Is Auto Detailing a Dead-End Job?

Jonathan captures an advertisement photo of a best selling product on Friday, October 27th 2023 at Detail Garage. We want our clients to focus solely on the product before their eyes.

Jonathan immersed himself into the automotive world at a young age, most of which was inspired by his father. As much as he adored being under the hood of a car for many years, (most of the time it was a way for his family to save money when it came to repairs), Jonathan discovered that Auto Detailing suited him slightly better and the business was more lucrative If it was done right. However, the concept of knowing how something runs great is by seeing some of the flaws first.

Pamela Kubiak poses for a photo in the shop she helped fund and build at Detail Garage Livonia on Saturday, November 4th, 2023. Like her husband, she is a true gearhead, detailer, and inspiration to those seeking success in the Auto Detailing Industry.

Jonathan sought out input on the subject from an industry Professional, Pamela Kubiak, Co-Owner of Detail Garage Detroit who picked up her passion for cars from her family. "A lot has changed in the Auto Detailing Industry" Pamela states, "We have more women coming into our store and purchasing supplies so they can jumpstart their own detailing business. They come to us with questions and express interest. We take that, enroll them in our classes to offer advice, and build their confidence to turn them successful."

Jonathan photographs a coworker applying tire shine to a showroom vehicle on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at Detail Garage Livonia. By experimenting with new products on display cars, the customer grasps confidence in what they're purchasing and allows us the opportunity to give a demonstration as well.

Most children ran Lemonade Stands in the summer seasons locally to learn the concept of making money or saving for an allowance. Jonathan was different than most children. Detailing cars and restoring their appearance became gratifying to him. The idea of charging various prices depending on the condition and size of the vehicle was commonly talked about during family dinners when doing side jobs on the weekends. He started out small with family, friends and neighbors to gain base knowledge and grasp an understanding of how a small business works, learning which approaches to take to be paid fairly for hours of meticulous labor.

Jonathan captured a wide shot photo of the shop he worked in previously on Friday, November 3rd, 2023 at Platinum Detailing and Accessories in Rochester Hills. Both vehicles were in the midst of getting cleaned up for clients.

During Jonathan's third year of college, He decided to take a professional position as an Auto Detailer in Rochester Hills. While he got to become a certified in the trade and experience a variety of car conditions, he became vastly aware that this shop was not run well. There were dealership contracts with flat rate prices, not evaluated first by condition before pricing which is where we struggled with turnover rate as well as understaffing.

After a year and a half after leaving and speaking to owner, Sean Follis, about the newest changes to the business he quotes "While we have kept some of the contracts from local dealerships the last two years, I have made it a point to expand my business into more than just detailing to reach a variety of clients such as offering window tinting and vinyl wrapping via appointment on a weekly basis."

Students are learning the craft of Paint Correction by participating in a monthly class on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 at Detail Garage Detroit. A Unique Experience of this shop is that we teach customers in-house allowing them to sharpen their skillset and jumpstart a business of their own.

At the time, seeing how the job lacked business in comparison to successful shops in nearby cities, Jonathan sought out an opportunity to work for a Franchise that sells high-care care products which requires Detailing skill to be able to explain the products. He jumped at the opportunity and completed his Capstone summer internship there. This job was both much closer to home and much better pay rate. Jonathan indulged in many things while on the job including learning to network, enhancing public speaking skills, take on side jobs with higher-end clientele, and become more ethical within the business.

Jonathan photographs the business owner detailing her BMW before an event on Saturday, October 28th 2023 at Detail Garage. Getting to show off our toys during events is all part of the fun!

That being said, Is Detailing A Dead End Job? From what I have witnessed and heard from those working in the industry, if those who are currently working at a shop, accepting a flat rate pay for vehicles, and don’t plan to expand their talents elsewhere continue that trend, then yes. A person cannot thrive economically off of that business. This is especially a common trend among car dealerships. The workers get whatever is handed to them, whereas my boss and I currently get to be selective with our clientele and charge in variety. Some of these jobs, such as a paint correction, earn a pay-day north of a thousand dollars in the span of three days. By continuing that trend, an individual can become successful in the art of Detailing with the right amount of education and patience.