How I Grew To $12k/Month First Year Detailing - Top Star Auto Detailing

[@charpe197charpentier9]

I've known Jeff for over 40 yrs. Always puts his full effort into everything... his health, his family, his business, everything. If you want to learn this business, he's the man!

[@topstardetailing]

@@charpe197charpentier9 thanks bro! I appreciate the kind words and your support 🙏

[@smoke5ohhh894]

His health idk about that he on steroids😂

[@topstardetailing]

@@smoke5ohhh894 yeah buddy I eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner all my life since I was a teenager… 🤡 you should get off your computer and go to the gym sometime… you’d be surprised what you can accomplish

[@smoke5ohhh894]

@@topstardetailing lmao funny how you think you know people I workout 5 times a week, but I’m the clown and who uses a computer to watch KZbin this the new generation buddy.

[@smoke5ohhh894]

@@topstardetailingyour on steroids bro there is no way you aren’t bro

[@alexcastrillo938]

Can’t wait to see your channel grow

[@topstardetailing]

Thank You Alex! Appreciate your support :)

[@alexcastrillo938]

#1000 baby congrats keep doing your thing brother

[@topstardetailing]

@@alexcastrillo938 You Rock!!! 😎 Thanks brother!!!! Appreciate you so much 🙏 New video dropping tomorrow morning ;)

[@damonsmith2718]

Love the content. Ill mention the fact that you have great attention to detail and you do a superb job is also why your business is exploding. Keep up the great work.

[@topstardetailing]

@@damonsmith2718 thank you! Appreciate your feedback! 🙏

[@jon7523]

Just became his 500 sub! Love to support other detailers, especially ones like Jeff who are killing it!

[@topstardetailing]

@@jon7523 thank you so much… I appreciate the support 🙏

[@troywhitton7658]

Great to see another “Old Guy” doing detailing. I’m 50 and been doing this as a weekend project for friends and family for years. Ever thought of using a 10x10 or 10x15 pop up tent to get you and your vehicle’s some shade while detailing?

[@topstardetailing]

@@troywhitton7658 yes but it’s very difficult here in Vegas… it’s the high desert and really strong wind gusts come out of nowhere sometimes so you have to weight it down HEAVILY or run the risk of it getting blown into someone’s vehicle. We definitely running on that upper end of the age spectrum my friend, but we still getting after it hard! Cheers brother

[@LifeRecoveryWellness]

We drove to town and my truck was looking trashed. Jeff made our baby look like new. I highly recommend his service.

[@topstardetailing]

@@LifeRecoveryWellness thank you! Appreciate the feedback 🙏

[@orlandos_detail]

I'm moving next year to vegas and going to be detailing out there! Keep up the good work!

[@topstardetailing]

@@orlandos_detail right on man! Where are you moving from?

[@orlandos_detail]

@@topstardetailing delano california

[@rascal5241]

Jeff I wish I could venture to Vegas from the East coast and work as your 2nd man. I would love to learn from someone like you in person, but I am getting it online through this channel because you give a shit about other humans. I appreciate you man 👊

[@topstardetailing]

@@rascal5241 hit me up, if you come out to Vegas… I need some good help! Appreciate your support for the channel 🙏 Cheers brother!

[@stellarpool5038]

Crazy man, a years gone by. Here is to killing it out there. Proud to call you a close friend man. Keep up the hard work brother.

[@topstardetailing]

I was inspired by your successful journey in the pool business and watching you absolutely crush it!!!

[@ryanalfred3497]

awesome content man, could you make a video on how to talk to potencial client on the phone and give us some tips since your close rate is so high! maybe even record some calls and leave out sensitive info of course but that would be really helpful

[@topstardetailing]

@@ryanalfred3497 you got it my friend! There will be a video coming soon with that info and live footage of me taking calls as well as talking to customers in person. Thank you for your input, appreciate you… stay tuned ;)

[@thesamuelrobinson]

I would be super interested in this as well!

[@topstardetailing]

@@thesamuelrobinson coming soon! ;)

[@ArthurMSoto]

Share some phone tips! Love the channel so far

[@topstardetailing]

@@ArthurMSoto Thank You Arthur, appreciate your feedback 🙏 I have a video coming soon with a live call with a customer. I would also like to do a bunch more customer calls, but it can be challenging to capture them on video because most of the time there’s no one there to record me taking the calls… working on it though.

