Please refer to these Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

FAQ: “How does our service work?”

A: We are completely mobile. Whether at home or at work, we come to you! Simply fill out a “Request Service” form with your information and we will respond as early as the next business day.

FAQ: “What is expected from me?”

A: At all locations we require ample work space and a key to operate the vehicle.

If receiving any interior work, we require that all personal items are thoroughly removed from the vehicle before we begin work. Vehicles with personal items left in the car that obstruct work performed will be assessed a $25 fee.

If at home, please clear your driveway/side street of all vehicle’s except the one(s) scheduled to be serviced and direct our technicians to any/all electrical outlets, if possible.

If at an office location/apartment complex (not under contract), please allow ample work space. (Approximately 3 empty parking spaces per vehicle)

FAQ: “How soon can I schedule my car for an appointment?”

A: You can e-mail us anytime @ info@doctor-detail.com or call us at 703-447-8150 during the scope of normal business hours (M-F between 9-5) and your request will be processed within 24-48 hours. Usually you can be added to our schedule within 1-3 business days from the time we return and process your request.

FAQ: “Do you accept same day appointments?”

A: Sometimes, but very rarely. It is best to contact us at least several days in advance to schedule, confirm and hold an appointment time.

FAQ: “What package is right for me?”

A: We offer 5 main packages:

“Major Surgery”-A Complete cosmetic restoration and the best bargain for your buck. Includes the “Exterior Operation” & “Interior Operation.”

“Check-Up”-About ½ the cost and ½ the labor of a “Major Surgery.” Includes basic exterior and interior work. Recommended for vehicles in “Like New” condition that require basic maintenance.

“Exterior Operation”-Restore that beautiful exterior by giving your car the ultimate spa treatment. This service will help protect your clear coat and prevent rust, oxidation and dulling of the paint. Highly recommended before and after winter.

“Interior Operation”-Be enthusiastic about chauffeuring around friends and family by showing off the complete reconditioning of your car’s interior. Scuff marks, stains and odor are a problem of the past. Your car’s interior will never look or smell better!

“Mini Check-Up”-A basic wash, wax & vacuum. Includes wheel and tire degreasing and shining, as well as both interior and exterior windows. Recommended monthly or in between “Major Surgeries”/”Check-Ups.”

FAQ: “Why is regular maintenance on my car’s exterior important?”

A: Contrary to popular belief, you cannot get the same result from a “Major Surgery” or ”Exterior Operation” by going to a $10 car wash. Soap and water do little to nothing when it comes to protecting your car’s clear coat. Our “Exterior Operation” differs from a car wash in three main respects:

1. Clay Bar Treatment-Removes contaminants and impurities embedded in the clear coat and leaves paint as smooth as glass.

2. High Quality Carnauba Wax-Enhances paint shine & protects from sun, rain and pollution.

3. High-Speed Buffing-Restores original color and shine, removes oxidation as well as minor nicks, scuffs and scratches.

Also includes thorough degreasing & scrubbing of rims which prevents brake dust from building up and forming rust.

FAQ: “How long does the service take?”

A: Some companies estimate up to 4-6 hours for a full detail. With our state of the art technology and time-effective strategies, our detailing technicians get the job done in nearly half the time.

*All are approximate estimates:

Major Surgery: 2-3 Hours

Check-Up: 1.5-2 Hours

Exterior Operation: 1.5-2 Hours

Interior Operation: 1.5-2 Hours

Mini Check-Up: 1-1.5 Hours

**More time is needed if additional services are requested or additional labor is required based on our condition surcharges.

FAQ: “How much will my vehicle cost?”

A: Pricing is based on the package requested and the size of your vehicle. All pricing information can be found on our detailing packages page.

FAQ: “Which payment methods do you accept?”

A: Our acceptable methods of payment, in order of preference, are cash, check and credit. We accept all major credit cards. Detail dollars and gift cards can be redeemed at the time of payment, but must be voiced using our “Request Service” form.

FAQ: “Where will you be set up at my building?”

A: Prior to our visit, you will receive an informational e-mail (usually distributed by the property management) specifically outlining our designated service location, as well as other pertinent information such as our arrival time, how the process will work, whether you are eligible for discounts, etc.

FAQ: “How do I know if my building is under contract?”

A: If the property management regularly sends out informational e-mails on Doctor Detail’s behalf, then most likely the building is under contract. You can also visit our “Request Service” page and look for your building underneath our drop down menu. If you find your building as an option to select in the drop down menu, then it is under contract.

FAQ: “Will you pick up my keys from my office or condominium lobby if I am not able to bring my car?”

A: Yes we can, however we charge $15 for this convenience.

FAQ: What are “Detail Dollars”? How can they be used?”

A: “Detail Dollars” work as a voucher to discount the amount specified on the gift card/e-mail print out/promotional object from the total cost of the service. Some forms of “Detail Dollars” DO have expiration dates. Expired “Detail Dollars” are invalid and cannot be honored.

FAQ: “What if I have a special product I’d like you to apply?”

A: We charge a small fee to substitute your product for ours due to the time it takes us to become acquainted with the product. Additionally, no guarantee can be made as to the final result of the vehicle when a customer provided product is used. We charge a flat rate fee of $10 to use any product of yours in place of our product.

FAQ: “Which scratches on my vehicle can I expect to have removed by the Exterior Operation or Major Surgery package?

A: As a general rule of thumb, if you can fit your fingernail into the groove of the scratch, it will not come out with any of our services. The best solution is to contact a body shop to see what can be done. We are able to buff out minor scratches and most irregularities that come from other surfaces such as paint to paint contact. However, most scratches that scratch beneath the clear coat level of the paint will not come out.

FAQ: “Which types of stains can I expect to have removed from my Carpeting and Upholstery by the Interior Operation or Major Surgery package?

A: Stains from liquids containing dyes, food coloring or waxes generally will not come out. Although much of the time we are able to make improvements based on the initial condition. Regarding soda stains and coffee stains we are generally able to remove the majority of the stain, but complete removal depends on the severity of the stain including how long it has been present on the affected surface.

FAQ: “How much is an appropriate amount to tip?“

A: Clients often inquire whether or not it is common in our trade to leave our detailing technicians gratuity and if so, how much? Well, like many professions in the service industry, making house calls provides a convenience to the client unparalleled to that of any other businesses and gratuity is most definitely appreciated, yet at the discretion of the client. Our detailing technicians work for hourly wages and receiving gratuity from clients is a huge benefit that motivates our detailing technicians to strike for excellence and help Doctor Detail maintain our dominant status in the mobile auto detailing industry. Gratuity also lets us know that we are doing a great job so if you are satisfied with the service provided to you, please let us know! Gratuity percentages are comparable to that of the restaurant industry, between 15-20%. Here is a helpful chart to assist you in deciding what is an acceptable range to leave your detailing technician.