When should a solo detailer hire their first employee?

When they're regularly turning down bookable jobs due to a full calendar -- that's a clearer signal than a general feeling of being busy.

Hourly or commission pay for a new detailing employee?

Hourly is lower-risk during training. Many businesses shift to a hybrid of base hourly plus a per-job bonus once someone is fully trained.

What should I check before hiring a mobile detailer?

References and, where legally appropriate, a background check -- a new hire is often alone with a customer's vehicle, boat, or home access, so trustworthiness matters as much as skill.

Hiring Your First Employee: A Detailing Business Staffing Guide

Signs a solo detailing business is ready for a first hire, how to structure pay, and what to look for in someone who'll be alone with a customer's vehicle or boat.