[@CPrideC]

Amazing! You've had quite a journey! Congrats on your success. 🔥🔥🔥

[@topstardetailing]

Thank You! Yes… it’s been quite an adventure so far. Will be releasing a new video every week so stay tuned to see what’s next. :))

[@jessewilliams875]

Awesome! Looking forward to more videos!

[@topstardetailing]

@@jessewilliams875 thanks Jesse! Will be releasing a new one every week moving forward… stay tuned ;)

[@mauriciorodriguez7154]

What’s going on Jeff. I’m in the Palm Desert Coachella Valley area. Heat is brutal out here man. This July was killer. Stay hydrated man.

[@topstardetailing]

@@mauriciorodriguez7154 yeah I think it might be even a little hotter over there where you’re at! That heat wave we had that lasted weeks was terrible… I absolutely love detailing in the nice weather, but that was like just being in pure survival mode! When your customers are asking you- are you sure you’re not going to die out here today? And you’re like I hope not, imma send you my review link now just in case 😝

[@ocshine.detailing]

.. love the attitude & straightforwardness.

[@topstardetailing]

Thanks 🙏 I will always keep it real 💯

[@mariol6095]

Did you start with top notch equipment or buy the cheaper stuff and then upgraded?

[@topstardetailing]

@@mariol6095 I made a very detailed business plan and made the decision to go all in on it from the start… so I went with the best equipment I could afford at the time and jumped in from nothing to full time ALL IN.

[@mariol6095]

Man, Im 51 and currently doing all kinds of research on products and things get started.. Do you think it will be harder to get people to bring their vehicles to you versus being mobile? I got quite a few businesses around me and was gonna approach employees and tell them where im at and see if theyd be willing to drop off their car for a wash and vacuum. Also, I just wanna start with doing just a nice car wash and interior vaccuming with proper equipment. Would you suggest that for someone starting out?

[@topstardetailing]

@@mariol6095 In my opinion I think drop off will be much harder to get clients… even with a shop. Most people do not want to take time out of their day have to drive somewhere sit in traffic and then have to get a ride home and back to pick up their car or stand around and wait… people paying for these types of luxury services want the convenience and would much rather have you come to them. Mobile is the way to go! I also think you need to be able to offer the full service details not just basic wash and vacuum… you can get those type of customers, but you won’t be able to charge much money for basic type wash/vacuum and you will be working for very little money… you just can’t build a sustainable business model like that unless you are charging enough money to make a decent profit… unless it’s just like a weekend side hustle for you and you’re ok with just making a few extra bucks here and there. Not sure what your experience with detailing is, but maybe do a few cars for friends and family first for whatever they are comfortable paying you with just the basics and see how you like it before investing a bunch of money into it. Or you could even just get an interest list going… ask your list of employees, friends, family first… “hey would you be interested in getting your car detailed sometime?” “How much would you be willing to pay for it?” “Would you be willing to drop your car off?” It’s a good temperature gauge for you to get an idea of if any of those people you are thinking of as potential customers would even be interested before you go buying products and equipment. I will say this- is if those are the only people you plan on offering services to then it won’t be enough… probably only a few people will say yes, out of those yes’s only a couple will actually follow through on it and once they’re done then what? Please understand…Im in no way trying to neg you out, but just want to set some realistic expectations for you. Wish you the best of luck… let me know what you end up doing and how it goes.

[@horizon2349]

What's the best way for you in that hot Nevada sun to prevent hard water staining on the vehicle.

[@topstardetailing]

@@horizon2349 spray the panels down with water first before applying foam and only use deionized spot free water… the tap water here is terrible and will leave hard water spots.

[@willkrueger3524]

Crushing it…working outside as your own boss! Living the dream!

[@topstardetailing]

@@willkrueger3524 it’s alot of work, not all sunshine and rainbows, but it’s very rewarding and fulfilling being your own boss for sure. I have no regrets about the decision. Hit me up if you’re in Vegas sometime! Cheers

[@1234ahhh1]

Two questions.. How do you keep the sunspots off the cars while washing in direct sunlight? I thought that was a no- no.. And do you take vacations? If so, how often?

