Selecting a professional detailer is not an easy task. It’s unsettling but true – many may call themselves professionals but they do not stand up to or beyond the industry standards and lack customer commitment. When contracting the services of a professional detailer it should be approached no differently than if you were hiring a contractor for your house.

A vehicle is the second largest investment for most people – a major asset. So you don’t want amateur detailers performing work on it. You want a detailer that is a true professional. Someone who possess knowledge about the chemicals, equipment and the various surfaces of each vehicle. A person who constantly updates their professional skills, education and training to keep pace with the ever changing technology. Your car care guardian should be committed to customer satisfaction and a superior craftsman. Here are a few tips to help you when looking for that diamond in the rough.

Educate yourself

Gain as much information and knowledge as you can about car care prior to consulting any auto detailing services.

Ask around town

Inquire with friends, family, co-workers and automotive dealerships to find out who is the best automotive detailer in or close to town. Automotive dealerships are your best bet – they are in the business and know the value of a fine detailer.

Ask questions

Once you have expanded your knowledge you will be able to ask questions. Find out what options are available to you, ask what the differences are between their service and the competitors, ask about their customer satisfaction policy, prices, the benefits and how they define themselves as a professional.

View a car before and after

Ask the detailer if you may see a car prior to being detailed and again after the work has been completed. Do not go by photos. Ask to see the real deal. It may be a little time consuming because you will have to go to the shop twice but it is well worth it.

Ask for references

Don’t be afraid to ask a detailer prior to contracting them for several references. If they are unwilling to provide any – stay clear. A true professional has excellent references and is more than willing to provide them upon request.

Follow through

Before committing to any services follow through on the references. Ask the reference if they were satisfied with the work performed, what type of service they purchased, if they have had any problems – if so, was it rectified in a timely and favorable way. Ask when the work was performed – if it was just performed ask if you can see it.

Make a decision

It’s now time to make an intelligent decision based on your knowledge. Remember, basing your decision on pricing alone is not enough. Auto detailing is protection for your asset. In general, prices reflect the quality of workmanship. Lower quotes usually mean lower – chemical quality, care, client satisfaction, craftsmanship and overall knowledge, training and education. A true professional does not reduce prices to compete because the quality of work provided supersedes that of the competitors and is above the industry standards.