3 Things All Detailers Need To Make More Money - Top Star Auto Detailing

[@TheDelightDetailing]

Love the phone call conversations! Might not seem to help much but I find it very informative. Thanks Jeff!

[@topstardetailing]

@@TheDelightDetailing alot of people were asking me to include more phone calls so been trying to incorporate them into the videos when I can ;)

[@Brian-xn7ns]

Always providing very educational videos! Your business sense and communication is on another level Jeff, thanks for another great video!

[@topstardetailing]

@@Brian-xn7ns Thanks Brian 🙏 trying to get a little better each day. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving my friend!

[@Brian-xn7ns]

@ Thanks, you too Jeff!

[@JasonsLife303]

I love the jump pack you've got. It's a great idea and I'm sure it will make for some memorable moments with your customers. It's always good to have something that makes the customer remember you. That way the next time they need service you are at the top of their mind. Thanks for the quality content Jeff.

[@topstardetailing]

@@JasonsLife303 definitely comes in handy! Thanks Jason 🙏

[@angelonyt7886]

Always a good day when Jeff posts ! 🎉

[@topstardetailing]

@@angelonyt7886 thanks Angel! Hope you’re doing well… appreciate you 🙏

[@angelonyt7886]

@ the thanks goes to you Jeff ! I know it’s not easy making videos while working ! Have a good thanksgiving!

[@topstardetailing]

@ you too my man! Im looking forward to finally having a day off 🦃

[@angelonyt7886]

@ well you definitely deserve it Jeff ! I’ll see you in the next video !

[@topstardetailing]

@@angelonyt7886 I’ll probably end up detailing my own car and trailer that day… Im obsessed 😂

[@PolishedMobileDetailing503]

You can use clutch by shine supply to restore the black to those bed liners and sell it as upcharge. You apply it with an applicator pad like a wax. You can also use it to make those black TRd wheels look new again.

[@topstardetailing]

I’ll have to check that out… those TRD wheels are the worse they always look all faded and worn out.. appreciate the tip 🙏

[@geraldcamarillo2939]

Excellent information. Your a true pro.

[@topstardetailing]

@@geraldcamarillo2939 thanks Gerald! Appreciate your feedback 🙏

[@jamesjgtst]

I worked in car yards where we'd have to jump multiple cars daily. The little Noco jumps starters are awesome and would actually do a better job than the bigger ones that cost 4 times the price. Thanks for another great video!! 👍

[@topstardetailing]

@@jamesjgtst it works instantly too, it’s not like jumping off another car where you gotta sit there and let it crank for a minute… I have used it a few times already and love it! Thanks James! Appreciate your input 🙏

[@slickautostyling]

great sales tips 💪

[@topstardetailing]

@@slickautostyling Thanks brother 🤙🏽

[@moman100]

How often do clients book a service themselves online? Do you prefer they book online or do you prefer they call you and have you book it for them? Is it worth having the booking online option or would it be fine to leave it off so I can control my calendar?

[@topstardetailing]

@@moman100 I would say about 25% of my appointments are booked online directly through my website. Im good either way… online is nice because you will never have anyone asking about discounts or wanting to negotiate… all the info is there exactly what is included and the price is the price. They choose from your open availability and book. I also don’t mind booking appointments over the phone because I can answer any questions they may have and build a little bit of rapport with them before meeting them in person. I also have a pretty high close ratio on the phone… above 75%. I think it’s foolish not to have a book online option… you have to look at it as what is most convenient for the customer… what do they want? Not what you want You also have to understand that after covid everything changed… many people became extremely introverted and many people do not actually want to talk to people on the phone anymore… they want as little human contact as possible so they prefer to just look at your options online and book the service. Besides that you can still control your calendar… it’s really simple you just block off certain days/times hours if you need to. For example if I already have a 9am appointment scheduled for tomorrow but I open at 7am and I don’t want anyone to book earlier I can just go in and time block 7am - 9am on my calendar and now no one can book that time. If customers are going to your website and are unable to book online maybe they’ll pick up the phone and call… or maybe they won’t… maybe they just find another detailer like me that offers online booking. The goal is to make the booking process as easy as possible for them… FOR THEM, not you… whatever that may be. Just my opinion, hope this helps ;)

