What To Look For When Choosing a Detailing Service
A couple of months back, we decided to conduct a small survey. We started asking our clients the number-one problem they had faced in the past when it came to detailing their cars.
One thing kept coming up as we talked to one client to the next: "It's so hard to find a detailer who actually delivers what they promise."
Many of them had in the past taken their car to 'detailers' who promised to detail their car quickly at low costs — only to end up disappointed with the results. For example, even a standard detail that includes just the exterior can take 4 to 5 hours. You're simply not getting the same quality from a place that says they can do the job in an hour.
Most detailers fail because they simply don't have a clear grasp of what they are doing. Some people who claim to be detailers do not have the knowledge, skills, tools, and time to detail a car correctly.
To properly engage in this business, one has to invest a lot of time and resources. There's no other way about it.
So how would you know which car detailing service is best for you?
Here are 3 tips to help you choose the best detailer or ceramic coating installer for your vehicle:
1. Do they have Positive Google Reviews?
You want to work with a detailing service with impressive and detailed Google reviews. Look for quality, not quantity. You want to find a car detailing service with customer reviews that are:
Informative and insightful: Does it describe what other visitors are likely to experience. Look for any highlights about what makes the specific detailer special or different. Was it their professionalism, products, shop cleanliness or timely communication? What exactly did the reviewer like about the detailer?
Authentic: While it's not easy to spot a fake review (both positive and negative), there are some things you can watch out for. For instance, an overwhelmingly positive review signals that the person has blind loyalty to the brand or that they've benefitted (financially or another way) from the review. On the other hand, someone who genuinely wants to provide a one-star or two-star review will focus on the specific issues they had with the detailer instead of just bashing out angry comments.
Generally, if a detailer has several reviews with positive overarching themes, that's an indicator that you can trust them with your precious vehicle. Not to toot our own horn, but if our 5 Star rating on Google Reviews is anything to go by, all our hard work and dedication is paying off.
2. Are They Certified to Apply Professional-Grade Coatings?
Here is the reality – the ceramic coating world is unbelievably complex and saturated. Today, you'll find countless companies on the internet that sprinkle some ceramic ingredients in a DIY spray-on and then market it as a ceramic coating product.
On the other hand, you have firms like Ceramic Pro which have spent years and millions of dollars to develop one of the most advanced automotive coatings in the world.
If you want to truly protect your vehicle, you need to find a detailing service near you certified by a company like Ceramic Pro. Most providers of these high-level automotive protection products are very selective about who they allow to install their products. For instance, VIP Auto Spa is the certified Ceramic Pro installer for the Reno/Sparks area. To get this accreditation, we had to ensure that all our technicians underwent proper training — including a fully paid two-week trip to San Diego, California, to be trained at the Ceramic Pro HQ. We've also made a considerable investment towards setting up a state-of-the-art detailing shop, which you can see in the video below.
3. Do They Have a Physical Location?
Look for a detailing service or ceramic coating installer who occupies a physical location. This is in no way meant to undermine mobile detailers. Mobile detailing has its advantages. However, there is a limit to how much equipment can be carried in the detailing van. As a result, it can't adequately cater to customers looking for specialty services that require extra tools. There is also the issue of the specific conditions needed for some professional-grade detailing products.
Even more importantly, an auto detailer will more likely have full insurance coverage if operating out of a properly zoned and inspected business location. This is possibly the most critical part of selecting any auto detailing service. It ensures your vehicle has maximum protection when under the care of the detailer.
I hope this information helps you save time, pick the right detailer, and drive home with a well-protected and incredible-looking ride. Take a look at the video below for a glimpse of our professional technicians at work in our state-of-the-art shop!
