160K solo mobile detailer 2024 recap

[@skylar1112]

As a guy starting out. I left corporate to do something that i actually enjoy doing. I like the real world situations of your videos. It's very inspiring for me. I wish you a greater 2025, and continue the good work

[@topstardetailing]

@@skylar1112 same for me brother… I couldn’t wait to get out of that corporate world im much happier now! Thanks for your feedback and support for the channel… appreciate you and wish you much success in the New Year!

[@bigmario7065]

Share your secrets on how you stay healthy and fit man. Ur videos are awesome. 👍 🤜🤛

[@topstardetailing]

@@bigmario7065 there’s no secrets Mario… I’ve been working out for about 35 years now… it’s just putting in the reps in the gym, eating healthy (alot of protein ) and consistency over time. Thanks for your feedback and support for the channel! Appreciate you brother 🙏

[@TransformationDetail]

MAN!!!! You are sooo freaking awesome! This content is GOLD!!!!!!!!!!!! So many valuable gems and I love how real and raw you kept it. I'll probably rewatch this a few times Your mindset and work ethic reminds me a lot of myself

[@topstardetailing]

@@TransformationDetail Thanks brother! I appreciate your feedback and support for the channel 🤙🏽

[@TransformationDetail]

He so locked in he didn't even realize it was New Year's Thats a different level of grind Happy New Year and cheers to another successful year and many blessings

[@topstardetailing]

@@TransformationDetail yeahhh I actually forgot it was for a minute and was like what’s all that noise 😂 Let’s get out there and crush it 2025! Happy New Year! Cheers

[@EliArmenta-w1q]

I appreciate your transparency.

[@topstardetailing]

@@EliArmenta-w1q always 💯! Cheers Eli

[@swaymobiledetailing]

Hey Jeff! Thank you for sharing this recap video! I'm starting my mobile detailing business this year and I appreciate all the information you've been able to share with us through your channel. Keep up the great work! Average is the enemy!

[@topstardetailing]

@@swaymobiledetailing that’s awesome bro! Where are you based out of? Appreciate your feedback and support for the channel 🤙🏽

[@swaymobiledetailing]

@ I’m based out of Northern San Diego, California! And Of course man, the least that I can do is give credit where credit is due! I’ll be sure to reach out to you for any questions or any future collabs 👀. Happy new years Jeff!

[@topstardetailing]

@@swaymobiledetailing ok, I lived in San Diego for about 6 years in the La Jolla area. Nice spot, but was super expensive to live there.

[@KevinOrtiz-ul9th]

Just found your videos this morning and already have learned so much and even more excited to go all in this year. Already subscribed thanks for sharing.

[@topstardetailing]

@@KevinOrtiz-ul9th appreciate the sub my friend! Where are you based out of?

[@KevinOrtiz-ul9th]

@topstardetailing Springfield Mass. It's on the colder side around this time, but learning and building up customers. Work for a tile company and I run the warehouse alone.I do all the loading into customers cars and all the contractors with their dirty pick up trucks so everyone that walks into the store has to see me at that warehouse to get loaded. So for right now learning and building up clients. I've been doing it as a side hustle for 2 years, but I'm trying to go all in this year. 38 think it's time to do something I actually enjoy. Really appreciate all the info you have been sharing with us.

[@topstardetailing]

@ I’m from Rhode Island originally and still have family there… it’s definitely cold over there 🥶 Detailing must be alot more challenging in those type of conditions.

[@KevinOrtiz-ul9th]

@topstardetailing Yes it definitely is. But not afraid of the cold so once I get a trailer I plan on getting snow blower to offer snow removal to the same clients I hand out cards to or deal with on a regular basis. Dont want to go back to warehouse work so whatever needs to be done. You definitely got me next level motivated.

[@topstardetailing]

@ my dad had blower and a small trailer and we did that every winter together when I lived out there. I would shovel off the steps and deck, he would do the driveway. I would go knock doors at all the neighbors while he was snow blowing and pick up more customers.

[@josebrito216]

Great great Video!!! Thanks for taking the time to provide great information and knowledge!!!

[@topstardetailing]

@@josebrito216 Thanks Jose! Appreciate your feedback and support for the channel! 🤙🏽😎

[@mazekop3928]

Aye! You made my Vid Suggestion real quick. I think this is the best way to end the year. In a couple of years you can Look back to it and See where u ve been. Also u can directly compare what to do in 2025 mid way as to 2024. I appreciate your videos and that you really pay attention to ur community and transparency. Hope to meet u and See ur setup one day!

