Car Dealership Detailing In Action!

**E300Diesel** · 11-24-2011, 11:11 PM

that chief is flogging that rotary around like a NASCAR car around Watkins Glen!

**safetyman2010** · 11-24-2011, 11:21 PM

Originally Posted by Jeff Suggs

That is real bug talk behind a key board. Did your dad not teach you to be a man. By the way everyone your **** talking is what started all these comments. I am not trying to make friends or influence anyone. I travel all over the world Russia, Japan, China, Dubai and everyone that I have ever met has never put my work down. The Reason behind that is the fact that you dudes are simple in the head. You would never even dream of preforming the kind of work demonstrated in my videos. Can any of you remove hard water stains, i can the videos are there. Can any of you pros remove overspray from auto moldings, i can and have the videos to prove it. Can any of you remove Protective and marine coatings overspray damage, I can the videos are everywhere.

Jeff I hate to break it to you but let me explain in the nicest way possible - you are not a unique snowflake. Nothing you are doing is innovative, or unique. There are scores of people on this site alone that do everything you offer and far, far more. People like you are everything that is wrong with the auto recondition business - HUGE attitude, nothing to back it up. I could lecture you about the videos you are so proud of about your terrible grammar, shabby appearance and uneducated content you espouse in them but I won`t - it isn`t productive and frankly I doubt you would understand.

How people that ultimately shine, polish, clean or service cars in one way or another develop the grandiose, overinflated sense of self worth I have seen since the beginning of these forums on the internet is beyond me. At the end of the day, it`s all about money and does your business make any. I often laugh that many of the loudest voices like yourself have the least to show for all the big talk they do. If this is your thing and you think talking big on an internet forum is going to impress people - have at it Hoss. There are people I have met and seen on forums such as this I really am impressed by and am honoured to have met - because not only are they quality people but they are highly trained, intelligent business people. Sadly Jeff, you aren`t one of them. I`m not impressed in the least. Your methods you tout in your videos are half *** and most likely destructive and your attitude that you`re a one of a kind specialist is laughable (your polishing technique on that Volvo was frightening).

We don`t even specialize in overspray removal in my shop like you do and I have serviced thousands of overspray jobs ranging from 2 part epoxy, polyurethane roofing insulation, concrete splatter, heavy mineral/rust deposits, latex/alkyd paint splatter, graffiti, road paint and MANY others. They are all corrected properly and restored to better than new condition using correct techniques we acquired through training at several qualified sources over 18 years in business. Rather than run your mouth maybe you should take a step back and imagine you might just be able to learn something here. People like Ron Ketchum have a wealth of knowledge to share earned over a long industrious career - you should really take advantage of that rather than just talking smack about people being "car washers" to help soothe your wounded ego.

**mikenap** · 11-24-2011, 11:39 PM

Originally Posted by autoaesthetica

BC2 is sorta like a diminishing abrasive version of D151 from Meguiar`s. You can use it as a finishing step if needed. Its probably one of the better AM refinishing products, not AMAZING OMOGMOMGOMG, but its pretty good.

EDIT. BTW, have a great restful thanksgiving everyone.

Thanks for the reply Mike.

**SeaJays** · 11-25-2011, 07:52 AM

All I have to say after reading through this whole thread is WOW!

I`m by no means as seasoned as some of the others on this site. However, I do know proper techniques and practice them on every vehicle I detail, polish, wash & wax, whatever you`d like to call it.

I don`t see how having a bunch of videos on youtube makes this guy an expert in anything. Camera`s don`t always pick up every defect in the paint. And just because it`s an HD camera still doesn`t mean it picks up everything. And I`m sure most people that try to capture their work by picture or video knows this. The lighting has to be perfect and even still sometimes holograms still hide. Especially if they are covered up by a glaze.

He obviously has his customer base and from what it looks like it seems to be mostly dealerships. Which we all know are based on quantity of vehicles out the door and not the quality of the work. The guy is making a living doing this stuff, but I can say that in my personal opinion it doesn`t seem very professional at all. Especially when you swear in your own video. This alone would be enough for me not to hire you if I was a potential customer.

And as has been mentioned before here that your average Joe has no clue about paint or what they are looking at.

Just my 2 cents...take it for what it`s worth.

