Issue with a detailer, what would you do?

mshanno1 · 02-23-2012, 08:25 PM

So, I typically detail my cars myself, and take great pride in my work, but due to my work schedule I decided to outsource it to a local detailer. I found one the has been in business since 1999, and his website made it sound like he kind of new what he was doing. I had some swirls throughout my paint, and also some hologramming from someone at the dealer I bought it from. I pointed this all out to him when I dropped it off.

I got a call from him the next day, and I went to pick it up. When I got there there were still some fine scratches that were noticeable, but it looked much better than before, so I didnt really complain to much. The next day it rained, and afterwards, my paint looked even worse than when I took it to him initially. There were more swirls (it looked they may have used a dirty pad), and more hologramming than before. I'm assuming they just put on a heavy coat of glaze or some filler that came off when it rained.

I want to take it back and confront him about it, but after what happened, I really don't want them touching my car again. It was only $140. That should have been my first clue not to take it to them

Kgolf31 · 02-23-2012, 08:31 PM

Ask for the $140 back. Simple as that.

He didn't complete the job, therefore he shouldn't have the money.

Be probably used a stock pad with a rotary, with some sort of glaze and minimal protection. Express your disconcern, get your money back and move on.

mshanno1 · 02-23-2012, 08:34 PM

Yeah, thats probably what I'll end up doing. I just feel bad because I know that they put time into it, and that they probably just don't know better...is that weird?

Kgolf31 · 02-23-2012, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshanno1

Yeah, thats probably what I'll end up doing. I just feel bad because I know that they put time into it, and that they probably just don't know better...is that weird?

No. Before I started doing cars I researched and researched about all of the products and techniques possible.

I worked on a G35x for 22 hours of pure correction and had to call the customer and apologize for keeping the car longer than what I wanted. I felt though the car wasn't ready and I wouldn't want my work put on something there I didn't feel it was up to my standards. In the end he was over-ecstatic, put beyond his expectations and I got a $100 tip on the job.

BTW - That car was a pain in the ass.

RADRACR · 02-23-2012, 09:00 PM

Did you Yelp the hell out of this detailer beforehand? I'd take it back and give him a chance to fix it. If he doesn't make you whole, definitely leave a negative Yelp review.

mshanno1 · 02-23-2012, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aestheticstorm

Did you Yelp the hell out of this detailer beforehand? I'd take it back and give him a chance to fix it. If he doesn't make you whole, definitely leave a negative Yelp review.

I'm working in Mobile, AL. I don't think anyone here even knows what yelp is!

Edit: just checked yelp, there were three total reviews all for automatic car washes. None for the place I went to.

jophish17 · 02-23-2012, 09:03 PM

I "have a guy" in Atlanta if you want a job well done

jatmallet · 02-23-2012, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jophish17

I "have a guy" in Atlanta if you want a job well done

Hey I live in Atlanta, and I've been needing a guy. Could you shoot me his info? Thanks!

And not to thread jack, so my two cents, yes I too would ask for some money back, because he should not be taking jobs he can't do properly.

mshanno1 · 02-23-2012, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jophish17

I "have a guy" in Atlanta if you want a job well done

That would be great!

I wish I just lived on the west coast so I could take it to one of those seminars they have on autogeek!

KevinM · 02-23-2012, 09:28 PM

Ouch, sorry to hear.

It's tricky to pick a detailer. After 15 years I finally found a detailer I can trust. I have him do once per year jobs on my cars and then maintain them throughout the year with extra coats of Zaino.

You are right, $140 is way to inexpensive for full paint correction.

Anyway, I agree with the rest - show him the car and get your money back. Unfortunately, the detailer is more likely to say that he'll redo it. Then you'll have to decide if you trust him enough to do a satisfactory job. In that situation I'd move on and write off the loss.

Swanicyouth · 02-24-2012, 10:09 AM

Don't let that butcher touch your car again. I'm in the middle of a paint correction on my M Roadster and its a lot of work. You either have to do it yourself or go someone recommended by others. I wouldn't confront the guy on the risk that he won't give the money back, and that would make me even more mad.

