I need some opinions.

Mirror Images · 03-01-05, 07:54

I started my mobile detailing business last year. I really love to detail the exterior of vehicles. I don't mind doing the interior. With that said, would I be cutting my own throat if I did only exterior detailing? Are most people expecting the interior detailed as much as the exterior? Thanks for the advice.

JC

tpgsr · 03-01-05, 08:19

cutting your own throat maybe. Cutting your market segment DEFINATLY! Most business strive to add services and gain market share. You would be turning away so many people by doing exterior and only exterior. Yes i have my exterior only customers, but 90% want the interior cleaned. It is where people spend their time.

joburnet · 03-01-05, 09:34

Possibly get a helper and have them do the interior.

scottabir · 03-01-05, 09:36

*I* persoanlly think it would create an image of a non-professional. If *I* saw that or you told me that when I called I would probably find someone else for the mere fact that to me it seems like you are incompetant to handle an interior detail. *I* would want my car in the care of someone who is fully knowledgeable and capable in all areas of detailing (I'm not saying you aren't). Just my opinion.

Mirror Images · 03-01-05, 10:14

Thanks guys for the opinions....I really appreciate them.

JC

mirrorfinishman · 03-01-05, 11:46

Quote:

Originally posted by Mirror Images
Are most people expecting the interior detailed as much as the exterior?

JC,

Actually, there are plenty of customers out there who really focus on making sure their interiors are thoroughly cleaned when they get their car detailed.

It's interesting how I can spend hours polishing and waxing the exterior of a vehicle and very little time on the interior, yet the first thing the customer will do when I am finished is to open the doors and check the interior. It's almost like they take the exterior for granted.

One suggestion would be for you to think about exactly what it is you don't like about doing the interior. Is it the carpet cleaning? upholstery? interior windows? Then try to figure out what you can do to accomplish those tasks and at the same time make the work more enjoyable. For example; I prefer to clean the interior last, after I work on the exterior. For me, it's a lot more relaxing to be vacuuming and doing other interior cleaning after all of the polishing and waxing. In your case you may want to get the interior out of the way first. That way you can end up with the work that you enjoy the most.

In summary, as other have already mentioned, most detailing customers do expect interior cleaning to be part of the total detailing experience. You would be very smart to completely fill the needs of those people.

LangMan37 · 03-01-05, 06:27

I've run into people that think detailing means only cleaning the interior. go figure.
I know it's part of the business, but i sure do get tired of always having to "educate the public" about what detailing really entails

TOGWT · 03-03-05, 03:58

I came across this description-

Detailed:
A term used to describe the process of cleaning, polishing and applying protection to vehicle surfaces. Implying that every part of the vehicle has been cleaned and protected from the elements; including, the engine compartment, boot, wheels and fender wells, tyres, paint and glass surfaces (convertible top) and the entire interior.

I could see not doing the engine bay (due to liability issues, maybe) only detailing the exterior is only half a step-up from a drive through car wash (even they'll use a vacuum on the interior)
JonM

1 Clean WS6 · 03-03-05, 06:16

If you want to do this full time and for it to be your only source of income...yes...you need to do interiors.