Mobile detailer or mobile car washer?

[vanev]

Shoot guys, there is no official definition of the term "detailer" (well, maybe the IDA has one...but that's not going to be binding when you register your business name, nor retroactive), just like there is no official definition of "wax" "polish" "glaze". I think it's a silly argument for the customer or the detailer (ha) to get involved in.

There may not be an official definition of detailing.
That does not mean it is not defined, nor does it mean anything goes, just because anyone can get away with it.

type this is search engine: Question: Do you need full paint correction or just a detailing?

Paint correction is a cornerstone of detailing.
That does not mean a lesser service does not qualify as a detailed service.
It does mean if the lesser service is the only service offered, then it should not be advertised under the umbrella of detailing, which by the very nature of the word, implies a complete list of services offered.

[dcjredline]

So if you do a "detailed" job at cleaning the interior and washing but no paint correction you cant call yourself a detailer? I lean towards detailing as being detailed in what you do. NOT as paint correction specifically. To me paint correction is DIFFERENT and MORE. I think I want to call my business Auto Appearance Care. That includes paint correction in it.

[Real Riders]

I have detail in my business name and only do exterior washes. I sometimes have problems explaining to people that I do not detail cars and some do not want to take no for answer

[Sharply Dressed]

I like the client's thinking and I understand the points made about the term detailing. To me it's the continual education of customers and the demonstration of paint correction through skilled work that separates a "detailer" from others. It's a small percentage of car owners that know the difference and want it. It takes effort through education to increase our share of the larger percentage of folks yet to see the light.

[KirkH]

Sounds to me like the client just wanted to insult someone.

[jcaustin87]

If all you do is wash the car and vacuum the interior, then yes, washer. But the second you put some dressing on the tires and trim, etc. you've started turning the page into detailing, because you're working on details of the car.

I'd really be curious on how Mike Phillips might way into this discussion.

[215Detailing]

There may not be an official definition of detailing.
That does not mean it is not defined, nor does it mean anything goes, just because anyone can get away with it.




Paint correction is a cornerstone of detailing.
That does not mean a lesser service does not qualify as a detailed service.
It does mean if the lesser service is the only service offered, then it should not be advertised under the umbrella of detailing, which by the very nature of the word, implies a complete list of services offered.

paint correction is different from detailing - paint correction is CORRECTING defects to PAINT via machine (polishing)..................
detailing is a THOROUGH cleaning above washing..............

[KirkH]

At O'Reilly Auto Parts and NAPA, paint correction compounds and pads are in the Auto Body section, not the Detailing section.

[Mike@ShineStruck]

there was a similar discussion on UK based facebook group...Topic was Valet vs detailer..interesting read

[Mike@ShineStruck]

but my opinion, car washer is simply that..
beyond a car wash is your valet/detailer
Valet would be someone that goes beyond the wash, and does a basic wash/wax and or polish
Detailer would do all above plus paint correction/restoration

in the USA, Valet isnt anything but a guy/gal that parks cars.