Note: this is an opt-in feature only; we will not send text/SMS alerts to you without your prior permission. 

If you would like to receive a text message alert before your membership and/or certification renewal date, just log in to your member profile and scroll down to get to the "Personal Information" section.

There you will find the TWO required fields to begin receiving text/SMS alerts: "Mobile" and "Text/SMS Opt In". BOTH fields must be filled in to receive text/SMS alerts. (Mobile must include an area code.)

As a reminder, the mobile number you enter in this field will NOT appear in your profile on the public consumer-facing website, DetailingNearby.com (unless it is the same phone number that you also enter into the "Phone" field under the Professional Information" section on your profile, as an Operator or Operator Employee member). This field is strictly used for text/SMS alerts for membership and/or certification renewal reminders.

Once both profile fields are filled in, don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Save Changes" to lock in your preferences.

That's it! You're all set to start receiving text/SMS alerts for your upcoming membership and/or certification renewal.

If, at any time, you would like to stop receiving text/SMS alerts, you can opt out by simply switching the dropdown response to "Opt Out".

If you have any questions, please contact the IDA Central Office at info@the-ida.com.

In 2024, the IDA Industry Standards Task Force (ISTF) introduced the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) members-only resource webpage. If you are not yet a member, join today to gain access to this resource and all the other incredible IDA member benefits.

As part of an ongoing project, the ISTF is compiling data collected from detailers around the world to create a baseline order of operations meant to consistently produce a quality result for various detailing tasks and services.

To collect this data, the IDA periodically sends surveys via email to members asking them to provide input on various procedures and terminology to determine how it varies between countries, regions, etc. In order to make these SOPs as representative as possible, the more data we can collect, the better, so if you can participate, we encourage you to do so. Watch your email inbox for future survey invites. Surveys typically remain open about a month or so to allow sufficient time for participation.

Once the survey window closes, the ISTF then analyzes the collected data and uses it to create the general SOP before releasing it on the member-exclusive resource webpage.

Note, the procedures listed demonstrate just one proven order of operations widely agreed upon as best practice, but they are – of course – not the only way a task or service may be completed with good results. Adjust based on your region’s weather/season, your work location, the vehicle you’re working on, your preferred equipment/chemicals, etc. Be sure to take into consideration surface type/status and appropriate chemical use. Especially be aware of adjustments necessary when deviating from the conditions put in place to generate these particular procedures (each SOP will list the set of conditions utilized to formulate the process).

So far, as of September 2025, the IDA has released SOPs for the seven following processes:

• Exterior Wash
• Interior Maintenance Detail
• Soft-Top Deep Cleaning
• Leather Cleaning
• Leather Repair – Color Fade
• Leather Repair – Scratch/Abrasion
• Leather Repair – Punctures

SOPs will continue to be added to the resource webpage, so watch your email inbox and IDA social media channels for announcements of new additions.

So, how do you access this webpage? Under the "Members" tab, navigate down to "Resources", and then click on "Standard Operating Procedures". It's that simple to take advantage of this fantastic resource!

The Industry Standards Task Force would love to hear your feedback, procedural variances, terminology variances, and more! Email info@the-ida.com with subject line “ISTF”. Want to join the Task Force as a volunteer? We welcome you to do so by filling out the Volunteer Interest Form, select Membership Committee, and enter into the Comments section your interest in ISTF (under MemComm’s purview).

What is certification maintenance?

Certification maintenance is the process of maintaining your certification, which is required if you wish to keep your credentials of Certified Detailer (including specialties), Skills Validated, or Recognized Independent Trainer. To maintain your certification, you must complete 8 full hours of detailing-related continuing education over a two-year period beginning with the month of your initial certification. You will receive one CE credit hour for each full clock hour of a qualifying program with a max of 4 credit hours per calendar day. (MTE's Education Day is the only exception to this. You can earn more than 4 credit hours on Education Day.)

How much does certification maintenance cost?

You must renew within two months of your Certification Expiration Date to retain your certification at the discounted rate. If you renew within the first two months past your expiration date, the cost is:

• $100 for IDA members
• $150 for non-members

If you have passed the two-month window after your Certification Expiration Date, you still have one full year to renew your certification, but at the full rate:

• $200 for members
• $400 for non-members

If your certification lapses for a full year past your Certification Expiration Date, you are no longer able to maintain your certification with continuing education credits; you will need to restart with the Phase I - Certified Detailer (CD) exams in order to regain your certification designation.

What counts toward my continuing education?

Any detailing-related continuing education activities can be applied. They do not have to be IDA events. The IDA does offer free monthly live webinars that can be attended for one credit hour each. Certified Detailers must check-in to the live webinar to receive credit, and are solely responsible for verifying that the earned credit appears in their Online Certification Journal following the event. If you miss a live webinar, members also have the option of watching our webinar recordings and completing a brief associated survey, which can then be applied for one full hour of credit.

