How do I check a detailing studio’s polisher and extractor equipment condition?

Start by testing. Ask to run each machine for a few minutes under normal use. With polishers, listen for grinding, feel for excess vibration, and check the cord, plug, backing plate and speed control. With extractors, check suction, heat, hose condition, tank seals and the quality of water recovery. A weak machine slows every job.

Then look at the whole set. Count the machines and note the brands and ages, then ask which are used daily and which sit unused. Ask whether any belong to the detailers rather than the studio. Equipment owned by staff will leave with them, so ask what the studio provides and what it relies on others to bring.

Next, ask for the repair history. Request receipts, notes on parts replaced and who does the servicing. A repeated fault with the same machine suggests a worn-out unit, not bad luck. Ask whether any items are leased or financed. Finally, rank what you would replace first and what it would cost, based on current quotes from suppliers. A qualified equipment appraiser can add an opinion, and your accountant can confirm how the equipment appears on the books.

Key takeaways

• Run each polisher and extractor and check suction, heat, vibration and cords.
• Find out which machines are owned by the studio and which belong to staff.
• Use repair history to decide what to replace first, and get current quotes.