[@rdeh1678]

When i do a detailing job i always connect the car to a battery tender, another thing i have in my van is a vacuum sealer and i seal everything that belongs to a client that way i do not lose or forget stuff , The best purchase i ever did was buying a Fortador Pro max 4 in 1 i get so many clients just becuase they see this machine. I have a debit card machine supplied by my bank .Another great thing i carry is a stock of batteries for car remotes . And i use a service that web base that books all my jobs so i save time on the phone

[@topstardetailing]

I bag up the customers belongings as well, but don’t vacuum seal it.

[@garciasautomotivedetail5196]

A Jeff!! Way ahead of the game.

[@topstardetailing]

🤙🏽

[@johng753]

I tell the customer up front during the first contact that I accept Cash, Check or Zelle. I’ve had zero complaints. I hate paying credit card processing fees.

[@topstardetailing]

@@johng753 yeah I might start telling customers that my price is based on Cash or Zelle or it will be an additional 3% for CC payments in 2025. Thanks John… appreciate your input 🙏

[@TheOutdoorDetailer]

When people hand me the machine with tip screen options I almost always immediately select no tip. It feels like begging to me. The exception is sit down restaurants, and those people often screw themselves because the 20% might be 9 bucks and I would have given them 10 or 12 bucks instead.

[@topstardetailing]

@@TheOutdoorDetailer you gotta do what works best for you in your business… for me presenting multiple options to my customers doesn’t seem like begging at all and alot of them actually like that it calculates out the percentages for them so they don’t have to try to figure it out. No tip is an option, but I provide exceptional service and my customers usually tip accordingly to the service they receive. Appreciate the input. Cheers

[@PolishedMobileDetailing503]

I see the views and subs going up, keep working at it buddy !

[@topstardetailing]

Yeah, I like making the videos and sharing my journey so I’ll keep doing it either way, but it’s nice to see that some people are enjoying the content and getting some value from them. Appreciate your support my brother and hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

[@samisami5358]

I believe you need 2 when jumping diesel trucks. When I was selling cars we were told to plug both batteries in for diesel trucks with 2 batteries.

[@topstardetailing]

@@samisami5358 yeah possibly, not sure on that one

[@Erniepotts]

I use square for payments. They do instant pay which is nice for cash flow. They have a card read too.

[@topstardetailing]

@@Erniepotts 👍🏼

[@Luxe_express]

People have different definitions for Full Detail. Many think it includes shampoo so i make sure to quickly describe the package and let them know they can add shampoo as an add-on service if needed.

[@topstardetailing]

@@Luxe_express 💯 communication is key

[@pandamike209]

I always carry a jump box and and tire air tool to air up tires see it all time when I put tire shíne and there low on air makes them happy. And I do led headlights bulb swap by lasfit company. Tell people wen I do there headlights they have old bulbs hard to see so up sale that to man.

[@topstardetailing]

@@pandamike209 nice! That’s different! 👍🏼

[@cardinalprosoftwash]

This is an awesome video bro! 🤘🏾

[@topstardetailing]

Thank You brother… appreciate your feedback 🙏 Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

[@steadyballin876]

Man got customer service skills. Where and how can I get one of those credit machine for my business. I have the square plug in for my my phone but I like this one better

[@topstardetailing]

@@steadyballin876 Thanks brother 🙏 I will add the link for the CC machine PAX A920 below for you once I finish my details for the day ;)

[@mariol6095]

I also had an idea as looking to start detailing and gain some customers. Maybe take my personal vehicles to the local shopping center and start detailing it. I noticed you seem to always get people stopping by asking about your service when in a parking lot. Just a thought, what do you think?

