What Is Paint Protection? An Overdue Topic Of Discussion

I am curious when I hear people say, ‘I want it protected.’   Do you, the customer, ever have a conversation about what protection means with a detailer?  Detailers, do ask does it mean to your customers that inquire about a detail?  I am not just talking about the technical aspect.  But I am also more importantly referring to what it means for customers.  What is important to them and if their beliefs align with reality!  Ultimately (which is often the case) there is a reevaluation of the value in what they are getting for detailing services and products.

There are multiple reasons why I do not entertain every potential client.  One reason being that the cost of running a legitimate business that values providing a luxury experience is expensive.  But there is another more ever common reason why businesses like my own tend to not align with consumers who wonder why they never can find the right detailer.  Many consumers vent about us not giving a price immediately, when detailers are simply trying to manage expectations.  For those that push back on this statement, a reoccurring thought comes to mind.  I think of the irony of customers who complain about being scammed or receiving a poor-quality service from business who are quick to give a (nice) price and tell you what you want to hear.  But there is a distrust towards people for wanting to be transparent.  This paradox is all too common and customers.  If you have ever been disappointed with a detailing service or even products, how open were you to being informed?  Be honest with yourself.

Business owners too, I must speak to the elephant in the room.  More and more pressure is being placed on us to get customers in and out in the quickest way possible regardless of consequences to both parties.  I understand the demands of the way of the world.  My concern is for you to still have a plan to protect yourself, with respect to managed expectations and your reputation.  Adjusting to the future does not eliminate problems.  In some cases, it magnifies them.

UV Protection Or Environmental Damage

So many will ask about a wax or coating to eliminate all concern about UV degradation.  Realistically there is more to it.  From choosing a QUALITY coating with a QUALITY detailing service, to start.  That service should involve responsible paint correction.  That service should include a Quality sealant or coating, for its effective life.  The owner needs to (seriously) wash that car on a regular basis.  Ideally, parking in an enclosed shelter.  This is all part of the proverbial recipe.  It is not just a magic word or phrase, like ceramic or even PPF.

Unrealistic attributes, especially for what they paid for, is the root of disappointment.

I Am Proud To See Waterbeads Too, But Here Is The Problem

I genuinely suspect if I was to do a poll for the general population who have some interest in detailing, what is their sign of car protection, waterbeading would be the most common response.  I would not necessarily suggest the general population is entirely wrong.  But there is much more to seeing clues of paint protection present on a car than hydrophobic properties demonstrated.  I was in the process of detailing a Mustang and recalled droplets beading on the front edge of the car.  I had polished the car without (prior to) leaving anything behind.  It was naked paint.  I have also seen cars that have a ceramic coating present that are not demonstrating waterbeading.  In that case, the car just needed a deeper cleaning.  All of a sudden, the car showed clear signs it was ceramic coated.

For anyone interested in or even offering these services, do you understand the benefits and limitations of Paint Protection Film as well as ceramic coatings?  More importantly, do you know how to take advantage of the benefits?  Not necessarily just how you can profit off of the consequences of cosmetic issues, but I am referring to consumers understanding the experience of caring for their car.  I think there should be more meaningful conversations about the experience of having Paint Protection Film with and without a ceramic coating, or a paint sealant, or with nothing at all.