Most metropolitan areas have an abundance of tint shop
choices. In the San Francisco, CA area alone, there are 30 different
tint shops within a 25 mile radius. How does a consumer choose the tint
shop that does quality work? What is the difference between a "Dr.
Tint" and a "Quality Window Tinting"?

We at TintCenter suggest that you do a little research. First
compile a list of 5 potential tint shops that are likely to do good
work. Ask your friends an co-workers who have tinted their cars which
tint shops they chose, look in the Yellow Pages and mark down the tint
shops with large professional advertisements and get price quotes from local tint shops.

Once you have this list in-hand, its time to interview each dealer:

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

Good tint shops prosper despite other local competition by
offering good service at reasonable prices. You should find a tint shop
that has been in business for 5 or more years at the same location,
this shows a stable business that will be there years down the road if
somehow the tint goes bad.

Often times successful tint shops also open car tinting
branches in neighboring cities. Although the installers may not be the
of the highest quality since opening new shops means training new
employees; however, branches are a sure sign of a successful tinting
business.

- What types of films do you carry? What warranty do you offer on your work?

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. Beware
of tint shops that only carry one or two types of film, and sells them
aggressively. They may have acquired this film on sale, and may not be
thinking of your unique requirements and concerns.

The warranty on the car tint varies depending on the window
film you choose. TintCenter recommends that you install only window
film 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 automatically nullifies any
manufacturer's warranty. Make 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.

- Can I visit your tint shop? Can you show me a sample of your work when I'm there?

Tint shops can sound like the best shop on the phone, but 15 minutes 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 and explain how
their shops work. Remember, if they don't spend time with you know,
will they spend time with you when there is something wrong with your
tint job?

A tint shop'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.

Now take a look at a car they have already tinted. Pay
attention to 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 itself 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 sure sign of sloppy tinting.

Finally, take a 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 most skilled 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
looks securely attached to the frit as well.

Finally, 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 these price quotes and your research on each
tint shop, make the decision. Refer to the cost of car tint article to
help you rank the dealers.

After you make your decision, remember to always make an
appointment with the tint shop before you tint your car. Even if they
say "drop-ins accepted" or "bring it over any time", you want you
tinter to be calm and prepared for you when you arrive and not rushed.
Tinting may take a couple hours to half a day, so either arrange a ride
or go to a nearby coffee shop with a good book. Enjoy!