What questions should I ask a detailer?

[HIFI]

I've had my car for several months now, time for a detailing. I know next to nothing about detailing (drive company cars), so I'm thinking about getting a professional to do it right the first time, then taking over from then on myself.

When I'm shopping around, what questions should I be asking?
Are there any specific services, etc I should be looking for (or avoiding)?

Thanks

[unklekraker]

You should be looking fo a shop that have a 100% hand wash service. I know you're in NY but here's the link to the shop where I take my car for special pampering..for short when I'm lazy to wash my car. I found this shop thru local Boxster owner and they are highly recommended by most people that I know.
http://ajautodetailing.com/services.html

I hope from there you could get some idea on what shop to look for. Good Luck

[HIFI]

Thanks; maybe I should be more specific about what I mean for "detailing", as I hand wash the car myself, that's not a problem.

I am asking more about waxing (especially), claybaring, interior leather care, etc.

ie. should I ask which products they use? What steps they go through in a detail/waxing? Orbital or no?

[Pat]

In my opinion, any type of service-related business that is run well asks the questions for you. Instead of going to some place that just sells products, try going to a nice detailing shop that will inspect, or at least ask about the condition of your car. They should want to know things like make and model (paint characteristics vary between cars), color, age, condition, previous care, garaged or not, your budget of time and money, etc.
If you don't have a local place to inspect the car for you, try calling Nick or Heather at Detailer's Paradise.
http://www.detailersparadise.com/_system/_advancedstore/qryDefault.asp

[SC986]

Pat made good points. They should look at your car and tell you what they can/can't remove, repair. They should be able to do as much or little as you desire.

Is your paint just in need of refreshing and protection? If so, some reading could save you $100. Claybar, ploish, protectant, wax are all easy to do.

Do you have swirls, marring, scratches? Then you want a dual action or rotary. Ask them what type of products they use. Some people don't like removing any clear so they use products with alot of oils or fillers. They hide they imperfections but you eventually was that off and your paint looks bad again.

A good shop will look at your paint before AND after with a halogen or high power light to show all the imperfections.

Here is Charles' site with some great info:

http://melncal.com/detailing/

[Perfectlap]

register for Autotopia.com's forum and ask if there is a recommended detailer in your area.
It really isn't rocket science and anyone can do virtually any thing that doesn't require sepcial tools. But 99% of the places I have seen use outrageously marked up products and outrageously marked up hourly rates.
Autogeek.net and Autotopia have some good DIY videos on their site and for sale on DVD.