[@topstardetailing]

@@mariol6095 I have a wrapped trailer that is basically like a giant mobile billboard and gets me alot of attention and business… if you are using a personal vehicle i would recommend investing in a quality sign to look more professional and stand out

[@christianmartinez7161]

Keep up the good work could you make a video explaining the maintenance package and how you pitch the idea to customers

[@topstardetailing]

@@christianmartinez7161 thanks brother! I have made a few videos talking about maintenance clients on more of a surface level already, but I will be launching the new LEGENDS community for detailers soon and we will offer weekly Q&A calls/videos where we can dive deeper into pitching the maintenance program ;)

[@AaronPJohnston1]

Just subscribed! Thank you for all your handy tips. I run my own little detailing business so appreciate this video! Will definitely add this service since I have the same jumpstarter! 😊

[@topstardetailing]

Thanks for the sub Aaron… appreciate your support for the channel 🙏 where are you based out of? That lil NOCO jumper comes in handy… I have used it a few times already!

[@AaronPJohnston1]

I'm based in Hobart Tasmania basically the closet island to Antarctica haha. Yeah definitely the best jump starter I have used.

[@topstardetailing]

@@AaronPJohnston1 it looks really beautiful there in Hobart, good quality of life! I love traveling maybe someday I’ll get to see it.

[@AaronPJohnston1]

Definitely worth coming! Plenty of sites to see and epic views and hikes!

[@iambobbyc]

Great content! I watch every video. It sounded like the military member was looking for a veteran or military discount. I’m curious if you or others offer that discount.

[@topstardetailing]

Thank You 🙏 The only discount I offer is my multi vehicle discount… multiple vehicles at same location at same time 10% off.

[@JoshJecklinDetailing]

That jumper is important! I try so hard not to kill clients batteries by running their engine during the detail periodically. Every once in awhile I still kill batteries. Some clients batteries are very low. I got that exact same tap machine and I have it setup to collect tips. I've done very well with it. but I think I'm going to take away the tip machine and just charge a higher price if at all. Almost everyone tips but I don't feel very professional asking for tips as a serious business. I would be tripping out if I went to a high end mechanic shop for a large service and they asked for a tip. I would think it was strange.

[@topstardetailing]

@@JoshJecklinDetailing yeah sometimes It happens and it’s not your fault… I have had a few customers where their batteries are old and almost dead so it definitely helps in those situations. I never ask for tips, it’s just an option they can select and usually do. Tips are not expected, but always appreciated. Unlike a mechanic which is a necessary service most people would classify detailing as a luxury service… like getting your hair or nails done, have your pet groomed…etc and it’s pretty common practice for people to tip for luxury services. My services are priced accordingly so I don’t count on them to survive, but always very grateful for anything extra.

[@kirkwilson5900]

​@@topstardetailingfacts here. Price accordingly meaning add your tip in so you're happy with your service pricing then stoked when they tip

[@topstardetailing]

@ exactly! Most of my customers usually tip me pretty well… especially my regular clients

[@bigmario7065]

Awesome video 👍, You have any videos on how to clean headlights and trim restoration? What kind of trim restorer do you use?

[@topstardetailing]

@@bigmario7065 Thanks Mario! not yet, but maybe I’ll do one in the future ;) I use mothers back to black or Koch chemie plastar

[@ryanhansen7]

How accurate are you on knowing if they will call back to book or not? I bet you’re right at least 3/4 of the time.

