Being more organized, mentally and structurally
The chances of making mental mistakes increase over time when you are fatigued from long hours of detailing. To operate at your apex, developing habits and systems is advantageous. This includes having the necessary supplies and being organized in your approach to detailing a vehicle.
Over time I started to appreciate having an appropriate set of storage devices to help keep myself organized. I found value in and suffered the consequences in not having labeled containers, cases, and bags. Imagine working long hours, perhaps multiple hours, when your mind is fatigued. Then you find yourself fumbling around to find your supplies.
Variety of brushes and towels
Having enough of a variety of small brushes and towels adds to your quality of detailing experience. Take a look at your car interior. This applies to engine bays, doorjambs, and the rest of the exterior. There are a variety of brush type, density, and shapes. At some point you will find an ideal use for all of them. The desire for more brushes often came in the moment of detailing intricate areas. Many times I felt a need for a tool (brush) that could fit into a intricate area a little better. I also look at the advantage of having multiple kinds of the same brushes, when spraying different chemicals on your applicator (the brush).
Enough of, and a variety of light sources
You do not want to be in a situation where you have one light dependent on a outlet source or battery recharge. I also realized in hindsight my lighting was not only important for what I see, but for creating social media content. This was especially the case when my only camera was from my phone. Although phone technology has come a long way, it can be difficult capturing good quality content late at night. This is especially the case for interior, engine bay, or doorjamb areas.
I look back on my past, not being open to asking for reviews. I admit early on, as good as some people said I was at detailing, I was insecure about asking for feedback and being burdensome to customers. I have also found ways to incorporate ‘the ask’ into the customer experience.