If you hold any specialty IDA Certifications (Watercraft, Motorcycle, RV), you must ensure that at least two credit hours are earned via continuing education activities related to each specialty.

Other options include attending tradeshow education sessions, writing articles for the IDA newsletter or other industry publications, or attending other detailing training programs. Please note that training sessions you proctor or sessions that you present at do NOT count as continuing education. If you have any questions on a specific activity, you can always contact us for clarification.

How do I complete the certification maintenance process?

There are two required steps for IDA certification maintenance. First, you need to ensure that your continuing education hours are entered into your Online Certification Journal. Second, you need to pay the correct certification maintenance fee (as explained above). Once both steps have been completed successfully, your certification maintenance will be processed.

STEP 1:
Enter all your continuing education hours into your Online Certification Journal. Credits for live webinars to which you checked-in and webinar recordings for which you completed the associated survey should already be recorded in your journal.

Certified Detailers can find their Online Certification Journal at any time by selecting "Manage Profile" from the right rail menu and then selecting the "Professional Development" tab. The Central Office must review each credit entry that you input manually. You can speed up this process by entering your credits with as much detail as possible.

For a video explaining how to properly enter continuing education credits into your journal, click here.

STEP 2:
Pay the correct certification maintenance fee (as explained above), according to your Certification Expiration Date. You can find your Certification Expiration Date in your profile information.

The Central Office must review each certification maintenance application for correct payment. You can speed up this process by making sure you pay the correct fee.

What happens once my certification maintenance application is processed?

You will be notified of your successful certification maintenance application by email and new certification materials will be mailed to the address in your profile. Please be sure this address is kept up-to-date to ensure you receive your new certification materials in a timely manner. The length of this process generally takes one to two business weeks. However, it depends on the accuracy with which the Certified Detailer submitted their materials.

What if I need assistance completing my certification maintenance?

Please contact the Central Office if you have any questions about the certification maintenance process.

Thank you for maintaining your certification with the International Detailing Association!

[You can click any of the photos to see an enlarged view in a new tab.]

How to Access Webinar Recordings

Webinar recordings can be accessed via both the front-end and back-end of the website. Keep in mind you MUST be logged into an active, dues-paying member account to access the recordings.

First, you can find the page under the front-end ‘Members’ tab. Hover over ‘Continuing Education’ in the dropdown. If you are logged into your member account, a sub-menu will appear, and you can click on ‘Webinar Recordings.’

You can also access recordings from the back-end ‘Quick Links’ tab. Once you login to your account, hover over ‘Quick Links’ (the last tab in the menu bar), and click ‘Webinar Recordings.’

Lastly, you can bookmark the page for quick and easy access!

Each of these access methods will direct you to a webpage with an archive of all our previous webinar recordings. Alternatively, if you prefer to search by category/topic, you can view webinars by topics such as Getting Started, Building Your Business, Heath & Wellness, and more. Click here to search by category.

Viewing a Webinar Recording

From the webinar recordings archive page, select the episode you’d like to view. The individual recording page will open in a new tab. You can click the button to expand the video to full screen. You can pause, rewind, and fast forward whenever you need so feel free to go at your own pace and take notes!

If available, the speaker’s presentation slides will also be linked on this page. Click the link to download and save the slides.

There is no limit to how many times you can view a webinar recording, so come back as many times as you’d like to re-watch your favorite presentations.

Earning Continuing Education Credit from a Webinar Recording

Certified Detailers can earn a maximum of one credit from each webinar recording toward their certification maintenance. Please note that those who received credit for attending a live webinar are NOT eligible to earn additional credit for the same webinar via the recording. Our Certification Specialist will reconcile a recording credit against live webinar attendance, and you will only be granted one maximum credit per webinar.

After you view the entire, one-hour webinar recording, scroll down to the bottom half of the page. You will be prompted to input your contact information (however, it should auto-fill since you are signed in). Then click ‘Begin Survey.’

On the next page, complete the survey as directed and click ‘Complete Survey’. You will then be redirected to a confirmation page.

You will receive a confirmation email from info@the-ida.com as well.

You should also check your Certification Journal to make sure the credit was recorded successfully. Login to your profile, and navigate to the ‘Professional Development’ tab. On the ‘Journal Entries’ tab, you will see all of your earned credits. The webinar recording credit should be labeled as an ‘IDA Recertification Credit’ and show the name of the completed survey.

The certification maintenance credit will expire two years from the date you completed the survey.

These webinar recordings are a valuable, exclusive benefit for IDA members, and we hope you enjoy watching and learning!

If you have any questions about accessing, viewing, or earning credit from a webinar recording, please contact us.

We are seeking knowledgeable and passionate contributors to help build valuable blog and video content for the consumer-focused DetailingNearby.com website and related social media channels (currently Facebook and Instagram).

This is a great opportunity to establish yourself as a professional detailing subject matter expert. Providing relevant, accurate information to consumers will continue to help build credibility for and awareness of the professional detailing industry and the IDA.

