You need A new killer audio system installed in your ride. You could ask a friend to install your system for a case of beer, but this could cost you big time down the road, since your friend will likely not have the time, skills or the proper tools to do the job. There's too much to know for a do-it-yourselfer to cope with. You discover your biggest challenge is finding a qualified installer.
How do you find the perfect installer who you'd trust to work on your car? Since my day job is teaching enthusiasts to turn their obsession into a profession in mobile electronics, I know exactly what the needs are. Overall, this isn't a difficult hunt. Many installers are also looking for good customers, so you just need to get together.
To help you get started I've compiled a list of common questions to ask.
1 How many similar projects did they complete within the last year? Some installers can make it sound like they specialize in anything, but if you ask them to back it up with numbers, you will probably get a more realistic idea of their compatibility for the project. They should be able to list examples.
2 Does the company provide a list of previous customer references? Nearly every qualified installer and independent installation company will be able to provide you with a list of references, and be sure to let them know that if the work is completed satisfactorily, you'd be happy to be a reference in the future. This may give them further incentive to give your project the very best attention. Occasionally, installers who are proud of their work will keep a photo album of their accomplishments. Unfortunately, many excellent installers are too humble (or too busy) to bother to document their past work.
3 Who will perform the actual work? Are they certified? What is their level of certification? The final step you need to take before hiring an installer is perhaps the most important part, yet also the most overlooked. That is to independently verify that the installer you hire is properly qualified. First, I would never trust anyone without the "double diploma," which is a certificate from a mobile electronics school, coupled with the MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professional) certification. MECP is a three-hour, closed-book, 150-question multiple-choice exam that has become the industry-recognized measure of the knowledge of an installer or product specialist. You will run into installers who claim, "I don't need a certification, I've been doing this for years." I call these "old dogs" who have likely stopped learning years ago and are more of a risk to your car today than they were in the past. Any installer with the right attitude should be eager to prove his place in the industry through certification.
The Basic Installation Technician certification level is the starting point. The Advanced Installation Technician certification is designed for installation technicians who have at least one year of active duty. The elite group of industry committed professionals have their Master Installation Technician certification. This certification is the highest level of achievement requiring a minimum of three years hands-on installation experience. Individuals who achieve this status are considered leaders in their organization.