The auto detailing business is a very interesting business in that most of the auto detailers consider themselves almost as artists. We know that artists are individualists and come with ego, as well as the baggage that comes with brilliance. Most auto detailers that I have met are actually pretty sharp people.

I am not sure why smart people are drawn to such a simple business, but it has been my observation over the years. I have been in the mobile carwash and detailing business for over 27 years and franchised my business in 23 states and what I have come to learn is that when you manage a detail shop you have to do things a little differently.

The auto detailers are not regular type employees and you cannot treat them that way or they will quit and worse off they will quit and start their own businesses and attempt to steal your customers. Now if you are running a solid business you do not have to worry about it much, but it is a hassle either way.

The best way to manage an auto detail shop is to hire each of the detailers, as independent contractors and pay them a percentage of every job that they do. Some hair salons work this way and that also makes sense for that business model. If you are managing an auto detailing shop perhaps you will consider this in 2006.