Click here to view blog submission guidelines. Some tips to keep in mind:

• The ideal blog post length is 300-1000 words. If you have more to say, consider breaking the blog into a series of shorter, more digestible pieces.
• Blogs should be well-developed, but not overly lengthy.
• If you would like to submit a blog post in a language other than English, that is welcomed and encouraged; however, please ensure that an English translation is available.

Remember, blog posts should be tailored to consumers, NOT fellow detailers. Suggested topics include how a professional detail can help maintain a vehicle's value, differences in caring for newer vs. older vehicles, and maintenance tips for different seasons.  View additional suggested topics here. We encourage and welcome relevant contributions beyond this list, as well.

Some topics we have covered so far include:

• Microfiber GSM
• Pollen and its effects on vehicles
• Vehicle maintenance during the summer and winter
• Leather care
• Motorcycle detailing pricing
• and so much more!

Ready to submit a blog article? Click here to fill out the form.

You can also access the submission form via the "Consumer Resources" hub.

Maybe you are not the most confident in your writing skills, but you love creating videos? No problem! You can upload videos here. A few tips to keep in mind:

• The ideal video is 3-5 minutes long. If you have more to say, consider breaking the video into a series of shorter, more digestible pieces.
  
• Please ensure that visuals and audio are high-quality. Use a microphone, if necessary. Reduce background noise. Ensure good lighting.
  
• If you would like to record a video in a language other than English, that is welcomed and encouraged; however, please ensure either an English transcript or captions are available.

All blog contributors must be current members of the IDA. Authors will receive full credit for the blog contribution when it is posted on the website and shared to social media. Once published, you are encouraged to share the blog to your own website and social media to showcase your role as a subject matter expert.

Thank you in advance for your contributions! If you have any questions, please contact us at info@the-ida.com.

View the DetailingNearby.com blog here.

Have you been looking for a way to get more involved with the IDA but don't have the time to serve on a committee?  Want to share your skills and knowledge but not sure where to start?  Try one of our micro-volunteering opportunities!  These are volunteer projects that won't take up much of your valuable time – and can be a one-time thing or done on a reoccurring basis – but will still let you contribute to your professional association in a meaningful way.  Opportunities include blog writing, video creation, presenting a webinar, staffing a tradeshow booth, and more.  Give back to your detailing community at your convenience!  

Interested in learning more?  Follow the steps below to join the new Micro-Volunteering Group, and subscribe to the blog to stay up to date with all the latest micro-volunteering opportunities!

1. Visit https://the-ida.com/group/volunteers.  You must be signed in as an active, dues-paying member to access and join the group. 

2. In the upper right corner, click “Join Group”.

3. There will be a popup asking, “Are you sure you want to join this group?”  Click “OK”.

4. If you are an active member, you will be automatically accepted into the group and will be redirected to the Micro-Volunteering Group home page.

5. Read the group “Welcome” note, which explains how to effectively participate in the group.

6. On the right-hand side, there is a list of IDA Staff Liaisons you can contact if you have any questions about the volunteer opportunities listed – or if you have other ideas about getting involved with the IDA!

7. Scroll down to the "Blog Activity" section, where you’ll find all the latest volunteer opportunities listed, starting with the most recent.

8. Click on a posting title to learn more about the opportunity (top arrow in image above).

9. Each opportunity includes additional staff contact information if you have any questions.

10. To be notified when a new opportunity is posted, you should subscribe to the group blog.

a. From the Blog Activity list, you can “Subscribe” under any of the ads (bottom arrow in image above).

b. From any individual post, you can “Subscribe” at the top of the listing.

12. Once you’re subscribed, you will receive an email notification each time a new opportunity is posted. 

13. If desired, you can unsubscribe at any time, either from an individual post or from your profile.

a. From a post, click “Unsubscribe” at the top of the listing.

b. To unsubscribe from your profile, visit https://the-ida.com/members/blog_subscriptions.asp (Account + Settings >> Information & Settings >> Blog Subscriptions), then click the red X button under “Options”.

14. From this page, you can also subscribe to blog comments to stay up to date on the conversations around volunteer opportunities.  Click the yellow conversation bubble button.

15. To unsubscribe from comments, click the conversation bubble button again (which is now green).

16. If you find an opportunity that’s the right fit for you, comment on the corresponding blog post and a staff member will be notified of your interest.  Or you can reach out directly to the staff listed on the post if you have questions about the opportunity.

17. An IDA staff member will follow up with you about the specific project details, and you can get started right away!

Your time and effort are both greatly appreciated!  Thank you for contributing to the IDA!

In appreciation of your current membership and recognition of all that we’ve been through so far this year, the IDA Board of Directors would like to offer our current members a free month of membership on your next renewal date (on or before June 30, 2021). If you’ve been affected by the economic crisis caused by the pandemic and would like to opt-in to this free month of membership, please check your email for the promo code to enter at checkout for your next member dues payment.  We’ll take off the equivalent of one month from your annual dues amount. Members who have opted in to auto-renewal: please contact info@the-ida.com to have your automatically-generated invoice adjusted by our office.

