International Detailing Association

What International Detailing Association does

The International Detailing Association (IDA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership association founded in 2008 and headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It serves as the leading global trade association for the professional auto detailing industry, with a member base of operators (mobile and fixed-location detailers), supplier manufacturers and distributors, educational institutions, and students across 21+ international chapters spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. The association's core offering is a multi-phased certification ecosystem: Phase I Certified Detailer (CD) consisting of 10 written exams, Phase II Skills Validated (CD-SV) involving hands-on assessment with a Recognized Independent Trainer (RIT), plus three specialty certifications for watercraft (WC), motorcycle (MC), and RV (RVC) detailing. Beyond certification, IDA delivers monthly webinars via PathLMS, publishes Standard Operating Procedures and business templates, runs a Mentorship Program, Annual Photo Contest, and Founder's Endowment Fund, and operates the consumer-facing directory DetailingNearby.com.

IDA's business model rests on four revenue streams: tiered membership dues ($60/year students, $120/year operators, $350/year supplier distributors, $500/year supplier manufacturers, free for institutions), certification and maintenance fees ($25-$200 per exam/test plus $100/year maintenance), advertising and sponsorship packages (Diamond $3,620, Platinum $2,039, Gold $1,207.50 annually) sold to nine Diamond and several Platinum/Gold sponsors, and merchandise sales through an online store. The association's technology backbone is the YourMembership association management platform handling member management, event registration, certification tracking, and the online store; PathLMS delivers educational content; and partners like Urable and RoadFS provide scheduling and business management software to members. IDA's go-to-market is membership-driven, complemented by community-led growth through local chapters, an ambassador referral program, and event activations at SEMA, Mobile Tech Expo, Global SV Week, and Meet & Greets held throughout the year globally. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors with elected Operator and Supplier representatives and led by an Executive Director (Sheryle Hazard, CAE), with a small staff of 11-50 employees executing operations.

Name

International Detailing Association

Legal name

International Detailing Association

Website

https://the-ida.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The International Detailing Association (est. 2008, Saint Paul, MN) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership association serving the global auto detailing industry through multi-phased certification programs, 21+ international chapters, education, and member benefits for operators, suppliers, and students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Trade Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels (BPADANAB), Conformity Assessment, Testing, Inspection & Certification Cooperation (BPADANAD)

Keywords

• Professional detailing certification
• Automotive detailing association
• Detailer training programs
• Detailing industry membership
• Vehicle care certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint Paul

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual and monthly membership fees from operators, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, institutions, and students. Revenue tier ranges from free (institutional/web user) to $500/year (supplier manufacturer).
2. Certification Fees: Revenue from Phase I exams ($25/exam members, $45 non-members), Phase II Skills Validated testing ($200 members, $400 non-members), and specialty certifications ($50/exam members).
3. Advertising & Sponsorship: Diamond ($3,620), Platinum ($2,039), and Gold ($1,207.50-$787.50) advertising packages, plus event sponsorships and webinar sponsorships ($200 each).
4. Merchandise Sales: IDA merchandise store selling branded apparel and accessories to members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The International Detailing Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership association that delivers the industry's standard-setting certification programs (Phase I CD and Phase II CD-SV plus specialty tracks in watercraft, motorcycle, and RV) to professional detailers, alongside tiered membership, networking through 21+ international chapters, continuing education via PathLMS and webinars, supplier discounts, and the consumer-facing DetailingNearby.com directory. Revenue is generated through membership dues, per-exam certification fees, advertising/sponsorship packages, and merchandise.

