Most often, vehicle reconditioning services are necessary to fix the damages brought about by a collision. Also, you can use them to increase the price and perceived value of your car if you are about to sell it. Moreover, you can get vehicle reconditioning services to repair regular wear and tear or to restore a vintage or classic car to a like-new condition.
Using car reconditioning services is also a great way to save the environment. Your car will be one less machine for the landfills. And one less car to make is equivalent to saving steel, glass, water, and other resources. And since reconditioning services is way cheaper than buying a new car, you’ll be saving a lot of money.
The question is, how would you know which reconditioning services to choose considering the proliferation of providers out there? Below are some tips to help you out.
Choosing a Reconditioning Services Provider: 10 Factors to Consider
Now that you’re on the lookout for the best reconditioning services provider, it would help to consider the following 10 factors:
1. Capacity to Serve Your Vehicle Type
Look for a reconditioning services provider that has appropriate, well-maintained tools and equipment for your type of vehicle. For example, are they properly equipped for reconditioning a bus or a ten-wheeler? Do they have a power sander, spray gun, air compressor, step ladder ,and all the other things needed to recondition such a huge vehicle?
Of course, if you have a luxury car, you need to search for reconditioning services that specialize in such vehicles. Thus, you will ensure that they have undergone the necessary training and garnered years of experience.
2. Meets Your Purpose
What’s the purpose of having your vehicle reconditioned? Is it to remove dents and deep scratches due to a recent collision? Or maybe improve its appearance so you can bump your used car price to sell it for more? Maybe maintain its aesthetics because you believe your car deserves the right treatment after serving you for many years?
A good provider will conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle. Only then will they suggest what repairs or replacements are necessary. They can even help you decide whether you should go for auto reconditioning or auto detailing. And wouldn’t upsell products or services just to earn more. They will first ask why you need their service and provide suggestions that will meet your purpose.
3. Reconditioning Services Price Fits Your Budget
Reconditioning is definitely more affordable than buying a new vehicle. However, it is not that cheap of a service. There’s plenty of repairs and restorations that go into a single reconditioning project. There’s headlight restoration, carpet repair, paint chip repair, stain removal, air sanitation, and bug and tar removal among others. You can also opt for services like clear bra that will protect and maintain the beauty of your prized possession. And, if your car belongs to the list of most expensive cars to maintain, your overall bill may amount to thousands of dollars. How financially ready are you?
4. Your Location
As with most services, reconditioning prices can vary from state to state. In a report written by James McCrea for Your Mechanic, Georgia tops the list of states having the highest average cost for car repairs, followed by Connecticut, Hawaii, and California. Now, if you live in Michigan, congratulations because it is the state that has the lowest average cost for car repairs! The Great Lakes state is followed by Ohio, Maine, and Wisconsin.
5. Provider’s Reputation
Do not hire the first reconditioning services provider you come in contact with. Do your research, both online and offline. Did previous customers give the provider good reviews and feedback in review platforms? No mentions about damaging a vehicle’s paint or lousy customer service? Were projects completed on time? Offline, are you hearing good things about them? How are they with customers? Do they honor warranties?
Good reconditioning services providers know how to take care of their reputation. They understand that a third-rate job can lead a customer to post bad reviews on sites like Yelp or in social media, thus ruining their reputation and compromising their profitability. This is why they do their best every time, all the time.
6. Fees and Prices
Look for a provider that gives you a straightforward assessment and computation of the reconditioning services to be done on your car. Yes, transparency is the name of the game. Ask for separate lists of basic and specialty reconditioning services. Request for a written estimate of the conditions to be repaired, the parts to be replaced, and the anticipated fees for labor. Excellent providers are aware that honest transactions are the key to repeat customers. Surely you won’t return to a provider who keeps ripping you off, right?
7. Customer Service
Great reconditioning services providers understand the value of treating their customers right. After all, they’re the lifeline of their business. This is why they ensure more than satisfactory customer service every time, all the time. They conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle and only recommend services that it actually needs. They might offer you other services, like auto detailing, not for the purpose of earning more, but to keep your vehicle looking good longer. Some providers even offer to lend you a car you can use while yours is being reconditioned.
8. The Reconditioning Services Provider Adds Value to People’s Lives
Topnotch providers make people fall in love with their business even before they’re customers. They come from a place of help, delivering value that benefits real people all the time, whether they’re prospects or loyal customers. They have a website and multiple social media accounts where people can learn not just about their service, but also tips and hacks that can make their lives better. In these channels, they allow people to ask questions and get relevant answers immediately. Also, they might have a newsletter people can subscribe to, so they’ll know of upcoming sales or discounts, new services, and current industry trends.
In other words, they are not keen only on making a sale. They think of how they can better serve people – even if it means spending extra time, money, and effort in creating resources for both prospects and existing customers.
9. Warranty for the Service
Why should you look for a warranty? Reliable reconditioning services providers offer warranty for their services because they are confident in their delivery. They also know how to deal with meticulous customers – offer to do it according to their satisfaction. They won’t stop until they get it right.
10. Mobile Reconditioning Services Options
If you’re a very busy person who wants to have your car serviced at home or any other area you prefer, looking for a mobile reconditioning services provider may be your best bet. But then again, always do careful research. Any provider can claim that they provide excellent mobile services. The question is, how efficient are they? Check out online reviews, ask previous customers before you hire the provider. Or maybe you can ask for recommendations from family, friends, or neighbors.
Finding the best reconditioning services provider is not as easy as it seems. You need to consider your needs, preferences, and budget. Additionally, you need to factor in the provider’s reputation, capacity to serve and provide you with value before, during, and after the service. Now, if restoring your car’s new looks is the only thing you’re after, then consider auto detailing services instead. Schedule an appointment with DetailXPerts. Our detail professionals will give your car the treatment it deserves.
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