What is considered a, "detail"?

[BobbyG]

Detailing is the process of improving the overall quality, cleanliness, and appearance of a given vehicle. There is no hard fast rule that defines one must do X,Y, and Z to quality as a detail.

General cleaning and vacuuming the interior
Treating vinyl and leather surfaces
Cleaning glass
Tires and wheels
Washing the exterior

These very simple and basic steps are all a part of detailing. Each component in itself has a value all totaling to an agreed price.

 

[SATracker]

I asked this question a while back and here's why: I've thought about starting a small business, but do I call it, "car detailing"?
I see ads from dealerships on Craig's list for, "detailers", but these guys don't "detail" cars, they prep cars (and there's nothing wrong with that). I have a cousin who, "details" for a car rental agency. He's called a detailer but doesn't detail cars, he washes & vacuums cars (again, nothing wrong with that, its an honest living). But if I publicize that I have a detailing business or I'm a detailer, in the public's mind, what separates me from them?
I found most of the comments helpful and I appreciate the time some of you took to offer some feedback... and I've decided how to start my little business. Thanks

 

[Blackthorn One]

I asked this question a while back and here's why: I've thought about starting a small business, but do I call it, "car detailing"?
I see ads from dealerships on Craig's list for, "detailers", but these guys don't "detail" cars, they prep cars (and there's nothing wrong with that). I have a cousin who, "details" for a car rental agency. He's called a detailer but doesn't detail cars, he washes & vacuums cars (again, nothing wrong with that, its an honest living). But if I publicize that I have a detailing business or I'm a detailer, in the public's mind, what separates me from them?
I found most of the comments helpful and I appreciate the time some of you took to offer some feedback... and I've decided how to start my little business. Thanks

You call it auto detailing or automotive detailing. You specify that you wash, clay, polish, and wax or apply sealant. You offer engine detailing. You offer complete interior detailing, like vacuum, shampoo, hot water extraction, and dressing.

 

[Bunky]

I asked this question a while back and here's why: I've thought about starting a small business, but do I call it, "car detailing"?

You should call it what your customers are going to call it.

I can see it now from some purists. They get a call from a potential client and they said "I want my car detailed" and when you inquire they find out it is a basic wax/wash and purist tells them they are wrong to call it a detail.