The "Starting At" Game: Exposing the Truth About PPF & Coating Quotes
- Bill Fetter
- Jul 27
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 9
The Frustration of the Vague Quote
You’ve decided to make a smart investment in protecting your car, but as you start researching, you run into a familiar and frustrating problem. Nearly every price you see for Paint Protection Film (PPF) or a ceramic coating has two little words next to it: "starting at."
But what is that "starting at" price really for? Too often, it’s a lead generation tactic. Its purpose is to get your name, email, and phone number so you can be entered into an aggressive sales process. Think about it: shops that rely on expensive ads have to be aggressive to get a return on their investment. If they employ commission-based salespeople, that cost is either passed on to you in an inflated price, or it comes out of the quality of the job itself.
In this guide, we'll pull back the curtain. We will show you exactly what those "starting at" prices often exclude and give you a checklist of questions to ask any shop to get a true, all-inclusive quote.
The "Starting At" Game Explained: What’s Not Included?
A low teaser rate is only possible by leaving out the essential preparation work and crucial details that go into a flawless, long-lasting result. These are the common car detailing hidden fees that can turn a low teaser rate into a much larger final bill.
Necessary Paint Correction
Of all the potential hidden fees, paint correction is the easiest for a shop to use to run up the bill. It preys on a client's lack of knowledge and the easy assumption that "more expensive must be better." A persuasive salesperson can make it seem like they have your best interest at heart when, in reality, they're just inflating your invoice.
Here’s the truth: for a brand-new car receiving full panel coverage (like our Full Front End package, which covers the entire hood and both full fenders), paint correction is almost always unnecessary before applying Paint Protection Film.
The conversation changes slightly for "partial front end" packages, where only a portion of the hood and fenders are covered. The new, high-quality PPF we use has a self-healing clear coat that is so glossy, it can actually look better than the factory paint. When placed next to an unprotected section on the same panel, it can make any minor factory or dealership-induced swirls on the original paint suddenly stand out. To ensure a perfect, uniform gloss match, we may need to lightly polish the adjacent, unprotected paint. Because this is only required in these specific cases, this tailored polishing is not included in our standard package pricing.
How do you know if you need it? We make the decision with you. We will apply a small test piece of film to your car and show you the difference firsthand. Seeing the comparison on your own vehicle is the only way to make an informed choice.
Extensive Decontamination
A simple wash isn't enough. A professional installation requires a multi-step chemical and mechanical decontamination process to remove all embedded contaminants from the clear coat—a non-negotiable step that is sometimes billed as an extra.
The Quality of the Materials
Not all PPF and ceramic coatings are created equal. The market is flooded with a huge gamut of products—some are fantastic, and some are just bad. A common trick to offer a low price is to use low-cost, inferior materials that may not last or could damage your paint upon removal. This is where you truly need to "trust your installer"—and that trust should be based on their commitment to using proven, top-tier brands.The cost of a professional ceramic coating is a direct reflection of both the quality of the product and the skill of the installer.
Who is Actually Doing the Work?
Here’s a real inside piece of knowledge: the person you speak to may not be the person working on your car. We see it a lot with general detail shops that want to "bundle" services.
They will often use outside subcontractors to install PPF or coatings. While the subcontractor might be skilled, it creates a layer of uncertainty. Who is ultimately responsible for the quality? Who holds the insurance if something goes wrong? For a permanent application on your valuable vehicle, you deserve to know exactly who is performing the work.
Complex Body Panels & Edges
The intricate, multi-faceted front bumper of a modern Porsche requires significantly more time and material than the hood of a sedan. A "starting at" price is often based on the easiest possible vehicle, not yours.
Disassembly vs. Technology
To achieve a seamless look, some shops have to disassemble parts of your brand-new vehicle. This is a huge red flag. A less skilled installer, or a company that hasn't invested in expensive plotter technology, will need to take apart your vehicle and will often sell this as a "benefit" of custom work. We believe your car is built to go together, not be taken apart.
The "Lifetime Warranty" Game & Product Quality
A final hidden variable is the quality of the products themselves and the legitimacy of the warranty. Be cautious of shops that lead with a vague "lifetime warranty." Often, these are filled with fine print that requires expensive annual "maintenance" services to keep the warranty valid, turning a one-time investment into a perpetual payment plan.
A reputable installer will offer a clear, manufacturer-backed warranty for a specific term (e.g., 5 years) and will provide you with an official warranty registration. This proves you are getting the genuine, professional-grade product you paid for. The strength and clarity of the warranty is a direct reflection of the quality of the ceramic coating itself.
In the detailing world, not all products are created equal. The video below cuts through the marketing hype, revealing the secrets to choosing a high-quality ceramic coating, understanding the real story on warranties, and ensuring you get the lasting value you deserve.