[@topstardetailing]

Yes sirrrrr… thank you for the suggestion appreciate you my friend! Happy New Year! 🤙🏽

[@wesnsusan55]

Great video we need more video like this here on KZbin explaining how things really work and the true behind everything. Thank you so much for this. Yes, I need to contact you and ask you couple questions about detailing and taxes, website, LLC setup. I'm here in North Carolina and want to step up my business more.

[@topstardetailing]

@@wesnsusan55 thank you! Appreciate your feedback and support for the channel! 🙏 Happy to help you out with any questions my friend 🤙🏽

[@ChrisG-n3x]

Happy new years Jeff thank you for the great content per usual

[@topstardetailing]

@@ChrisG-n3x Thanks Chris! Happy New Year’s to you as well!

[@JohnCookAudoVideo]

Jeff, another great video actually this video is excellent. I own Park City Home Theater a small service based business and even though it's not auto detailing almost all of your advice applies, thanks so much. Keep up the good work with these business advice videos

[@topstardetailing]

@@JohnCookAudoVideo thank you John! Appreciate your feedback and support for the channel! 🙏 That’s a great business to be in, one of my clients does that here in Vegas as well as installing security cameras and he absolutely crushes it! Wishing you much success for 2025! Cheers

[@MrOthellojr]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 nice info. Especially about the ads.

[@topstardetailing]

@@MrOthellojr Thanks Will! Appreciate your feedback and support for the channel! 🙏

[@MarkRidge-yf5kq]

A BIG HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU SIR JEFF . THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR MUCH NEEDED KNOWLEDGE !!!

[@topstardetailing]

@@MarkRidge-yf5kq Happy New Year Mark! Let’s get out there and crush it 2025!!!

[@Homewithdaddy]

Nice enjoyable insights of a video. A lot of hard work and days I can imagine you put in. If you had some snippets of video of good days and bad days that would been cool to relate and see. Normally the bad days would be clients canceling, not getting a break in the weather, equipment going, not totally satisfied even though you put in the effort etc. good days would be proud details, quick and efficient ones , big tip days etc. I got a question - where do you find the time to workout still and what’s your routine? Do you count the physical labor as cardio ;) ? It’s a skill set just to be able to talk naturally like that on video for so long so good job there. You should continue more of these vlog/podcast type videos

[@topstardetailing]

@@Homewithdaddy thanks brother! Appreciate your feedback and support for the channel! 🙏 It’s tricky filming those type of things because 99% of the time im by myself, but will be bringing on some help in 2025. I try to hit the gym a few times per week, been working out for about 35 years now since I was a teenager so at this point it’s really just maintenance for me. I don’t do any additional cardio anymore because I burn so many calories detailing all day so it’s just lifting and putting in reps, trying to eat healthy and staying consistent as much as possible. I will be putting out at least one new video per week for 2025… hopefully more if I can free up some more time ;)

[@Homewithdaddy]

@ it’s also the editing that can take ages too. Magnetic phone tripod, even an action camera can be quick set up. If your channel takes of you can always get someone of fiver website to cut your edits and save time. With all your work must be prepped meals and snacks in between I imagine.

[@Brian-xn7ns]

Another great video Jeff! Very interesting and inciteful information on the components of success in the detailing industry. Thank you Jeff!

[@topstardetailing]

@@Brian-xn7ns thanks brother! Let’s get out there and crush it 2025!!! 💰

[@husknation983]

Great video been watching for a bit enjoyed this! You’re committed!

[@topstardetailing]

Appreciate your support, let’s get it! 🤙🏽

[@ShineLikeaProAZ]

As a professional detailer, I approve this message 👌

[@topstardetailing]

👍🏼

[@VavsAutoDetailing]

Happy new years Jeff! Great video. Your work ethic is inspiring, and congrats on the big year! I’m hoping to take my detailing side hustle full time this year aiming for spring! All the best in 2025

[@topstardetailing]

@@VavsAutoDetailing thank you 🙏 that’s awesome!! Where is your business based out of?

[@VavsAutoDetailing]

@ Lethbridge AB, Canada. Currently working w some outfits some fleet style MRR. Also do farm equipment in the colder winter months!

[@topstardetailing]

@ you should consider looking into igl coatings iglcoatings.com/ It’s similar to ceramic coatings but it is designed for industrial equipment applications… you have to get certified for it, but it’s big money if you can tap into that market

[@VavsAutoDetailing]

@@topstardetailing Thanks for the recommendation! I will look into them forsure. Im C6 Ceramics Certified but its a little unclear on getting the industrial up here in Canada

[@topstardetailing]

@ 🤙🏽

[@DJJDSKREWED]

Superior Products made us much more profitable, and also saved me a lot of money and time not chasing down stuff for the business.

