Ceramic (Something)?

It has the word ceramic in it, but that does not mean anything to me.  For some people this will be obvious, the difference between a product stored in a small glass bottle versus one in a plastic spray bottle.  Both have the word ceramic in it.  For most reputable professional operations, whose focus is on premium services, having the word ceramic will not qualify a product as a ceramic coating.  Products in tiny glass bottles are only considered fully fledged ceramic coatings.  But there is more to an entry level coating and a long-term coating, which a professional can get in depth on the subtle differences.

Myth: Coating Warranties

I have often found maintenance issues to be the consumer’s fault.  I have researched many 1 star reviews and social media complaints about other businesses.  This research even includes those who may be my competitors.  On one end there is the consumer who started his or her journey with a (‘just give me a price’) attitude.  This person, likely with more communication up front, could have had better expectations or decided the service was not worth it at that price point before receiving the service.  Knowing some of the companies involved, ample communication about what coatings do and do not do were supplied.  Often the customer decides to not take accountability.  This does not mean many professional believe the warranty from the supplier is overrated!  Much of the fine print on those warranties are unrealistic.

This is a major problem with assuming a warranty will protect you from disappointment.  Something goes wrong, who is the coating company going to tell you to talk to?  You are going to reach out to the detailing business.  The coating company is not going to be an active participant in resolving any issue, at least not in the way most people believe.  Even if it is an issue which universally (obvious) the consumer error, going to a reputable business could save you from heartache.  Most quality based businesses will go (within reason) above and beyond to take care of you.  You just have to put in the effort to find one, instead of assuming receiving a warranty is a substitute for a proper vetting process.

I do not offer warranties.  My clients are very happy knowing that my name is the guarantee that provides peace of mind.

Problem With Focusing On Product Instead Of Service

This attitude is at the root of so many problems and frustrations you and reputable detailing businesses have.  ‘I want ceramic.’  It is not like getting a car, shopping for milk, or frozen boneless chicken breast.  That does not mean we as business owners also need to be better to be more relatable to those not as knowledgeable about car care aesthetics.  Many of us are trying to relate the technical side (detailing concepts) to the consumer for you to have a better understanding of what you are getting for your money.  But the problem I also often see is that many parties are trying to oversimplify detailing, paint correction, and ceramic coatings to the point of the content being MISINFORMATION.  That is a major problem, and a core reason why in depth communication with a REPUTABLE service provider is essential!

Secondarily I can make a poor, to average, or mid-tier product perform better than a very good to exceptional product based on my execution in the final prep and application process.  The looks that blow our clients away, is not based off of a single product or step in the process.

The lines have blurred with respect to ethics.  It takes nothing for me to say this 4 year product is a 8 year product.  Interpretation of durability can carry many shades of grey.  I am referring to detailing business in part, but in major part the suppliers that produce these products.  Many business owners are seduced by grandiose product claims just like you.

Misconception: Paint Correction Is An All Or Nothing Service?

And The Stage 1 Correction? There are levels of correction.  There is a Stage 1, 2, and 3 options.  For me, I offer a Stage 2 minor and Stage 2 major, with the major and minor meaning just that.  Depending on the type of business there is going to be unique interpretations of each level of correction.  Specifically one business can allocate for example 6 hours of polishing in a Single Stage paint correction and 15 hours on a two stage.  Another business can only allocate a 3 hour time limit on a Single Stage correction and 5 hours on a Two Stage correction.  Which is where pricing reveals itself.

Everything wrong and everything right with a Single Stage correction.  It is often the standard polishing service for most businesses.  With some businesses it could be the only offering.  This will please or satisfy enough a majority of people.  For those that are really concerned about paint appearance and see swirls, they could find themselves disappointed.  This is where I encourage from both sides, especially in your case, communication.  You cannot turn McDonald’s into a Michelin 3 Star Restaurant.  You need to see if a business is right for you beyond the superficial words of ‘correction’ or ‘ceramic’, etc.  On flip-side, it is often not a good idea, depending on the employees, to have them perform more advanced services including multiple stage paint corrections.