The 3D Message.... is it sinking in???

[Dan]

One of my favorite things about 3D is the keep it simple approach. But I keep seeing posts with new guys and their plans to use like 17 different compounds, polishes, glazes, etc... AND that's before the 3 coats of whatever LSP they are planning to use. Its making me

Is AutoGeek and their sales machine winning?

[RZJZA80]

I think there's more to it than that. Marketing can only do so much. Some go for marketing, but others go for real world testing and experiences, and want proof of stuff rather than just forum talk and hype. The keep it simple approach of 3D is really true for some that use it, but not for others, so I think that makes some hesitant to jump on it over other, more proven products. Plus, it's still relatively new and seems to have a smaller niche than other brands. I rarely see it discussed on other forums besides this one.

I do agree that having many steps is overkill for 99% of the cars out there, and they only ask from what they have read here and on other forums. I myself took that approach initially many years back, I bought a disgusting amount of products because I thought I needed them and others here used them to great results. Of course with experience I narrowed it all down to a few products while the rest just sat there for years and most are still sitting there on my shelves. I always say, you never know until you try it yourself, and don't just take anyone's word for it.

Another thing I think makes most hesitant is the mixed reviews, and that goes for any brand. Money is tight these days, people just want to be absolutely sure this one thing will do the job the best for the price it's available for, so mixed reviews or more negative than positive reviews hurt that also. I haven't tallied the reviews of 3D products here, but I would estimate that there's more that have had issues than those that have not.

Customer service and brand employees also lend to the overall product and I firmly believe impact whether or not someone will want to buy something or not, again, this goes for any industry, and I think we all do it to a certain extent. Think how many times you have said you won't eat somewhere because the service was bad? Or buy a certain brand of car because there's so many problems with it? We all do it everyday, we want to know what others experienced with it before spending money on it ourselves, and only unbiased reviews are taken for the most part.

[Bunky]

There is still a lot of people with disposable income to spend on hobbies despite the overall economic situation. For many it is hobby and it something they can do themselves and get results. Maybe it is more fun than chasing some white ball around a large area. The internet in general lets them know all about it from car brand forums to detailing specific ones.

[Mush-Mouth]

I totally get the whole keeping it simple approach and love how 3D embraces it instead of horde the industry with a multitude of redundant products like AutoGeek does. I mean how many house brands do you really need that do and are the same thing?

I also must admit that my experiences with 3D have been very pleasant. Great products that don't cost an arm and a leg.

[Accumulator]

I always wonder if people just can't accept that this stuff is basically pretty simple and that overcomplication serves little purpose for most folks. I've been responding to a few of those "I plan to use a zillion products on my daily driver..." posts and I suspect they're afraid that they're gonna miss out on having things turn out OK if they "skip a few steps". Even if those steps are basically pointless when it comes right down to it.

They're missing the point when it comes to "how to keep a vehicle looking good in the real world".

Eh, same ol' same ol'....seeking perfection in a [boat]-load of products seems easier than figuring out how to avoid marring the paint. Keeping a vehicle basically marring-free will go farther towards having it look OK than all the products in the world. Figuring out how to do that isn't as fun as making plans and shopping for products.

And when somebody says their never-corrected vehicle doesn't have any marring...well...I won't say they're lying, or wrong, but I bet that a full Autopian correction to that "already perfect finish" would be a real eye-opener, no matter *what* LSP was slapped on afterwards.

[Dan]

And when somebody says their never-corrected vehicle doesn't have any marring...well...I won't say they're lying, or wrong, but I bet that a full Autopian correction to that "already perfect finish" would be a real eye-opener, no matter *what* LSP was slapped on afterwards.

Yeah, I get a chuckle of out that as well. Probably as much as the whole glaze thing after a three stage polish.

[TroyScherer]

Hmm....


I'll start by saying this. When I first heard the message "Detailing made simple" I was excited to see and learn what it meant.

