How to pick a good detailer

slysnake · Sep 20, 2010

I think I need a pro to detail my car. I've seen some local places advertise detailing but I'm not sure they really offer what I want. I think there are those out there that wash, wax, vacum the car and call that detailed. But I want someone to correct the swirl marks, etc.

What kind of questions should I ask to make sure I have a REAL detailer working on my car.

Also, I guess a quality detail job would take some time. How long in general? And, do I need to allow them to drive the car? (That always scares me)

plumcrazy · Sep 20, 2010

IMO, if the guy has been around a while and is willing to use the wax i supply, im happy. ive found 2 guys this way and never had a problem.

i like them using the wax i supply, so i can continue to detail and i know i like the stuff i use.

Tito Tw · Sep 20, 2010

"IF" I may.............

Clarify the Detail

In short, let's begin with the end in mind.

As in any venture we might undertake, let's ask ourselves the question, what is the end result we are looking for?

Now, first things first. Let's understand the term that gets bantered about in the automotive world quite a bit and it is the term "detail". This is usually used in conjunction with our vehicle when we are going to clean it. Let's say for discussion that we have a business of this sort.

When we say the word detail, what exactly do we mean and do we understand what is involved in getting there. Detail simply means paying attention to the details of what we are undertaking to do or better put what we have told the customer we are going to do.

And to that point, when the customer comes to our place of business to have this done to their vehicle. When the customer says they want their vehicle detailed, and we agree to do it, as a suggestion, please clarify what is going to be done and what is the expectation of the customer.

How about a checklist, review the items we are going to do and go over these with the customer, pricing, etc. Now you and the customer are in agreement as to what is going to be done and what they can expect to be done when they come to pick the vehicle up.

At the time the customer comes to pick the vehicle up, do a review of what you said you were going to do and what was agreed upon, if they match, there is no room for argument of let down on anyone's part, and the price agreed upon is never an issue.

Without this, a seemingly simple detail can turn sour, tempers lost, customer alienated, etc. Too many people advertise a $39.95 detail and the customer has an elaborate detail, one he has maybe seen at a car show in his minds eye as the final product and then when they return for the vehicle, now everyone is let down.

If you can tell us your state and city, I will make some calls to see if we can get you a good detailer. I don't think you will have any problems with a good detailer coming to your house which will take care of your concern of someone else's driving your car, that's assuming that you don't need 20+ hours of work on the car

Junkman2008 · Sep 21, 2010

Good points Tito.

Let me add this. Paint correction (removing swirl marks) is not something commonly done by a majority of "detailers" today. They will use products to hide more damage than they actually fix. In you situation, I would first go check out those who consider themselves true professional. Don't tell them what you are looking for at first, just ask to see their work and look the car over as if you were paying the tab. If you actually find someone who's work reflects what you expect to be done to your car, question what was done to the car. The most important question you must ask is do they perform paint correction (the actual removal of paint damage) or are they going to glaze the car to death in order to hide the paint flaws.

If they actually perform paint correction and your paint is bad, it may take a day or two so don't rush them. Look at a car that they have fixed under various light sources. I always love to do the flash test. Paint that looks flawless in the sun as this car does:

You must be registered for see images

... can reveal some nasty damage when you snap a flash on it.

You must be registered for see images

And that my friends is what shows up on the car at night as you walk away from it in the grocery store parking lot. Yuk!

PaViper · Sep 21, 2010

If you cant get the car to the JunkMan, how close are you to Annville Pa

slysnake · Sep 21, 2010

Thanks for the advice guys.

Junkman, those kind of swirl marks are exactly the problem. In normal light you can't notice anything, but in the bright sun I start to see them. I have used swirlx and another rubbing compound to try to get rid of them myself but it hasn't changed. I'm reluctant to use a clay bar as I have never done it. So I think a pro would be the best idea for me.

Also, I've even been noticing some slight lines like that in the windshield when the sun hits it just right. That can't be good.

Unfortunately I'm quite a ways from the east coast. About half way between Chicago and St. Louis. Maybe a little closer to STL but still a good 4 hour drive.

Junkman2008 · Sep 21, 2010

What's 4 hours? I do clinics in St. Louis every year!

Check your PM. :2tu:

goldcup · Sep 21, 2010

When are those clinics Junkman? Im in Kansas City and will gladly drive to St Louis for yours!

goldcup · Sep 21, 2010

Slysnake if you get it done well by someone who knows what they are doing 4 hour drive is worth it!

Junkman2008 · Sep 21, 2010

goldcup said:
When are those clinics Junkman? Im in Kansas City and will gladly drive to St Louis for yours!

I think that I am finished for the season in St. Louis unless something comes up. I was hoping to get to VOI this year but it falls on a date that my assistants couldn't do. If I was closer, I'd go by myself. Hell, I'd go if a sponsor here brought me out. I need to set something up with the Vipers that we can do every year, just like I do for the Corvettes and Mustangs. Vipers like to shine too! :2tu:

slysnake · Sep 22, 2010

Well, 4 hours there with two cars and drivers. Probably leave the car. 4 hours back. 4 hours there again with two cars and drivers to pick up the car, 4 hours back. That's a major event imo. If I could find a time I could stay over that would be different, but my work schedule doesn't allow that.

How to pick a good detailer

slysnake

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