quick ? for all u pro's and hobbyists

sonnydaze1 · 07-15-02, 12:15

when you get a customer that asks about a sealant, what do you tell them about it? do you tell them that it'll last up to 6 months, if they wash about every 2 weeks or so? do you garauntee it to last 6 months eventhough you may not be the one taking care of it after the initial app.? just asking 'cuz i applied zaino to a customer's car today, he asked for a sealant, and i got the impression that he will expect it to last up to 6 months without doing anything to it. i did explain to him that he would need to wash it at least every 2 weeks for it to last, but i still got the sneaking suspicion he won't do anything to it for 6 months, yet expect me to refinish it again if it doesn't last. it was his wife's brand new blazer-it sits outside 24/7 i think, and she brings it through the "brushless" car washes or gas station car washes.
i don't garauntee anything unless i'm the one and only person taking care of the vehicle on a regular basis. i don't see this guy being a regular, but i do get a mental image of him coming back bitching that the zaino didn't hold up for 6 months. he was tempted to buy the "sealant protection package" from the dealer, but wisely opted out. i think he's looking for the once a year type bs. any suggestions on how i should handle this guy in the future?

JasonC8301 · 07-15-02, 12:41

Don't even deal with him then. If he expects something to last 6 months and not wash it and let stuff sit on it and take it though the touchless, then I wouldn't even deal with the biztching.

if he wants a sealant that lasts 6 months and come back every 2-3 weeks for a wash and Qd, then it would look like a good regular.

I would save the worry and not deal with it if the person is like that.

Just my 2 cents,
Jason

BradE · 07-15-02, 12:46

I would not guarantee any product for "X" amount of time. The conditions the product are exposed to will determine how long it lasts, since you have no control over those conditions I would not guarantee anything. If this guy does not even wash his car my guess is it will be exposed to some pretty harsh conditons and will probably not last 6 months. Just tell him, like anything else sealants require maintenance. If they are not willing to do that maintenance then don't expect the product to preform to it's full potential.

kkjv1 · 07-15-02, 12:57

Sonny,

I am not a professional detailer, but as a consumer, I'd like to be told what to expect from any given product. Give him pointer's on how to maintain the shine or even set him up with packages to detail the car monthly. You could try to tell him that even with the "best" sealants, the longevity will vary accoding to how the car is treated and environmental factors. Tell him him straight up, firmly and politely.

As you have pointed out, you have to make it clear that the sealant would and could last for months if the paint is treated right. These include proper washing and detailing (no gas station car washes) and frequent QD's will maintain his car's appearance. But if you think he's after a "freebie" then tell flat out there is no way you can guarantee it because the longetvity is dependent on how the paint is taken cared of.

Good luck!

Kent

the shine shop · 07-15-02, 01:03

i agree ,unless you maintain it ,don't promise anything.
i can't warranty any of my work because of the different area water problems. i have a high end dealer i do work for that the first time he washes one ,there is nothing left behind.you can only do so much for people
good luck

Intel486 · 07-15-02, 01:58

I don't tell them exactly how long it'll last. I'll just tell them it'll last longer than my normal carnauba wax.

Shiny Lil Detlr · 07-15-02, 02:04

I always tell them it CAN* last as much as twice as long as the carnauba package. I then try and sell them on comming back for my hand wash services at least once a week (which is the best way to be sure the product can achieve maximum durability and last the longest.)

DaGonz · 07-15-02, 09:08

When someobody asks you how long their car will look "nice and shiny", the best answer to give them is to say is "it's up to you!"

There are too many variables..weather extremes (hot/cold/rain/snow/dry/humid, etc.), where the vehicle is parked (urban/suburban/rural environment), if it is garaged or kept in the open, how often it is washed, what is it washed with, etc.