[@topstardetailing]

@@DJJDSKREWED yeah I use their Dark Fury alot… good stuff! What other products of theirs do you use that you really like?

[@DJJDSKREWED]

@@topstardetailing Aqua gloss, f30 acid, Purple prep, ****pink perfection **** spray 4 formula wax, Does it all Enzyme cleaner , zap it , Muscle magic, there window cleaner blue stuff, basically all of it man, I just studied their KZbin and found others who have been using it and man I'm down to getting 2 hauls of products year I'm not as busy as you but the nice thing is you can get 1gal - 55 + gallons all shipped to your local Oreily's or your business address. I Still use 3d one and Meguires polishes and high end to econ coatings from other brands. But as far as chemicals for cleaning down to even their red cherry foam soap and road warrior combined make for a killer higher ph soap combo in a foam cannon, also a 2oz shot of spray 4 wax in a foam cannon rest water makes for a foam on spray off wax for your Maintenace pack man I can knock out a detail in 20 mins on the outside with there stuff its amazing stuff just do some studying on the youtube you will find they have multiple uses each one for real like dark fury has 10 uses IMO

[@michaelnobles5079]

Great info 👍

[@topstardetailing]

@@michaelnobles5079 Thank you Michael! Appreciate your feedback and support for the channel 🙏

[@NeffHdz]

Good Job Jeff!

[@NeffHdz]

Love your Work Man!

[@topstardetailing]

@@NeffHdz thanks brother! Appreciate your feedback and support for the channel 🙏

[@Brian-xn7ns]

Happy New Year Jeff!

[@topstardetailing]

@@Brian-xn7ns Happy New Year B!

[@oscargenesin8152]

First off, I just want to say how much I admire your hustle and dedication. Watching your journey and seeing the work you put into every car is seriously inspiring! You’re the reason so many people, including myself, feel motivated to consider detailing as a career or side hustle. That said, I did a little math, and with $160K in revenue and working 70-90 hour weeks, it seems like you’re averaging around $35-$40/hour. While that’s solid, it feels a bit low considering the time and effort you’re putting in. Have you thought about focusing more on higher-margin services or premium packages? Maybe things like ceramic coatings, PPF, or even VIP memberships? It might help maximize your time and boost your hourly earnings without burning out. Thanks again for sharing your journey with us! You’re paving the way for so many people, and I just want to see you get everything you deserve for all the hard work you’re putting in. Much respect, Jeff!

[@topstardetailing]

@@oscargenesin8152 Thanks Oscar! Appreciate your feedback and support for the channel 🙏 In the 70-90 hours a week it’s not strictly just detailing non stop, you have to factor in all the driving around from location to location, getting water, gas, doing maintenance, repairs, buying and restocking your chemicals/products, answering emails, calls, texts giving quotes, washing towels, business errands… etc My pricing is pretty close to the peak for my market and I do ceramic coatings, but have no desire to go into ppf its way too time consuming and you really need a shop for that type of service. When im actually detailing im averaging between $75-$125 an hour most of the time. Happy New Year brother! Cheers 🤙🏽

[@RadiantAutoSpa]

That’s amazing man!!!! Congrats on your success! 🙏🏽. Straight up truth about other detailers. I’m currently in San Diego and I’ve passed on clients where I personally can’t get to them. I’ll send them over to other details that are starting their mobile detailing. I remind myself that there is plenty of cars here in San Diego Man when I’m at your Age that’s how swoll I want to be!!! God bless

[@topstardetailing]

@@RadiantAutoSpa Thanks brother! I lived in San Diego for a bit (La Jolla). It’s just a matter of putting in the reps in the gym much, eating healthy and staying consistent over time my friend 💪 Happy New Year! 😎

[@RadiantAutoSpa]

@ That’s awesome to know man!!! Hope we can connect one day! When ever your in SD. Let me know 🙏🏽

[@topstardetailing]

@@RadiantAutoSpa I have friends out there so I go down and visit once in a while… let you know next time I’m down there ;)

[@RadiantAutoSpa]

@@topstardetailing Yes sir!!!

[@RadiantAutoSpa]

You can search me up on Google.

[@btrade12003]

Big bro looking JACKED!

[@topstardetailing]

@@btrade12003 detailing muscles ;) Happy New Year brother! 🤙🏽

[@leotorres6719]

Life is not just about money, i hope you find joy in life on other things, life is short Jeff God bless you 🙏

[@topstardetailing]

@@leotorres6719 i agree, and yes I do ;) I’m not doing this forever, it’s a season of my life I must endure to accomplish my goals.

