Turtle Wax: New member

[XRL]

Not all of us use no-rinse washes, but I agree that the high end detailing is trending towards things like that.



The issue I think we`re running into is that the enthusiast market isn`t one type, its several. That`s why there`s so many different lines and types of products. You`ve got classic car guys, tuners, etc. and everyone likes different things.



So some of us like that they can pick up quality stuff in a big box store. Others consider anything not bought online to be crap. Meguiar`s has a lot of products that are known to be high quality, and are still widely available. Same with Mothers, and others, some even offer multiple lines in an OTC option (like Mothers with their normal, FX, and Reflections lines).

[efnfast]

This is the first in a very long time that a national brand has reached out to the community in a way that was truly asking what we want/trying to understand what we want, and not secretly pushing what they have to offer. This is one of the many "right ways" for a commercial entity to be involved with the community without exploiting it.

Not to derail the thread, but how do we know he actually represents turtle wax - I can say I`m the vp of 3m marketing, for no better reason than I`m bored and I want to screw with random strangers online.

[Bobby G]

Not to derail the thread, but how do we know he actually represents turtle wax - I can say I`m the vp of 3m marketing, for no better reason than I`m bored and I want to screw with random strangers online.

Ah, because he signed up with an @turtlewax.com email address? :LOLOL

[akimel]

Actually, I think it is good for the detailing universe that TW is not selling merchandise to the enthusiast market. Their absence allows smaller companies to come into being and hopefully prosper, as they create and sell products that the tiny group of enthusiasts and professional detailers need and want.

[corrswitch]

Just curious if anyone knows...(at least a guesstimate) what`s market (in $) for the detailer market versus the retail market?



If no numbers, a ratio.



Always been curious.

[green dimnd]

I didn`t realize that the Platinum line had been discontinued, I picked up a gallon of the shampoo at Costco for a great price and it turned out to be fantastic. Love the scent! But you`re still in trouble with my wife for killing all those poor turtles just to get some silly car wax. It`s never boring when you marry an Irish woman.

[BigAl3]

I didn`t realize that the Platinum line had been discontinued, I picked up a gallon of the shampoo at Costco for a great price and it turned out to be fantastic. Love the scent! But you`re still in trouble with my wife for killing all those poor turtles just to get some silly car wax. It`s never boring when you marry an Irish woman.

the platinum car wash was pretty nice and when sams club had it for around $5-$6 a gallon, it was a deal and i would pick up a few...

[efnfast]

Ah, because he signed up with an @turtlewax.com email address? :LOLOL

:LOLOL



Got me there - except you can cheat and see sign up all hidden data us normie folk can`t :p

[Bunky]

Unless TW just became a sponsor here this thread is going to be pretty short-lived. I`m actually surprised it`s lasted all day.

I had similar thoughts. If I were DB or the mods I would verify the poster is valid. I

[Bunky]

As I understand the market, Turtle Wax lives via the OTC space only.



Sales are driven by getting shelf space so if the major parts chains (AA, AZ, Pep Boys, etc) do not stock they do not sell it. Also, the OTC space is very cost sensitive. This is their sales channel. These parts places stock things based upon how much profit they will make since shelf space is limited. As we have seen it seems there are a million tire shines available so they must be a hot profitable item.



Hence, if the Platinum line was too pricey (people will not pay the higher price for better products for some brands) and get removed from shelves they have to discontinue it since I am assuming the profit is made by significant volume. Being on the shelf at Walmart can be a big swinger. Some brands have brand loyalty (I assume Meg`s is one) that can command a higher price so places like Walmart carry a wax that costs $16!!



SOPUS started Black Magic and has taken over a lot of shelf space at the expense of others.



As mentioned earlier, I think Turtle Wax would like be better to start a new brand and not just sell it through the normal parts place channel. But, my guess Turtle Wax on a bad day sells more than many of the private brands all together...it is just about pricing, margin, etc.

[TWax]

Hey all, Trust me. I do work for TW and have for more than 13 years. Thanks again for commenting.



I have a few questions. What is the optimal outcome / result you are looking for? ie, is it primarily shine? depth? durability? What outcome is most important to u? Does time play a role in limiting ur process?



Thanks

[imported_DJ Mayo]

Hey all, Trust me. I do work for TW and have for more than 13 years. Thanks again for commenting.



I have a few questions. What is the optimal outcome / result you are looking for? ie, is it primarily shine? depth? durability? What outcome is most important to u? Does time play a role in limiting ur process?



Thanks

The outcome most are striving for is a 95% defect free surface with 4-5 months of protection. Then they can add a wax or whatever it may be to adjust the color more to their liking. But since most of it is in the prep work, you can top LEVEL paint with almost anything and it looks great.

[CocheseUGA]

P.S., My guess is that a brand like Simple Green will come to mass market with an eco-friendly car cleaning solution first and kick the snot out of the top three, while they (top 3 car care brands) all stand around wondering how it happened!

:sosad

And it will still only be a small segment of the sales. Eco-friendly isn`t something most people think of. Convienence and price are king. And for proof, please see all the convienences of modern life advertised to mothers.



Anyway, as long as TW is concerned with margins and shelf space, they really won`t have any impact on the educated consumer. If they want to start making a non-OTC product that competes with others like Megs and Optimum on price and quality, we`ll stand up and listen.



You have to make the commitment to make a quality product first. Hire someone from Meg`s to see how a big company *mostly* does it right. You need car and detailing people embedded throughout your company, not just chemists and marketing grads.

[imported_Larry A]

Hey all, Trust me. I do work for TW and have for more than 13 years. Thanks again for commenting.



I have a few questions. What is the optimal outcome / result you are looking for? ie, is it primarily shine? depth? durability? What outcome is most important to u? Does time play a role in limiting ur process?



Thanks

I am mainly concerned with depth and shine , but I also want reasonable durability, and of chorse no drying white in the cracks . Platinum gave the depth and shine, but needed more durability, and it did dry white. For maintaining depth and shine without streakes Platinum detail spray was hard to beat.

[Dan]

Hey all, Trust me. I do work for TW and have for more than 13 years. Thanks again for commenting.



I have a few questions. What is the optimal outcome / result you are looking for? ie, is it primarily shine? depth? durability? What outcome is most important to u? Does time play a role in limiting ur process?



Thanks

I think most people here are in it for some combo of depth and shine combined with good paint protection. A lot of members say durability, but the fact is most people add protection after every wash. With the rise in popularity in spray waxes, durability isn`t so much of an issue.



Personally, I think the best thing you could get out of this forum is honest feedback on products you are testing by sending out samples. You aren`t going to get many new customers I`m afraid.



So wow, 13 years. What are some of the other brand products you have tried? Any Zaino, Optimum, Ultima?