08/06/2026
The Detailing Industry in SG is Broken 💔
Worked on this bike for a friend I met through detailing. He ran his own shop, same trade, same passion. We weren’t competitors — we were two detailers swapping tips, pushing each other to do better.
He shut his doors last year. Not because he lacked skill, passion, or hustle. But because passion doesn’t pay the bills when you’re up against “premium” 15-min wash shops.
Detail Shop vs Car Wash Shop — know the difference:
Wash shop “premium”: Spray, foam, wipe, done in 15-20min. No pre-soak. No drying aid. Dirty pads reused during polishing. “House brand” products with labels torn off. Fast, cheap, high turnover. You’re just a stat in their books.
Detail shop : 45min-1hr. Pre-soak, safe contact wash, drying aid to prevent marring. Pads cleaned every pass / panel during polishing. Quality products we’re proud to show you. Leather ends matte, not greasy. Your car treated like it’s ours.
Corners get cut where you can’t see. But your paint sees it. Your leather sees it.
To car owners who care: Cheaper isn’t better. You’re not overpaying for detailing — you’re underpaying for a car wash. If you want JB wash quality, just go to JB and pay RM instead of paying these kind of car washers in SGD
To fellow detailers: We’re not competitors. We need to draw the line so customers know what they’re paying for. Too many good ones are quitting because they refuse to use 10-cent products and shortcuts.
This isn’t about me needing business — I’ve got more than enough. This is about an industry where quality is losing to cheap prices & speed. And that’s a damn shame.
SHARE THIS if you still care about craft.
TAG someone who needs to read this.
Too many good detailers are quitting. Don’t let quality die in SG.
