Between here and the Facebook group, I’ve seen some posts from users about wanting to start detailing for money. This got me thinking about the “pro” versus the “amateur” on a few levels.
One level is the results that can be achieved. Quite honestly, an amateur can achieve the same results as a pro. It may take them longer in most cases to achieve, but it’s certainly possible.
The biggest reason for this time difference is usually knowledge of the process and the tools and resources available. An experienced detailer usually has seen enough situations to be able to visually determine a process. At the very least they can come close to what’s needed as an educated guess. That’s less time spent guessing and realizing what doesn’t work and more time getting to what does work.
Another big difference is that the pro usually has more products at their disposal. If you look on my shelf, you’ll find multiple wheel cleaners, waxes, polishes, compounds, pads, etc. We don’t use them all on every job, but when we need them we have them in stock and ready to go.
This brings us back to knowledge of the processes. The pro has usually established a routine and it’s been honed down considerably to be efficient. The efficiency comes from the repeated application of the process. We don’t just do this a few times a year. We do it frequently and we are often in search of the most effective ways. The more effective we are, the more money we make. If we waste time on steps, we waste money. Both in terms of the job itself, but also on the next job coming in.
And the biggest difference between the pro and the amateur...tools and equipment. Our workspace is set up with a multitude of equipment that the majority simply doesn’t have access too.
Off the top of my head we have:
- a lift
- five polishers
- steamer
- hot water extractor
- blower
- air compressor
- paint gauges
- extensive lighting
- multiple pads of differing types and sizes
That’s just off the top of my head right now. So for every situation, we have a tool that helps make it that much easier. It doesn’t mean it can’t be done without them, but it’s a time/effort equation.
So the amateur can achieve the same results. There’s rarely some deep, dark secret in the detailing world. It’s just patience and experience that separates us. And even at that, we can all learn from each other, pro and amateur alike!
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shane@detailedreflections
Between here and the Facebook group, I’ve seen some posts from users about wanting to start detailing for money. This got me thinking about the “pro” versus the “amateur” on a few levels.
One level is the results that can be achieved. Quite honestly, an amateur can achieve the same results as a pro. It may take them longer in most cases to achieve, but it’s certainly possible.
The biggest reason for this time difference is usually knowledge of the process and the tools and resources available. An experienced detailer usually has seen enough situations to be able to visually determine a process. At the very least they can come close to what’s needed as an educated guess. That’s less time spent guessing and realizing what doesn’t work and more time getting to what does work.
Another big difference is that the pro usually has more products at their disposal. If you look on my shelf, you’ll find multiple wheel cleaners, waxes, polishes, compounds, pads, etc. We don’t use them all on every job, but when we need them we have them in stock and ready to go.
This brings us back to knowledge of the processes. The pro has usually established a routine and it’s been honed down considerably to be efficient. The efficiency comes from the repeated application of the process. We don’t just do this a few times a year. We do it frequently and we are often in search of the most effective ways. The more effective we are, the more money we make. If we waste time on steps, we waste money. Both in terms of the job itself, but also on the next job coming in.
And the biggest difference between the pro and the amateur...tools and equipment. Our workspace is set up with a multitude of equipment that the majority simply doesn’t have access too.
Off the top of my head we have:
- a lift
- five polishers
- steamer
- hot water extractor
- blower
- air compressor
- paint gauges
- extensive lighting
- multiple pads of differing types and sizes
That’s just off the top of my head right now. So for every situation, we have a tool that helps make it that much easier. It doesn’t mean it can’t be done without them, but it’s a time/effort equation.
So the amateur can achieve the same results. There’s rarely some deep, dark secret in the detailing world. It’s just patience and experience that separates us. And even at that, we can all learn from each other, pro and amateur alike!
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