02-23-2012, 08:25 PM	#1
mshanno1 First Lieutenant 36 Rep 358 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (1)	Issue with a detailer, what would you do? So, I typically detail my cars myself, and take great pride in my work, but due to my work schedule I decided to outsource it to a local detailer. I found one the has been in business since 1999, and his website made it sound like he kind of new what he was doing. I had some swirls throughout my paint, and also some hologramming from someone at the dealer I bought it from. I pointed this all out to him when I dropped it off. I got a call from him the next day, and I went to pick it up. When I got there there were still some fine scratches that were noticeable, but it looked much better than before, so I didnt really complain to much. The next day it rained, and afterwards, my paint looked even worse than when I took it to him initially. There were more swirls (it looked they may have used a dirty pad), and more hologramming than before. I'm assuming they just put on a heavy coat of glaze or some filler that came off when it rained. I want to take it back and confront him about it, but after what happened, I really don't want them touching my car again. It was only $140. That should have been my first clue not to take it to them
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-23-2012, 08:31 PM	#2
Kgolf31 Brigadier General 460 Rep 4,531 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC, 2012 128i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (4)	Ask for the $140 back. Simple as that. He didn't complete the job, therefore he shouldn't have the money. Be probably used a stock pad with a rotary, with some sort of glaze and minimal protection. Express your disconcern, get your money back and move on.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2012, 08:34 PM	#3
mshanno1 First Lieutenant 36 Rep 358 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (1)	Yeah, thats probably what I'll end up doing. I just feel bad because I know that they put time into it, and that they probably just don't know better...is that weird?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2012, 09:00 PM	#5
RADRACR Captain 84 Rep 924 Posts Drives: '08 Z4 M Coupé // '09 X5 d Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota iTrader: (2)	Did you Yelp the hell out of this detailer beforehand? I'd take it back and give him a chance to fix it. If he doesn't make you whole, definitely leave a negative Yelp review. __________________ '08 Z4 ///M Coupé (#1765/1815) — 1 of 68 Sepang Bronze / Black Nappa / Madeira Wood / 1 of 1 this combo 19" Advan RS / AP Racing / Bridgestone RE-11 / Autosolutions SSK / R.E. Diablo / R.E. trans mounts '09 X5 35d — Space Grey / Saddle Brown 20" Forgestar F14 / SCR Delete
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2012, 09:03 PM	#7
jophish17 Lieutenant 58 Rep 429 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Decatur, GA iTrader: (0)	I "have a guy" in Atlanta if you want a job well done
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2012, 09:28 PM	#10
KevinM Brigadier General 2936 Rep 3,286 Posts Drives: 2002 M5;2007 M Coupe;2020 M2C Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tucson iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 M2 Competition [10.00] 2007 E86 M coupe [8.38] 2002 E39 M5 [9.00]	Ouch, sorry to hear. It's tricky to pick a detailer. After 15 years I finally found a detailer I can trust. I have him do once per year jobs on my cars and then maintain them throughout the year with extra coats of Zaino. You are right, $140 is way to inexpensive for full paint correction. Anyway, I agree with the rest - show him the car and get your money back. Unfortunately, the detailer is more likely to say that he'll redo it. Then you'll have to decide if you trust him enough to do a satisfactory job. In that situation I'd move on and write off the loss. __________________ 2020 F87 M2C Hockenheim Silver/MT 2002 E39 M5 Sterling Gray/Caramel 2007 E86 Z4M Coupe Silver Gray/Black 2021 Kia Telluride (hauler) Last edited by KevinM; 02-25-2012 at 10:28 AM.. Reason: typo
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-24-2012, 10:09 AM	#11
Swanicyouth Private 1 Rep 66 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Limerick PA iTrader: (0)	Don't let that butcher touch your car again. I'm in the middle of a paint correction on my M Roadster and its a lot of work. You either have to do it yourself or go someone recommended by others. I wouldn't confront the guy on the risk that he won't give the money back, and that would make me even more mad.
	Appreciate 0 Quote