The way you learn about a company is to ask specific questions and listen carefully to the answers. Here are nine questions to ask a car cleaning company to help you feel more confident about the one that you choose:
Question #1: What do you recommend for my specific needs, and what are your cleaning steps?
Purchasing off-the-shelf car cleaning packages may work for you sometimes. However, you will receive more value for your money with a solution tailored to your specific needs.
The car cleaning company should have in place a standard procedure to follow every time. Certain steps, such as inspecting the car and securing the client’s belongings, are just an example.
Leaving nothing to chance ensures you receive a high quality service.
Question #2: What type of chemicals do you use to clean the car?
This is extremely important especially if you, or anyone in the family, have allergies or chemical sensitivities. Some of the chemicals used in the car cleaning industry are very harsh, or even toxic.
Fortunately, many plant based and safe chemicals are also available today. The car cleaning companies, which care about the well-being of their clients and employees, are going to great lengths to use only the latter type.
Question #3: How often should I get my car cleaned?
This is yet another test of how honest is the company you’re about to hire. A dishonest company will try to sell you more than you actually need.
In contrast, an honest company will try to first understand your specific situation and needs, before offering a solution.
Question #4: Who is going to perform the job, employee or contractor?
Some car cleaning companies use subcontractors to do the work, instead of their own employees. They do so to save money.
You should be cautious of this, as their insurance policy may not cover subcontractors. Also, the company may not guarantee the work done by a subcontractor.
Question #5: How much will it cost me?
Any serious company should be able to provide an upfront price for the service. It should come with a detailed explanation of what’s included in that price.
This way you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Beware of companies which quote hourly rates, as the job may end up costing substantially more than anticipated.
Question #6: How long does the job take?
Knowing how long the car cleaning service takes will allow you to plan for the rest of the day. With cars being such an important element of daily life, it helps to know whether the car will be unavailable for just a couple of hours, or the whole day.
Question #7: Do you guarantee your work?
Any car cleaning company should be responsible for their work. If you’re not happy, they should make it right. If you’re still not happy, you should get 100% of your money back. Period.
Question #8: Are you insured?
Insurance is important for two reasons:
It covers damage that may happen to your car while it’s being cleaned. If the car cleaning company doesn’t have insurance, and your car gets damaged, you are responsible for the cost of repairs.
If one of the company employees is injured while cleaning your car, then a Worker’s Compensation type of insurance covers the incident. If the car cleaning company doesn’t have this type of insurance, you may be held responsible and sued for damages.
Question #9: Do you have any references of clients whom I can call regarding your work?
Checking references first might save a lot of trouble later. An honest company would provide references at your request.