When researching for a company to perform detail work or other services on your vehicle, there are a number of factors that should play into your final decision. Many think that the lowest price should dictate what company to choose; but what if the other considerations you may not be aware of could lead you to a happier decision, even if it is a higher price?
There’s a difference between the price of a service, and the cost. The price is what you pay for the service you’re purchasing up front, while the cost is what you end up spending long-term thereafter the purchase. For example, you find a company that will perform a “stage 3 paint correction and 2 year ceramic coating” for $1,500, and another company is saying the “same” package is $1,000. The first question many ask is. “why are you so expensive?” The question you should be asking is why the other company is so cheap? Often times the cheaper service is not the same quality or standard of the shop that is performing the service at a premium price; whether it be the paint correction is inferior, or the quality of the work as a whole is sub-par.
Many times we see clients who come to us after a cheaper company did the car, only to point out the flaws in the work to the client. Things like stretch lines in paint protection film, or edges that are peeling within days of installation; paint correction that barely looks like any scratches were attempted to be removed, ceramic coating permanent smears, high spots, inferior coating product brand or the surfaces not even behaving as if they were never coated at all.
Furthermore, let’s say you’re in the market for a new pair of Nike shoes, or that new television; it makes sense to look for the cheapest price; as the product is produced by the same manufacturer and the quality is the same no matter from what retailer you end up buying it. Shopping a service-based business based strictly on price alone, however, is not ideal if you’re looking for a high quality result as there are a variety of different factors that should be weighed before pulling the trigger.
Visiting the businesses you’re thinking about using
This is a huge part of the decision-making process. While websites and online presences can give a small representation of a company, it is always best to make a consultation with a business to have them look your vehicle over with you. This not only aids the company to better quote the job by seeing your vehicle in person, but gives you a chance to meet the owner and get a look at the facility.
Shop Appearance
Is the business to which you’re inquiring have an environment suited for the type of services you’re looking for? Is it well-lit for detailing, ceramic coatings, window tint, vinyl wraps, and/or paint protection film services? Is it clean? Is the facility climate-controlled? It is crucial to have optimal working temperatures, as this has an effect on how window film, vinyl, and PPF apply. It is also a factor in how compounds and polishes break down during paint correction, and how ceramic coatings lay down during install. It also can affect employees and staff temperament if it is an uncomfortable temperature and environment. Cleanliness is also important to consider, especially if paint protection film or window tint is being applied as dirt & debris play a huge part in a clean installation.
