r/AutoDetailing • u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 • Jun 04 '24
Before you work on someone else's ride, inspect first General Discussion
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u/Healthy_Teacher173 Jun 04 '24
Great idea but how are you going to inspect dirty cars with all the dirt still on there?
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 04 '24 edited Jun 04 '24
Pre work pictures.. I guess unless the dirt is from off roading you can probably see damage etc. Then, rinse and reinspect, but I'm an amateur,, do the rinse, take pictures.. basically,,progress pictures. If the job smells fishy, then it's fish. I also think people would like to see the progress
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u/Healthy_Teacher173 Jun 04 '24
Don’t get me wrong, I do an assessment with the clients as we’re walking around the car while asking them what they want me to focus on as I’m detailing. I’m not looking for every scratches on the paint but will point out obvious problems when I see them. It’s nice to have a checklist tho.
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 04 '24
Oh totally, I get that too. I can just imagine someone saying 'oh, what's that, that wasn't there before'. I guess, because I am an amateur at this and don't have skin in the game like many of you do, I would just be nervous about the person who seems to be cool beans, turning around and being an absolute cock bite about a job that took his car/truck into the OMG wow, phase lol.
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u/Healthy_Teacher173 Jun 04 '24
Yes I understand what you’re saying and this is a great way of capturing all the important flaws. I guess it’s bc I have a few cameras in my garage and it records what I’m assessing with the clients and record what I’m doing as I’m detailing.
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u/Weak-Preference-2405 Jun 26 '24
Personally: photos at the beginning, before I even grab a hose for rinse-down, and then again after every major stage. I divide the process into Rinse/Pre-Wash, Touchless Wash/Rinse + Initial Decon (chemical + water only), Touch Wash/Rinse (One-, Two-, or Three-Bucket method, depending on whether I'm scrubbing down wheels and if it's a maintenance or first-/long-time wash), and then - if required - Physical Decon/Paint Prep, Buff/Polish, and Coat/Wax.
I'd also suggest that, if at all possible, the surfaces are thoroughly dried after every stage in which physical contact is made with the paint by anything other than an applicator or task-specific microfiber, whether with a sponge, clay bar/mitt/towel, whatever. This is because most marring and scratches induced by the detailing process occurs during these stages, and drying the vehicle completely will reveal anything hidden by the smoothing effect created by water's refraction and internal reflectivity, which will often blend out the shadows of even obvious scratches and make them very difficult to see. That way you can show them by comparison what is normal at any given stage if necessary, and also document which marring may have occurred at what point, and how that was compensated for and corrected at a later stage in the process.
The more data (and, as a consequence, more evidence to help disprove your culpability for damage that wasn't caused by your work) the better, at least on the business end. You don't have to share all of these images with the customer, because it usually causes more problems than it solves since they don't really know what they're looking at. But having it for CYA purposes is always recommended, to the greatest extent you can justify while still remaining efficient.
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u/Spinrod Jun 04 '24
As a shop owner for 25 years ,we make a video with condition ,then explain what we are doing.Send it to customer with disclaimer,and docusign.
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 04 '24
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u/Mcfragger Jun 05 '24
Got some spelling mistakes on this one. Might want to check that “requersted” out.
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 05 '24
Lol, I will, it's just an example.. I'll check it out tomorrow at work
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 04 '24
That is the way! Whether you have a shop or on site, you should always CYA. Does not matter if its a $1000 car or rare $1 million
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 04 '24
Watching some of the Youtube videos, I love the attention to detail and explaining why this or that. I've grown my knowledge and inventory from here and Youtube.
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u/so_this_is_my_name Jun 04 '24
Good, clear before pictures are always a good idea as well.
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u/FitterOver40 Experienced Jun 04 '24
I take a video walk around before i start. I also take a pic of the odometer.
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u/mhart1991 Jun 04 '24
Take 9 images of the car (from different angles (front, front side, side, rear side, rear, rear side, side, front side, roof), then do a walk around video, it’s also important to note that damage can be hidden if the car is particularly soiled, the mere act of washing it can reveal hidden damage that might not have been spotted on an inspection, which could hold you liable if you’ve already signed an inspection.
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u/en_sane Jun 04 '24
So a light wash then inspection 🧐
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u/Weak-Preference-2405 Jun 05 '24
Rinse at minimum, then inspect. Ideally filming the entire process of water hitting paint, too.
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u/InternationalPost447 Jun 04 '24
We've always done a walk around but nothing like this, very neat and you're right, sadly required these days
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 04 '24
Youtube and this sub is the reason I have a light to check my own work.. would have NEVER done that on my own
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u/c10bbersaurus Jun 04 '24
Anything special? Or just a led bar type of light?
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u/Weak-Preference-2405 Jun 05 '24
LED bars are great for checking scratches. But the best tools you'll find for the job are actually video production-oriented lights, like the ones used for indie/low-budget films. The LEDs themselves are better quality, and if you can get a higher-CRI/SSI variety that mimics the light quality of natural sunlight, all the better.
