From YouTube lessons to a developing a business

Auto Detailing Namibia was founded in 2019 by brothers Denzel and Eduardo Platt. Today, they operate from their own warehouse and offer a wide range of vehicle services.

The brothers began by washing and cleaning cars at home. It was small and simple at first. In 2023, they moved into their own warehouse - a significant step for the business.

“It’s not easy to start a business,” Denzel.

They launched the company straight after high school. Denzel was still studying, while his brother had just finished matric when they began. They were young and still learning about life. Initially, they knew very little about car detailing and had to teach themselves.

Denzel says YouTube helped them enormously. “You can learn anything on YouTube,” he says. They watched videos to learn how to remove car seats, polish vehicles, fix paintwork and use specialised tools.

Initially, they only offered car washes and basic cleaning services. Over time, however, they decided to expand. They now provide full valets, machine polishing, panel beating, spray painting and paint correction.

Popular service

Paint correction is their most popular service. This involves polishing a vehicle in three stages to remove scratches and restore the paintwork to a like-new finish. Afterwards, they apply a protective graphene coating, which shields the vehicle from sun damage. “Our sun in Namibia is very strong,” Denzel explains. The coating can protect a vehicle for five to six years.

Paint correction typically takes three to four days to complete. Once the coating has been applied, the vehicle must remain at the workshop for some time. It cannot get wet or be touched. “No fingerprints,” Denzel says.

Some customers assume detailing is simply an ordinary car wash and question the higher cost. Denzel says they take time to explain the process, the labour involved and the quality of the products used. Once customers understand, they recognise the value.

Business remains busy for most of the year. Although activity slows slightly during rainy periods, they continue to enjoy strong support from customers.

Auto Detailing Namibia is no longer only about cars. The workshop now also houses quad bikes.

Quad biking has been Denzel’s hobby for around 10 years, and he has since incorporated it into the business. They offer quad biking experiences, particularly for tourists visiting Windhoek. Denzel says there are limited recreational activities for tourists in the city, so they aim to provide something different.

They also offer picnic options for couples seeking a unique outdoor experience. Currently, they have three quad bikes, with a fourth in the process of being built.

For Denzel and Eduardo, the motivation behind starting the business was straightforward: they did not want to work for someone else. They wanted to be self-employed. Today, their dedication is paying off. From washing cars at home to running a growing enterprise, Auto Detailing Namibia demonstrates that young people can build something substantial if they are willing to learn and work hard.