Alternatively, if you are having difficulty covering any portion of your dues, please contact us, and we'll work with you to continue your IDA membership.

Additionally, because of the economic impact of this unprecedented situation, the IDA is extending the membership expiration grace period from one month to three months at no additional cost to you or your organization.

Your expiration date will not change, but if you are unable to make your dues payment as usual, your access to the IDA community and member benefits will not be suspended after 30 days. You will continue to stay connected to resources and your network of peers for 90 days after expiration. Thank you for your membership and your dedication to the industry and your profession. Please contact info@the-ida.com if you have any questions.

For new and returning members:

The IDA Board of Directors would like to offer a free month of membership to all non-members interested in joining or rejoining the IDA by July 31, 2020.  If you’ve been affected by the economic crisis caused by the pandemic and would like to opt-in to this free month of membership, when you fill out your membership application, please enter the code “ONEMONTH” in the promo code field at checkout during the time of registration/upgrading your account.  We’ll take off the equivalent of one month from your annual dues amount.  Please contact info@the-ida.com if you have any questions.

The list includes official COVID-19 communications from the IDA, along with informational documents, links to previous panel discussion recordings, and information about our ongoing weekly group sessions (which are now open to members and non-members). The panel recordings section also contains a link to the new “IDA members and COVID-19” members-only forum, where you can watch replays of previous panel discussions and chat with one another to share stories and tips about how you’re getting yourself and your business through this unprecedented time. Of course, if you have a Facebook account, you can also join the members-only Facebook group to take the discussion to social media.

Lastly, the UK Chapter has compiled a list of country-specific resources, including business resources, financial support information, and mental health websites. There are also general resources and tips and tricks that are helpful to all detailers, regardless of location. If you have any resources that you’ve found particularly helpful, please send them to info@the-ida.com to be shared with your fellow detailing professionals. We’ll all get through this together!

The Career Center is a relatively new feature on our website, and it is the best place to take your career – or your company – to the next level.  The job board is a members-only benefit, so employers are guaranteed to reach a targeted audience of experienced, dedicated detailing professionals.  Meanwhile, members can take advantage of the ability to post their resume for free and search job posts targeted directly to them.

You can access the IDA Career Center under the “Members” tab in the website’s main menu, as seen in the screenshot below.

Job Candidates

If you are ready for the next step in your detailing career, use the IDA Career Center to search for new openings.  Whether you are looking for a local position or a new opportunity on the other side of the globe, you can use the career center to find it.

Search by criteria including keywords, location, and organization.  You can also search by category, type of position (full-time, part-time, or internship), and education/experience requirements.  Members also have the ability to subscribe to receive an email alert when new job openings in their preferred categories are posted.

Not actively looking for a new job?  Members still have the ability to post a resume on their profiles, which employers can then scan when searching for candidates.  Login to your profile, and under your profile photo, choose “Account + Settings” from the dropdown.  Then, from the next menu, choose “Content + Features” and click on the “Resume/CV” tab.  Once there, you can fill out the fields with all the typical resume information, including objective, experience, education/skills, and more.  Even if you’re not actively looking, it’s always a good idea to keep your resume up-to-date – in the case that a can’t-miss opportunity arises, you want to be sure you're ready!

We wish you the best of luck in your job search!

Employers

Have an open position to fill at your detailing operation or related organization?  Reach some of the top detailing professionals in the country and across the world through the IDA Career Center!

To place a job ad, fill out the “Job Ad Submission” form (see screenshots below).  Each job ad costs $50.  Be sure to include all pertinent job details and double-check the info for accuracy before submitting, as you will not be able to edit the ad once it has been posted.  Once your form and payment have been submitted, the ad will be posted to the website, as well as included in The Detail Dialogue newsletter and on the IDA Facebook page.

Not ready to post an ad?  You can also search through the resumes that members have added to their profiles, either generally or by specific criteria specific to your company.

We hope the IDA Career Center will be a great resource to help match you with the perfect candidate!

One of the biggest Meet and Greets of the year is held annually at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and in 2019 we had our highest turnout yet!  We also held a Meet & Greet at the first annual MTE Vegas, which brought together a new group of detailers from the west coast who aren’t typically able to attend the MTE show in Florida.

Meet and Greets are also good options if you want to celebrate a special occasion such as a new shop opening, the formation of a new IDA Chapter, or similarly exciting happenings in your community.

While many members hold Meet and Greets in conjunction with Certification Events, tradeshows, or other meetings, a Meet and Greet can easily be a standalone gathering too.  All you need to decide is the date, the time, and the location!

Once you have the details, you just need to submit the event application on the IDA website.  You can find the form on your member group page (login >> Groups >> Members) or click here to access it directly.  Fill out the required information, and don’t forget to include RSVP instructions for your guests.  (Please note: the IDA will not take or track registration on your behalf.)