Before I get the post of where are your videos - I don`t have any videos. Sorry I`ve yet to venture into that.

**DaGonz** · 11-25-2011, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by SeaJay`s

All I have to say after reading through this whole thread is WOW!

I`m by no means as seasoned as some of the others on this site. However, I do know proper techniques and practice them on every vehicle I detail, polish, wash & wax, whatever you`d like to call it.

I don`t see how having a bunch of videos on youtube makes this guy an expert in anything. Camera`s don`t always pick up every defect in the paint. And just because it`s an HD camera still doesn`t mean it picks up everything. And I`m sure most people that try to capture their work by picture or video knows this. The lighting has to be perfect and even still sometimes holograms still hide. Especially if they are covered up by a glaze.

He obviously has his customer base and from what it looks like it seems to be mostly dealerships. Which we all know are based on quantity of vehicles out the door and not the quality of the work. The guy is making a living doing this stuff, but I can say that in my personal opinion it doesn`t seem very professional at all. Especially when you swear in your own video. This alone would be enough for me not to hire you if I was a potential customer.

And as has been mentioned before here that your average Joe has no clue about paint or what they are looking at.

Just my 2 cents...take it for what it`s worth.

Before I get the post of where are your videos - I don`t have any videos. Sorry I`ve yet to venture into that.

Seajay, Autopians don`t need videos on YouTube to legitimize their work.

Those that have posted lengthy photo eessays and the occasional video use it for two reasons: to show pride in their work and as a teaching tool.

One can never stop learning about their craft. I have been detailing for 20+ years and have watched and learned a lot from people like Barry Theal, Todd Helme, Todd Cooperrider, Richard Lin, Mike Phillips and many others.

PS: enjoy the day... 60 degrees in Southern New England in November! :spot

**SeaJays** · 11-25-2011, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by DaGonz

Seajay, Autopians don`t need videos on YouTube to legitimize their work.

Those that have posted lengthy photo eessays and the occasional video use it for two reasons: to show pride in their work and as a teaching tool.

One can never stop learning about their craft. I have been detailing for 20+ years and have watched and learned a lot from people like Barry Theal, Todd Helme, Todd Cooperrider, Richard Lin, Mike Phillips and many others.

PS: enjoy the day... 60 degrees in Southern New England in November! :spot

I definitely understand why people do the photo and video posts. They are definitely helpful when it comes to teaching or just showing pride in your own work. I`m more of a picture guy just because I really hate being in pictures or on video. However, it does seem like the trend now is for video so I will be practicing my on camera theatrics and hopefully get some quality videos up, even if they are just introduction videos for my website.

Unfortunately I won`t be in Mass for the beautiful weather! I`m heading up to Little Sebago lake in Maine for the weekend. Going to be chilly up there as they just got snow the other night. I`d much rather be detailing a car today and making some money

**safetyman2010** · 11-25-2011, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by SeaJay`s

All I have to say after reading through this whole thread is WOW!

I`m by no means as seasoned as some of the others on this site. However, I do know proper techniques and practice them on every vehicle I detail, polish, wash & wax, whatever you`d like to call it.

I don`t see how having a bunch of videos on youtube makes this guy an expert in anything. Camera`s don`t always pick up every defect in the paint. And just because it`s an HD camera still doesn`t mean it picks up everything. And I`m sure most people that try to capture their work by picture or video knows this. The lighting has to be perfect and even still sometimes holograms still hide. Especially if they are covered up by a glaze.

He obviously has his customer base and from what it looks like it seems to be mostly dealerships. Which we all know are based on quantity of vehicles out the door and not the quality of the work. The guy is making a living doing this stuff, but I can say that in my personal opinion it doesn`t seem very professional at all. Especially when you swear in your own video. This alone would be enough for me not to hire you if I was a potential customer.

And as has been mentioned before here that your average Joe has no clue about paint or what they are looking at.

Just my 2 cents...take it for what it`s worth.

Before I get the post of where are your videos - I don`t have any videos. Sorry I`ve yet to venture into that.

