Interior Detailing Helper Thread

Where the hell do you keep getting these?

 

One of those cases where it’s not expected, but appreciated. Nobody is going to be mad if you don’t, especially with a quoted price. If you feel like it exceeded your expectations I would, especially if it’s an employee and not the owner.

 

Never expected, always welcomed lol. I'm slowly reworking my prices to match my level of detailing and I'm finding people are still tipping because they're so happy with the results.

Idk but I wish they would stop lol.

 

Thank you for the info guys! Next question, what's appropriate for a tip? Is there a going amount or percentage?

@Ckatz53 and I bet the really raunchy ones are the ones that don't tip?

 

I gave this guy your contact info:

https://www.reddit.com/r/trashy/comments/a301rr/this_customers_car_smelled_exactly_like_you_would/

 

but as some of the comments stated, at least they didn't go out the window.

 

Typically yeah lol. Then I'll do a simple wash and wax and get a $100 tip like whaaaatttt.

I dont know if there's an "appropriate" amount per se. My quote typically reflects the amount I wish to be paid per hour for that job ($50 to $75 usually). Anything on top is just a bonus. $5 is cool with me hah. I shortchanged myself early on and learned to price accordingly now. Worse someone can say is no.

Just burn that car...claim stolen and file insurance lol

 

Nice job on the write up. But no way in hell would I ride in that Dodge journey or some of the others. Man people sure are pigs. Nice work on cleaning them up I think I would have needed a tetanus shot. Lol

 

Legit mini horse hauling Prius. LOL! Probably sold to you as “real dusty and some pet hair”

 

definitely following this one...

 

Tipping detail guys is a good idea for both parties if it’s a small shop which I always prefer. You build a relationship with the person and a tip is something they will typically remember which encourages them to go the extra mile. The amount is always up to you but I like to be around the 20% mark. You should always get that wow factor from having your vehicle done by a professional and it’s a great gesture to let them know you appreciate it.

 

This thread needs a tack on it btw great work.

 

Excellent thread - this one went right into my 'Favorites' folder on my browser.

 

I second the motion to make this a sticky thread. If it's too sticky @Ckatz53 probably has a cleaner for it! @ColoradoTJ @T-Rex266 @Bob @MTgirl @daria @JimBeam @csuviper

 

Sub'd and thank you!

 

This is similar in many industries. Generally people with the money/respect to tip well don’t let their (insert anything...car, house, financial situation, teeth) get the upper hand. Those that do, seek outside assistance to fix the mess and skate by with minimal personal input - time, money, effort. Not holding it against anyone, but it seems to hold true in many areas.

I used to do some contract flying. I flew wealthy, normal folks - not 1%ers, but folks that would pay to fly their kid to a summer sports camp for one afternoon vs drive them 40 miles. Way more disposable income than your average Joe. One guy owned several restaurants and I would fly him around looking at other investment properties. That guy would give 100s like I flip a quarter to a kid. It got to where I’d argue sometimes because I’d feel so guilty taking it.

Anyway - to stay on topic. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge - especially when it’s your business. I’m convinced that level of selflessness allows people to ultimately reap great benefits. I’m not into detailing my Tundra - one reason I like owning a truck is I’m not OCD about keeping them clean - but I do enjoy detailing cars. Thanks for the info!

 

Mold/mildew removal. Mold stains won't come out without either using oxygen bleach or dye. Oxygen bleach would replace the yellow stains with white bleach marks. And since I dont do carpet dying and am unfamiliar with it, here is the end result to today. The main goal was killing the mold and mildew growth. Vinegar and a combo of other chemicals resolved this. Customer was extremely happy.

 

Glad they were happy. All too often people do stuff like this and then expect miracles. Pretty sure I could not do your job. I'd gag.*



*that's what she said*

 

Yeah I always go by the "under promise, over deliver" motto. I was extremely up front with her before accepting the job that the mold would more than likely have stained the carpet to the point it would need dyed. As long as she knew what to expect, it all works out in the end.

Still pissed me off I couldn't pull more of the driver's side staining out. But that's where the mold growth originated so I expected it to be super tough.

 

Bro wow. I’m sorry. Hats off to you.

 

The fact that it bothers you that you couldn't do more is exactly the attitude and pride in your work that is going to make your business a success. That and your generous sharing of knowledge here has gotta be earning you some good karma points!

 

Have you experimented with dry carpet shampoo at all? Not sure it would do a better job on something that bad, but at least the mess would be mitigated. Clean up should be easier also.

I’ve used it on home and office carpet, and it seemed to do at least as well as a Rug Doctor. The machine I have is this one, but it’s really the same concept as a drill brush:

Oreck Commercial ORB550MC Commercial Orbiter Floor Machine

$306 Oreck Commercial Orbiter Hard Floor Cleaner Machine, Multi-Purpose Floor Cleaning, Random Orbital Drive, Wide Cleaning Path, 50-Foot Long Cord, ORB550MC, Gray/Red

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008BPFK1U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_TcFfFbVXX3SC7

I believe this is the shampoo I used:

Capture Carpet Dry Cleaner Powder 4 lb - Deodorize Stains Smell Moisture from Rug Furniture Clothes and Fabric, Pet Stains Odor and Smoke Too

$23 Capture Carpet & Rug Dry Cleaner w/Resealable lid - Home, Car, Dogs & Cats Pet Carpet Cleaner Solution - Strength Odor Eliminator, Stains Spot Remover, Non Liquid & No Harsh Chemical (4 Pound)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS4I0H2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_kgFfFb8FYSTT4

I haven’t tried it out on vehicle carpet, just thought if it did the trick it’d be better than getting it wet.

 

The OCD kills me hah. And I give these tips and pointers to customers as well. Figured if I'm going to be spending several hours fixing a vehicle's issues, I may as well give them the knowledge to maintain it so I'm not back working on it prematurely. Youd think I lose business like that but it's actually been quite the opposite. I've been having repeat customers based on that idea.

I honestly havent even thought about dry shampoo. Maybe I'll give it a shot on my wife's car. My daughter threw a fit the other day and tossed Chik Fil A sauce all over the floorboards lol.

 

Great thread!

Pet hair is one I've struggled with, but now I see why... I need to get a brush. The lilly brush and the chem guys brush look to be what I need.

Also, always hated having a freshly detailed vehicle and wheel wells that didn't exactly match lol. You just spray and wipe them with simple green? I'll have to try that one.

 

For stains my friend has detailed cars for 20+ years and showed me Folex. So I buy the bottle then by the gallon to refill, it has got out a lot of kids stains in clothes.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/FOLEX-32-oz-Carpet-Cleaning-Solution/1083045

My brother told me the idea of using an air compressor w/ the shop vac to blow and suck the small crevasses.

 

I was about to post asking about vacuuming hacks, but I think I found it here. Can you post a link to the type of brush you use in the drill prior to vacuuming?

 

$8 Holikme 5Pack Drill Brush Power Scrubber Cleaning Brush Extended Long Attachment Set All Purpose Drill Scrub Brushes Kit for Grout, Floor, Tub, Shower, Tile, Bathroom and Kitchen Surface White

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V3QS2CY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4K3hFb2QN466Q

 

Thanks, order placed (and typo corrected).

 

A guy scratched the inside door panel (hard plastic) it’s not deep but scratched non the less. Any tricks to cover up the scratch?

 

@CardiacNole Can try Meguiar's Plasti-X, but that's mainly for flat smooth surfaces. Texture (assuming it is if it is the door) is hard to fix and needs to be replicated with a texture pad and heat. Can try a Magic Eraser to try and clean up the scratch and hide it a bit.