Empire Detailing

Wax And Polish Saved My Butt…
Pros: Attention to detail. Delivered on time. Reasonable prices. Helpful people.
Cons: Might not be convenient to people away from the immediate area
Suggestions: Be specific in what you want them to accomplish
Star Ratings:
— Overall: 4
— Helpfulness: 5
— Delivered as Promised: 5
— Promptness: 5
— Facility: 3 (a bit grungy and dark since it’s underground)
— Location: 5 (if you work there… lower if you don’t)
— Employees: 5
— Cost: 4
— Value: 5
After a few months of test drives before buying a new car, my wife and I finally took the plunge and bought one. Since a professional waxing job was highly recommended by several people to help protect and preserve the paint and surface (as well as my investment), I searched through Unilocal to find the best place possible.
My partner in the office mentioned Empire Detailing because it was located in the parking structure below our building (the Fairmont Plaza next to the Fairmont Hotel in downtown San Jose) and since he’s seen them working on many high end vehicles. So, one day after getting title to the car, he and I paid a visit to Empire.
While I would have posed some general questions… similar to a few light jabs by a boxer… my partner (in the investment advisory field) cross-​examined one of the workers with the precision of a prosecutor who knows all the answers before asking any questions. About the only thing missing was an intense overhead lamp. However, she did not wilt under such scrutiny and calmly described their services, style of work and prices… even demonstrating her equipment and methods. We were both impressed.
After reaching agreement on the process (use a new clay bar and apply top shelf wax by hand), she said the cost would be $ 175 and ready in a few hours. My partner and I thought it was fair, so we walked away toward the elevator leading to offices upstairs. However, she quickly caught up because they needed a spare key. When I got back to their office, the manager was there. I reviewed things with «Michael» who offered reassurance and said the cost was normally $ 200, but there’d be no problem at $ 175. While we talked, 2 BMWs pulled up and their drivers were warmly greeted.
Later that day, I picked up my car. Everything they promised was delivered. It was shiny (even underground)…smooth like silk and had a protective sheen. Plus, they cleaned the interior. I paid the $ 175 and added a tip of $ 25 (15%) to bring the total to the «regular» price of $ 200. Michael seemed like a reasonable genuine guy, so when he suggested use of their «fast wax» process every 3 – 5 months, it sounded helpful rather than pushy.
I’d recommend Empire Detailing for people with small to moderate detailing needs who work within a few blocks of the Fairmont Hotel (or better yet, in the Fairmont Plaza). Just be specific with what you want them to accomplish and agree on a price in advance. Michael and his team will do what they can to please.