Mobile Automotive Detailing and Reconditioning

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. The best advice that I could give any client is to question the experience of the detailing or reconditioning technian. Don't limit the inquiry to the business owner's experience, but also ask the experience of his crew; especially those that are working on their vehicle(s). Be sure to find a company that has at least 10 years of hands-on experince and not just a certificate of completion from a month long detailing course. A lot of reconditioning companies buy expensive equipment, send a couple of people to classes and think that counts the same as years of experience. Reconditioning automobiles is an artform that takes a years of experience to master.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. I guess I would wsant to know some history of the trade. When did people really start to detail there vehicles? Certain trends in the automotive indudstry develop from certain time periods or regions.

Also, I'd like to know what qualifies a business to be called a "detail business" versus just being a car wash. I always stress that education is key. The same way you should research and compare vehicles before you purchase one, you should do the same for services you get on your vehicle post purchase.

Another thing I'd like to know is why prices fluctuate so much from company to company.

If I told all of secrets, they wouldnt be secrets any more.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. How long have you been in business and where did you gain your experience?

What type (brand) chemicals does your company use and are they biodegradeable?

Does your company have liability insurance and/or is everyone that works for the company bonded?

What do you need from me to complete the job; i.e., power, water, space?

What type of promotions are running right now?

Does your company price match?

Does your company provide a pick-up/ drop-off service?

How long will it take to complete the work being done to my vehicle?

Do you have any industry references such as body shops or automotive dealerships?

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. First and foremost, is a mobile service what they are really searching for to have the service done? Though it is very convenient, some people don't realize what a mobile service entails. We take up space and it can be a little noisy with the pressure washer, generator and air compressor running. Secondly, clients should have an idea of when they want to have the service completed. It makes it easier on our end to work with their schedule and not fitting them into ours. Finally, clients should have an idea of what they want to have done to their vehicle. Do a little research on automotive reconditioning. They should try to get an idea of what there vehicle needs. We can fine tune their needs after the initial consultation.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Where are you located?
We do not have a location. We are mobile. Our service area is Maryland, Washington D.C.. Northern Virginia and Southern Delaware.

Is the company insured?
Yes. We carry liability insurance with State Farm. more in formation can be provided at the client's request.

How long will the service take?
Depending on the service, it can take between one and ten hours. (Wash/Wax- 1hr, Quik Detail 2-5hrs, Total Detail 4-8 hrs)

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, cash and checks.

Do you sale gift certificates?
We sale gift certificates in $50 increments.