How Do I Find a Good Detailer?

L

lrwagner

Black 2007 Honda CR-V
Hi,

I'm a new member to the forum. Since I'm not interested in doing my own detailing myself, I am currently looking for a good detailer. We live in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. What should I look for when deciding who I should use? I have a brand new BLACK 2007 Honda CR-V. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
It kind of depends on what you want. If you are looking for a good, normally priced detailer, hire one to wash your car and see what they do.
Are they using a nice clean mitt or an old mitt (or brush on a black truck!)?
Do they have a nice sudsy or slippery soap?
Are they efficient with time yet careful?
Do they look at the wheels from various angles?
Do they wipe the moisture out of the door jambs after the wash?
Do they explain well what they will do?

They second test would be the wash & wax. Again, if you are satisfied, they you probably have your guy/gal.

If you want high end, go to a car show and ask around to see who people use.
 
This is a good question as there is no real way to tell unless you have experience with detailing...There is a member here that is in your area...

For me the questions that you ask will determine what kind of job you can expect.

What product do they use, if they can tell you names and why they use them, then they have good product knowledge.

What type of buffer are they using and why

What you are going to get for the price they are charging...swirls removed, carpets shampooed, engine cleaned, etc....these all help you to see what they plan on doing for the cash investment.

Lastly do you feel in talking to them that they are telling you the truth or feeding you a line

again sorry this is not an easy question to answer.

If you like send me a PM and I will call anyone that you want to use and ask the questions for you...
 
Thanks very much for the helpful suggestions. I need to get on the phone and call a couple of detailers in our area to get more information.
 
lrwagner said:
Thanks very much for the helpful suggestions. I need to get on the phone and call a couple of detailers in our area to get more information.
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How far are you from Kennebunkport(sp) we have a member here that has a detail shop there
 
Beemerboy said:
How far are you from Kennebunkport(sp) we have a member here that has a detail shop there
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Washington, DC is not even remotely close to Kennebunkport, Maine. :hmmm: I'd have to drive over 500 miles to get there!! I'm looking for a detailer in the Baltimore Maryland/Washington, DC metro area. We are in the mid-atlantic, not the northeast.

But thanks anyway. :thanks
 
lrwagner said:
Washington, DC is not even remotely close to Kennebunkport, Maine. :hmmm: I'd have to drive over 500 miles to get there!! I'm looking for a detailer in the Baltimore Maryland/Washington, DC metro area. We are in the mid-atlantic, not the northeast.

But thanks anyway. :thanks
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I thought of that after I posted it...my bad...good luck and oif you want me to talk to the detailer for you feel free to ask
 
Beemerboy said:
I thought of that after I posted it...my bad...good luck and oif you want me to talk to the detailer for you feel free to ask
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:thanks

I appreciate the offer. I can make the calls myself. If I have any questions, I may go ahead and post them online.

By the way, my husband owns a silver 2005 BMW 325 convertible. It's much easier to keep clean than my new black SUV.

When is this pollen going to end? This is one of the worst pollen seasons we've had in years. Everything has been coated with a green film for the past month! :cry:
 
lrwagner said:
:thanks

I appreciate the offer. I can make the calls myself. If I have any questions, I may go ahead and post them online.

By the way, my husband owns a silver 2005 BMW 325 convertible. It's much easier to keep clean than my new black SUV.

When is this pollen going to end? This is one of the worst pollen seasons we've had in years. Everything has been coated with a green film for the past month! :cry:
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Do you have California Duster? they work wonders on pollen cars, are quick, will not harm the finish..its what I do here...I drive a jet black BMW and nightmare to get and keep clean
 
lrwagner said:
When is this pollen going to end? This is one of the worst pollen seasons we've had in years. Everything has been coated with a green film for the past month! :cry:
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I feel your pain on the pollen. I have to go out every morning to clean the car.

Now back to our question.
Ask how they plan to maintain your car, and what does it entail (sp)m, how often do they plan on washing, polishing,waxing, ect... Look for product knowledge, ask them what they are using.
Ask to see if maybe they have a portfolio of their work (most people love to brag so many do) and also ask if if they have any refrences and maybe check to see if they have insurance.

Hope this helps
"J"
 
Beemerboy said:
Do you have California Duster? they work wonders on pollen cars, are quick, will not harm the finish..its what I do here...I drive a jet black BMW and nightmare to get and keep clean
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I bought one right after I got the car. I use it every other day and it helps. I talked my husband out of buying a black BMW two years ago. Then I go out and do exactly what I told him NOT to do!
 
lrwagner said:
I bought one right after I got the car. I use it every other day and it helps. I talked my husband out of buying a black BMW two years ago. Then I go out and do exactly what I told him NOT to do!
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I try to talk customers out of buying black cars (especially suv's) unless they are will to have me come often and keep it garaged.:D

Having said that, I had my eye on a black jeep the other day. :love:

Might have to break my own rule.:dnaughty
 
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