[@topstardetailing]

Only use deionized spot free water, cool the panels before apply the soap and work quickly and you should be ok. I usually take a couple weeks off per year, but I work 6-7 days a week all day pretty consistently... I work alot, but I enjoy the grind ;)

[@thesamuelrobinson]

Hey man, great video! I'm just curious because you're pretty relaxed while washing the vehicle in the heat/sun. Doesn't the soap dry on the vehicle? Is that a problem or nah?

[@topstardetailing]

@@thesamuelrobinson great question… it can be at times, depending on time of day and how hot it is outside as well as the color of the vehicle. This was a little earlier in the day so not too bad, black or darker paint you have to work much faster because the panels get really hot fast. I have a video coming out of me doing a matte black car in direct sun and the difference coming soon! It is absolutely necessary to only use deionized spot free water here in Vegas because the tap water is terrible and will leave water spots. I GSF foam to be the best for working in the hot sun because it is PH neutral and rinses off easily and clean without leaving any residue/dried soap behind… provided it’s not sitting out there too long left unattended. Last summer when I was new and just learning I was not so relaxed, but now after detailing hundreds of all different types of vehicles in the triple digit Vegas summer temps I have a good understanding of what you can and can’t get away with and am much more comfortable with it. Thanks for asking… great comment!

[@thesamuelrobinson]

@@topstardetailing This is a very detailed and helpful response; thank you! I use Meguiars Gold Class. Based on your response, would I be correct in assuming that even if it dries a little, if I rinse it off within 5-10 minutes, everything should be fine?

[@topstardetailing]

@@thesamuelrobinson I can’t speak from experience using that particular product and the results may vary depending on the temperature outside, the temperature of the panels, the color of the paint…etc I wouldn’t go more than a few minutes to play it safe if it’s really hot. Another helpful tip would be to spray the car down really well before applying the soap… while the soap might not stick as well with it wet you can cool the panels down significantly by spraying it down first. I do this alot in extremely hot weather. Most of the time soap residue will come off anyway, it just makes more work for you having to deal with it later so best to avoid if possible. There will be another more detailed video released soon with detailing in direct sun on a black vehicle ;)

[@BestInClassDetailing]

What’s up man!? Congrats on your KZbin channel! Stay cool out there im sure it’s brutal! Hit me up when you come back to H2O!

[@topstardetailing]

@@BestInClassDetailing thanks brother! Yeah I’m definitely ready for fall season and the weather to cool back down a bit… it’s been rough out here in the Vegas heat 🔥

[@MDMAHMUDULHASANk]

Awesome!

[@topstardetailing]

Thanks!

[@autodetailingbyfabian]

Love this video

[@topstardetailing]

@@autodetailingbyfabian thank you… really appreciate your feedback 🙏

[@SPIN_89]

I’ve heard it beneficial to only have a couple options for the customer to choose from but your site has like, over 10 options. What would you say are your top 3 sellers?

[@topstardetailing]

@@SPIN_89 I’m not sure what you mean by my site has over 10 options? I have 2 different levels of packages express or executive and then under each one you can select exterior only, interior only, or full (both). If you count all those as separate packages it would be 6 total options, but only 2 different levels. The rest are individual add on services like, engine bay, headlight restoration, trim restoration…etc but those are add ons not separate detail packages. But I agree and believe you should keep it as simple as possible otherwise people will get confused if there are too many options.

[@topstardetailing]

@@SPIN_89 my most popular option is the express full detail

[@SPIN_89]

Got it! That makes sense. I dig it. Thanks for the response 👍🏼

[@Aerosmith1213]

What are your tips and tricks on reducing lower back pain after leaning over and crouching during a longer detail? I saw your use of a bucket to sit while detailing wheels which is a great help.

[@topstardetailing]

The bucket is a necessity for me... I'm not gonna lie man, I'm 50 and I'm sore AF pretty much all the time... Ibuprofen and stay super hydrated is my best advice, maybe try to stretch once in a while... I barely have time to eat so im lucky if I can get in a few minutes of stretching.

[@Aerosmith1213]

@@topstardetailing the response is much appreciated. I’m 40 and glad to know I’m not the only one aching after a long detail. Thank you for the advice. Keep up the great work. Your videos are excellent!