[@topstardetailing]

@@ryanhansen7 yeah id say that’s pretty close about 75% of the time ;)

[@BenAndrade-l1d]

Top Star! Can we get a polishing vid next? God bless

[@topstardetailing]

@@BenAndrade-l1d filming another round of videos in December and will try to work that in ;) Have a great Thanksgiving Ben! Cheers

[@mariol6095]

Do you ever run into spots like the shopping centers where they tell you you can't detail the cars there? Also, I noticed you took or showed taking more calls than past videos. Do you factor that in to yourself when thinking about the time it's gonna take to complete a detail about taking potential calls? Hope that made sense😅

[@topstardetailing]

@@mariol6095 it depends on the shopping center… if they have security patrols it’s usually a no go but otherwise you’re ok. Taking phone calls is top priority and supersedes everything else… it’s new potential customers reaching out to you for free. I take and book calls all day long and still get the job done on time ;)

[@Homewithdaddy]

If you did an interior detail then most likely you were the culprit of the flat battery. I've had cars battery's drain after detailing for half an hour with no electric's on just the doors open. A good thing to do is to start the vehicle every 1 hour if you can and run it for a few minutes and do one final check when you finish the interior. If the vehicles battery is flat you can jump it before you go and recommend they get a new battery. Battery may last around 4 years can be much longer and also a bad battery can fail way shorter too. Like the credit card machine. i think having a physical machine with the tip option will definitely get more tips for you compared to not having one. The charge you get you can write off in the taxes.

[@topstardetailing]

@@Homewithdaddy I definitely finished it off, but she said that battery was almost 10 years old so it was due for a replacement anyway. She was actually really glad that it died in her driveway vs while she was out on the road somewhere. AAA came out and swapped it out for her. Yeah I love that CC machine! I use it every day. Cheers 😎

[@Homewithdaddy]

Ten years old that you have it. A lot of people are unaware of how long these things last. Another easy good service you can do if you don’t if air filter changes. Had a 14 year old vehicle customer that they never knew had one/suppose to change. I sometimes check them especially if I offer a cabin air flow freshener . Only hard part would be having the customer purchase or you do with a deposit. But most the time those things are filthy

[@ProjectGreenfieldSolutions]

Hey Jeff, Got a question about the towing capacity of your vehicle and the enclosed trailer w/ the 100 gallon water tank. What is your vehicle towing capacity? What is the weight of the trailer? Weight of the equipment in the trailer? How much wiggle room do you have regarding these numbers?

[@topstardetailing]

@@ProjectGreenfieldSolutions my BMW X5 has a 7200lb towing capacity… not sure the weight of the trailer with everything inside but I would estimate it to be about half the towing capacity. It pulls it around quite easily

[@ProjectGreenfieldSolutions]

@ thank you sir!

[@topstardetailing]

@ 🤙🏽

[@luisreyes4294]

Do you include engine bay on any of those packages?

[@topstardetailing]

@@luisreyes4294 hey Luis! It’s not included… it would be a $60 add on service to either my express or executive package

[@steadyballin876]

For all you guys that work close to a military installation. If you need to get on the base ask the client if they can get you a visitor pass. FYI

[@topstardetailing]

@@steadyballin876 that’s good to know! I didn’t think they would allow it and figured you probably had to meet them somewhere close by. Appreciate your input 🙏

[@m.p.3492]

@@topstardetailing Military bases actually don’t allow it. At least in the fashion he mentioned. What you can do though and call their community service (for instance the Marine Corps uses MCCS on all installations) and request information on how to gain access to the base with a vendor pass. They may allow it but expect for them to charge you a flat rate or percentage of the service you provide. I personally think it would be better for someone starting and trying to build clientele.

[@topstardetailing]

@ thanks for the advice my brother! I think I will just pass on any of those… too complicated and im already busy enough. Appreciate your input! 🤙🏽

[@ySkippy]

What is the Card Processor you're using? (edit) I found it it's the A920MAX by PAX I believe, for those wondering

[@topstardetailing]

Yes, that’s the one ☝️ Pax A920 it was around $500-$600 but I love it and every day!

[@Damianconklin]

Hey Jeff! What’s the make of your enclosed trailer, thank you!!