If you are excited and ready to host a Meet and Greet, be sure to adhere to the following policy when planning your event: 

1. Both the host and the facility – if the location is a detailing business – must be members in good standing of the IDA.
   
2. The host must use a portion of the event to talk about IDA membership, webinars, certifications, or other IDA offerings.
   
3. Any demonstrations or presentations at the event are to be brand-neutral (no product promotion or brand bashing).
   
4. RSVPs for an event are to be collected by the host or facility.
   
5. The event must be free to attend.  If food and beverages are available for purchase only, this cost must be disclosed in the event advertisements.
   
6. IDA requests that you document your event with photos/videos to share on social media.  Tag us on Facebook and Instagram, and use #IDAdetailers.
   

Help unite detailing professionals!  Sign up to host a Meet and Greet event in your community today!

Joining the IDA as a member is a big step for any detailing professional.  It shows dedication and a drive to make the detailing industry better for the community.  But we know that joining a new organization can feel overwhelming, especially with as many different opportunities and resources to take advantage of as the IDA has available to members.  That’s why we are pleased to introduce our New Member Welcome Video!

Think of this video as your IDA orientation.  The ten-minute video is jam-packed with all the information you need to get acquainted with the IDA.

The video starts with an overview of member benefits and goes on to explain the myriad of education opportunities available to members.  Better yet, it also shows you where to find these resources – it’s like a built-in GPS to help you navigate the website.

Next, there is an explanation of networking opportunities – such as Meet & Greets and the members-only IDA Facebook Group – and professional development, including the IDA Certification Program. 

After that, you are walked through an overview of events, which include tradeshows such as Mobile Tech Expo, the SEMA Show, and more. 

Then you’ll see all the variety of items you receive to recognize your membership, including a member badge, patches, certificate, and the IDA Code of Ethics.  You’ll also get a quick look at online member profiles and the IDA Awards Program.

Of course, we don’t forget about our Supplier members – the video goes on to talk about benefits specific to our Distributor and Manufacturer members, including company recognition on our website, employee access, and advertising & sponsorship opportunities.

Next comes the most exciting part: finding out how to get more involved as a member through volunteering!  You get to hear directly from each of the Committee leaders about what their committees do and why you should get involved.  Learn about their latest projects and find out what you most connect with.  Whether you are passionate about certification, chapter development, marketing, membership, or tradeshows & education, there is an opportunity for everyone! 

Lastly, hear from 2019 President Jonathan Munsell about how getting involved can have a meaningful impact not only on your experience as an IDA member, but also on your career.

The accompanying webpage has links to our most commonly used features on the IDA website, including education opportunities, professional development, and events.  This page is your one-stop shop when you need to find an IDA resource quickly. 

Bookmark this page, find it under the “Members” tab (you must be signed in to your member account), or access via your Member Group.

The New Member Welcome Video was prepared by the IDA Membership Committee, led by the efforts of Joe DiFiore, CD-SV, Jason Rose, CD-SV, RT, and The Rag Company, with audio provided by Michael Stoops.

Whether you are a new first-time member, a returning member, or a long-time member who just needs a refresher on what the IDA has to offer, make this video your go-to resource!

Members often ask us what they can do to promote professional detailing to consumers to make them more aware of the importance of working with a true professional.  So we put together a short list of simple actions you can take as an individual to begin creating consumer awareness on a local level (click here to view the full list).

However, we understand that an essential part of the IDA’s mission to "promote the success and growth of the professional detailing community" is to increase awareness of the industry and our organization among the general public on a large scale.

With that in mind, we are pleased to announce the new area of our website dedicated solely to educating consumers on the detailing process, the importance of working with a professional, and how to find and contact professional detailers, i.e. you, our members and Certified Detailers.

The new section can be found from the home page "Find an IDA Detailer" button, or via the "Find a Detailer" tab in the main menu.  Please feel free to bookmark and share a link to this page on your own website, social media, or wherever it would be most helpful to you and your business.

The webpage starts out with an introduction to the current state of the industry and explains how the IDA's professional members are overcoming those challenges.  This section also features a short video, which speaks to the quality of work by Certified Detailers.  If you would like to share this video with your own audience, please use this link: https://youtu.be/FdvKUSQ_yHE.

As you scroll down the page, you'll see a section of FAQs related to detailing services and detailing professionals, featuring detailed responses to some of the questions our members hear most often from consumers.  If there are any questions you receive on a regular basis from your clients that you think should be added here, please send us the question and its corresponding response for review.

The next section on the page focuses on IDA Certified Detailers, including who they are, what one can expect from their services, how to find a CD, and how to learn more about the detailing process in general.  The final panel leads to our blog section, which features several consumer-care articles tailored specifically to a non-technical audience.  If you would like to contribute any consumer-related articles to this section, please submit your article here (articles should follow the IDA Article Guidelines).