[@topstardetailing]

@@Aerosmith1213 detailing is definitely rough on the body… I usually do 4-5 cars a day so im pretty used to it by now, I have no trouble falling asleep at night though 😝 Glad you’re enjoying the videos, got a bunch more coming… appreciate your support 🙏

[@sidVargas949]

What is your monthly maintenance program? Im interested in starting that for re-occurring

[@topstardetailing]

@@sidVargas949 basically just 50% off my express full detail package as long as the vehicle is serviced on a monthly or bi-weekly basis

[@sidVargas949]

@@topstardetailing thank you

[@topstardetailing]

@@sidVargas949 happy to answer questions anytime… I have a video coming out soon on maintenance clients and fleet accounts/ reoccurring revenue for your business

[@mariol6095]

What about when its over 100 and water and soap dry quickly? Whats your method?

[@topstardetailing]

Great question! First spray the panels off to cool them down as much as possible... only use spot free deionized water & work as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Rinse the soap off as soon as possible, don't let it sit any longer than necessary... like don't go take a phonecall or go check your Instagram while there is still soap on the car. Appreciate your comment!

[@RoyalAutoDetailing-mr7qd]

Love the set up how much did it cost

[@topstardetailing]

@@RoyalAutoDetailing-mr7qd thanks bro! All in just over 20K with the trailer, wrap and all the equipment and products. It was a great feeling to finally make my dream set up a reality!

[@JesusHernandez-gp1vn]

How do you wash cars in the blazing heat?? 😂 keep up the great work!

[@topstardetailing]

@@JesusHernandez-gp1vn not gonna lie… working outside in Vegas in July & August is brutal, especially when you hit that 110 -120 degree range! I’m definitely ready for fall and the cooler weather again.

[@hippopotimusstew]

What are your thoughts on using rinseless instead of foaming soap?

[@topstardetailing]

@@hippopotimusstew The only time I really ever use rinse less wash is if im detailing vehicles that are on display in showroom type venues where I can’t get access to with my trailer, but other than that I foam it up and then hand wash. What about you? What method do you prefer?

[@hippopotimusstew]

@@topstardetailingI usually foam but am considering switching to rinseless if it’s more efficient and still effective. Wanted your thoughts since you have a lot of experience. Thanks

[@topstardetailing]

@@hippopotimusstew I think rinseless can be useful for vehicles that are not too dirty, but if they have a significant amount of dirt on them I would recommend foaming and hand washing. Really depends on the condition of the vehicle… but I do think customers enjoy the foam show and it attracts attention where other people will come up and start asking about quotes for detailing…etc it’s always a plus when you can pick up more jobs from the one you’re currently on ;)

[@JesusHernandez-gp1vn]

I usually do Rinseless washes on bi-weekly Maintenance cars. And Cars that aren’t that dirty. It’s super convenient and quick. Does the job. Something to think about. Optimum No Rinse is a great Rinseless. Highly recommended. But keep up the awesome work!

[@topstardetailing]

@@JesusHernandez-gp1vn yes, I would agree with you on that… bi-weekly garage kept vehicles ONR does the job.

[@droiduser0202]

Sharp guy. It’s easy to tell this isn’t your first rodeo when it comes to starting a business.

[@topstardetailing]

Thank You my friend... appreciate the comment! Not my first, but my first successful one! I was too young and wasn't ready in my skill set before and failed, but I applied what I learned from those failures and have a much better understanding of things this time around.

[@droiduser0202]

@@topstardetailing That’s usually how it goes. The way I see it is you either succeed or you learn.

[@topstardetailing]

@@droiduser0202 💯 that’s a great way to look at it!

[@sadboyloco8447]

When you mention setting up your webpage and Google page correctly so you don’t have to spend money on ads. How do you set up your Google page and your website correctly? And did you hire a marketing team to do that for you?

[@topstardetailing]

