The B2B detailing operations manual: Shop and mobile rigs

Operational efficiency is the difference between a busy shop and a profitable shop. Whether you are running a fixed-location facility or a fleet of Mobile Rigs, your success depends on standardized setups and rigorous inventory controls. This manual provides the SOPs for your shop's heartbeat.

Managing a High-Volume Facility

In a fixed shop, your goal is Job Density.

1. Shop Layout and Lighting

A professional shop should be organized into "zones" (Wash, Correction, QC). Every zone must have specialized Lighting and easy access to Compressed Air. Air compressor selection is critical; ensure your unit can handle the CFM requirements of air-driven tools like the Tornador or air sanders.

Mobile Rig and Van Setup SOPs

Mobile operators face the challenge of carrying an entire shop in a limited space.

2. Van Organization and Weight Management

A professional mobile rig should be organized so that the tools used most often (hoses, towels, chemicals) are the most accessible.

• Water Management: Secure tanks to the chassis to prevent shifting during transit.
• Winterization: If you operate in cold climates, follow our Mobile Winterization protocols to prevent frozen pumps and ruined chemistry.

Professional Inventory Optimization

Supplies are your largest variable cost. If you aren't tracking them, you are losing profit.

3. Inventory Controls

• Bulk Buying: Purchase core chemicals (soaps, degreasers) in 5-gallon or 55-gallon drums and use dilution stations to reduce cost-per-car.
• Stock Alerts: Use DetailerBase Inventory to track when you are low on high-ticket items like Ceramic Coatings.

How DetailerBase Supports Your Operations

• Inventory Tracking: Maintain a real-time count of your chemicals and equipment maintenance logs.
• Service Checklists: Ensure your Staff follows the same setup and teardown SOPs every day.
• Performance Reporting: Track revenue and job data to identify performance trends and optimize your shop's efficiency.

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Run your shop with precision. Explore our Inventory and Operations tools and build a more efficient business.