Most metropolitan areas have an abundance of tint shop choices. How does a discerning consumer choose the tint shop that does quality work?

As with any product or service a customer should do a little research. Make a list of potential tint shops that would likely do the quality of work you're looking for. Ask friends, co-workers, and neighbors who have tinted their cars. Also look in the Yellow Pages and mark down the tint shops with large professional advertisements.

Their are certain questions you should ask each tint dealer.

How long have you been in business at this location? Do you have other shops in the area?

Good tint shops prosper despite local competition by offering good service at reasonable prices. We suggest that you find a tint shop that has been in business for 5 or more years at the same location. This shows a stable business. Often times, successful tint shops open car tinting branches in neighboring cities. Branches are a sure sign of a successful tinting business.

What types of films do you carry?

Quality tint shops carry complete lines of window film from one or multiple window film manufacturers. They should carry dyed, hybrid, and metallic window films in a variety of colors and darknesses. Be cautionous of tint shops that only carry one or two lines of film. They may have acquired this film on sale, and may not be thinking of your unique requirements and/or various concerns.

What warranty do you offer on your work?

The warranty on the car tint varies depending on the window film you choose. Some window films are backed with a lifetime warranty for materials and labor. Most films don't guarantee color and fading, it is recommended that you also choose one that does. For the warranty to take effect, remember to get only legal window tint for your car. Illegal tint can nullify any manufacturer's warranty. When you purchase your tint, be sure sure you get a manufacturer's warranty card from the dealer with the date, the window film used on each window, and the total cost of installation as well as the receipt.

Can I visit your tint shop?

Tint shops can sound like the best shop on the phone, but being on-site should tell you all you need to know. Good dealers pay attention to customer service. They should be happy and willing to spend the time to talk to you. If they don't spend time with you now, will they spend time with you when something goes wrong with your tint job down the road? A tinter's work area should be indoors and clean. Their tools and window films are organized in a professional manner. If the tint shop is outdoors or in a parking lot, this is a negative since it is critical to remove all dust and dirt from the windows before applying window film.

Can you show me a sample of your work?

Now take a look at a car they have already tinted, and look at the rear window. Is the window film applied in a single piece or is it cut into strips that surround the defroster lines? The best tint shops always apply film in a single piece. Now look at the borders of the rear window, in many cars there is a black 'frit' edge on the window, Make sure the window film is securely attached to the frit as well. Pay attention to the side windows. The window film should be applied to the inside and be completely flush against all 4 edges of the window. Now look at the window film itself. Don't worry if the film looks slightly streaky and discolored, window film takes a couple weeks to dry out and become completely clear. If there are bubbles of air under the film or the film itself is not complete flat against the window, this is a sign of sloppy tinting.

Get price quotes from each dealer for the exact darkness, color, and type of window film you want. Never compromise because there are plenty of other dealers out there that will offer your perfect tint with the price you shopping. With these price quotes and your research on each tint shop, make the decision.