The Empowered Customer Checklist: How to Get an Accurate Quote
To get a truly detailed car protection quote, here are the essential questions to ask any installer before you commit. The five questions below are a great start, and the video that follows provides our ultimate checklist of 19 pro secrets.
"Is a full paint decontamination included in this price?"
"Does this quote include the necessary paint correction and polishing for my vehicle's current condition?"
"Are there any extra charges for complex areas like my front bumper?"
"Will you be disassembling any part of my vehicle for the installation?"
"Is the price you've given me an all-inclusive, final price?"
A Note on Reviews: Why Do Some Detail Shops Have More?
On the surface, it's easy to look at review counts and assume that more is always better. While high-quality detailing is impressive work, it's fundamentally different from the specialized craft of paint protection. A high volume of reviews often comes from high-volume, faster-turnaround services. Our work on a single vehicle, by contrast, is a meticulous, multi-day project involving semi-permanent applications of incredibly expensive materials.
This is why we encourage every potential client to read the reviews, not just count them. Are the 5-star reviews for a $200 "wash and wax," or are they for a complex, multi-day PPF installation that costs thousands? This leads to the most important question you should ask yourself when you see a price that seems too good to be true:
If a mistake is made with these expensive, semi-permanent materials, how will a shop with the lowest prices afford to make it right?
Is a National Brand like Ceramic Pro or XPEL a Safer Choice?
It's understandable why many are drawn to big, nationally recognized names. However, the brand on the bottle is only one part of the equation. Most of these locations are independently owned franchises or installers, and the quality can vary dramatically. The national brand name does not guarantee a high-quality local result.
The bottom line is this: Vet the installer, not just the brand on the box. Use the questions from our checklist. Ask to see their work. Ask to speak with the technician who will be working on your car. True value comes from the craftsman's skill and their unwavering commitment to using the absolute best materials for the job—not just the best-marketed ones.
Do I Need a Ceramic Coating on Top of My PPF?
This is one of the most common and effective upsells in the industry. You'll often be pushed to buy a ceramic coating to "protect the film" or be offered a "free" coating as an enticement.
Here's my honest, professional opinion: A high-quality Paint Protection Film does not need a ceramic coating to protect it. Modern, top-tier films are engineered with an advanced, hydrophobic top coat already built-in.
The "Free Coating" Litmus Test
If a shop offers you a "free" ceramic coating with your PPF package, here's how you can find out its true value. Ask them two simple questions in this exact order:
First, ask: "What is the dollar value of that free ceramic coating job?"
After they give you a number, say: "Okay, great. I'd like to skip the coating. Please take that amount off the final price of the PPF job."
Their answer, and their reaction, will tell you everything you need to know about the real value of their "free" offer.
Our Approach: Paint Protection Film First
Our philosophy is always "Paint Protection Film First." Every time you drive, you risk getting a permanent rock chip. You can always come back later for a ceramic coating, but you can't undo physical damage to the paint. If budget is a consideration, we would much rather you protect the front end with PPF now and then come back at a later date for a ceramic coating on the rest of the vehicle.
Our Philosophy: A Transparent, Tailored Approach
At Immaculate Paint Protection, we believe in a transparent, surprise-free process. The price you're quoted should be the price you pay. To ensure this, a light, gloss-enhancing paint correction is included in all of our ceramic coating packages.
However, for older vehicles or cars with significant factory defects, a "one size fits all" approach doesn't work. We inspect the vehicle with you, show you the paint's actual condition under our specialized lights, and discuss the different levels of paint correction available. It's about understanding your needs and the vehicle's needs to create a tailored, transparent quote.
Conclusion: The Value of an Educated Decision
An educated customer is a happy customer. Getting a high-quality installation that will last for years is about more than just the initial price—it's about understanding the full scope of the work and choosing a partner who respects your investment.
That is our entire approach. We encourage you to continue your education: read through our website, watch our videos, and find out what you truly need. If you need help, we are here to guide you through the process, not push you into a sale.
A Final Thought from Bill
I know that shopping for paint protection can be a confusing and sometimes frustrating process. My goal with this guide was to arm you with the right questions so you can feel confident in your decision, no matter who you choose.
If you're done with the "starting at" games and the high-pressure tactics, and you're ready for a straightforward conversation and an honest assessment of your vehicle, that's what we're here for.
When you're ready, the next step is simple. Whether you need a transparent quote from scratch or you're ready to schedule the service we've already discussed, click the link below to get in touch. I'm ready to help.
About the author: Bill Fetter’s passion for cars started at an early age, as he loved anything with wheels. Through his childhood, Bill observed his dad’s work as a mechanical engineer turned marketing manager and proud lifelong employee of General Motors. During high school, Bill honed his passion for cars by hand-washing and detailing his neighbors’ vehicles. Knowing he wanted to be in the automotive industry, Bill earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. He’s worked as an engineer in the automotive manufacturing, medical device, steel industry, and pharmaceutical manufacturing fields.
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