For me seeing how much I have learned and spent over the years, I was happy to possibly see a company truly trying to keep the cost down and the process simple for the newbs and pros alike.
But as time has gone on I have become more and more disappointed in the reality of detailing made simple. The truth is 3D / HD has as many products, pads, other chemicals as many other large vendors. So detailing made simple? Not in my opinion. You still need multiple pads, polishes for different situations or conditions.
Truth be told you could use nothing but 3D products. But I think many will admit that there are other products from other vendors that work better in certain situations or conditions.
That's not saying 3D products aren't good. Because in my opinion HD Polish is one of the best polishes out and now the first one I reach for.

So, while "Detailing made simple" is a great concept. I don't feel like it is truly a reality yet. But this is only my opinion.

[Legacy99]

One of my favorite things about 3D is the keep it simple approach. But I keep seeing posts with new guys and their plans to use like 17 different compounds, polishes, glazes, etc... AND that's before the 3 coats of whatever LSP they are planning to use. Its making me

Is AutoGeek and their sales machine winning?

That's why they are the largest retailer of auto detailing supplies.

[C. Charles Hahn]

As has been pointed out many, many times now, 3D's primary line of business is professionals and detail shops doing high volume work. For that customer base, the idea behind "Detailing Made Simple" is really no different than any other vendor that caters to them. "Simple" merely refers to the fact that 3D has a comprehensive product line such that one could, if they were so inclined, stay within one set of products to accomplish the vast majority of jobs they will encounter. Much like Meguiar's and their Mirror Glaze, Detailer, etc. lines.

For high end detailers and enthusiasts however, while it is still important to identify and eliminate redundant steps, it isn't always realistic to rely on volume-based products for everything. Sometimes a specialty product or process will be required for a specific concern or situation.

Simple is good, but oversimplification can also be limiting.

[David Fermani]

Funny and interesting thread. I like it!

Yes, Charlie is mostly correct.....3D has been catering to the high volume, mobile and car wash crowd for many, many years. But, they are very interested and listening to the high end (especially people on this forum) and trying to make more "enthusiast" type products as well. So, in that respect, you *might* find just a little bit of redundancy. The big plan for 3D is to actually lauch a whole entire HD Car Care line of products that are specialty based which will be quite different from their 3D line up. From what I've heard so far, it's actually going to be quite exciting to be a part of!

Now going back to the "Detailing Made Simple" and the whole high volume market.....3D is actually quite a bit scaled down in offerings then their competitors like Auto Magic, Ardex, Meguiars, PRO, Carbrite and a few others. Have you ever gone on these people's websites and noticed how many cleaners, dressings & compounds/polishes they offer? It makes your head spin. I wish I had 3D back when I had my volume shop as it would be filled with their line instead of what I thought was "simple" back in the day.

[Scottwax]

Its like Mike Phillips is fond of saying "find something you like and use it often". Words of wisdom. I might use a lot of different polishes because finishes can be so different but in the end I'm almost always now sealing with either Opti-Seal or using Opti-Coat. Rest of my LSPs are mostly just sitting now.

[WCD]

Having just visited my uncle's shop in Ohio, this thread should be read..by him! I looked around and saw SO MANY varieties of the same thing. I told my nephew, who runs the shop, that he could do the same work (actually better) with half of what was in there. Problem? My uncle things that ONR and other like products are all "crap" and scratch cars. He's the ol' "You must use 100 gallons of water" to get it right.

Slowly, people are learning and changing.

This might not be popular, but I'm still surprised in CA. at least, that many companies are selling detail trailers with water tanks and pressure washers. I have not used one in over a year. I get local detailers asking me for demos on water(less) products all the time, but they are still skeptical even after I show them.

The other day..new customer..4 nice cars. Boxter was missing the "B" on the back trunk. Pressure washer from previous detailer tore it off and cracked the r on the other end. This car is kept in a garage and kept very clean. ONR out of a bucket is probably too much for washing- Spray and wipe.

Soap box getting carried away so I'll stop.