

Since it's a small operation, I have very low overhead and can directly oversee all aspects of the work. This allows for excellent quality control. After all, I'd like to continue growing my business and focus on customer retention - tough to do if your customers are unhappy.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I enjoy being able to bring cars "back to life." Often times I am able to work on vehicles that have either a) never been detailed or b) haven't been detailed since they were purchased.

I look at myself as an artist - each vehicle is a new canvas. Essentially, I get to create works of art each and every time I work on a vehicle.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. My customers most commonly ask me how long it takes to detail a vehicle. My response, "Usually 5 to 6 hours." This seems to come as a surprise to most people. Detailing is very different from cleaning a vehicle. It takes a lot of time and effort. As the old adage goes, you can't rush perfection.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. The Pontiac Vibe & Chevrolet Trailblazer SS Owner's (see my photos and customer/friend reviews): We came out to Opel's and Fred's home to detail their first vehicle (Pontiac Vibe). The car came out looking fantastic, and was further reinforced by both of their reactions; Opel was speechless, and Fred was so pleased all he could manage to do was laugh.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Despite my age, I've been detailing for a long time - longer than most. I also graduated from BGSU and have a strong business and entrepreneurial background.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I've been into cars since I was 17. Like most, I started off "cleaning" cars until my skills and interests developed. During college, I worked as a detailer at dealerships in Bowling Green. Shortly thereafter, I decided to start selling cars. I quickly discovered that a nice, freshly detailed car always brought significantly more money.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. One of my customers in New Albany had a Lexus RX300. His was rather neglected. There was food, pop and all sorts of other things scattered throughout the interior. The exterior had some very large, noticeable scratches on the front bumper. By the time we finished, the vehicle looked like it had just rolled off the lot. The look on Shan's face was priceless when he saw the quality of my work.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Lots, and lots of research. Companies are forever coming out with new products and formulas. Unfortunately, many of them are nothing more than cleverly marketed products, so it takes time and research to figure out what works and what doesn't.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Synthetic waxes, polymers, dressings, etc. They offer two things to any detailer; easy application and superior protection.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. I secured a large account a while back. The gentleman owns a roofing business and has a fleet of vehicles that need to be kept in tip-top shape to promote his business. He wanted 4 trucks cleaned in one day, and we were able to get them done right before nightfall. It was a hectic day, but well worth it as we've built a lasting relationship with this customer.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. No complicated pricing system. Just figure you're going to spend $25 per hour.

I encourage you to shop around - you won't find a better quality detail anywhere for less.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. To all the aspiring detailers and business owners:
Be prepared to work, and work hard. This line of work can be physically demanding, and the days can be long. Stay focused, put customer service first, and be sure to set some time aside to advertise if you want to continue growing your business.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. What do you find most rewarding about your job?

Regularly exceeding my customers' expectations. It's most rewarding to see their reactions when their vehicle has been properly detailed.