[WCD]

Are you referring to mobil detailers breaking laws? I can't believe a city would open themselves up to a possible lawsuit by not allowing someone to operate because they didn't meet a detailing standard. Who's making up these standards and what gives them the right to stop someone from making a living? One person's acceptable standards could mean bottom of the barrel to someone else. I know people in the several different markets & others on car car forums where they consider themselves professionals and I wouldn't even let them wash my car.

I was mainly referring to those that get a license and don't follow the laws. They don't contain water, nothing is OSHA approved on their vehicle (safety gear, MSDS sheets, etc.). I waved to a guy yesterday working in a parking lot. He was there washing cars with no water containment. What I'm trying to do is work with the city to set a minimal standard for licensing that follows the law. Perhaps a bi-annual check showing the equipment or that you are using it will work? Calabasas, CA. just banned all mobile detailers. I don't want my city becoming this frustrated. Car washes get inspected, why not mobile detailers? If you follow the law, then it's no big deal.

Promoting professionalism and educating the consumer is 2 totally different concepts and the latter can't always apply to all consumers. Selling tactics and ability to communicate an industry standard to the public isn't something that all professional detailers are able to administrate. Is this professional detailing association also training people the standard way to dress, speak & operate a business above and beyond learning how to properly detail a vehicle? Sounds like a vocational reform business school.

You are right. These are two different concepts. The detailing schools that I know of focus about 1/3 the training on running a business vs. just the detailing. This falls under the operation. Too many guys spend money learning how to correct paint, but do not know or understand how to operate and grow a business. I think standardizing how to dress is a bit dramatic. Climate and location would obviously dictate that. I can wear nice shorts most of the time, but have to wear pants at the golf clubs.

What I meant about communication is that the association should work to do this, not just the detailer. Associations need to work to benefit their own purposes and goals (the success of detailers). Not every business owner is a good communicator as you stated. However, if you are not good at communicating with people, you might want to hire someone who is.

This is a service business. When I look for a possible employee, I am not interested in all about any previous detailing experience (I frown on it). I want someone that stands out as a being good with people and having a certain "flare" about him/her. I want someone that can interact with customers vs. a detailer that won't pick up the phone because he/she is cleaning.

It will be interesting, or maybe not, how the next few years go. Time and other factors cause change. Now we have "eco" products and water smart products. These were laughed at years ago and many were tossed off the forums due to their spamming, but now I'm using some of them with great success (marketing) and I always thought detailing began with a water tank and pressure washer. ??

Hopefully, more and more detailers make the trips to trade shows where we can continue meeting and networking to promote what we do and help the public see the value in our service.

Rob Regan