What should you look for in a detailer / car detail company?

The absolutely necessary, bare minimum criteria for choosing a detailer

Here's the thing: we are in America, therefore we all have the freedom to do what we want. We have the freedom of choice, of where we spend our hard-earned cash. Likewise, since we are in America, and more so because we are in California, people have the freedom to start all sorts of businesses - whether they are ethical or legal or legit or not. Many "businesses" can look legit, act legit, and especially have a legit looking presence online (google map listing, yelp listing, facebook, instagram, etc.), but sometimes/many times, looks can be deceiving. 

We are proud to say, at Detail Pros, that we are an ethical, legal and legit company. We are licensed and fully insured, and operate within the boundaries set by our insurance (we don't do stuff we can't be covered for). Regardless of how we roll, I believe there are ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY things to consider a detailing company, considerable to buy services from. 

Here's a few things to consider: 
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Is the detail company licensed to do business? While some people could care less about whether their detailer is licensed, it WILL matter when it comes time for that detailer to purchase insurance (more about that in a second), and legally accept payment (to pay taxes). 

Is the detail company insured? While again, some people could care less about whether their detailer is insured, it WILL MATTER if and when damage is inflicted on your vehicle. A business that is not licensed nor insured is not likely to be able to pay for major damages to your vehicle, should they occur.

Does the detailer have the right equipment, products, processes, experience, and services? Some companies are not using the right equipment, products and processes, nor do they have experience and offer the right services. Some of the equipment would include: a proper vacuum, a machine polisher and pads, polish and wax, hot water extractors, steamers, etc. The right processes and experience would be hard to discern if you are not a detailer, but you can compare detailers and companies to decipher who is doing things correctly, and who actually has the experience. The right services can be determined by asking your detailer whether what they're offering is necessary or not. The right detailer should be able to explain in detail, what is right for you.​​

Things that make for ​a BETTER detailing company

There are things that make for a better detailing company. While not necessary, if a company offers these things, then you may be dealing with a detailer that is doing things right.

Good reviews. If a detail company has many good reviews, testimonials and recommendations, then it is likely that that company has earned that reputation by actually being a good company. While it's possible for a poor detailer to obtain good reviews, eventually, poor detailers pick up more bad reviews than not, and thus posses review ratings closer to 3/5 and less.

Tons of resources to research the company. If a detailer has many detailed images and pictures and videos of their work online, and a website that thoroughly identifies the company and it's good ethics, that company may be a good company. Businesses that have a lot of content to review usually have nothing to hide, and usually have a good understanding of potential customers' needs to do an in-depth analysis, prior to making an actual purchase. 

A clean shop or a clean mobile work vehicle. If a detail company has a clean, inviting shop, or a clean mobile detail vehicle, then it is possible that the company is a good company to go with. First impressions are key, so It is practically necessary to maintain a clean appearance.

Good customer service. ​Now, customer service is experienced after purchasing a service or hiring a company to do work, but most of the time, customer service can be determined as good or bad just by giving the company a call or shooting them an email. If they pick up, is their attitude positive? Can they provide you with all the information you need? If they don't pick up, do they call you back same day, or as soon as possible? Upon emailing, are you getting a quick response? Are you receiving all the information you need? 

Good customer service, even prior to making a purchase or hiring a company, is a good sign that you're dealing with a good company that does good work.