[@samuelelliott2945]

I really appreciated this video thanks so much Jeff you’re a real one ☝️

[@topstardetailing]

@@samuelelliott2945 Happy New Year Samuel! Appreciate your feedback my friend! Cheers 🤙🏽

[@vwking2000]

Taking home 90k as an entrepreneur is different than making 90k working at a corporation or something. I’ve made over 100 working for the man and after they took out taxes and benefits etc. I was taking home like 60 and hating life. Congratulations on your success! Hard work is a grind but losing your soul to a corporation is worse!

[@topstardetailing]

@@vwking2000 I 💯 agree with you bro! I was making about the same money in the corporate world working alot less hours, but was very unhappy and unfulfilled and felt like it was crushing my soul as well. Appreciate your feedback my friend! Happy New Year! 🤙🏽

[@ArthurMSoto]

Always love the content! Would appreciate some tax tips or write off suggestions for us detailers who are growing but not earning at the level of hiring an accountant yet.

[@topstardetailing]

Hey Arthur… I would love to help you out, but I’m not in a position to be giving out legal tax advice. I would definitely consult with a licensed tax professional for that type of advice. If you’re just getting started and are a sole proprietor, licensed LLC you can go through turbo tax and it’s not too complicated… it tells you most of the things you can and can’t write off. Unless you have employees on a payroll then you should be able to use turbo tax for small business.

[@paullasseigne]

Looking at doing this when I retire in about a year from the postal service at 58 setting my own goals and expectations like you said you can be your own worst enemy that’s for the inspiration

[@topstardetailing]

@@paullasseigne 💯 happy new year Paul!

[@steadyballin876]

Thanks for this information greatly appreciated. Where do you get your shirts made from.

[@topstardetailing]

@@steadyballin876 Thanks for the feedback my friend! I get my shirts and other merchandise printed from vista print… you can pretty much print up anything on their site.

[@steadyballin876]

@ I have been looking for those shirts on vista print for the longest but can’t find them. I would like them for the summer. Could send me the link from vista print

[@topstardetailing]

@ it’s just a black Tshirt with my logo printed on it… u mean that material?

[@steadyballin876]

@ yes sir the materiel. It looks like some type of dry fit or mesh. Would be good for summer when I’m sweating lol

[@topstardetailing]

@ got ya! I’ll check my past orders later today when I get done working and let you know ;)

[@chausonharmon693]

The ability to reduce costs has a much higher scale of diminishing returns, much easier to expand the ability to make more. Good advice.

[@topstardetailing]

@@chausonharmon693 💯 you said it my friend! Happy New Year!

[@loganbelew4832]

Hey Jeff, awesome video again, I'm 20 years old and am exhausted after doing 2 details a day, you are on another level working that much🤣Also I want to get into paint correction soon along with my details so I am curious how did you learn it and how much practice and what practice helped you?

[@topstardetailing]

What’s up Logan? That’s awesome you’re getting into the business at a young age so you have time on your side. I watched probably about 50-100 hours of paint correction videos on KZbin and then started off on my own car, friends and family cars and then felt comfortable enough to work on customers cars. If you’re using a DA it’s not that hard to learn. I’m also fully insured so if anything went wrong im covered for any damages. Just take your time and focus on what you’re doing… follow the steps of the process and you’ll be ok.

[@DerekAnz]

Can’t wait to go to the oil rigs for a couple months to invest all the money into starting this buisness🤩

[@DerekAnz]

I have been writing every plan down and doing research for about a year now, only reason I’m barley starting now is because I had to wait to be 18 to go to the oil rigs

[@topstardetailing]

Good luck my friend! Hope you crush it! Be safe out there!

[@DerekAnz]

@@topstardetailingthank you, love the videos

[@topstardetailing]

@@DerekAnz 🤙🏽

[@aimplified6319]

I would love to know how you balance working so much and going to the gym and staying in shape.

[@topstardetailing]

@@aimplified6319 it’s not easy… I don’t get in there as much as id like to with my schedule, but I try to go when I can. Happy New Year brother! 🤙🏽

[@EdTheSurvivor0622]

God bless… great video…. Curious to know how you outsourced a web designer as well as your Seo..

[@topstardetailing]

I used one of the website builders that Wix recommended for the build and for the SEO company they actually reached out to me. I had spent alot of time researching SEO prior to hiring someone and felt comfortable with the team im using now. I can send you their info if you shoot me a DM on Instagram.

