Sean Hutchisson is at a crossroads. The owner of Taurus Auto Detailing in Austin, Texas, offers a complimentary two-week follow-up car wash and inspection post-paint protection film (PPF) installation, but he’s ready to shift strategies. He has turned to the industry Facebook group PPF Professionals for feedback.
PPF Processes
Hutchisson and his team scan areas where PPF was installed on the vehicle during the post-installation inspection, looking for previously-unseen bubbles or un-trimmed edges.
“We rarely have to pull a fender or replace film,” says Hutchisson, who founded Taurus Auto Detailing in 2016. “Inspections were more important when we first started installing. It helped us see what worked and what didn’t. Now that we’ve been solid for a while, it’s like these cars are getting a free wash. When we inspect cars, there isn’t much to correct.”
Hutchisson says current follow-up procedures have clogged his company’s wash bays. As a result, his detailers are short on time for profitable work.
Seeking Support
“I looked at the schedule, and I saw six or seven follow-up washes,” he shares. “No wonder the detail shop isn’t making the money it used to. They’re doing these free washes all of the time. Am I the only one that’s running into this? I turned to the group.”
Members of PPF Professionals gave their opinions in force.
“What is everyone’s policy for follow-up on PPF jobs?” Hutchisson asked group members. “For years, we’ve offered a complimentary two-week follow-up wash and inspection. As the PPF side of our business has grown, these follow-up visits are starting to clog up the detail shop now—in combination with coating follow-up washes. Thinking about nixing the wash part of things and just offering an inspection. Thoughts?”
Group members responded with helpful comments.
“One good idea that I liked was nixing the wash and just doing the inspection,” he says. “Someone talked about charging for the car washes, which seems like a no-brainer. We would offer that service, but let them know it comes with a price tag.”
Hutchisson has yet to formalize a shift in his post-PPF-installation follow-up routine. But thanks to industry peers, he now has feedback as he moves forward.
Editor’s Note: What is your follow-up procedure for PPF installations? Please reach out to editor Chris Collier at ccollier@glass.com to share your strategies.
