The High Speed Grave Yard

turbomangt · 04-21-06, 04:16

Yesterday I to do a paint sealant to a limited production Viper with 700 HP, (super charged)at my dealership. (Look for pics soon!) while walking through parking lot I see all these cars with swirls all over them (these are all expensive rides) when I went in the back room I see the detailer using a high speed on a brand new black lambo. I walked up to him and asked if they had any DA buffers. he said to me "What is that?" why are people still stuck with old school technology when their are better choices. Obviously, the results would be better using a DA, judging from the cars in the lot, surely a little education would not hurt as well. In my shop, I only use the yellow monster (HS) for specific situations. body panel scratched, oxidation, serious paint defect. On only a rare occassion do I use the HS on a whole car. I think I may start a new marketing plan, going to dealerships and training their detailers. Gary

ebpcivicsi · 04-21-06, 05:13

I don't think that would be a bad idea at all. Combine the training with your line of products and you have a win win. If they started buying degreasers and such from you, you would have to have them in bulk 5gal, 30gal, or even 55gal containers--could be a pain in the rear.

I wish I could find some of the cars that *only* need correction via DA, I use the rotary, typically for two passes on almost *every* car that I detail.....perhaps I neeed to focus on who I am marketing to.

doged · 04-21-06, 06:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbomangt

Yesterday I to do a paint sealant to a limited production Viper with 700 HP, (super charged)at my dealership. (Look for pics soon!) while walking through parking lot I see all these cars with swirls all over them (these are all expensive rides) when I went in the back room I see the detailer using a high speed on a brand new black lambo. I walked up to him and asked if they had any DA buffers. he said to me "What is that?" why are people still stuck with old school technology when their are better choices. Obviously, the results would be better using a DA, judging from the cars in the lot, surely a little education would not hurt as well. In my shop, I only use the yellow monster (HS) for specific situations. body panel scratched, oxidation, serious paint defect. On only a rare occassion do I use the HS on a whole car. I think I may start a new marketing plan, going to dealerships and training their detailers. Gary

I’m not to sure I would be to happy with you if I was a detailer in your market. IMO your effectively arming my competition with better weapons and training them how to use them!!!

MichaelM · 04-21-06, 07:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by doged

I’m not to sure I would be to happy with you if I was a detailer in your market. IMO your effectively arming my competition with better weapons and training them how to use them!!!

You must not be confident in your own business and in yourself. If you cannot compete on a level playing field then you should be looking elsewhere for a living.

the other pc · 04-21-06, 08:23

Ask any military commander how good an idea it is to have a level playing field.

PC.

doged · 04-21-06, 08:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelM

You must not be confident in your own business and in yourself. If you cannot compete on a level playing field then you should be looking elsewhere for a living.

Dude, My problem is I’m over confident and I have a personality defect, it’s called GREED in business. Money, Money, give me more money. Like the dealerships don’t cut are throats? LOL..................

the other pc · 04-21-06, 09:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbomangt

... I think I may start a new marketing plan, going to dealerships and training their detailers...

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebpcivicsi

...Combine the training with your line of products and you have a win win....

99.99% of the time dealership "detailing" is the lowest job on the totem pole. The guys who do it are the lowest paid, least trained, least respected and least supported employees on the lot.

Management won't let anybody spend an extra thirty seconds or fifty cents on a car if their %@!!s aren't in a vise to force them.

Offer to train their people and they'll balk at paying. Offer to train them for free and they'll accept it but the second you walk out the door it's "business as usual".

Teach them how to use (your) good products and they'll still buy the cheapest crud they can get their hands on.

I don't know if that's good for real detailers because it means an endless stream of customers needing work or if it's bad because it just plain makes the whole industry look bad.

PC.

jdoria · 04-21-06, 10:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by the other pc

99.99% of the time dealership "detailing" is the lowest job on the totem pole. The guys who do it are the lowest paid, least trained, least respected and least supported employees on the lot.

Management won't let anybody spend an extra thirty seconds or fifty cents on a car if their %@!!s aren't in a vise to force them.

Offer to train their people and they'll balk at paying. Offer to train them for free and they'll accept it but the second you walk out the door it's "business as usual".

Teach them how to use (your) good products and they'll still buy the cheapest crud they can get their hands on.

I don't know if that's good for real detailers because it means an endless stream of customers needing work or if it's bad because it just plain makes the whole industry look bad.

PC.

Actually they are tied for lowest person on the totem pole with the parts delivery guys.

MichaelM · 04-21-06, 12:47

IMO dealerships are not competition for any competent detailer. The dealerships that I have dealt with do not regard their detail departments as profit makers but rather a tool in sales.

My point was more or less that it is senseless to complain about what your competition is learning but rather in a true entrepreneurial sense you need to be focused on developing your niche play and finding/reaching your target market. Like a general you need to focus your energy on what you can do against your enemy, offensively and defensively. That's how you pitch the field of play back to your favor.

You won't hear an army general publically complain about Russia selling Iran missles, that's the politicians job. The generals come up with the plans to neutralize the threat.

doged · 04-21-06, 01:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelM

IMO dealerships are not competition for any competent detailer. The dealerships that I have dealt with do not regard their detail departments as profit makers but rather a tool in sales.

I don’t consider a dealership as competition but as a “indirect profit source”. I for one would like to keep it that way. Please train all you want on the East Coast!!! I’m sure it won’t matter much any. I have a Mercedes Dealership doing free car washes / free swirl jobs. Keeps my wallet fat $$$$.

Reflections · 04-21-06, 11:42

I think it's a good idea to educate those who're interested. But when you feel the need to educate those who aren't, you have to ask yourself why. Turboman you have the skills and experience to give anyone a great detailing experience if they want it. The best way for you to deal with bad dealership work is to advertise yourself as best as you can. Those who want good work will find out about you, those who don't care will get the shaft. That's the best you can do. Can't change the world!