Is it better to wash/clean out the car before bringing it to you?

[BlkBear]

Or is it better to leave it DIRTY?

I'm assuming that most Pros are going to wash the car anyway, but is it preferred to at least get the major dirty off the car, as well as out of the car, before bringing it in to get detailed?

I know as a client, if I'm spending $150+ to have my car detailed, I want that time spent working on the car and not collection baggies of trash and sorting out what can and can't get thrown away.

And having seen what some of you have to work with as far as the insides of cars, (pictures in the forums), is it a major bother to have to rake a vehicle out first just to get to where you can actually start cleaning?

I can see if you get paid by the hour where it might not matter much, but I'm sure it's annoying just the same.

[gregcavi]

As a pro detailer I find that people look at it 2 ways.

1.) People think that they are paying me all that money so I should take out all there **** and organize it in boxes and baggies for them.

2.) Some people figure it is a curtesy thing to remove personal items from there vehicle so I can detail it much easier and get to areas much better.

I usually wont touch glove compartments in cars unless thye have been emptyed somewhat from the customer. I dont like to take the risk of getting accused of stealing something from there car.

So if you are taking your vehicle to a detailer it would be a nice curtousy to remove your personal items to prevent any unfortunate mistakes to be made.

Greg

[Superior Shine]

No way this can't be true!?!?!?!?!?

Read my sig ------

[BlkBear]

Originally posted by Superior Shine
No way this can't be true!?!?!?!?!?

Read my sig ------

Actually I think I was thinking of your sig when I posted the message! Personally I would be too embarrased to take a car full of trash to get detailed!

I'm itching to see what a machine polish and wax will look like on my car!

[Scottwax]

I'll charge more if the vehicle is completely trashed.

My thought is that if you make an appointment 2-3 weeks in advance (which some of us detailers need during busy times) that doesn't mean don't wash or vacuum it during that time. A dirty car is more likely to get marred and scratched when it is caked in grime and leaving debris all over the interior to be stepped or sweated on makes it more likely you may end up with stains that cannot be completely removed.

[Superior Shine]

I'm assuming that most Pros are going to wash the car anyway, but is it preferred to at least get the major dirty off the car, as well as out of the car, before bringing it in to get detailed?

Not just wash it and clean out the inside but I want my clients to clay, wax and dress the tires before they call me.

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by Superior Shine
Not just wash it and clean out the inside but I want my clients to clay, wax and dress the tires before they call me.

[BlkBear]

Originally posted by Superior Shine
Not just wash it and clean out the inside but I want my clients to clay, wax and dress the tires before they call me.

But... but... If it's spotless when I bring it to you, what are you gonna do? Oh I know get the dried wax off the trim and out of the seams right?!?!?

Hummm.. btw how much is that service?

[Superior Shine]

But... but... If it's spotless when I bring it to you, what are you gonna do?

Hopefully collect a few bucks?!?!?!?!

[Lt1Corvette]

I always ask people to clean out their personals from the car. Most do, some don't. I also have big paper bags and just toss everything in there and leave it in the trunk at the end. If they want to pay me to clean that is their choice. I prefer a clean car, but more money to me.

[rusty bumper]

Sounds like you guys charge by the hour?

[Dragpakmach]

I ask them to clean out personel belongings.If they dont listen the stuff goes in a bag in the trunk.My first sign is stuff on the back window speaker area.Second clue is door map pockets loaded with junk.If I see any of this price goes up,Because you know under the seats and trunk are a vacumming nightmare.

[Scottwax]

Originally posted by Rusty Bumper
Sounds like you guys charge by the hour?

I price my details to ensure I make what I want per hour.