u/Shpackk

Hey r/AutoDetailing,

I’m an app developer who spends way too much time watching mobile detailing van build and job videos. One thing I rarely see is the “inside kitchen” — especially how you guys manage inventory of all those bottles, towels, pads, and consumables while on the road.

I’m just trying to understand the real workflow and pain points (no product to sell yet, just research).

Quick questions:

1. What’s your current setup for tracking soap, APC, polish, wheel cleaner, microfiber towels, pads, etc.? (Google Sheets, notebook, eyeballing levels, dedicated apps like QuoteIQ/RO App/Orderry, or something else?)
2. What frustrates you most about it? (Running out mid-job, forgetting to reorder, not knowing real material costs per job, van clutter, etc.)
3. If there was a dead-simple mobile app focused only on quick usage logging — tap or scan a product → deduct with presets (e.g. “Normal use”), low-stock alerts before your next job, and basic per-job cost tracking — would that actually solve a headache for you?
4. What features would make you actually open and use it daily? (offline mode, towel/pad count tracking, dilution calculator, job-type suggestions, etc.)
5. Rough price you’d be willing to pay per month? ($0–5 / $5–15 / more than $15?)

If you don’t mind sharing — are you mostly solo mobile, running 1–2 vans, or working in a small shop? Helps me understand different needs.

Appreciate any honest replies. Thanks!