[@EdTheSurvivor0622]

@@topstardetailing will do:). Thanks for the info

[@EdTheSurvivor0622]

Top_star_detailing? Topstar_detailing or top_star_831?

[@topstardetailing]

@ the first one… you’ll see my logo ;)

[@BestInClassDetailing]

They old school Jeff, their mentality is different. You would always want to help out anyone that wants to be better. Heck if I can help you be better than me let’s go!

[@topstardetailing]

@@BestInClassDetailing 💯 great catching up with you brother! 🤙🏽

[@BestInClassDetailing]

@@topstardetailing likewise! Go to bed old man! 😜😂👊🏼👴🏼

[@thewiseguy390]

Im an electrical contractor out of Chicago and i love watching your videos. On that note you need to raise prices asap to almost double the rates or go into high ticket jobs. For how much work you do is not enough especially in vegas. You need to do less work for more pay. You charge 299 to detail a car for 3-4 hours and we charge that for a simple basic 45 minute service call. I know it's 2 different industries but just a friendly advice. The goal of the business is to have people work for you , not do the actual work ✌🏻

[@topstardetailing]

Thanks brother! Appreciate your feedback and support for the channel. I’ve been steadily increasing my prices every 6 months and just did another price increase… I’m pretty close to peak pricing for detailing services in the Vegas market and offer high ticket services like ceramic coatings as well. I’m working on it… planning on expanding with another mobile unit and helpers for 2025… gotta be a soldier before you become a general ;) Appreciate your input my friend! Happy New Year! 🤙🏽

[@Juicefree]

Lets goooo !!!!!!

[@topstardetailing]

@@Juicefree yeaahhhh buddy!!! Cheers 🤙🏽

[@jean_carlos_shells]

Sorry to hear about the arm fam

[@topstardetailing]

@@jean_carlos_shells 🖐️ all healed up now ;)

[@brianellison1424]

my bro wait until you discover a head lamp 🕯️ 5pm turns into just another number 🤫

[@topstardetailing]

@@brianellison1424 I have headlamps… just choose not to work in the dark ;)

[@brianellison1424]

@@topstardetailing350k next year or bust brooo

[@topstardetailing]

@ 😎

[@cutlasssupreme508]

Once you start falling asleep around your chemicals as you are prepping you are doing things.

[@topstardetailing]

@@cutlasssupreme508 😴 ☠️

[@cutlasssupreme508]

@topstardetailing I've learned to just take that nap then get back to prepping and diluting your money makers.

[@grenzle2428]

hey there. you said you take about 60% take home. could you break down why that is? im trying to wrap my head around 60-70k in expense and tax. thanks!!

[@topstardetailing]

Fuel, Insurance, Products/chemicals/equipment, uniforms, vehicle payments, taxes, marketing, SEO services, repairs, vehicle registration, LLC renewal and legal services, medical insurance, training, meals, rent, storage, spot free water... it all adds up to a lot of $$$ - at least if you're running a legit business

[@TheOutdoorDetailer]

Wow, no offense meant by this, but those are some horrible numbers to be honest. Assuming 49 weeks of work, and a 70 hour average, youre only billing 45 bucks an hour. The 90k you cleared means you've made 26 bucks an hour for basically killing yourself in the sun and working 10 and 12 hour days 6 and 7 days a week. Considering this would normally be a lot of OT work, youre really making the equivalent of like what, 20 bucks an hour after taxes? (Assuming the 90k mentioned was even after personal income taxes) if your average was more than 70 hours, those numbers drop significantly. 😢

[@topstardetailing]

@@TheOutdoorDetailer you are not working on cars every minute of the day… you have to factor in travel time driving around, doing maintenance and repairs, answering calls, texts, emails, sending quotes, restocking products/chemicals, washing towels, marketing/social media… etc My billing per hour rate is usually somewhere between $75-$150 hr depending on the service. Appreciate the input. Cheers

[@anthonysamaniego37]

I call bullshit he make 160 k show your bank statement

[@topstardetailing]

🙄 Believe whatever you want my guy

[@ShineLikeaProAZ]

As a professional detailer, I don't approve of this message

[@thatpointinlife]

What did you do before you got into detailing?

[@topstardetailing]

@@thatpointinlife I was a Director of Sales for a luxury brand, before that a Sales Director for high end health clubs, bartender in my younger years and used to own a jet ski rental business in Florida back in 90s.

[@SylversDetail]

Happy New Year Jeff!

[@topstardetailing]

@@SylversDetail Happy New Year brother! Cheers 🤙🏽