Righteo
A Yardie
A Car cleaner who usually refers to him/herself as a detailer but in reality doesnt have a clue. They wash and vac cars along with some other minor duties for New car yards rental companies etc etc.
The Used car detailer
Better than the yardie, can do most things reasonabley well as far as detailing goes. Steps more into the fix it to sell it category meaning that most of their work is a quick fix. Wash/vac/windows/chassis black/shampoo/interior clean and smother in amourall or similar/Buffing to a average standard. Most used car detailers have a good selection of tools and equipment but lack the real skills/knowledge to perform a true high level detail on a car.
Mobile detailers
About the same as above except they arent working in ideal conditions most of the time thus making live difficult.
A true detailer
Can perform every aspect of detailing and to a high standard. Isnt scared of black paint and doesnt stuff it either with temporary fixes. Can completely rid a paints surface of swirls. Has full buffing experience and knowledge of wet sanding. Can remove those nasty water marks off glass and most other annoying problems. A real detailer will have a selection of products that actually work and will spend a lot more time on a car that all the above. A full detail on a car to this standard can take any where from 8hrs - 16hrs+. Everything is done to bring the car up to the best presentable standard it can be at. A real detailer wont be cheap and you will pay for it. Most jobs of this level are around the $300 - 500+ and you wont be able to pick anything when the job is done.
There are exceptions to that though as with everything occasionally you'll find a good detailer in a pretty average job due to the pay being right. The only reason I stay where I am and not go out on my own is the pay and lack of headaches
I have seen so many so called detailers that have absolutely no clue at all and have actually walked out of jobs on the first day just due to the way they treat customers cars. There is money in this trade but you have to be good to get it or very fast and dodgy.
If you want an insight into the detailing world check out
www.autopia.com