The world of education and how people learn is changing. It used to be that one would attend a college, university, or technical training college to become proficient in a given field of study. Now, with the prevalence of online learning, it seems that you can learn just about anything about well… anything. That includes automotive detailing.
This is great because it allows professionals with all kinds of experience to share their knowledge and expertise with others in the field. This allows for more people to learn about the field and become trained in automotive detailing and offers more choices in the market. But how do you choose a good Detailing company from among all the ones on the market?
This post will give you some helpful tips and hints on what to look for when you’re looking to have your car detailed.
Licensed and Insured
This goes without saying but still needs to be said. Detailing (or any business for that matter) needs to be licensed with the state in which they’re conducting business and they need to carry insurance that is up to date and sufficiently covers any liability for work they are performing. Please, ask if they are licensed and insured. This is to protect both parties should something go wrong, in which case you’re covered if it does. I’ve heard too many stories of people that don’t have insurance and something goes wrong. It’s never pretty and usually both parties end up on the losing side. So just check,
Trained
Automotive and Marine Detailing is governed by the International Detailing Association (or IDA for short). The IDA serves as a certification and training organization to ensure a detailer or detailing business meet industry best practices and standards when it comes to providing detailing services. This is accomplished through a series of ten written exams and a hands on component to ensure that the individual or business meets those standards when performing a detailing service..
There is in fact a proper way to clean and care for the materials on both the inside and outside of a car and proper training and certification through the IDA further goes to show that an individual or company is dedicated to providing the best possible service.
That doesn’t mean that a company who is not certified isn’t capable of providing a good service but certification does function as a guide post to hopefully avoid a service that may not meet your expectations.
Professional Demeanor
It is often the case that people who start a detailing business start small but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t capable of providing a professional service or customer experience. Do they have a uniform or collared shirt? Are they clean and presentable? What is your experience like speaking with them over the phone? Etc.
There are different styles to how a company or individual conducts business and some market to different needs within the detailing industry and so it does come down to personal preference in some cases but always do check for a professional experience and look.
Pricing
Do you really get what you pay for? The answer is both yes and sometimes. It has been my experience that budget detailing companies don’t last. It should be noted that at times it’s necessary to enter a market at a lower price point as a way of attracting customers but it is also often the case that low prices and good quality don’t go mutually hand in hand for long.
If you’re on a budget then ask if a company is currently offering a promotion or discount for multiple vehicles. Sometimes you can find a diamond in the rough with great quality and lower cost but they often don’t last.
Does that mean that all high end detailing services are worth the cost:? Yes and no and it depends what you’re looking for. Some companies do use better quality products and that can be reflected in their pricing; in which case you are getting what you pay for. But, that doesn’t mean that if you’re paying more for a similar service that you are essentially getting more. You could be paying for the name or other things such as that but it has been my experience that you do get what you pay for (within reason).
Other Factors
Some companies contribute to causes that may align with what a consumer likes. Some detailing businesses are listed as green or environmentally friendly. This can mean a lot of some consumers and so check for that if you are interested or find that important in a business. Some businesses contribute to community causes such as donating services, doing food drives, or coat drives. They often offer discounts for these types of things if you participate so you may want to look for those as well if you feel like contributing to a cause and getting a bit of a discount at the same time.
Online Reviews
Online reviews are helpful and can often lead to great finds on the internet. Look for what appear to be honest, genuine, and helpful responses. Some people are never happy and will leave a negative review no matter what. Others may leave a review because of an incentive for leaving a review. There is nothing wrong with this as long as the incentive isn’t for a positive review. Reviews should be impartial and honest so look for that as well even though it can be a bit to tease out sometimes. It’s often not the case but sometimes can be.
Summation
It’s easier than ever to find things online but look for things that are necessary such as being licensed and insured. Also look for things such as training, and multiple good quality reviews. If in doubt, give them a call and ask questions. Most companies and individuals are more than willing to answer your questions so give them a call to help you make a better and more informed decision about which detailing service to choose.