What if we told you there was a way to attract new customers, increase revenue, and really stand out from the competition? And what if this approach could also save your existing customers time and effort, and make them more likely to return for future services?

Let’s talk about detailing, and why it might make perfect sense to add these services to your shop’s current business model. 

Whether you’re removing scratches, scuffs, or other exterior surface blemishes, adding a ceramic coating to protect the car from UV rays, or conditioning the interior to prevent stains and premature wear, detailing services can provide an unbeatable one-stop solution for all your customers’ auto care needs, even providing opportunities to upsell or cross-sell additional services. Generally speaking, they also have some of the best profit margins in the industry.

Focusing on those detailing services that make the most sense for you and your customers can have a major impact on your shop's bottom line. Let's take a closer look at seven of the most profitable ones and how they may be incorporated into your business, starting with the interior and working our way out.

And, if you already run a detailing business but don’t provide all of the services listed below, it may be worth revisiting whether one or more could help maximize your shop’s offerings, customer service, and profit potential.    

Interior Detailing 

Interior detailing is all about giving the inside of the car a deep clean. This includes carpets, upholstery, dashboards, and windows. It's a great way to make some extra money because it takes time and skill to do it right. You can also offer additional services like stain removal or odor treatment to generate even more profit.

Speaking of which, while getting rid of a car’s foul odor may forever live in infamy thanks to a certain Seinfeld episode, it’s also a potentially profitable, albeit relatively niche service. It does require special techniques and products like wipes, sprays, and perhaps a steam cleaner or other equipment. But most are not prohibitively expensive–even some ozone generators can be had for only a few hundred dollars.

Fabric Protection

Applying a fabric protectant to a car's interior helps prevent stains and makes cleaning easier. Many treatments also offer protection from potentially damaging UV rays, which can cause premature fading, especially if windows aren’t tinted. 

Offering fabric protection is a valuable add-on service with good profit margins, and most auto shops can add it to their repertoire fairly easily.

Leather Cleaning and Conditioning

More than half of all new car buyers now opt for leather upholstery, according to the latest market research (citation here). And leather seats need special care to stay looking their best. Offering a service to clean and condition them, as well as other surfaces like wrapped steering wheels, door trims, etc., can attract customers who want to keep their leather in tip-top shape. 

This service is suitable for most auto shops. Beyond learning how to properly apply them, most leather cleaning and conditioning sprays, wipes, and kits are inexpensive and readily available.   

Paint Correction 

Paint correction is a service that involves fixing scratches, swirls, and other imperfections in a car's paint job. These can run the gamut from light scuffs and sanding marks to road dirt, water marks, heavy pollen, and bird poop. When done correctly, the process of paint correction permanently removes blemishes and restores the exterior’s color and gloss.   

It takes special knowledge and tools to do the job, which can drive up costs. For example, the prep stage alone requires wash mitts, brushes, a cleaner, clay lubricant, clay bar (or pad/mitt), and some type of air compressor or blower, among other products. Then comes the paint correction itself! While it can bring in a good amount of money, this service is probably best left to shops that specialize in detailing.

Ceramic Coating

Applying a ceramic coating to a car's paint job can protect it from scratches, UV rays, and water damage. It also gives the vehicle a brilliant, showroom-quality shine. While there are some similarities to paint correction, this process uses a liquid polymer–primarily silicon dioxide, or quartz–that bonds with the vehicle’s paint to add a layer of protection that can last for several years.   

The products required can be expensive, and the application process includes a handful of steps. But the service itself is relatively quick and can be priced at a premium. That said, ceramic coating may be best suited for larger auto shops with the right equipment.

Headlight Restoration 

Over time, car headlights can get cloudy and dim. There could be several reasons why, but common causes include 1) lenses that are covered in dirt, grime, or oxidation; and 2) water or moisture that has seeped inside due to compromised seals or lenses. 

Restoring headlights can improve visibility and safety–and of course, the car’s appearance; most customers can relate to at least one of these. The service is quick, provided there aren’t underlying electrical issues, and it can bring in good profits. This is another low-cost, high-margin addition for most auto shops.

Wheel Detailing

Clean and shiny wheels can make a car look brand new. And pairing wheel detailing with tire dressing really makes a car stand out. Moreover, this is yet another service that comes with a safety component, as elements like road wear and brake dust can accumulate and cause premature corrosion.     

Wheel detailing is suitable for most auto shops, especially those that offer tire services. Materials are fairly inexpensive, and proper technique, while important, isn’t overly complicated.

The Next Step

Adding detailing services is a great way to propel your shop toward greater profitability. An expanded service menu–beyond repair and maintenance–helps you stand out from the crowd by providing a one-stop shop for customers. Think of it as an opportunity to service the entire vehicle from top to bottom, inside and out. 

Before taking the plunge, you will have to invest in some training for your staff, as well as include the necessary equipment and products as part of your auto detailing business plan. But with relatively low overhead and strong margins, most detailing services can significantly increase your bottom line while opening up new markets and revenue streams.        

Ready to start offering your customers high-quality auto detailing services? Shopmonkey can get you there! Our dedicated auto detailing software will help you provide a top-notch automotive care experience. Request a demo today!