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EP 71: THIS EPISODE COULD SAVE YOU YEARS OF TRIAL & ERROR

Episode 71 of the Suds to Success Podcast is packed with real-world business lessons that can help detailers avoid years of costly trial and error. Andrew St-Pierre and Ercan Hurmuzlu dive into mindset, systems, automation, upselling, team structure, and customer experience strategies that are driving growth in their own businesses. From rental car solutions for PPF shops to CRM automations, customer portals, and chargeback protection, this episode is full of actionable takeaways. Whether you're just starting out or scaling your operation, these practical insights can help you work smarter, improve profitability, and build a stronger detailing business.

Andrew St-Pierre

6/5/20262 min read

🔥EP 71: THIS EPISODE COULD SAVE YOU YEARS OF TRIAL & ERROR

🎙️ HOSTED BY ANDREW ST-PIERRE & ERCAN HURMUZLU

Suds To Success Podcast – Episode 71

💡 REAL BUSINESS TALK, NO FILTERS

Sometimes the best lessons don't come from a guest interview—they come from real conversations between business owners in the trenches.

In Episode 71, Andrew and Ercan pull back the curtain on what's happening inside their detailing businesses right now. From navigating seasonal slowdowns to building systems that create growth, this episode is packed with practical insights that could save you years of mistakes.

📉 WHEN BUSINESS SLOWS DOWN... DON'T PANIC.

Every detailing business experiences slower seasons.

The difference between thriving shops and struggling shops is preparation.

Andrew shares how focusing on the services you truly want, like Ceramic Coatings, PPF, Tint, and Flat Glass can completely change the direction of your business. Instead of chasing every job, position yourself for the high-value work you actually want.

🧠 THE POWER OF FOCUS & MANIFESTATION

One surprising topic that came up?

Mindset.

Andrew explains how simply focusing on Ceramic Coatings and PPF opportunities seemed to attract more of those jobs. While strategy matters, confidence and intentional action often open doors that weren't visible before.

The lesson:

👉 Focus on where you want your business to go.

👉 Build systems around those goals.

👉 Stay ready when opportunities arrive.

🚗 THE RENTAL CAR "CHEAT CODE" FOR PPF & TINT SHOPS

One of the biggest gems from this episode is Andrew's rental car strategy.

Instead of worrying about customer transportation during multi-day installations:

✅ Partner with a local rental company

✅ Let customers rent directly

✅ Credit the rental cost back on the invoice

This creates a smoother customer experience while reducing liability and operational headaches.

Simple. Professional. Effective.

👥 BUILDING A TEAM WITH SPECIALIZED ROLES

As shops grow, efficiency becomes critical.

Andrew discusses moving toward specialized departments where

experienced technicians focus on:

🔹 Paint Protection Film (PPF)

🔹 Ceramic Coatings

🔹 Window Tint

🔹 Advanced Services

While newer team members handle interior details and support work.

This structure increases productivity and allows the business to scale without sacrificing quality.

📱 WHY SYSTEMS BEAT HARD WORK ALONE

Ercan takes listeners deep into automation, CRM systems, and workflow optimization.

Topics include:

⚡ Zapier Automations

⚡ Customer Follow-Up Systems

⚡ Service Reminders

⚡ Photo Management

⚡ Team Accountability

⚡ Upsell Tracking

The biggest takeaway?

Every repetitive task should eventually become a system.

When systems handle the routine work, owners can focus on growth.

📲 THE CLIENT PORTAL IDEA EVERY DETAILER SHOULD STEAL

One of the most creative ideas discussed is building a customer portal.

Imagine giving clients access to:

✅ Post-Service Instructions

✅ Ceramic Coating Care Guides

✅ Window Tint Care Information

✅ PPF Maintenance Tips

✅ How-To Videos

✅ Easy Quote Requests

Not only does it improve customer experience—it creates another marketing channel that works 24/7.

💰 THE UPSELL STRATEGY THAT PRINTS PROFITS

Perhaps the biggest lesson of the episode revolves around upselling.

Many detailers avoid upselling because it feels uncomfortable.

But Andrew and Ercan explain that upselling isn't selling, it's educating.

Examples include:

🛡️ Windshield Coatings

🛡️ Seat Protection

🛡️ Wheel Coatings

🛡️ Cabin Air Filters

🛡️ Wiper Blade Replacements

Customers often don't know these options exist until you tell them.

When presented properly, these small add-ons can dramatically increase ticket averages while providing genuine value.

🔒 PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS FROM CHARGEBACKS

Another important discussion centers around documentation.

Using digital signatures, vehicle inspections, photos, VIN verification, and onboarding forms can help protect shops from costly chargebacks and disputes.

A few minutes of documentation today can save thousands tomorrow.