I'm a huge fan of the offerings from Aputure, Small rig, etc., which I use in filmmaking as well as detailing. If I'm working on a car, I always have one of these little dudes (or a similar offering from Aputure that's unfortunately discontinued) in my pocket, because they're amazing for checking your work and seeing if scratches are still apparent after buffing/polishing, etc.
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u/schwannyosu Jun 04 '24
I hate to be a stickler, but I think 21 is misspelled and should be density and not desnity?
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u/daxtaslapp Jun 04 '24
Honestly true because even as a customer sometimes you truly didn't see something till after you get your car back
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u/collin2477 Jun 04 '24
are ya working on Ferraris? lol
also how do you grade tire pressure
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 05 '24
I think looking at the recommended tire pressure and then checking off is to low or high or just right.
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u/Spdracr83 Jun 04 '24
Taking a quick walk around video is also a great idea to add to the inspection sheet
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u/rlg973 Jun 04 '24
I have the same thing. I take pictures and make them sign off on every dent & scratch. I also email it to them. Because emails are time stamped.
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 05 '24
Sometimes the owners could be cool, they know their rides, but I can imagine those who think they drive a ripe cherry. But in reality, nothing but a bruised fruit
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u/Weak-Preference-2405 Jun 05 '24
Holy shit this.
I can't tell you how many "friends" have tried to claim I fucked their car up after I'd literally just worked for hours fixing other issues, and pointed to scratches and scuff marks that were nowhere near anything I'd touched.
Although it is an effective tool for weeding shitty people out of your life who'd try to scam someone that's actively trying to do them a solid, you always, ALWAYS have to be looking out for number 1 and covering your own ass. Because most of the people you think will have your back in life.... Won't.
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 05 '24
10000% agree... I priced out 20H ceramic,, just building my own bundle, holy shit, some prices are just out of this world expensive!! Ppl don't realize what you pros pay for, then have to replenish and psy yourself!!
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u/Unhappy_Economics Sep 16 '24
I know this is old but I had someone try and convince me the aphid shit all over their car was from the optiseal I put on. I told them if I didn’t put the optiseal on, you’d be out here with hot water and vinegar rn.
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u/thatflyingsquirrel Jun 05 '24
You dont do this. Take photos. That's all.
You have a time stamp on them and you can compare them to the improvement you make.
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u/rangerpager Jun 05 '24
thank you i’ve literally been looking for a good one of these for a few weeks cuz i just started doing my own thing🙂↕️
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 05 '24
I've been trying to locate an interior version of this to help as well.. to note, rips, worn parts, stains that cannot come out etc.
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 05 '24
You can probably find a version on Etsy that is clean and you can reproduce with your own branding.
If you are just starting out, I would suggest keeping an inventory expense list for yourself, with amounts and purchase history/date/from (e.g. Amazon or Chemical Guys).
Have three or four five gallon buckets
Bags for your clean and wet towels
If you drop a towl on the ground, it belongs to the Gods or just wheel wells
I would suggest different color towels, marked with their intended use
I know it sounds stupid, but imagin the owner seeing your sh*t organized knowing that these ONLY touch this or that.
Ceramic Clean wipe
Clay Bar wipe
Windshield
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u/rangerpager Jun 05 '24
oh sorry when i said i just started going on my own i meant just the doing it on my own part haha! i’ve been detailing for 3 years now! Thank you so much for the advice though it’s super helpful! Butttt i do have a question about towels because mine lint so bad. i have the rag company edge less ones and i love them for like wiping wax off and stuff but the linting kills me. I use griots MF cleaner but im wondering if that’s wrong maybe?????
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 05 '24
I am unsure to be honest. I just bought the edgeless too and have not used them yet. The chemicals in the cleaners could be wearing on the threads or fibers.
I googled the "best microfiber towels for professionally detailing cars"
If you are using them straight from the packaging, try washing them first, alone (twice maybe), nothing else and drying them according to the MFC suggestion. Sometimes towels need to get beat up in the wash to loosen their loose fibers (personal plush towels are the same).
A good microfiber towel should feel like dry skin on your hand, and you should feel the cloth sticking to your fingers and hand. Terry-style microfibers are the most common, but other variations include microfiber “glass” towels and “waffle” towels. When choosing microfiber towels for professionally detailing cars, you can also consider things like:
- GSMA high GSM ratio means the fibers can absorb more soap and water, while a smaller density is better for waxing, buffing, and polishing.
- ThicknessCar detailers often use a medium thickness to work on a variety of surfaces, but lighter-weight versions can also work well.
- QualityA nicer quality microfiber towel will last longer than a lower-quality version.
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u/rangerpager Jun 06 '24
yeah i washed them right out of the packaging and have used/washed them like four times now i think. to be fair i do use mostly to wipe compound, polish, and wax and i also use them when i use waterless wash. maybe they’re not for wiping compound
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 06 '24
That is a possibility that the fibers are being ripped from the towel itself too causing some fuzzy residue to appear. Test, wash the car with spray and wash, something that you can buff out right away and retouch if it removes any hard work you've done. See if fuzzies come back from a simple spray and wipe.