Product overview

The International Detailing Association is a professional membership organization (not a software product company) that provides a multi-tiered certification ecosystem for the professional detailing industry. The core offering consists of two certification phases: Phase I (Certified Detailer/CD) with 10 written exams, and Phase II (Skills Validated/CD-SV) with hands-on assessments. Three specialty certifications extend the program for Watercraft (WC), Motorcycle (MC), and RV detailing. The Recognized Independent Trainer (RIT) program enables qualified CD-SVs to conduct certification testing. Beyond certifications, IDA offers member resources including webinars, Standard Operating Procedures, business templates, Supplier Discount Directory, BenefitHub rewards platform, and a consumer referral directory (DetailingNearby.com). Educational content is delivered via PathLMS. The organization also runs programs like the Mentorship Program, Annual Photo Contest, Founder's Endowment Fund scholarship program, and the IDA Awards recognition program. IDA at SEMA sponsorship opportunities are also offered. The association is structured as a membership organization with Operator, Supplier, Institutional, and Student membership tiers priced annually from free to $500/year.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IDA Membership Tiered annual and monthly membership for detailing operators ($120/year or $12.50/month), supplier manufacturers ($500/year), supplier distributors ($350/year), accredited institutions (free non-voting), and students ($60/year). Includes certificate, decal, patches, digital member card, access to SOPs, business templates, supplier discounts, webinars, BenefitHub, and chapter participation.
• Phase I Certified Detailer (CD) Certification Entry-level professional detailing certification consisting of 10 written multiple-choice/true-false exams covering Equipment, Chemicals, Glass, Interior Detailing, Leather, Paint Correction & Protection, Wheels & Tires, Prep Wash/Wash Bay, Detailing Terminology, and Safety & Compliance. Requires 80% passing score per exam. Sold per exam at $25 (members) or $45 (non-members), with a complete-set bundle at $200 for members.
• Phase II Skills Validated (CD-SV) Certification Advanced hands-on certification assessing Wash Bay/Prep, Interior, Exterior Correction, and Finishing Steps performed one-on-one with an IDA Recognized Independent Trainer. Priced at $200 for members and $400 for non-members.
• Watercraft Specialty Certification (CD-SV, WC) Specialty certification for marine/watercraft detailing covering Interior & Vinyl Care, Paint & Fiberglass, Safety & Environmental, Terminology, and Wood Trim, Metal & Brightwork. Consists of 5 exams with 10 questions each at $50/exam for members.
• Motorcycle Specialty Certification (CD-SV, MC) Specialty certification for motorcycle detailing covering General Knowledge, Detailing Process, Surfaces, Terminology, and Safety. Consists of 5 exams with 10 questions each at $50/exam for members.
• RV Specialty Certification (CD-SV, RVC) Specialty certification for Recreational Vehicle exterior detailing covering General Knowledge, Safety, Terminology, Surfaces, and Detailing Process. Consists of 5 exams with 10 questions each at $50/exam for members.
• Recognized Independent Trainer (RIT) Program Trainer endorsement program for CD-SV certified detailers with minimum 3 years training experience. RITs are authorized to conduct IDA certification testing and provide detailing training to the public.
• Certification Maintenance Annual renewal program for active CD and CD-SV credentials at $100 for members (within 2 months of expiration) and $150 for non-members, ensuring credentials remain current.
• IDA Recognized Training Centers (RTC) Network of vetted training facilities meeting IDA standards, each with RIT-led instruction, training bays, classrooms, and public availability. Facilities must host at least two IDA Certification Events annually.
• IDA Advertising & Sponsorship Packages Tiered annual advertising and sponsorship offerings for supplier members including Diamond ($3,620/year), Platinum ($2,039/year), and Gold ($1,207.50/year or $787.50 for members with 10% discount) packages, plus event sponsorships and webinar sponsorships ($200 each).

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered diamond, platinum, gold, core, major and minor.