[@topstardetailing]

@@Damianconklin it’s a 5x10 Interstate Victory… Bought it at trailers plus www.trailersplus.com

[@sandiashinecollc2665]

I use Jobber for all my payments and just send the invoice over after we do our final inspection with the client. Or, close the invoice if they want to pay cash or check. Processing fees as just a cost of doing business to me so it's baked into the expenses of the service being provided.

[@topstardetailing]

@@sandiashinecollc2665 hey brother! Yeah those processing fees add up after a while, I’m currently eating the cost on that too, but may start charging for it in 2025

[@lacquerhead6938]

My brain tells me to expose the rock chip with the pressure washer. I worked in body shops for over 10 years, and it was my job to expose defects like rock chips or paint jobs that are poorly done. I would try to get the paint to pop off with a compressed air gun and literally tapping the metal tip of the air gun into the rock chips to help any loose paint to pop off. If the paint was factory or was painted, by an actual professional it would hold up perfectly fine but if the paint was sprayed by a weekend warrior or something like a miracle paint job you could actually watch the paint just peel of the car. The paint that would hold up to the blow gun test we would paint over, but if anything failed the test, we would strip the whole panel down to metal and start fresh. Dirt builds up in rock chips, then the dirt holds water like a sponge, and then it starts to rust. A rock chip with rust under the paint will lift more paint around the chips even if it's the best paint. That's why I would want to shoot the rock chips if it was my car, but obviously, don't do it to a customer 😅. My point is that a rock chip usually has some loose paint that will hold more dirt than if you hit it with compressed air. Obviously if you noticed the rock chip before it had time to get contaminated with dirt you can try putting some super glue under the lifted paint and then do a touch up to seal the exposed metal but that would have to be a big impact to do all of that. I just wouldn't want to touch up over trapped dirt because it could continue to rust under the touch up paint. Simple rules like that make the paint last a long time

[@topstardetailing]

@@lacquerhead6938 that KZbin handle lacquerhead is perfect for you! It sounds like you know your stuff when it comes to working with paint and auto body! Just curious… Did you make the switch from auto body into detailing for work now? Thanks for sharing your input and I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

[@lacquerhead6938]

@topstardetailing Happy Thanksgiving! I love auto detailing and I just do it a little on the side for friends and family right now. There's a lot to learn because I've never used all these products they have nowadays. All I've used was water and dawn dish soap for the paint because it strips the grease for the least amount of money and then only used a vacuum for the carpet and then wiped down the interior with a wet microfiber😅. I have been using 303 protectant since before I started auto body but that's it. I'm testing some new products but it's hard to know if they are the best until you try them all. Auto body was easy to find the best products compared to the auto detailing products. Thanks for your videos 👍

[@thomasgrant5872]

Where do you get that Credit Card Machine? From your bank? How much do they charge per transaction? A fee or percentage? I try to keep my expenses low so I have customers pay cash, or through apps like Zelle, or Apple Pay.

[@topstardetailing]

@@thomasgrant5872 Bank of America… i think it’s like $3 per transaction

[@korierm74]

What business sells deionized water? I googled for my location in NC and pool companies or companies that sell the filtration systems came up.

[@topstardetailing]

@@korierm74 have you tried reaching out to other detailers in your area and asking them where they got their water?

[@korierm74]

@topstardetailing I will try that. I didn't know if certain types of businesses sold it or if there were actually companies that specialize in this. Networking locally may be my best bet in this case

[@topstardetailing]

@ I struggled with the same problem when I started, they are a pain in the ass to find… fastest way is going to be asking other detailers that’s what I did :)

[@chausonharmon693]

I wouldnt take that Tacoma customer who called. You can already tell they dont want to pay for high quality service.

[@topstardetailing]

@@chausonharmon693 yeah it didn’t work out on that one… couldn’t fit him into my schedule and he needed it done before he shipped it, but I agree with you in that he didn’t sound like he wanted to spend that much money either… sounded more like he wanted the executive package for the express price.