Next, there is a section that highlights #IDAdetailers on Instagram.  This area showcases the recent work of our members and Certified Detailers, projects they are involved in, and shows off some of their finest work and technical skills.  From this webpage, consumers can jump directly to your Instagram page or share your posts to their Facebook or Twitter accounts, which is great exposure for you and your business!  If you want a chance to be featured here, be sure to tag @idadetailers and use #idadetailers in your Instagram posts.

The final section on this webpage features several IDA members' responses to the question: "Why should I get my car professionally detailed?"  Since this is a question our members and CDs get asked often, it is always good to have a short and succinct response at hand that will help convince a consumer to choose to use your services.  If you have an answer that always works for you, please share it with us and it could be added to this section.

In the future, we would also like to add a section featuring testimonials from real, satisfied customers who have worked with an IDA member or Certified Detailer.  While we can do our best to explain to consumers why IDA members and CDs are superior, everyone in the age of online reviews knows that people are always more likely to trust the words of their fellow consumers.  If you have video or written testimonials from customers that speak to their experience of working with you specifically as an IDA member or Certified Detailer, we would love to share them!  Submit the testimonial (confirm that you have the permission of your client to share), along with the client's first initial and last name, for a chance to be featured on this page.

We hope this section of the website becomes a valuable resource to you and your clients! 

Please contact us at info@the-ida.com if you have any questions or feedback.

[You can click any of the photos to see an enlarged view.]

To see your transactions, you need to first login to your account.  Once you are logged in, in the upper right hand corner, click the caret next to your name, and choose "Invoices" from the dropdown menu.  This will take you directly to your "Payments & History" tab, which is split into four tabs: Invoices, Event Registration, Membership, and Donation History.

Invoices

All of your invoices, no matter which type, will show in this section. There are two sub-sections: Store & Events and Dues.

Store & Events

This section will include orders for items such as certification exams, events, patches, decals, advertising, etc.  You can filter by status to see which invoices are still awaiting payment or those that have already been processed.  Status types include:

• Open: The invoice is awaiting payment from you.
• Processed: The payment has been successfully processed by the system.
• Shipped/Closed: The order has been processed and closed by administration; any shippable items have been shipped or sent electronically.
• Pending: This shows any upcoming recurring or installment payments (non-dues).
• Cancelled: Here are any orders that you have cancelled; payment was refunded or not processed.

You can click on the bill icon  to View/Print any of the invoices.  From the "Open" status screen, you can pay individual invoices by clicking on the credit card icon .  To pay multiple or all invoices at once, click the check boxes next to each invoice you'd like to pay and then click the "Pay Selected Invoices" button.

Dues

When you switch over to the Dues tab, there are a few different options to be aware of.  There are only three payment statuses for membership dues:

• Open: The invoice is awaiting payment from you (or the master account, if you selected "Bill to Master" at checkout).  Keep in mind that your membership will not be approved or renewed until payment has been made and processed successfully.
• Closed: The payment has been successfully processed by the system.
• Open (Awaiting Auto-Bill): You have selected auto-renew for your membership dues; this payment will be processed automatically on your next upcoming renewal date, which can be seen in the "Membership" tab.

If you have any employees whose membership dues have been "Billed to Master" they will show up in this tab as well.

Just as with store items and events, you can click on the bill icon  to View/Print any of the invoices.  From the "Open" status screen, you can pay individual invoices by clicking on the credit card icon .  To pay multiple or all invoices at once, click the check boxes next to each invoice you'd like to pay and then click the "Pay Selected Invoices" button.

Event Registrations

As the tab name implies, this is where you can find a list of all your event registrations, including certification events and webinars. 

First, there is a list of all upcoming events for which you are registered.  You can click on the calendar icon  to export the event details to your calendar.  You can also click on the printer icon  to pull up a pop-up box with your registration details, which you can then save or print.

There is also a list of all the past events for which you registered, along with the option to view registration details if desired.

Membership

The first box on this tab shows your membership and expiration date.  If you have an "Open" invoice, there will be a note stating that you have an open transaction and your membership status and expiration date may change once the transaction is processed.  You can click the credit card icon  to make the dues payment or click the bill icon  to View/Print the invoice.

If you have opted for auto-renew and have an "Open (Awaiting Auto-Bill)" invoice [shown above], you can ignore the warning message as your membership payment will be renewed automatically upon your next renewal date.  However, if you need to update your billing information prior to your next renewal date, you can select the credit card icon  to update your billing details.

If you wish to cancel your one-time membership payment or your auto-renewal plan, click the red x button  and follow the prompts to cancel.

Donation History

The final tab in this section shows your Donation History.  When you contribute a donation to the organization, your contributions will be listed on this tab. 

It's that lovely time of year again, when the days are longer, the snow has disappeared, and the birds are singing – yes, it's spring!  That means it's time for a good spring cleaning, whether that's your home, your car, or even your IDA member profile. 