• Detailed ImagediamondGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond sponsor of IDA. Detailed Image is an online retailer for professional detailing products, operated by Greg Pautler, Adam McFarland, and Michael Li. They provide high-quality products to meet detailing goals at competitive values.
• FLEXdiamondGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond sponsor. Founded in 1922 in Germany, FLEX developed the world's first angle grinder in 1954 and has earned reputation for quality and performance in power tools for detailing professionals.
• GlassParencydiamondGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond sponsor. Works with more than 3,500 professional detailers globally, developing and sourcing detailing products that perform for professional detailers.
• RUPES USAdiamondGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond sponsor. Founded in 1947 in Milan, Italy, RUPES is an innovative specialty tool manufacturer for over 70 years. North American arm located in Louisville, Colorado.
• The House of RagsdiamondGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond sponsor. Offers custom-made chemicals and high-quality, affordable towels while also carrying other leading detailing brands including some not previously available in the USA.
• The Rag CompanydiamondGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond sponsor. Family-owned, Idaho-based company founded in 1999 producing and distributing the finest quality microfiber and detailing accessories with continuous product innovation and industry education.
• UFSdiamondGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond sponsor. Turkish company since 1984 producing Wool Felt Polishing Pads under UFS brand for Automotive, Furniture, Marine, and Aviation industries. Preferred by leading automobile manufacturers.
• UrablediamondGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond sponsor. Provides scheduling software designed for auto detailing, window tinting, and car repair shops to efficiently manage bookings, rescheduling, and cancellations.
• Yi Jeh CodiamondGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond sponsor. Taiwanese company focused on supplying best car detailing products, establishing right concepts and improving profession without exaggerated advertising.
• CarCandyplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor. Division of Ultra-Look Corporation, manufacturer of automotive detailing chemicals and supplies since 2010. Located in Lakeland, FL with distribution throughout the US.
• RoadFSplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor. Software for auto detailing business management including PDR and auto recon. Streamlines operations, enhances customer service, and helps grow detailing businesses.
• Stinger ChemicalplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor. Founded in 1988, pioneer in automotive reconditioning and appearance industry providing detailing supplies, car wash equipment, and car wash products.
• Dr. ColorChipgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor. Founded in Florida in 2003 by Dan McCool, specializing in touchup repair and detailing service for automotive paint correction.
• Run PaymentsgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor. Payment solutions built for detailing businesses, offering simple, secure payments for invoices and card acceptance in shop or on the road.
• YourMembershipcoreTechnology or IntegrationAssociation Management Software provider powering the IDA website, member management, event registration, certification tracking, and online store functionality.
• DetailingNearby.comcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConsumer-facing website operated by IDA to help consumers find and connect with certified detailing professionals in their area.
• Mobile Tech ExpomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual in-person event partner where IDA holds quarterly RIT meetings, education sessions, and certification events. Key industry tradeshow for professional detailing.
• SEMA ShowmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual tradeshow in Las Vegas where IDA hosts Meet & Greet events, certification opportunities, and sponsorship activations. Major industry event for professional detailers.
• BenefitHubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThird-party rewards and discounts program available to IDA members covering thousands of brands in hotel, airline, rental cars, insurance, office supplies, electronics, and software categories. Currently available in 18 countries.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA): Trade association for the recreational boating industry with membership, certification (e.g., NMMA Certification for boat manufacturers), and consumer-facing directories — directly relevant as IDA expands its Watercraft specialty certification.
• I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair): Training and credentialing organization for collision repair professionals, running a multi-tiered, recertification-based certification program very similar in structure to IDA's CD/CD-SV stack.
• Professional Beauty Association (PBA): Nonprofit association serving beauty professionals with tiered memberships, certifications, events, and supplier sponsorships — a strong model-comparable peer outside of automotive.
• National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE): The leading US certification body for automotive technicians, offering tiered credentialing and recertification — a direct analog to IDA's CD/CD-SV program in business model, even though it serves a different (broader) automotive trade.
• American Motorcyclist Association (AMA): Long-standing membership association for motorcyclists and the motorcycle industry with tiered memberships, events, and advocacy — comparable to IDA's structure as it expands into the Motorcycle specialty certification.
• International Car Wash Association: Trade association serving the professional car wash industry with membership, education, and certification programs — the closest industry-adjacent peer to IDA, sharing a nonprofit membership model and supplier-sponsorship revenue structure.
• Auto Care Association: National trade association for the automotive aftermarket with a similar member-driven, event-supported, education-and-training business model — a structurally comparable peer for benchmarking membership economics and sponsorship strategy.

Emerging players

• Mobile Electronics Association: Trade association for the mobile electronics / 12V industry with member events, training, and certifications — comparable as a smaller, specialty-vehicle-adjacent association model that complements IDA's broader portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA): Major US trade association for franchised auto dealers with education, certification, and convention programs — a much larger incumbent whose event-and-education model informs how IDA could scale training and certification.
• SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association): Large, established automotive specialty-industry association whose annual SEMA Show IDA participates in. SEMA is a broader incumbent with a much wider membership and a major events/exhibitor revenue engine — a useful benchmark for IDA's event ambitions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCz9Vj9K1s6ROpYlZ9YqKfqw
• Facebookfacebook.com/internationaldetailingassociation
• Instagraminstagram.com/detailedimagecarcare
• Xx.com/idadetailers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-detailing-association-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about International Detailing Association