Central Oregonian

The value is in the details

A new vehicle detailing shop puts customers’ needs as a top priority

October 08, 2012

Casey Shadle, owner of The Detailer, a new vehicle detailing shop, worked his way through Oregon State University in Corvallis detailing cars.

“I’ve always liked ‘pretty cars’ and every car I’ve ever bought was an investment. I’ve wanted to keep them looking and running good, keeping the investment value as high as possible. So it’s natural for me to want the same thing for my customers,” said Shadle.

Although the shop has only been open since May of this year, Shadle has been detailing cars for almost 20 years.

While some may view car “detailing” as an unnecessary expense, Shadle puts regular detailing right up there with regular oil changes and scheduled maintenance.

“Everyone should view their vehicle as an investment. You’ll get maximum return on that investment if your car runs and looks good to a prospective buyer.”

Shadle cites a recent detailing job as an example.

“We detailed a 2004 Chevrolet Cobalt this week for a customer. Wanting to sell it, he was told that if he got it detailed he’d get closer to “high” (Kelley) Blue Book value than “medium,” which is a $3,200 difference between the two levels.”

“That’s a pretty good return on the $65 detailing investment that he made,” added Shadle.

Shadle estimates that a $120 regularly-priced detailing job on a passenger car adds anywhere from $800 to $1,000 in retail value to the vehicle.

So what is included in The Detailer’s “full detail?”

“We do a bumper-to-bumper cleaning. First we pressure wash the motor, then hand wash and wax the exterior. If needed we take off the door panels to thoroughly clean out the dirt, clean the dash board by removing the dash cap if necessary. Windows are cleaned, upholstery and carpeting shampooed,” said Shadle.

Hand scrubbing is important to The Detailer’s process.

“I’m very picky. We don’t use machines because you lose the tender loving care element. And we don’t use harsh chemicals that can crack or damage dash boards and other parts,” said Shadle.

Meeting his customer’s needs is also a top priority for Shadle.

“Basically we want to meet peoples’ needs for their vehicles. We’ll advise them what really should be done but we don’t push services on them that they don’t need or can’t afford.”

Customer service also includes picking up and dropping off vehicles for customers.

“The people in Prineville have been very welcoming to us so we want to be as accommodating to them as we can possibly be,” added Shadle.

The Detailer’s regular price for a passenger car or small SUV is $105. This includes washing, waxing, and detailing. This fall, during the month of October, the “fall special” price is $65.

The regular price for a truck or large SUV is $120. The “fall special” price is $85. Carpet shampooing is $15 extra for any vehicle during the special.

Gift certificates are also available and can be based on any level of detailing desired. The Detailer also has a yearly rate plan for those customers who want their vehicles looking good every month.

And if you’ve got a plane, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle that needs attention, bring it to The Detailer.

“I’ve worked on just about every type of vehicle out there. Just bring it in and I’ll be happy to give you some advice on how to get it looking like new,” said Shadle.

The Detailer

Owner: Casey Shadle

Address: 1265 N.E. Third St., Prineville (directly across the street from the Les Schwab store)

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: 541-362-5603