What I'd Do Differently If I Started Detailing Today

What I'd Do Differently If I Started Detailing Today

Author: Jimbo Balaam interviews guest like Barry Meguiar, Jason Rose, Yvan Lacroix, July 30, 2025 Duration: 23:43

If I had to start over from zero in the detailing world, here's exactly what I'd do differently. From pricing mistakes and chasing the wrong clients, to waiting too long to get into a shop — I'm breaking it all down in this episode.

Whether you're just getting started in detailing or you've been at it a few years and feel stuck, this video will help you avoid some of the biggest mistakes I made early on.


Shop the products I personally use — available on Amazon or on my website:

On My Website:

The Super Soaper – Touchless Wash Soap
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/the-super-soaper

Complete Cabin Cleaner – Interior Detailer
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/complete-cabin-cleaner

Tough As Shell – Ceramic Spray Coating
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/hard-as-shell-ceramic-spray

All Dressed Up – Tire & Trim Dressing
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/all-dressed-up

Pure Magic Cleaner – Acid-Based Wheel Cleaner
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/pure-magic-cleaner

Picture Perfect Polish – One Step Compound & Polish
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/picture-perfect-polish

Everyday Microfiber Towels
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber

Massive Drying Towel
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/massive-drying-towel

Orange Wash Microfiber Towel
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber

Scrub Buddy Pad (3-Pack)
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/scrub-buddy-pad-3-pack

All Blacked Out Applicators (4-Pack)
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/all-blacked-out-applicators

The Everything Bundle – One of Each Product
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/the-everything-bundle


Also available on Amazon:

The Super Soaper – Touchless Car Wash Soap Concentrate (16 fl oz)
https://www.amazon.com/Jimbos-SUPER-SOAPER-Touchless-Concentrate/dp/B0D8TYW87Y 

Tough As Shell – Ceramic Spray Coating (16 oz)
https://www.amazon.com/JIMBOS-TOUGH-SHELL-CERAMIC-COATING/dp/B0D1SYXWTK 

Pure Magic Cleaner – Hard Water Spot Remover (16 oz)
https://www.amazon.com/Jimbos-PURE-MAGIC-CLEANER-Professional/dp/B0D1T7GS7W 

Complete Cabin Cleaner – Interior Detailer Spray (16 oz)
https://www.amazon.com/Jimbos-COMPLETE-Upholstery-All-Purpose-Detailing/dp/B0DQXFB6F7 

All Dressed Up – Tire, Trim & Plastic Dressing (16 oz)
https://www.amazon.com/JIMBOS-ALL-DRESSED-Adjustable-Protection/dp/B0D2BPLJZG 


Want more resources or to connect?

Visit my site: https://jimbosdetailing.com
Email: jimbo@jimbosdetailing.com


Hosted by Jimbo Balaam, The Auto Detailing Podcast digs into the craft, business, and culture of making cars look their absolute best. This isn't just about a quick wash; it's a deep, practical conversation for anyone whose passion or profession involves paint correction, ceramic coatings, and everything in between. Jimbo connects with legendary figures and working pros-voices like Barry Meguiar, Jason Rose, and Yvan Lacroix share their hard-won knowledge directly. You'll hear specific techniques for achieving flawless finishes, discussions on streamlining a detailing operation for profit, and honest talk about products and processes that actually deliver. The dialogue is grounded and focused on real-world results, whether you're perfecting your own vehicle in the driveway or scaling a full-service business. Each episode of this podcast builds on a simple idea: there's always a better method to learn, a smarter tool to use, or a fresh perspective to consider. The focus stays on actionable advice and efficiency, cutting through the hype to talk about what truly works. For enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike, the podcast serves as a reliable workshop, offering a blend of inspiration and nitty-gritty detail that can be applied immediately. It's about the pride in the work and the community built around it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Auto Detailing Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The Truth About Competing on Price (And Why You Shouldn't) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:38
If you're constantly lowering your prices just to stay busy, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down why competing on price is a race to the bottom — and how to build a detailing business that stands out by offering r…
SECRETS They Don't Want You To Know: Panel Preps & Prep Polishes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:01
What if you could skip panel prep and get better ceramic coating results? In this episode, I break down how Picture Perfect Polish is changing the game by delivering a surgically clean surface — without the need for a pa…
How to Build the Greatest Detailing Business of All Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:46
What if the secret to building an incredible detailing business isn't copying what others are doing… but doing the opposite? In this quick episode, I share why the best business you can build is the one you would want to…
Secrets THEY Don't Want You To Know: Buffing Pads pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:34
Ever wonder why some buffing pads work better than others? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the secrets behind buffing pads that they don't want you to know. From foam density to cut levels, and even the real…
Rebuilding Jimbo's Detailing from the ground up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:29
I'm rebuilding Jimbo's Detailing from the ground up—and in this episode, I'm sharing what that journey really looks like. From creating products to rethinking marketing, I'm choosing to enjoy the process again. If you're…
Why Buffing Pads Matter More Than You Think [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:55
In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of developing my new one-step polish, Picture Perfect Polish. But creating the perfect polish is only half the battle—the real challenge is finding the ideal buffing pads to…
THIS Is How You Can Get More Customers... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:41
In this episode, I break down exactly how I ran a successful giveaway for Jimbo's Detailing's first anniversary—and how you can do the same to get more customers for your detailing business. I'll cover the key steps, wha…