Detail City and Association Membership {idea}

**Brenton** · 03-11-2006, 06:55 AM

One of the things I thought was interesting about the detailing world, when I started paying attention, was the lack of any real good associations. There are training groups like Rightlook that sell you a whole package of products, training, image, and a sweet little cult-like smile. But even dealerships and franchises are few and far between.

And unlike ASE certification or any professional group, there are few of them. THere are international and regional Carwash association memberships. There is the PDTA, but it is pretty hardcore and pretty expensive, but not as much as the Carwash associations.

I`m an academic by training. And I join several academic associations, usually at the cost of $30-$60/year. They come with a journal, online access to forums, and opportunities to meet at conferences. Partly, they are for the sake of putting on your resume and for networking of information between members.

I know you are going to offer a $15-$30 upgrade on the site. That`s wonderful. I will do it the first year just for the sake of what I owe DC.

But how about putting together a voluntary member package, like Detail City Professional Association or some such thing. We pay $50 (plus cost of int. shipping), and get a package mailed to us, including:
-a simple certificate with the DC logo and association membership
-a welcome letter with links to some of the more helpful (sticky) links, and a reminder of regional gatherings
-a DC t-shirt or sticker or something
-a free sample or gift or coupon from each of the sponsors

I think there is a better name somewhere in someone`s head, but I thought I would mention it. DC has helped me be a better detailer through the community, and a certificate would help give my business a more legitimite feel. And the membership is low enough for small guys, unlike $179-$299 for some others.

It would also be good for people/individuals to put on their resume when looking for detailing work, "DCPA Member since 2005" type deal.

I suppose it would be a little work, but if it took a coupla days to put together, and a dozen of us did it, it would pay off and legitimize the "fee system" a little bit.

What do you think?

**AutopiaAdmin** · 03-11-2006, 07:01 AM

I think that is a great idea. We will look into the possibilities to see what we can come up with.

Thanks!

**BLUELINE 1** · 03-11-2006, 07:37 AM

Yeah I could see something like that working.

**scottlee** · 03-11-2006, 07:57 AM

i love that idea

**maximv1** · 03-11-2006, 09:40 AM

i like that idea. not only would it help out dwayne, but it would legitamize detail city as a premier site of knowledge and learning.

**audiboy** · 03-11-2006, 11:32 AM

Sounds like a great idea to me too. I`m definately interested in seeing what comes of this.

**Jngrbrdman** · 03-11-2006, 12:29 PM

But how about putting together a voluntary member package, like Detail City Professional Association or some such thing. We pay $50 (plus cost of int. shipping), and get a package mailed to us, including:
-a simple certificate with the DC logo and association membership
-a welcome letter with links to some of the more helpful (sticky) links, and a reminder of regional gatherings
-a DC t-shirt or sticker or something
-a free sample or gift or coupon from each of the sponsors

While I like the idea, I think that would cost probably more than $50 bucks. Just in time and product it would at least equal it. I think if you took off the last part then it would be a good package. Good thinking on that!