Honestly and sincerely, if you are pondering or asking this question as someone who never experienced these services, the answer is very possibly no. That may change. But I learned early on that some people, who kick the proverbial tires (0n detailing), will never be our clients no matter how thoughtful and compelling the presentation is. Often the sticking point is price. But many consumers would not deal with any real or perceived inconvenience (time away from their car) over something they would not appreciate. That leads me to motivation, that is different for various people.
For detailing business owners reading, many try to SELL to a consumer whose heart is not totally into detailing. That is where mutual frustration (blame) from albeit unrealistic expectations happen. A portion of this is on the business. A significant portion of the blame is on product manufacturers who mislead consumers and (the middle man) professional detailing business owners. Some companies inflate durability and performance claims especially to non detailing consumers. But some companies that focus on people outside of the industry run marketing campaigns built around are cravings for instant gratification. In other words someone who really is NOT interested in car care might entertain a half-truth or falsification about a ceramic coating keeping your car perfect along with never having to wash your car. They might be intrigued by a spray on product being the only product and step to detail like a pro. This is all false. But it also leads and reinforces the false expectation that a quality detail should be fast and inexpensive. Especially in 2025, much of this is also the CONSUMERS FAULT.
There is more access to information than ever. But we are in a time more than ever, we are less interested in researching or engaging in a conversation. People anxiously want a price for a business and service options they are completely unaware of. It is not only a redflag that those consumers spend a good amount of time complaining about poor service after the fact. But specifically with detailing, it might not be for them. Detailing from any business, is not a one size fits all service. Detailing or at least washing, is not something you do one time. That is want many people whom businesses assume are serious buyers think.
Many people preach selling points of various services, that are actually not valued and even I believe are overrated. Not that there isn’t some validity to it, resale value, and protection. More about protection later.
Detailing at its core is about pride of ownership and the sentimental connection you have with your car. It is also a little bit therapeutic. This is where people spend money that others do not believe is reasonable. Those detailing car enthusiasts understand detailing to their desire is expensive and time consuming. They inherently have a higher level of respect for those in the industry. So honestly (a luxury service) that cost money makes sense. They are more open to listening and more knowledgeable about what goes into detailing. These individuals are also going to be wary about cheap detailing offers, because that does not make sense to them. The same way if I told you I am selling a 2023 Porsche GT3 RS with 500 miles on it for $20,000, most people would be on alert for a scam.
Even when I am detailing it becomes an interactive experience. I do not mind this at all, even at times when I must remind them I am focusing on something important. They (our clients) will talk your ear off about detailing and personal stuff. They are as passionate about the process as they are about the transformation and end result. They ask about products and processes while detailing, just to geek out. That is what and importantly who detailing is primarily for.
The grey area of interest in detailing! You do not have to be that all in on detailing, to receive value from a service or fit it to be a good idea. But there are levels. There are many different detailing operations that offer many different services. What you see regardless of the car for $2,500 might not be appropriate for you. If you do not maintain your interior especially or exterior like an enthusiast, a $300 or $400 budget might not be appropriate either. Not maintaining your car has and should have consequences. Just like if you care about your paint looking close to perfect but wash carelessly or let others touch/wash, there are going to be consequences. If that is inappropriate in terms of paying a higher amount, detailing is not for you.
Protection is important but a misleading and in a sense an overrated element of the detailing process. The issue is twofold. Enthusiasts really get this! The problem is and the elephant in the room, those that often question whether it is worth it are often the ones who will inflate the value of temporary water beading. Protection is ambiguous (using spray wax or professional ceramic coating) but also a comprehensive part of detailing. Enthusiasts consider anything with the word protection with a grain of salt. ‘What is the quality of protection, including but not limited to durability? What is the quality of the entire detailing process? How can I do my best to maintain the aesthetics?’ Durability is judged more in depth and the product is not blindly accepted. It is viewed as a element of a detailing process and a regular wash regiment.