Wanted: Pro Detailer in Charlotte, NC - Reply to this thread please

**Midandtweet** · 08-24-2011, 07:57 PM

Wanted: Pro Detailer in Charlotte, NC - Reply to this thread please

How do i go about finding a good person to detail my cars?

What kind of questions should i be asking? All i have done in the past is wash my cars and occasionally wax them. I think its time to get them detailed by a professional. Both cars are driveway parked in the south.

**Jeff120** · 08-24-2011, 08:10 PM

Where are you located?

**PAR Detailing** · 08-24-2011, 08:15 PM

I would ask:

What is involved in their detail?
-Find out what they have in mind and what their expectations are and if they are the person you go to make your expectations clear as well.

What machine do you use to polish the vehicles and how long does it normally take when you polish the vehicle?
-I would ask this because I believe it can tell you alot. If they say they can polish your vehicle swirl free in 30 min with a rotary then you know they are full of **** and RUN the other way. On the other hand if they say it takes them several hour and they explain how they use the tool properly to finish out perfectly then that is a good sign.

You could ask for references but I think that is a waste ofyour time... they arent going to use a reference that wont paint them in a good light.

See if they have put together any detailed writeups on the internet showing off their work. If so check it out and see if they have the attention to detail you are looking for.

You could ask what products they use but that doesnt necissarily mean much. If they say they use swissvax they could still be a poor detailer while a guy using carbrite or ardex or malco might be a true craftsman.

I would also ask around some of your friends and see if they use anyone.

Just a few thoughts.

**dchristo** · 08-24-2011, 08:21 PM

I would show my location, the guys on here can prolly help with a good detailer

**Z06-Goose** · 08-24-2011, 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by Midandtweet

How do i go about finding a good person to detail my cars? What kind of questions should i be asking? All i have done in the past is wash my cars and occasionally wax them. I think its time to get them detailed by a professional. Both cars are driveway parked in the south.

For a car that sits on the driveway, you shouldn't look for a show-car detailing. It'll be a waste of "extra" money.
With that being said, what you want in a nutshell is a good buff to deeply clean the paint and a good sealant to go with it.

At a minimum a good detailer should offer you claybar, polish and sealant.

What you also need to assess is the condition of the paint.
Do the cars have any oxidation that needs to be removed?
Do they have too many superficial scratches and deep swirls?

It comes down to what you want done.

Ask him what his process is and what would he do to your cars once he sees them.

**master detailer** · 08-24-2011, 09:22 PM

make sure they are insured

**Flash Gordon** · 08-24-2011, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by Z06-Goose

For a car that sits on the driveway, you shouldn't look for a show-car detailing. It'll be a waste of "extra" money.
With that being said, what you want in a nutshell is a good buff to deeply clean the paint and a good sealant to go with it.

At a minimum a good detailer should offer you claybar, polish and sealant.

What you also need to assess is the condition of the paint.
Do the cars have any oxidation that needs to be removed?
Do they have too many superficial scratches and deep swirls?

It comes down to what you want done.

Ask him what his process is and what would he do to your cars once he sees them.

Only thing I would ad, is to stay away from high volume shops with multiple employees. All of the best either work alone or possibly with 1 or 2 helpers

Another thing......look and see if their car looks like a rolling trash can. If it does, you will know you've found the right person

**DaGonz** · 08-24-2011, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by Midandtweet

How do i go about finding a good person to detail my cars? What kind of questions should i be asking? All i have done in the past is wash my cars and occasionally wax them. I think its time to get them detailed by a professional. Both cars are driveway parked in the south.

1. What is your experience?
2. What products do you use?
3. What is your process?
4. Are you insured?
5. Do you have references or pictures of your work?

If you are using a mobile detailer.. check out the condition on their vehicle. It should be a rolling billboard for their work.

If you are going to have the detail done at a shop, take a look around. Is it clean, well lit and orderly?

**SuperGlide** · 08-24-2011, 10:55 PM

Do your research, there's alot
Of hacks out there.

View there website...

Info
Pics
Experience

Good luck!

**Jimmie** · 08-25-2011, 12:32 AM

I'm a huge believer in word of mouth in detailing referrals. Just ask those driving sweet looking cars who did them.
OR, food for thought. Hang around here. Buy tools, and products needed. Ask for help from the best in the country right here. Good people here willing to offer help to those trying to learn. It may initially cost as much or more, but you'll be able to detail forever.