Great Question!!! What I mean by that is this - your google page & website are going to be the 2 most important things when it comes to organic growth. It is very important that both are functioning at the highest capacity possible to maximize SEO. In order for this to happen you need to have consistency between both. Google - when setting up your GMB page you want to be sure to fill in ALL of the information not just certain sections. You can look at mine as reference. You want all of your products & services with description, high quality attention grabbing photos of your work, you want to consistently be adding updates and new photos at least on a weekly basis, you want to consistently be getting new 5 star reviews. Website - have a professional design & build your website it shouldn't cost more than $1500 -$2000 max but it is worth every penny to have it done professionally. Most website designers/builders are not going to optimize the code on the back pages of your website for this you will need to hire a company that specializes in website SEO and again should not cost more than $1500 - $2000max but these are 2 totally different things and you need both. Website designers/builders build your site to look aesthetic and function properly to take bookings and provide the necessary info to your customers in a way that should be easy for them to navigate and schedule appointments they will put everything into place on the front pages of your site (what customers see)where it needs to go to operate smoothly. The SEO company will write in the code and add the keywords to the back pages of your site (what the google bots see when they are crawling the web for information). Everything on your GMB page should match your website and social media platforms - your hours of operation, the way your name of your company reads must be exactly the same on all platforms, your services... everything should be consistent across all the platforms. Google page is free and you can do it all on your own. Website - unless you are an expert at building websites and SEO optimization I would strongly recommend hiring a professional to provide these services... yes it costs money, but it is also going to be what makes you money. You need both for SEO to work at the highest level and it will take a few months from the time you do it to the time the SEO starts functioning. Hope this helps... would you like us to make a video on this topic?

[@sadboyloco8447]

@@topstardetailing thank you. That was nicely said, this is exactly why I subscribed to the channel. I think a video on that would be really helpful to a lot of others as well.

[@topstardetailing]

@@sadboyloco8447 you got it my friend! Cheers

[@sadboyloco8447]

@@topstardetailing Jeff, would you be able to recommend me a good company I could contact for monthly SEO?

[@topstardetailing]

@@sadboyloco8447 yes, I have one that I use and also know a couple of other detailers that have seen good results with the same company. Shoot me a DM on instagram and I will send you the info later once I’m done working and get settled in.

[@ulrich4647]

when do have the time to go to the gym??

[@topstardetailing]

@@ulrich4647 in the winter when it starts getting dark at 5pm. Im lucky to go a couple times a month in the summer, but detailing is like doing 8-10 hours of cardio a day

[@chausonharmon693]

Jeff is runnin some Winstrol to get that ripped up.

[@topstardetailing]

@@chausonharmon693 😂 yeah all my life! Detail for 10-12 hours a day in the Vegas heat and see how ripped you get ;)

[@matsudakodo]

A question I have: have you ever had police or a store/mall owner give you trouble for washing a car in a public location?

[@topstardetailing]

Not the police, but mall security has a very strict policy against working on their property and I have been asked to leave before.

[@chausonharmon693]

You do it Jeff

[@topstardetailing]

@@chausonharmon693 I’m trying :))

[@chausonharmon693]

@@topstardetailing You ll do well, them gainz didn’t come by not pushing dat weight so there is no way you won’t make it

[@topstardetailing]

@@chausonharmon693 yeah been training since I was 16 years old… 50 now so it’s a lifestyle for me. Trying to be as disciplined with the business as I have been in the gym. Cheers bro!

[@nukeylv]

where in town do you get the water supply?? any locations near centennial

[@topstardetailing]

@@nukeylv my normal go to spots are 1. Spot Free Water on Spencer st near airport 2. The Detail Shop on Sahara & Durango 3. Clean Mart Sahara & Decatur My system can also make its own spot free water if I run out and need to fill up at a clients house.

[@nukeylv]

@@topstardetailing appreciate it! love the set up btw

[@joedouglas2736]

Should have been called the Johnny bravo details 🤣🤣

[@topstardetailing]

@@joedouglas2736 😂 yeah but im missing the hair bro!!! Just an old baldy scrubbing cars! Cheers

[@GodsWiLL1974]

What is the name of your vacuum and where can I Get one????

[@topstardetailing]

@@GodsWiLL1974 it’s called Vacumaid… I got mine at H2O auto detail supply. Some shops carry them, but you can also get it on amazon too for around $400 it’s pricey, but it works great!

[@timothytarver9093]

Hard working & wise man. ❤

[@topstardetailing]

@@timothytarver9093 thanks Timothy! I love what I do and im always trying to learn and level up my game!

[@DJMEDIC671]

Hey Jeff are you interested in meeting up maybe some lunch and discuss some questions I may have as a noob?

[@topstardetailing]

I wish I had time to cut out for lunch ;) Call me anytime between 7am - 7pm 702-236-1357 happy to help

[@perfectautodetails917]

Who thought you the SEO part of it?

[@topstardetailing]

@@perfectautodetails917 mostly just spent hours researching it on KZbin. There is a guy that has a KZbin channel called Mindsaw that has some really great content on SEO optimization I picked up alot from watching his content if you want to check it out. There are a few other good ones as well