EP 19: Your Auto Detailing Business Is at Risk (Unless You Do This)

Welcome back to Suds to Success, the podcast where we help detailers go from garage grinders to business bosses. This week, in Episode 19, Andrew and Ercan tackle a topic that could make or break your detailing business: risk mitigation.

If you think you’re safe just because your work is good, think again. No matter how talented you are with a polisher or extractor, your business is still vulnerable—unless you take proactive steps to protect it.

Let’s dive in.

1. Start With the Customer Conversation

Andrew puts it best: "You can eliminate 90% of problems just by asking the right questions up front."
Before you even touch a vehicle, walk the car with the customer. Ask what made them book the detail. Identify the pain points. These few minutes of honest communication set expectations, build trust, and give you a checklist for when it’s time to return the car.

2. Show the Car After the Detail

Most shops toss the keys and say, “Have a nice day.” Not you.
Andrew and Ercan walk every customer through their car before they leave. Why?
Because addressing issues while the customer is present eliminates awkward callbacks, protects your online reputation, and shows you care. You get a chance to highlight the work done and catch any missed spots in real time.

3. Document EVERYTHING

Two words: Photos & Cameras.

Before-and-after photos save you thousands of dollars in disputes. One story Andrew shares involves a vintage Cadillac and a hole the size of a football. Thanks to a well-placed security camera, they proved the damage didn’t happen at the shop.

Take wide-angle shots. Get all angles. Use timestamped cameras. And remember: You don’t need to show the customer these photos unless there’s a complaint—that way, you don’t accidentally reveal what you didn’t capture.

4. Insurance: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Business insurance isn’t just a box to check—it’s peace of mind.
Ercan confesses he waited too long to get insured when he was mobile, but as soon as he got a shop, it became non-negotiable. Whether it’s a $2,000 bumper or a power surge that fries your equipment, you need coverage.

Bonus tip: Use insurance as a selling point. Let customers know their vehicle is protected while in your care.

5. Set Boundaries with Vehicle Interiors

One golden rule: Don’t clean compartments unless the customer empties them.
It’s easy to break or misplace items—especially in glove boxes and center consoles. Instead, send a reminder before their appointment:
“Please empty all compartments. If not, we’ll skip them.”
This protects you and respects their personal space.

6. Know Your Legal and Financial Records

Keep receipts, invoices, and records of every service. Have a digital trail of what was promised. If someone says, “I thought it came with a wax,” you can reference the quote, the phone call, or the signed approval.

Speaking of approvals, Andrew is moving toward digital signatures for services, upsells, and terms of service—not just for legal protection, but to make everything feel more professional.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”

A clean “no” is better than a messy “yes.”
Andrew and Ercan talk about setting limits—like avoiding classic cars, or not taking vehicles with unrepaired damage. It’s better to lose one job than open yourself up to liability.

8. Humanize the Experience

At the end of the day, people just want to feel heard and respected. Make them laugh. Walk the car with them. Admit mistakes and make it right.
Ercan recalls a time he gave a free air freshener to a loyal customer, and she nearly cried. That’s impact.

Whether it’s your first year or your tenth, the secret to success isn’t just polishing paint—it’s protecting your business like your future depends on it. Because it does.

Listen to Episode 19 Now

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Stay sharp. Stay covered. And as always—stay sudsy.

— Andrew & Ercan