[@Andys.Mobile.Detailing]

I actually buy them a new battery through Orilleys and then sell the battery under my commercial account

[@topstardetailing]

@@Andys.Mobile.Detailing 👍🏼

[@BestInClassDetailing]

Tap on phone w/text or email receipt. Also accept Zelle, and checks.

[@topstardetailing]

@@BestInClassDetailing 👍🏼

[@BestInClassDetailing]

I usually charge the client with that service processing fee

[@topstardetailing]

@@BestInClassDetailing just curious…do you ever get pushback on it for charging the fee?

[@BestInClassDetailing]

@ yes of course but I let them know prior to making the appt with all the payment forms I take. I don’t tell them last minute that wouldn’t be fair. That way they have more than enough time in advance how they would like to pay.

[@topstardetailing]

@ makes sense 👍🏼

[@DerekAnz]

How do you still have time to go to the gym when you start working so early

[@topstardetailing]

@@DerekAnz I don’t in the summer, I work 7am-7pm so summer is my offseason for gym…. I train in the winter since it gets dark at 5pm ;)

[@DerekAnz]

@@topstardetailing smart

[@topstardetailing]

@ 💪

[@brandonbaker2281]

3 hours for a 3 row!? Are your vehicles even dirty!? lol. My crew of two average 3-4 hours for a full detail on a 3 row. We live in the Midwest so theres no shortage of dirt.

[@topstardetailing]

I have a very efficient process I follow and aside from taking a few minutes for drink breaks once I start im in the zone. If it’s extremely dirty or there is pet hair I will bill them for an additional hour if I need to, but im usually good with 3 hours of non stop work ;)

[@TheMobileDetailShop1296]

All other business ad three percent for credit cards

[@topstardetailing]

Yeah I might need to start doing that in 2025 ;)

[@juananddonepropertymainten2259]

Dodn't offer that, if you jump start and do it wrong or can go down to hell. $$$$$ just offer to replace a battery for$50 they buy the battery. Extra change

[@topstardetailing]

@@juananddonepropertymainten2259 do it wrong how? The red goes on red the black goes on black and you push the jump button…. You’re already dealing with a dead battery so it’s not like you’re going to mess it up. It’s not worth the gas, time and energy to get another battery and replace it… you’re essentially losing money at $50 on that way.

[@ericthegamer92]

I let the customer pay the fee im not going to pay for that.. I let them know cash is this price with card it's fee plus Taxes

[@topstardetailing]

@@ericthegamer92 yeah I might start charging the processing fee in 2025… they add up after while! Some states you do not have to charge sales tax on service based business… In Nevada it’s only if you are selling products.

[@ericthegamer92]

@topstardetailing true that well I'm in California you know tax is must out here

[@topstardetailing]

@ actually I don’t think there tax on service based businesses in CA either, I know alot of detailers there. Google it… pretty sure it’s only on manufactured goods and products.

[@DJJDSKREWED]

You need a sectary haha all that time on the phone don't make any money. Time is money.

[@topstardetailing]

@@DJJDSKREWEDl😂 I have enough work already and make really good money… I like keeping my overhead as low as possible as a solo entrepreneur… less headaches to deal with.

[@samisami5358]

@@topstardetailingno one better to answer the phone than the owner who loves and is invested in the business. You would need someone who understands the business to be able to guide a customer the right way. Someone answering the phone wrong and or confusing the customer can yield bad reviews.

[@topstardetailing]

@ I 💯 percent agree my friend!

[@noelmartinez2396]

Start excepting crypto

[@topstardetailing]

@@noelmartinez2396 maybe someday, the ease of transfer is not quite there yet and they also have fees.

[@universalask]

On that tipping BS. 😅 smdh.

[@topstardetailing]

@@universalask ? Not sure I understand your comment

[@universalask]

@ ignore that comment I was drinking lol