7 Ways to Boost Your Car Detailing Business During the Holidays

1. Create Holiday Detailing Packages

Everyone loves a deal. Try bundling services into packages:

• Winter Protection Package: Ceramic coating + interior detail.
  
• Holiday Shine Bundle: Wash, sealant, and glass treatment.
  
• New Year, New Ride: Full detail + window tint.
  
  

Sweeten the deal with a small bonus:

• Free air freshener
  
• $10 off if they book before December 15
  
• Or a “buy 1, gift 1” deal for returning customers
  
  

Keep it limited-time. Scarcity sells.

2. Sell Gift Cards for Car Detailing

Gift cards are a lazy shopper’s best friend, and a detailer’s ace in the hole.

That’s because they’re:

• Easy to buy.
  
• Thoughtful. (Because who doesn’t want a clean car?)
  
• Flexible. Use it for a basic wash or a full tint job.
  
  

Dress them up:

• Slip 1 inside a holiday card.
  
• Attach it to a little car ornament.
  
• Stick it in a stocking with a note: “Your car deserves it.”
  
  

Gift cards bring in cash now and new customers later. Win-win.

3. Team Up with Local Shops

Don’t go solo. Teamwork makes the holiday dream work. Try this:

• Partner with a local dealership and offer a discount on detailing to new car buyers.
  
• Team up with auto repair shops or car washes for cross-promos.
  
• Set up a booth at a holiday market. Hand out business cards, display before-and-after photos, and maybe raffle off a free detail.
  
  

You’ll get your name in front of new customers who are already car-minded.

4. Run a Holiday Giveaway

Everyone loves free stuff. Use it to your advantage. Run a social media contest with a prize like:

• A free full detail
  
• A gift card to your shop
  
• A “Winter Protection Package”
  
  

How to enter?

• Post a photo of their car in its “holiday best.”
  
• Tag your shop.
  
• Use a branded hashtag like #HolidayShine or #DetailerSanta.
  
  

You’ll boost engagement, get your name circulating, and pick up some new followers who’ll remember you when their car’s a salty mess in February.

5. Share Winter Car Care Tips

Show people you’re not just here to sell. You’re here to help. Share quick, helpful posts like:

• “3 Ways to Protect Your Paint from Road Salt”
  
• “Why Ceramic Coating Is a Winter Must-Have”
  
• “How to Keep Your Car’s Interior from Drying Out in the Cold”
  
  

Each tip should end with a link to book your detailing services. Because helpful advice combined with easy booking equates to holiday revenue.

6. Make Your Shop Festive

You don’t have to turn your shop into Younkers from the ‘90s. But a little spirit goes a long way. Ideas:

• Hang some lights or a small tree in the waiting area.
  
• Offer cookies or hot chocolate while customers wait.
  
• Play some holiday tunes. This 1 just feels right:
  

Then post photos on social media. Show your followers the vibe. People love supporting local businesses that feel warm and genuine this time of year.

7. Use Email and Social Media

It’s always a good idea to stay relevant where people spend most of their time (their phones). Get in their notifications with new email and social media content. 

• Send a holiday-themed email to past customers with special “thank you” deals.
  
• Post before-and-after photos of your best work.
  
• Use festive captions like:
  
• “Give your car the gift of clean.”
  
• “New Year, New Car” starts with a good detail.
  
• “Stuff their stocking with something that actually sparkles.”
  
  

Don’t overthink it. Be consistent, have fun, and keep your shop top of mind.

Wrapping Things Up

This holiday season, don’t just survive—shine.

• Create holiday detailing packages
  
• Sell gift cards
  
• Partner with local shops
  
• Run giveaways
  
• Share winter car care tips
  
• Deck out your shop
  
• Use email and social media to stay visible
  
  

A few simple steps and your detailing business will stay busy all the way into the new year.