MOBILE CAR DETAILING EXPERTS
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Maintenance Detailing Program
Maintenance car detailing is simply pre-scheduled, regular auto detailing that happens on a consistent basis. How consistent that scheduled detailing is will vary customer to customer, however, in order for it to be considered a maintenance detail it must take place within a maximum time of two months or eight weeks.
A maintenance detail is naturally cheaper then a regular full detail because it happens on a consistent basis and the vehicle does not have enough time to get dirty enough to charge the regular full price. A maintenance detail does not include the full extent of services that a full detail includes, simply because all services are not necessary for a maintenance detail. In other words, one specific service that is left out of a maintenance detail is carpet shampooing. This may be obvious, but carpets do not need to be shampooed on such a regular basis because they are not left to get dirty enough to need that service. It is for reasons like these that many of my clients are on a maintenance detail plan, because not only do you get your car detailed/cleaned on a regular basis, but it is also less expensive than a regular detail.
I often refer to maintenance detailing as a “win-win” for customers and myself. Customers get discounted detailing, and a car that is always clean, protected, and looks amazing. As a detailer, I win because working on cars that are protected and cleaned on a maintainable, regular basis is much faster and much less energy-consuming.
Advantages of a Subscription
There are several advantages to being on a maintenance detail plan, beginning with the most obvious: it is much cheaper! Since the vehicle is detailed and seen on a regular basis, it does not require the same amount of product, effort, and cleaning that a one-time, full charge customer’s vehicle requires. It is for this reason that a maintenance plan does not cost the same amount as my standard detail cost.
One thing that we like to tell all of our customers is that “maintenance is better than the cure.” Most people let their cars collect so much dirt that by the time we are hired to show up, it cannot be restored to showroom perfection, or “Like new condition,” which can be very frustrating for customers and myself. Just like a regular check up at the doctor’s office keeps you from getting sick, and may prevent serious disease, a regular detail on a automobile will keep it in the like new, or showroom condition. Dirt is not allowed to sit for an extended period of time and therefore does not become a permanent part of the car. Protectant products and waxes prevent premature paint oxidation and scratching, and trim fading. Interior leather and plastic protectants prevent cracking, dulling and fading.
Just like anything else in life, prevention is the key. Regularly cleaning your vehicle’s interior and exterior, as well as keeping it protected, will inevitably extend the life of the car, and dramatically increase its value if you decide to trade it in or sell it.
How Often Should You Have Your Vehicle "Maintained"?
The answer to this question is ultimately up to budget and availability, and is extremely subjective as not every customer’s situation is the same. However here is some wisdom that I can offer based on my experience:
#1) There is no such thing as “too much” when it comes to detailing your car. If you have the funds, and care about your vehicle, then a weekly plan is not only great for always driving a clean car, but also keeping your car in showroom condition for its entire lifetime. Keeping your vehicle(s) maintained and protected with regular detailing will inevitably recoup the cost when it comes time to trade for a new car, quite dramatically versus a vehicle that was not maintained.
#2) Once again, maintenance is better than the cure. I get calls quite often with frustrated customers not happy with the price I quote them for a complete detail on their vehicle. What they don’t realize, is that if they would have had their vehicle maintained prior to calling us, that price would not look nearly as scary. In fact, it would be significantly lower. The cost of detailing a car that has been left to sit in dirt and grime, and has been left unprotected versus the price for a maintenance detail is not even worth comparing. Save money, and drive a well maintained, clean car.
#3) Obviously not everyone can afford to pay for a weekly maintenance detail plan, which is completely understandable. In cases like these, we offer other maintenance options that may work. Once again, in order for it to be considered a maintenance detail, and fall under the pricing of a maintenance detail, it must be done within a maximum time frame of 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, in my experience, a vehicle begins to approach the “average” level of dirtiness. Of course the weekly maintenance detail price will not be the same as the monthly or bi-monthly cost, but the monthly or bi-monthly plan may still be a much more viable option for your specific situation and budget.
