Need help

757motoring · 07-27-09, 08:54

Need some help from my fellow autopians I been on this site for a while and got alot of information from you guys. I learned alot about product choice and whats good and procedures Its just hard for me to know what I'm doing wrong when somethinhg isn't going right if it with paint or cleaning carpets etc. Right now I been doing people I know cars but I still like to give them the best and just want to get better at executing my task. I'm looking for somebody hopefully one of the top guys I have in mind in this region to help me maybe I can tag along on one/few of your details. I'm willing to travel out since there's very few detailers in HR. I have a good supply of tools as far as extractor,buffer,pc and a good amount of actual product. I'm not doing this to waste anybodies time and not trying to hold you back especially on your clients car. I hope to help you on the detail and gain knowledge in the process. So If anybody feels they can help me out I will greatly appreciate. Thanks in advance

Danase · 07-28-09, 04:58

It's probably going to be hard to find someone that does this for a living, especially in your area, since they'd be training competition. I'd imagine you might have to pay for it.

757motoring · 07-28-09, 07:34

You are absolutely right and I didn't think of it like that. There is only one detailer on this forum in my local area that I know of that I trust to take knowledge from other than that there up to 3 hrs away which I don't mind the travel. I don't know if those farther people will see me as competition. In my area there is many cars to go around but a lot of unexperienced shop to tend to them. I thought about the pay thing and willing to do so and was going to discuss that if someone wanted to help out. Because as busy as I am I know time is money so I will not want anybody to feel I'm just using or taking advantage of them.

Less · 07-28-09, 07:43

If you're willing to travel, why don't you try and visit Meguiars? I know they do training classes on various products and techniques. You would be alot better off getting expert knowledge from the product manufacturer instead of taking advice from ONE detailer whom you barely know.

If you're serious about making a legit business out of this, you should probably try to find a product manufacturer that can sell you an entire line of products and offer you training on how to use them. That way you KNOW you're getting the right knowledge and training.

Setec Astronomy · 07-28-09, 08:01

This seems to be a pretty comprehensive class, it's two days (it seems pretty rushed to cover that in 2 days, tho). professional car detailing training, Kleen Car | professional detailing training | auto detailing steamers, products, equipment

Less, I'm not sure that Meg's does comprehensive training like that except if you have a group...their regular classes are geared toward hobbyists, if I'm not mistaken. There is also someone in the San Diego area that has a school, and Auto International does training as well, although I'm not sure if they do interiors.

Less · 07-28-09, 08:18

Thanks SA, I didn't know that about Megs classes.

But I would think that you shouldn't have to pay for classes anyway. I'll just pick a company here.....let's say you called Optimum, and said "Hey, I'm starting a detailing business and I need a gallon of everything you got, cleaners, polishes, sealants, etc. I'm going to be spending $1,500+ to get set up here and I could use some training on how to use these products." You should get SOMETHING out of it.

Setec Astronomy · 07-28-09, 08:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Less

Thanks SA, I didn't know that about Megs classes.

But I would think that you shouldn't have to pay for classes anyway. I'll just pick a company here.....let's say you called Optimum, and said "Hey, I'm starting a detailing business and I need a gallon of everything you got, cleaners, polishes, sealants, etc. I'm going to be spending $1,500+ to get set up here and I could use some training on how to use these products." You should get SOMETHING out of it.

I've been to a local Meg's class and from what I can discern about the headquarters regular Thursday and Saturday classes is they are more of a meet and greet and learn a bit kind of thing, not intended to provide training for a pro detailer.

As far as the "I'm buying a bunch of stuff how about some free training" you might get that from Poorboy Steve if you were lucky and picked up some stuff at his place, but it's still not going to be too comprehensive in comparison to a structured class. You'd be more likely to get that instruction from a distributor...that was Mike Phillips job before he went to work directly for Meg's, he was a trainer/tech guy for the Meg's distributor up his way.

I'm not sure any of this is helping the OP...he really wants to do a tag-along, and what he needs to do is get out to one of those 3-hr away guys who won't see him as competition. Isn't BufferBarry doing a class? Or is that over? Or am I thinking of someone else?

EDIT: Here you go: Paint Correction Training In Lancaster PA

Got_Leather · 07-28-09, 08:35

Barry and myself are offering a class this Saturday in Lancaster, Pa. That's about a 6 hour drive for 757, and I believe were full. 757, who are the other people you would be interested in learning from in the state?

757motoring · 07-28-09, 09:26

Setec: I went to the detail king a few years back and won't say it was a waste but it was more of them trying to push there product and they talked about the business side of it. Then when we did the hands on part it was more rushed than trying to show you the proper technique. I woundn't mind taking a class again as long as its not rushed .

Got leather: You were actually one of the people I had in mind thomas speaks highly of you me and him never had the chance to do work together. He told me you guys had some classes going on just never got a chance to find out the where and when. I was going to tag along with him for the corvette demo you guys did but I think something had came up.

Less: I like your ideal just don't want to feel like I'm obligated to use just one brand because I still need to buy x amount of product from them.

No matter what I still will continue to take classes down the line to always sharping my skills

Got_Leather · 07-28-09, 10:01

Honestly to me, 1 on 1 hands on is the best for sharpening your skills. I'm not sure exactly what your looking to do, but if you want to make the trip up I'm sure you can meet myself and Eric and we can work on a few things. I'll see if we can put together a detail meet at the middle to end of August.

Just PM me if ya need anything else.