What to look for when hiring a car detailing or valeting specialist
What to look for when your vehicle is in need of detailing - valeting and your ready to hire a service provider:
Whilst your home is your most expensive outlay in life, your vehicle comes as an extremely close second. With costs of vehicles now being anywhere between £4000 all the way up to £250,000 +, the question becomes apparent with the vast array of car valeting and detailing service providers, “Who should you use?”
You should take the question into account like you would that of a plumber, heating engineer or builder.
Now there is always the odd poor tradesmen that slip through the net along with those that are long time served, but, over time have become complacent. You cannot put a value on word of mouth. A tradesman that has exceptional track record for producing consistent quality will always be talked about. On that note, do take into account word of mouth from others. Word carried through forums do not always carry the greatest of weight behind them due to the fan base that said service provider has gained over a duration. Word of mouth from car club members that have had work’s carried out previously or friends / family members that have used that said service provider always carry greater value. Do also think wisely when considering entertaining certain supposed governing bodies of the trade. There is "no such" governing body, more so a buy in professional valeter / detailer scheme which means nothing. Half the skilled and tested individuals have limited to no skill set and have "paid in" to where they are now as opposed to creating solid foundations through long time service and quality workmanship.
You should take the question into account like you would that of a plumber, heating engineer or builder.
Now there is always the odd poor tradesmen that slip through the net along with those that are long time served, but, over time have become complacent. You cannot put a value on word of mouth. A tradesman that has exceptional track record for producing consistent quality will always be talked about. On that note, do take into account word of mouth from others. Word carried through forums do not always carry the greatest of weight behind them due to the fan base that said service provider has gained over a duration. Word of mouth from car club members that have had work’s carried out previously or friends / family members that have used that said service provider always carry greater value. Do also think wisely when considering entertaining certain supposed governing bodies of the trade. There is "no such" governing body, more so a buy in professional valeter / detailer scheme which means nothing. Half the skilled and tested individuals have limited to no skill set and have "paid in" to where they are now as opposed to creating solid foundations through long time service and quality workmanship.
Question there insurances...
So many promote they are insured, when in fact..... they clearly are not! Public liability covers the service provider for accidents caused by their wrongful placement of tools and products along with spillages etc. This does not cover them for damage to your vehicle. This insurance is imperative for peace of mind to the customer along with ensuring the service provider being covered should an unfortunate accident occur. A true quality tradesmen will always be conscientious of every aspect of there business and the services they provide and will always ensure they have these said insurances in place. If they do not, it is a risk element only you can decide to live with but the cost of restoring damage will be far greater than paying a slightly higher price for a true, fully insured service provider boasting a good double figure in year’s experience.
Question there materials and ethics.
It has been seen that the norm was washing a car with the typical sponge from the local motor factor and a bucket or two from along with a watering can. On that note, would an electrician not have a voltage tester to check live wiring before setting to work or a builder using a kitchen knife as a trowel for cement? Highly doubtful and definitely a sure way of finding a bonified cowboy trader. Sure, Autoglym is well known but just because they state they use Autoglym and have a certificate proving they have been shown how to use the stuff by an area representative means little to nothing. Anyone can attend such course and get a certificate at the end of it just as anyone can pay thousands of pounds to be endorsed by more well known boutique brands, what does this mean? The same as the afore mentioned. If they are using waterless wash media and you value your vehicles painted finish, walk away. The service provider should be fluent and proficient in all areas of there trade and should be able to describe all the products and tool they use and how to use said products and tools to best effect.
Why are some detailers far cheaper than others?
If they are 50% cheaper than most, ask the question why? Chances are they are working at weekends only for play money or “Beer tokens” for want of a better way of putting things into perspective. They will not have adequate insurance cover if they have any what so ever. Costs are at a minimum due to them having a full time job besides detailing / valeting and insurances most certainly will not be in place as to keep costs down to a minimum. Would you accept someone building an extension on your house 50% cheaper thinking they can do the job correctly when in fact they haven’t dug the footings correctly and it could fall back down after 3 years? I’m sure you know the correct answer.
Do not go straight to those that have or profess to have all the most expensive products / brands and latest kit and equipment. Many have had, or still have very well paid jobs and have easily spent a small fortune with no idea of how any of it works or is used. Time served tradesmen will have there chosen products that work. Machinery and equipment that they are confident and comfortable with. A sizeable portfolio along with documented work’s carried out. Proof of insurances and importantly, a number of past and present clients that will be only to happy to give recommendation via phone or email.
With the internet being the main source of buying, selling hiring etc, it is such an easy way for many to design a free website. Get on free social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook and blatantly lie through there teeth with statements of being ever so busy or they have X and Y super cars booked in to get to the top. What you read is not always what you will get! Equally, many can go on training courses with time served tradesmen. Some more proficient than others. Once they have carried out said training (which typically lasts anywhere between 1 day to 3 days) they set there business up straight away without any time served experience:
; A buy in scheme to the top as it were.
What we pride ourselves in and has stood the test of time personally is being independent with zero ties to any manufacturer or franchise. We have been within the trade some 22 years now and have track proven skill set and knowledge as opposed to some vast branded mass marketed corporations with which hire labourers and send them on a number of courses thinking that they will now become a multi decade experienced detailer in a matter of weeks - There is hope but this seldom rarely pans out.
Do not go straight to those that have or profess to have all the most expensive products / brands and latest kit and equipment. Many have had, or still have very well paid jobs and have easily spent a small fortune with no idea of how any of it works or is used. Time served tradesmen will have there chosen products that work. Machinery and equipment that they are confident and comfortable with. A sizeable portfolio along with documented work’s carried out. Proof of insurances and importantly, a number of past and present clients that will be only to happy to give recommendation via phone or email.
With the internet being the main source of buying, selling hiring etc, it is such an easy way for many to design a free website. Get on free social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook and blatantly lie through there teeth with statements of being ever so busy or they have X and Y super cars booked in to get to the top. What you read is not always what you will get! Equally, many can go on training courses with time served tradesmen. Some more proficient than others. Once they have carried out said training (which typically lasts anywhere between 1 day to 3 days) they set there business up straight away without any time served experience:
; A buy in scheme to the top as it were.
What we pride ourselves in and has stood the test of time personally is being independent with zero ties to any manufacturer or franchise. We have been within the trade some 22 years now and have track proven skill set and knowledge as opposed to some vast branded mass marketed corporations with which hire labourers and send them on a number of courses thinking that they will now become a multi decade experienced detailer in a matter of weeks - There is hope but this seldom rarely pans out.
Final thought.
It is very easy for many to be sucked into the void and hire inferior service providers. With that in mind, it is imperative to shop around and gain as much information as physically possible prior to making any bookings for services. Shop hard and well. Chances of choosing incorrectly will be down to the very bare minimum and the outcome be a very pleasant and rewarding one.