If you are new to car washing and detailing, the following tricks of the trade can help save you time and produce higher quality results.
Always make sure the vehicle is cool before starting your washing regimen. Invest in a popup tent to keep your customers' vehicles out of the sun during the wash, detail and wax service. Keeping the car cool will also help keep you cool!
Automation pays. Whenever possible, invest in high quality tools that expedite the washing, detailing and waxing process. While you may be out a couple hundred dollars, you will quickly make this up by being able to service more customers.
Wash tires and wheels first and then proceed to wash the rest of the car from the top down.
When rinsing the vehicle and right before drying, allow the water to flow freely over the vehicle. Do not spray water on the car! The free flowing action of the rinse will cause the water to sheet off, carrying 80% or more of the surface water with it.
Use color-coded, clearly labeled bottles for your cleaning and detailing supplies. Mark each bottle at an appropriate refill point. At the end of each day you can quickly scan your bottles to see which ones need filling.
Buy and use high-quality microfiber towels. You will see better, quicker results than with standard towels.
Carry a tube of hand lotion in your truck. There's nothing worse than working on a car with chapped hands! It really starts to hurt!
Always take digital photographs of cars and work areas before you begin work. Photographs will help protect you in the event of frivolous property damage lawsuits.
Never park a car under a pine tree for shade. You will spend more time cleaning sap than you will cleaning the car.
Give yourself a couple minutes between the time you finish your work and the final inspection. This delay will give you a chance to step away from the vehicle and approach again with a clear set of eyes.
Try diluting some of your supplies. You may find that the quality is just as good any you get twice the mileage with each bottle.
Invest in a carpet extractor. You will save a ton of time and your carpet cleaning results will be top notch.
Wait a couple days after each job and give the customer a quick call. Ask them if they are still satisfied with the results. Your considerate efforts will take you only a few seconds but will often result in guaranteed repeat business.
Whenever possible, sit down on the job. Use a wheeled stool when cleaning tires, wheels, bumpers and door jams. Your back will thank you at the end of the day. Also consider wearing a back support brace.
If you are running late, even by a couple minutes, ALWAYS call the customer to let them know.
When a customer thanks you for a job well done, sincerely say "You're welcome" and ask them for future business. This would be a good time to try and sell your mobile auto detailing discount coupon book.
At the end of each job, try and sell your customer a discounted booklet of multiple wash or detail sessions.
