Posted November 4, 2024

How Do You Know If You’re Hiring the Right Detailer?

When it comes to protecting your vehicle with a ceramic coating, the difference between a "weekend warrior" and a licensed, certified & insured professional can make all the difference. Here’s why it matters and how to be sure you’re choosing right:

Weekend Warriors:

• Pros: Often less expensive upfront and they come to your home.
• Cons:Inconsistent Quality: Many lack certification or experience, leading to unpredictable results. Poor prep and application techniques can cause streaks, bubbles, or even damage.
  No Insurance: Without insurance, any mistakes or damage could be on you to repair.
  Limited Equipment & Workspace: Often operating out of a van or garage, with limited tools and no climate control, leading to rushed jobs and contamination issues.
  Environmental Impact: Many use chemicals that aren’t environmentally friendly, which can seep into your grass or storm drains, impacting local water quality.
  Additional Costs: They often use your water and electricity (on your bill) while working on-site.
  

Licensed, Certified & Insured Professionals:

• Pros:Skill & Precision: Certified detailers like Bluffton Ceramic have invested in rigorous training, ensuring your vehicle gets expert care.
  Insurance & Peace of Mind: Insured professionals protect you against any mishaps during the detailing process.
  High-Quality Products & Environment: Working in a climate-controlled space with top-grade coatings ensures a smooth, even finish.
  Warranty-Backed Durability: Certified installers use warrantied ceramic coatings, so you’re protected if anything goes wrong.
  
• Cons:Higher Price: Professional detailing and ceramic coating services tend to cost more due to the quality of equipment, high-grade products, expert training, and the upkeep of a dedicated shop space. This investment ensures your vehicle receives top-notch care.
  Drop-Off Required: Most professionals work out of a shop, so you’ll typically need to drop off and pick up your vehicle. However, many certified detailers are happy to provide a ride home and pick you up when your vehicle is ready.
  Time-Intensive Prep: Properly prepping a vehicle for ceramic coating isn’t a quick task. Prep time varies based on what level of paint care is needed—paint enhancement, single-stage correction, or multi-stage correction—and can take days, especially if you're aiming for a flawless finish. Certified detailers take the time to achieve the results you expect.
  

What You Can Do to Be Sure:

• Ask for References: Don’t settle for photos alone—anyone can take pictures anywhere! Ask to speak to past clients directly to hear about their experiences firsthand.
• Ask About Products Used: Some high-grade ceramic coatings are only available to certified, authorized installers and start around $250 for a 50ml bottle, with premium coatings going up to over $500 per bottle. Many weekend detailers buy products from Amazon instead. While some decent-quality coatings are available, they generally cost about $150 per bottle and may not offer the same durability.
• Verify Insurance: If they’re insured, you’re protected. Always confirm this.
• Understand the Process: Ceramic won’t harm your vehicle, but if it’s allowed to cure too long before leveling, it can leave a patchy finish. I’ve seen it happen! My neighbor had a friend’s son who “ceramic coated” his truck, but the poor application left patchy spots and an uneven finish. He eventually brought it to me, and while I had to charge more than the original cost, the coating is applied properly now. Correcting these mistakes can be costly and time-consuming!

With a certified, licensed, and insured professional, you’re investing in quality and reliability you can count on.