As detailers are well aware, after a long, brutal winter, customers are finally back in full force, ready for a comprehensive auto detailing (or maybe even boat detailing in some parts of the country).  These customers are looking for your services and may end up on the IDA website, browsing through the member, Certified Detailers, and Skills Validated directories.  You want to be sure to appear your best when they come across your profile.  

Here are a few tips to spruce up your profile to make sure you spring into the season looking your best:

First, log in to your profile and make sure it's active!

Use one of the two areas noted above to login to your member profile.  If you don't remember your username or password, use the "Forgot Your Password" link or contact the IDA Central Office for a reset.

Once you're logged in, navigate to "My Profile".

This is the second link from the left in the top menu bar.  You will then be directed to your profile page, which is how your profile appears to other members who are logged in to the website.

Next, you should update your profile photo if you do not currently have one posted.

Click "Edit" in the profile photo area.  You will be prompted to upload a photo from your computer or device.  Be sure to choose a current, professional photo that presents you and your company in your best light.  A professional head shot or your logo are a few good examples.

Tip: To ensure successful upload, photo files must be in JPG, GIF, or PNG format. Additionally the photos must be in standard RGB Color (CMYK photos are not web compliant and are not an acceptable color format).  No uploads larger than 30MB are allowed.

Once you're happy with your photo, it's time to move on to your profile.

Access the "Edit Profile" section by clicking on the "About" tab, shown above.

Once you're on your profile page, you will see a green progress bar with your "Profile Completeness" score.  Obviously, the higher it is, the better!  Click the "Increase your score today" link to edit your profile details and get to 100%!

On the "About" page, update as many details as you can to make it easy for members and customers to find you and contact you.

Some particularly important sections to keep in mind:

• Your Personalized URL: Claim your IDA membership with pride.  Add your name or company name to the IDA URL, and share your personalized link on your marketing materials.  Some good examples: https://the-ida.com/member/firstnamelastname or https://the-ida.com/member/companyname
• Email address: Make sure this is current, accessible, and professional.  If a customer reaches out to you via email, you want to be sure it gets to the right place!  This is also where all your notifications from the IDA website will be directed.
• Phone number: Yes, even with email, websites, and social media abounding, many people still will reach out to you via phone!  Be sure that your number is updated and formatted correctly (including international code [if applicable] and area code) so that potential customers can get in touch.
• Website: Let people know where else they can find you online and learn more about your services.  Be sure to include http:// or https:// at the beginning of the URL.
• Professional Address: Again, people want to be able to find your business!  Make sure this field is filled out accurately, as this also determines how you appear in our directory and on our maps.
• Specialties and Other Specialties: If you specialize in a particular type of service, choose from our pre-selected list, or type in your own specialties.  Filling out this section will help distinguish you from other members, who may not have the same knowledge or skills in these areas.
• Locations: This will help potential customers know if you provide services beyond the area listed in your "address" field.
• Education/Experience: If you've got it, flaunt it!  Show off your background, skills, and specialties so potential customers can learn more about who they'll be working with.  Knowing that they've got a capable, competent detailing professional on their side will make them more likely to choose your services.
• Social/Volunteer Organizations: If you are involved with your community beyond your business, tell us about it in this section.  This will show to others that you are dedicated not only to your business, but to helping your community thrive as well.

Don't forget to save your changes!  Then, watch your score – and business – skyrocket this spring and beyond!

These guidelines have been put together to help make sure you, our members and Certified Detailers, are always putting your best face forward when it comes to the IDA.  We have outlined everything from correct IDA logo usage to official IDA colors to our social media policy.  We even explain the proper way to list your IDA Certifications after your name.

Consider this your one-stop shop for all things related to IDA Branding!

1. Establish a member account for yourself
If you are not yet an IDA member, now is the time to sign up and invest in the future of your career and your business!  Click here to find out which member type is the best fit for you.  Once your application has been approved (or if you are already a member), move on to the next step. 

2. Visit our online exam store
Make sure you are logged in to your account to receive member pricing.  Choose the exams (either individual or the complete set) for which you would like to register your employees. Once you add the exam(s) to your cart, proceed to checkout.

3. Checkout
In the checkout area, enter the information for your employee (NOT your own) into the 'Recipient Information' fields.  Enter the payment information, then click 'Proceed to Confirmation' and review the information you have entered.  When ready, hit 'Complete Order.'

4. Employee Exam Access
Once payment has been received, a web-user profile will be created for your employee.  Your employee will then receive access information for the exams that have been purchased.  They will need to login to their new web-user profile to access and can then begin taking the exams.

If you have any questions or need help ordering online certification exams for your employees, please contact the IDA Central Office at info@the-ida.com or 651-925-5526.

If you signed up for membership auto-renewal BEFORE August 29, 2018, you will need to log-in to your account to manually renew for the 2019 membership year.  We could not transfer your saved payment information over to the new website because of PCI compliance (credit card data security) requirements, so for this year only, a manual renewal will be necessary.  Skip to the 'Manual Renewal Process' section below.

