Well, well well, where should I start? Our initial encounter was due to an ad I saw on Facebook around Christmas of 2018 for gift cards from Triple S Auto Detailing and thought it'll be nice to get someone (and myself) an automotive detail. After a quick research, their ratings appeared good.
Went to Ira's "office" in a building behind the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hickory and picked up $400 worth of gift cards (which were buy one get one free, awesome deal); if you've never been behind there, it looks like a shady place. (Trust your instincts people.) Ira appeared to be a friendly and professional person, paid up front and got my gift cards.
Gifted out several gift cards for Christmas...Several weeks later, actually tried his detailing service. Brought my vehicle down to the same spot; he was there with some of his crew. Ira requested if I had any special requests or attention spots. Requested to pressure wash the underside of the vehicle due to all the salt that had been placed on the roads and to pay special attention to the roof as there are some spotting; no problem per Ira. Truck was completed in a pretty reasonable time; paid with cash and upon picking it up and further inspection after bringing it home, the roof had not been washed/waxed as there were still black spots all over and the undercarriage still exhibited signs of salt. Questioned these issue with Ira; and per Ira, at the time he did not have a pressure washer to clean the under carriage, but was planning to get one when the weather was warmer. Then why did he say it wouldn't be a problem to clean the under carriage? An automotive detailer without a pressure washer, OK, whatever. Ira did offer to re-clean the roof of the vehicle, which was performed at a later date and to my satisfaction.
Fast forward to several days ago, still having several unused gift cards in my possession, and wanting to give Ira another chance, attempted to get my other vehicle detailed. Contacted Ira and confirmed spots available for Saturday, Sept. 28; and a drop off time of 8:15-8:30am. Requested the Platinum package that was on special, OK per Ira.
Get a text message this AM from Ira requesting to have payment ready upon drop off, no problem as I was using my gift cards anyways. Arrived and dropped of vehicle in same location behind Crowne Plaza Hotel. Ira arrived on time. Asked if vehicle would be completed by 2:00pm as we will be needing the vehicle, OK. Stated he will notify me when the detail has been completed and the vehicle will be in the same general location after service and key fob will be inside. I was not too thrilled or comfortable with this but Ira stated there are cameras in the vicinity and it would be OK. Handed over key fob over to Ira. He gets in his car and leaves the location. Locked my vehicle with my 2nd key fob and left the vehicle there.
At approximately 1:00pm, contacted Ira via text message requesting the status of the vehicle, no response. Drove over to the Crowne Plaza Hotel and luckily our vehicle was still there in the same location, however, the doors were unlocked and key fob was placed in the door grip. Someone had definitely driven or moved the vehicle since initial drop off as the seats were fully adjusted towards the rear. God only knows where this vehicle was during that 4 hour span.
Well, at least how was the detail, you ask? Funny that you are wondering that! NOTHING was cleaned on the vehicle, absolutely NOTHING! The vehicle's condition was EXACTLY how we left it! Luckily most of the valuables had been removed from the vehicle prior to us dropping it off and we sure did count our blessings.
As I write this review, it is now 3:58pm (3 hours after my last attempt at contacting Ira via text) and I have yet to get any response.
So many red flags on this one guys! Got pretty lucky as it could have been much worse. I spent $200 to let you, the potential customers or victims, however you want to label yourself after your encounter with Ira and Triple S Auto Detailing, know of his business practices. I don't know if the people I gifted out these gift cards to actually used them, but I'll be sure to let them know my experiences and will absolutely NEVER recommend Ira or Triple S Detailing. Again, trust your instincts....
UPDATE: 9.28.2019 @ 9:07 PM - My original post was posted on Triple S Auto Detailing Facebook review page, but funny how you cannot view his reviews anymore! Luckily I saved my review on my computer! Just take a look at his google reviews too! LOL! read more