Table of Contents

Introduction:
The Seven Keys to Detailing Success

Step 1:
Take a Professional Approach

• What is Detailing, Anyway?
• What does the Professional Detailer do, Anyway?
• The Detailer as a Business Professional
• Detailing in the New Millennium
• Supplying an Automotive Detailing Business
• Insurance for Detailers
• Fixed versus Mobile Detailing
• Mobile Auto Reconditioning Services
• Mobile Detailing “Rules of the Road”
• Personal Comfort and Safety
• Shop Layout
• Financial Fitness Checkup
• Little Company, Big Company

Step 2:
Obtain Training and Education

• Detail Training and Education
• The Importance of Training
• Continuing Education for Detailers

Step 3:
Obtain Proper Equipment and Chemicals

• Chemicals for Automotive Detailing
• Automotive Detailing Chemicals
• Selecting the Proper Chemical
• Detailing Chemicals for Paint
• Spray Waxes
• Equipment for Detailing
• Detailing Equipment at a Fixed Location
• Detailing Equipment for a Mobile Operation
• Polishers and Buffers
• The Evolution of the Buffing Pad
• Ergonomic, Safety, and Personal Comfort Equipment
• Special Tools for Detailing

Step 4:
Design and Implement Systematic Procedures

• Detailing Basics: The Prep Wash
• Options for Vehicle Washing
• Detailing Basics: Engine Compartment
• Detailing Basics: The Interior Detail
• Interior Detailing Process
• Seat Detailing
• Automotive Leather Care
• Vinyl Care and Repair
• Carpet Care
• Removing Seats for Heavy Interior Detailing
• Deodorization
• Detailing Basics: The Exterior Detail
• Using Detailer’s Clay
• Paint Care Basics
• Working with Modern Paint Systems
• Care of Conventional Versus Clearcoat Paint Systems
• Paint Reconditioning
• Paint Perfecting
• High-speed Polishing, Part 1
• High-speed Polishing, Part 2
• Removing and Avoiding Swirl Marks
• Removing Scratches in Paint
• Summer Vehicle Protection
• Convertible Top Care
• Detailing Tips and Tricks
• Detailing the Details
• Window Cleaning
• Common Detailing Challenges

Step 5:
Design and Implement Pricing and Packaging

• How to Price Detail Services
• Pricing and Packaging
• Pricing Detail Services
• Packaging Detail Services

Step 6:
Create a Marketing Strategy

• Marketing and Advertising
• Increasing Profits
• Unusual Detailing Opportunities
• Offering Multiple Exterior Detailing Options
• Providing Extra Services
• Becoming an Automotive Reconditioning Specialist
• From Detailing to Complete Reconditioning
• Interior Repair

Step 7:
Focus on the Customer

• The First Step: Determining Customer Requirements
• First Things First: The Customer Interview and Vehicle Inspection
• Customer Expectations
• Customer Retention