If you signed up for auto-renewal AFTER August 29, 2018 using our new website system, you are good to go at this time!  You will be sent a reminder notification one month before your next set of membership dues is processed.

Manual Renewal Process:
If you signed up for auto-renewal BEFORE August 29, 2018 or have not yet signed up for auto-renewal, you will need to renew your membership manually before it expires.  Renewal opens up two months before your expiration date (which can be found in your member profile under the Membership tab).  Once your membership renewal opens, you will see a banner displayed at the top of your profile that says "Your membership will expire on [YOUR EXP. DATE].  Renew now!"  Click on the linked text to begin the renewal process.

(You may click on any of the following images for an enlarged view)

You will also be able to access the renewal page from several other areas on your dashboard:

1. The membership tab under 'Payments & History':

2. The dropdown menu under your name in the upper right corner:

3. The announcements section on the 'My Feed' page:

Whichever way you decide to navigate to the 'Renewal' page, you will end up on a page that begins like this (with your member type appearing in the 'Membership Information' section):

You will have two options: 1) Renew membership for one year, or 2) Select Auto-Renew to automatically renew membership on your anniversary date until you manually opt-out. 

Once you make that option, continue down the page and ensure that all of the information is correct.  Next, enter your 'Billing Information', and proceed to the 'Payment Information' section.

Payment:
Here you have several different payment options: Check/Money Order (CANNOT be selected for Auto-Renew), PayPal, or Credit Card.  For Auto-Renewal, you must select either the PayPal or Credit Card option.  If your credit card on file expires before the next recurring payment  and, thus, your payment is denied, you will be sent a notice stating such and you can update your credit card information at that time.

If you are an Employee, you will also see the 'Bill To' option.  Selecting this will allow you to send the invoice to your Employer, and they can make the dues payment on your behalf. 

Alternatively, employers can use the "Sign-In-As" function to submit renewal directly on behalf of their employees.  To do so, login to your profile and navigate to the 'Information & Settings' tab, then click 'Employees.'  Scroll to the bottom, where you will find a list of all employees attached to your account.  Then click on the forward arrow button to sign in as that employee and follow the same steps as above to proceed through the renewal process.

When you are ready, hit the 'Submit' button in the lower right corner.  If your payment is successful, you will receive a notification email, confirming your renewal, and you can check your 'Membership' tab to ensure that your expiration date is now one year out.

NOTE: Employee (Sub-account) membership is always tied to the membership of the Employer (Master account).  So if the Master account expires, all attached Sub-accounts will also expire, unless you detach the Sub-accounts and convert them into their own Master accounts.  Once a Master account is made current, all Sub-accounts will follow.

If you have any questions or need help renewing your membership, please contact the IDA Central Office at info@the-ida.com or 651-925-5526.

It's now easier than ever to get your whole company or team involved with the IDA, thanks to new employee pricing! 

Operators, Suppliers (Distributors and Manufacturers), and Institutional members can now add employees to their existing company accounts with just a few clicks of the button.  This makes it cost-efficient and convenient for everyone on your team to access prime member benefits, receive a discount on the IDA Certification program, and take their professional detailing skills to the next level.

New employee member pricing (effective April 1, 2024) is as follows: 

• Operators: Full membership access for an unlimited number of employees at $25 per person, per year.
  
• Supplier - Manufacturers: Full membership access for an unlimited number of employees at $25 per person, per year.
  
• Supplier - Distributors: Full membership access for an unlimited number of employees at $25 per person, per year.
  
• Institutions: Full membership access for an unlimited number of employees, included with membership.

Ready to bring your team on board?  Follow these simple instructions:

1. Sign in to your member dashboard.
2. Click on the caret next to your name in the upper right corner, and choose Accounts + Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. Navigate to the Information & Settings tab on the left, and then click on the Employees tab in the top menu.
4. You then have three options to add employees:
   1. Click "Create Employees" to add sub-accounts yourself.
   2. Copy the "Your Employees" direct link, and send to your employees to register themselves.
   3. Add email addresses into the "Invite New Members" box, and send an invite directly from the system.
5. Next, just follow the registration prompts, and create a separate account for each employee.
6. A $25 invoice will be opened for each employee you add. The employee can either pay the invoice themselves, or bill the invoice to you.
   1. If billed to you, the invoice will appear under the Payments & History section of your account.  You can pay online via credit card or PayPal, or by mailing a check to the Central Office. 
   2. The employee's account will not be activated until the dues payment is received.
7. Once the invoice is received and processed, your employee will automatically be connected to your account and will appear on your public profile.

By default, Operators, Suppliers, and Institutions have five available seats.  If you need additional seats, please contact the IDA Central Office to adjust accordingly.

Please keep in mind that employee accounts and access are tied to the membership of the main contact.  That means if the main contact's membership expires, then so will that of all the employees (unless the employee joins as a full member separately).

Have questions about the new employee membership structure?  Contact the IDA Central Office at 651-925-5526 or info@the-ida.com.