Tried searching- What to look for in a Detail Shop? (newb question)

M

motobuild

New member
With winter fast aproaching I want to get a good interior and exterior detail. This will give me enough time to research the fine art of detailing so I can do it next summer.



Anyway, what questions should I ask a detail shop?



I have a few already-

Do you clay the vehicle?

Do you use a rotary buffer?

What products do you use?



Ok, so those are the only ones I have right now. Still learning!!



I apologize because I am sure this has been brought up before. I tried searching a number of different words and phrases without success.



I also didn't know whether to put this in this forum or the Professional Detail forum.



Thanks!
 
Most detail shops are in it for the money, not for the pride of a perfectly detailed car.



Find someone from Autopia who will charge you less and do a better job. There are a few really nice sponsors on this site as well but I know if any are from AK.
 
Look for a smaller shop that specializes in privately owned vehicles. Shops that tend to do a lot of high volume in used cars for tote the note lots take a lot of short cuts from what I have seen and won't treat your car like their own the way a smaller shop does. This isn't to say there are not any large detailing shops that don't do good work, but for the most part you will get a better detail at a smaller shop where the owner is personally involved.



What you should consider when looking for a detailing shop



1. Where is the owner of the shop during most of the day? In the bays or sitting in an office? Shops where the owner has a hand in the work being done tend to do a better job.



2. Is the shop clean and organized? Does it appear to be well stocked? Do the employees look like they are enjoying their work?



3. What products are they using? Have you ever heard of these products? Are they using the professional lines or consumer lines of products?



4. From what you can see, do they appear to be using proper detailing techniques? If they are going to use a rotary with a wool pad, will they follow with a swirl remover and a foam pad (they had better!).



5. What is your gut impression? If something seems off to you, trust your instincts.



If I can think of anything else, I'll add it later.
 
Scott brings up some very valid points.....Ask them there exact process, for your car, compare theirs with "ours" (Autopians). MAke a list of their products and share with us....

If the shop is downright dirty, and appears unorganized, walk away...Clean jobs start with clean shops...

Also, does their rep appear to be in it for the buck, or does he share a genuine interest in your car....
 
joed1228 said:
Most detail shops are in it for the money, not for the pride of a perfectly detailed car.



Find someone from Autopia who will charge you less and do a better job. There are a few really nice sponsors on this site as well but I know if any are from AK.
Click to expand...



Of course detail shops are in it for the money - tell me one business person that isn't? The real problem is that there are to many dummys who open up a detailing business because they think it will be easy and more importanatly CHEAP to get into. These type of people unfortunately outnumber the quality, well trianed professionals who will do a great job at a reasonable price. Like Scottwax said, look for a smaller shop catering to people who want a quality deatil and not a low price and you should be fine.
 
Maybe I should of worded myself a bit different.



Most professional shops detail for the everyday Joe Smoe. They charge alot and do the job of an 8 year old child.
 
Confidence, yep good old fashion confidence this can either make ya or break ya. I tell every customer who has a doubt " If you don't like the job you don't pay me." Another slogan that I have been using for years is "If you can find a better detailer, who will give you better service and a better price I will pay for it" Now thats confidence. You will get them everytime with sincere confidence.
 
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