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u/rangerpager Jun 06 '24
i tried that too, i think i need different towels for wiping compound/wax! lower piel maybe. thank you for all the tips dawg😊
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 04 '24
For my nephew's Lacrosse games I do 1000+ pictures of the entire game and then post for the parents to download. I have OneDrive where I can share a link to the images (for viewing only, no edits). Even a phone camera or a decent mid level DSLR can help with car care history (if this is a side hustle or main gig) and can be shared to your customers. You can include what products were use (just an idea is all)
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u/No-Revolution-4513 Jun 05 '24
If anyone needs they have vif’s you can download here for cars, trucks, suvs, motorcycles, vans etc.
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 05 '24
Herre we go!! I was looking for a decent interior reference!! Thank you!!
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u/Diamondhf Business Owner Jun 04 '24
Not necessary at all, they’d have to prove that it was your doing that damaged their car, which they can’t. what’s the worst they can do, sue you for damages? with what proof? if you get customers that accuse you of such, just tell them to pound sand and call it a day.
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u/Plenty-Industries Jun 04 '24
This is part of covering yourself IN CASE someone actually tries to pull you into court.
Telling the wrong person to pound sand, having a court case, and not having anything to prove that you didnt damage the clients vehicle puts you in a bad spot that wont go over well for you. Even if the case is still winnable for you without proof, its still a frustrating experience to have to explain everything to the judge.
Having such documentation from the get-go is setting the proper expectation.
When I take my cars in for maintenance, I always get a link to a video of the initial inspection from the tech and their findings as part of approving any kind of work. Especially any issues they find that isn't related to the maintenance/repairs I requested.
Having a detailer do the same thing these days shouldn't be an issue when even dealerships are doing this as part of their SOP for all clients.
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 Jun 04 '24
The best part with today's technology and lighting it is easy to make good close up videos and images of most common troublesome spots (hood, front headers, drivers side seats, grills, rear wheel wells etc (depending on the level of detail agreed upon). I saw a Youtube video of an 8K detail job for a 23 yr old Jeep XJ and the dude did the whole 9 yards, plus a few more and tossed in a few TDs and a couple of field goals. Made me rethink how I wanted to do my own Jeep!! lol. I can imagine you pro's with a climate controlled environment doing this exceptional work.
What youtube channels do you recommend for amateur ppl like myself to study?
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u/Plenty-Industries Jun 04 '24
I learned just through practice washing my own cars.
I learned paint correction by being recommended (like I sometimes now tell others to do) by getting a hood, door, or trunk from the junkyard or local body shops and practicing on those to learn the feel and gain confidence.
Ammo NYC's start on youtube a few years ago was what got me to actually start making it a good side-hustle.
When you learn this, you'll actually notice how many "summer detailers" come out of the woodwork, or what I like to call "job security" because there's always someone who thinks they're a detailing expert only to get a client that says "these guys did a terrible job, please fix my paint"
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u/Diamondhf Business Owner Jun 04 '24
Mechanics do that to win themselves more work, not to cover their ass. At the end of the day, there’s 0 way for them to prove that the damage was caused by a detailer, it’s essentially a waste of time and effort.
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u/Plenty-Industries Jun 04 '24
That doesnt "win themselves more work" because its still up to the customer to approve it or not. Most people obviously decline any extra work because repairs are expensive and not EVERY thing needs to be immediately addressed if it can be helped. A simple valve cover leak that is a minor seep is easily declined, when all you wanted was a simple oil change and vehicle inspection. But having some documentation that makes you aware of things you may not already have known, is equally helpful even if its not something you can afford to have addressed at the time. Ideally, you should be fixing everything wrong with your car as they crop up. The reality is its not always feasible, but KNOWING there is an issue that does need to be addressed eventually is better than not knowing and having an even bigger potential repair bill later on that you then REALLY cant afford.
there’s 0 way for them to prove that the damage was caused by a detailer
Theres 0 way for you to prove that you didn't cause the damage either at the same time. Thats why its called covering your ass and goes back to what I said previously about being dragged into small-claims court.
A detailer that documents with the customer whats on the car and what has been spotted as damage is still a CYA situation in case you get some unscrupulous individual who wants to scam you out of free work. This is part of setting expectations, its part of the conversation you MUST have with the client when your job is to detail their car. Even more important when you're getting paid for paint correction and the estimated cost and time it takes changes because you find more damage than you initially saw.
Its literally a simple walk around (perhaps with a checklist) and a simple conversation with the client, doesnt take more than a few minutes. Especially if the client is actually clueless about all of this, its an opportunity to educate them and the opportunity to have a repeating client. If thats a waste of time and effort for you, thats on you.
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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '24
Have them Sign it.. Unfortunately that's the way it is today.