Getting scrutinized

Dylan@Adams · 10-09-09, 10:05

I'm sure most of us here are known to friends, family, neighbors, casual acquaintances, etc. as "the clean car guy" or the "anal perfectionist" but sometimes don't you guys feel this just paints a target on your back??

Let me explain... being busy with the last big push of the season my TBSS hasn't seen any love in about 3 weeks. The weather here has been kind of erratic with dew at night, spots of rain, wind, sun... a perfect storm of crap to make my black paint look pretty nasty. As the saying goes the cobblers kids are the last to get shoes.

Well now I find that people are scrutinizing my car and commenting on "wow... your car is so dirty". Now of course it may be parked next to 100 other cars that are far dirtier, swirled up, and grimey, than mine... but b/c its MINE its an object of criticism.

Do you guys feel that sometimes we're held to an unfair standard as far as keeping our cars spotless?? I've always said "never trust a detailer whos personal cars are always spotless" Isn't it unreasonable to expect any of us who detail for dollars to ALWAYS have a 100% flawless car??

Jakerooni · 10-09-09, 10:14

My explorer is always trashed. The interior is in shambles the outside needs correcting. I keep the exterior clean and waxed but I don't bother with anything else. After detailing all day the very last thing I want to do is detail my own car.

MR Detail Shop · 10-09-09, 10:35

I couldn't agree with you more.
My friend the other day got into my car and said "ya know for someone who details cars you'd think your car would be a bit cleaner." At first I was like he's right and then I thought about it. I replied to him later on that night "If my car was spotless that means I didn't have enough work this week."
Don't get me wrong everynow and then I will set aside two nights back to back to get my car looking good but if it looks like every othe car out there, hey I must be busy and doing a good job on my clients cars.

vtec92civic · 10-09-09, 10:44

I get that a lot LoL. I just end up telling the people that my car is the way that it currently is because i have been busy cleaning up everyone elses vehicles.

EcoAutoCT · 10-09-09, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylan@Adams

As the saying goes the cobblers kids are the last to get shoes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakerooni

After detailing all day the very last thing I want to do is detail my own car.

+1

If I'm busy, my work van isn't going to be spotless. After a long day or full week of detailing other vehicles the absolute last thing I want to do is another one- especially when I won't be getting paid for it.

That's not to say I don't wash it once in a while and keep a good coat of wax on it, or that the interior is gag worthy.

BigAl3 · 10-09-09, 01:18

you can only are what others think to a point, most say things out of jealousy in which i pay no attention to...

5150kon · 10-09-09, 01:27

my cars never get the love they deserve. when i was at the body shop the detailers cars were always dirty, the painters cars paint failed and was destroyed. the body guys cars had dents. no one wanted to go hom and do more "work".

thedetailer · 10-09-09, 01:44

I agree! My wife is always like "my car is so dirty". I tell her to go wash it then...haha.I try to keep mine washed once a week but the inside of my work truck is a little less than perfect. Now that I have corrected the paint and there are no swirls...washing the car is a little more enjoyable since I know that there are no swirls under the dirt.

PaintPolisher · 10-10-09, 11:22

My car is dirty on occasion and when somebody mentions this to me or my bride [her car is always clean] we have formed a great comeback over the years.

This is a test for – pick your favorite – dirt, debris, tree sap or pollen. I am testing one of the following – ease for next car wash, wax or sealant durability.

Further explaining that all tests are done on my car only this way I can provide the best and proper process using correct techniques for my client’s cars. We look at these discussions as an opportunity to inform others of what we do and yes, we ask for their business.

Without being nasty [we are attempting to make them feel guilty and get their business] we do ask if they believe their detailer or the corner tunnel car wash tests products, techniques or correct processes for their particular car. Or do they just use products that are the cheapest for them to buy on all cars including theirs?

Darkstar752 · 10-10-09, 01:23

I'm always too busy detailing other peoples cars to clean my own car. I'll correct it every 6 months or so, and just keep the front wheels clean of brake dust by just going over it quick with a MF and some QD or something.

bufferbarry · 10-10-09, 02:13

I gave up on the family mobile. it gets washed and interiors every 4 months or so. LOL last time I told my wife just run it up to the swirl and shine for 20 dollars.

thedetailer · 10-10-09, 02:25

another thing that people do it "You wash cars?" NO, I DETAIL them. There IS a difference! My extended family is the worst. While they are criticizing me for what I do for a living, I thinking about how much more I am making compared to them. I get over their criticism very quickly. :-)