Polished performer Lee targets high value business

Few companies can claim that they provide services of such exclusive quality that customers based overseas will bring their vehicles into the country especially to be valeted – and what’s more, pay top dollar for the privilege! Yet for Autosheen, the UK’s leading valeting specialist, and franchisee Lee Andrews, this is exactly the case...

“For those people who are really passionate about their cars, particularly owners of prestigious or rare vehicles, investing in keeping those cars in pristine condition is second nature,” Lee explains. “Working with such super cars is part of the buzz I get from this business - and providing highly specialised valets to customers who absolutely value my services is hugely satisfying.

One of my customers brings his Ford Focus RS500 over from Switzerland to be valeted, for example. Only 500 were ever made; the car isn’t actually painted, it has a matt finish so no harsh chemicals can be used to clean it. I use a specific Autosheen product, which takes a long time, but the results are worth it and so is the price tag!”

Lee also valets a Mercedes E63 AMG, 2 Mercedes ML, and a Porsche Turbo for the same customer.

His reputation for consummate professionalism and outstanding quality of service has brought Lee an exceptionally loyal – and high spending – customer base; it has also resulted in a few challenging projects. Most recently he was called upon to remove hydraulic oil from over twenty vehicles after an accidental spill and coincidentally, was also summoned by another company to rectify damaged paintwork after shot blast gravel damaged twelve cars.

“These are unusual circumstances,” Lee admits, “but the point is that my Autosheen training and product range place me in a position to help when things like this happen. Most valeters would not be equipped to tackle such problems and so, for me, these proved lucrative one-off projects, but with the opportunity to secure further regular work.”

Lee has his sights firmly set on developing more high value work. Although he has already been trained in specialist polishing techniques, the acquisition of Autosheen by world renowned surface finishing experts Farecla has opened up a whole new area of possibilities he says.

“Autosheen are now able to offer franchisees free training in machine polishing and paint rectification, using Farecla products that are also used by leading automotive manufacturers,” Lee explains. “These techniques and products are far superior to anything I’ve ever used before, and the training course is also IMI (Institute of Motoring Industry) Awards accredited. This industry recognition is vital in opening doors to further work in the trade, and for private customers it enhances my credibility and gives them the comfort that my skills have been independently tested and verified.

Basically, I see this as a great new opportunity to expand my business and attract additional customers in the prestige services marketplace!”

The only valeter to be IMI accredited, Autosheen looks set to continue leading the car valeting market, whilst targeting new sectors such as marine and leisure vehicles. The comprehensive, high quality Autosheen franchise package comes with a proven twenty-five year track record, comprehensive training and strong ongoing marketing and business development support for franchisees.

Autosheen franchisees operate a flexible and convenient mobile service from smartly liveried vehicles, fully equipped with water tank, an exclusive product range and every tool for the job. They provide regular, high quality valeting services, including specialist treatments such as full paint protection systems and waterless valets, to private individual customers as well as to the business sector.