If you’ve been looking around for detailing in the Michigan area, you’ll notice there are a lot of local shops and a lot of mobile detailers. On the surface, it might seem like you should be able to get in immediately so it can be confusing when a mobile detailer tells you they’re booked out.
The detail shops and mobile detailing operate on totally different schedules, and that affects availability.
Shops usually have more “same-week” availability
A shop can stay open longer hours, run multiple vehicles at once, and keep working even when the weather is bad. If you’re trying to get in quickly, shops often have more immediate openings because they have more space and more consistent working conditions. Experienced Mobile detailers book up faster.
Mobile detailing is a different kind of service. A quality mobile detailer is usually running a tighter schedule because:
- each job takes real time (especially interiors)
- travel time is built into the day
- weather matters.
- many mobile setups are built for quality, not rushing through volume
Because of that, it’s common for mobile detailers to be booked 1–2 weeks out at the least . If someone is experienced, consistent, and has a strong reputation, it’s not unusual to see schedules pushed out closer 3-5 weeks, especially during busy seasons.
Bigger vehicles and deeper jobs need more lead time
Quick maintenance details are easier to fit in. But larger vehicles onesthat needs heavy interior work (kids, pet hair, stains, sand, salt, etc.) usually requires a longer appointment and more planning. Those are the jobs that typically need to be booked further in advance.
If you’re trying to schedule an extensive detail, the best move is to plan ahead and grab a spot early.
What detailing typically costs around Ann Arbor
Prices vary a lot depending on vehicle size and condition, but here’s a realistic ballpark for the area:
- Maintenance clean (mild interior + exterior): often starts around $150–$200
- Full interior detail standard size (medium pet hair, stains, salt buildup)) (what most people want): commonly lands around $180–$300
- Large SUVs / minivans with heavyier interior work (pet hair, stains, salt buildup): more often $300–$400+
A shop or newer detailer might advertise a lower price upfront. However mobile pricing often includes the convenience of coming to you, plus the time and equipment needed to deliver strong results on site.
The quickest way to get an accurate quote is to factor in size + condition + expectations.
Ann Arbor demand and prices are higher than many areas
Ann Arbor has a strong demand for detailing and a higher cost of living than many surrounding towns. That usually means two things:
- Prices are higher here than average, because operating costs and demand are higher.
- Good detailers stay busy, because people are willing to pay for convenience and quality.
Winter changes everything for mobile detailing
In warmer regions, mobile detailing can run year-round with fewer interruptions. In Michigan winters, it’s different. Cold temps, ice, and unpredictable weather limit how many days are truly “workable,” even with a strong setup.
That’s why you’ll generally see fewer mobile detailers operating at full capacity in winter if at all in this area, and why booking can get tighter.
If you’re choosing mobile detailing over a shop, it helps to know what you’re really paying for:
- Convenience
- Quality of results (slower, more thorough work wins long-term)
- A realistic timeframe (the best work usually isn’t same day booking)
At Mo’s Auto Detailing, the goal is to make the process easy and deliver results that feel worth it without cutting corners. If you need something fast, we’ll tell you what’s realistic. If you want the most thorough outcome, We’ll guide you toward the right service and timing.