In 18 years of dealing with dealerships/insurance companies and overspray contracts I can assure you that the vast majority of these overspray deals go to the lowest bidder. We used to do overspray removal for a factory that had filtration problems from their paint shop and it was apparently cheaper to just pay to have everyone`s car detailed every year than pay the millions it would cost to fix the problem. We were called and offered $200 flat rate to do the cars which were covered head to toe with a component of the paint system they were using (part of the hardener) and was incredibly difficult to remove from the paint and would usually take 2-4 hours per car + a complete polish job afterwards. We politely declined and offered our assistance should they need us @ $60 per hour. After about a month (and 2 vehicles needing to be completely repainted due to other shops wrecking the paint) they called and we started getting the vast majority of the work not because they wanted the jobs done right but because the union had threatened a lawsuit of we weren`t used and the vehicles repaired properly. The company continuously nickel and dimed us for the duration of the time we did their work culminating with a return to the $200 flat rate offer which I refused and stopped doing their work. It`s a vicious cycle and certainly nothing to "brag" about being the guy that is getting these jobs like this Suggs character is doing.

**SeaJays** · 11-25-2011, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by ShineShop

In 18 years of dealing with dealerships/insurance companies and overspray contracts I can assure you that the vast majority of these overspray deals go to the lowest bidder. We used to do overspray removal for a factory that had filtration problems from their paint shop and it was apparently cheaper to just pay to have everyone`s car detailed every year than pay the millions it would cost to fix the problem. We were called and offered $200 flat rate to do the cars which were covered head to toe with a component of the paint system they were using (part of the hardener) and was incredibly difficult to remove from the paint and would usually take 2-4 hours per car + a complete polish job afterwards. We politely declined and offered our assistance should they need us @ $60 per hour. After about a month (and 2 vehicles needing to be completely repainted due to other shops wrecking the paint) they called and we started getting the vast majority of the work not because they wanted the jobs done right but because the union had threatened a lawsuit of we weren`t used and the vehicles repaired properly. The company continuously nickel and dimed us for the duration of the time we did their work culminating with a return to the $200 flat rate offer which I refused and stopped doing their work. It`s a vicious cycle and certainly nothing to "brag" about being the guy that is getting these jobs like this Suggs character is doing.

I just love how dealerships try to swindle detailers. It`s sad really. In the end it gives the real detailers more business but imagine how many of those vehicles they sell that are covered in holograms never get fixed. And the customers are paying their hard earned money for a vehicle with a crappy finish.

I realize that they are still trying to make a profit, however so are we! I have some a few cars for a local small dealership. I`ve always been against working for a dealership cause they try to nickle and dime you. But I was covering for another detailer who`s gig this is. Anyway, they expect you to work miracles. The last vehicle I did for them was a 98 Lexus. It was white and was covered in tar, iron particles, etc. And the paint really needed to be polished out. Oh and the kicker was I have 2 hours to complete the car. So, I washed, iron-x, clayed, and then waxed it. When the sales guy came out to look at the car he`s like oh you haven`t even polished it yet. Which I then replied back "Sorry but for what you paying me and the time that you gave me to finish this car I won`t be polishing it.". Which he didn`t seem to happy with. So, instead of arguing with me on that he decided to try to get me to take care of the cloudy headlights. So, to be fair and not to cause any issues (again not my account) I took care of the headlights at no additional charge. But left the car un-polished.

It actually really got to me cause I spent a good amount of time just trying to get the paint clean! Hard work just goes unnoticed in dealerships. As I said before it`s about quantity and not quality.

**safetyman2010** · 11-25-2011, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by SeaJay`s

I just love how dealerships try to swindle detailers. It`s sad really. In the end it gives the real detailers more business but imagine how many of those vehicles they sell that are covered in holograms never get fixed. And the customers are paying their hard earned money for a vehicle with a crappy finish.

I realize that they are still trying to make a profit, however so are we! I have some a few cars for a local small dealership. I`ve always been against working for a dealership cause they try to nickle and dime you. But I was covering for another detailer who`s gig this is. Anyway, they expect you to work miracles. The last vehicle I did for them was a 98 Lexus. It was white and was covered in tar, iron particles, etc. And the paint really needed to be polished out. Oh and the kicker was I have 2 hours to complete the car. So, I washed, iron-x, clayed, and then waxed it. When the sales guy came out to look at the car he`s like oh you haven`t even polished it yet. Which I then replied back "Sorry but for what you paying me and the time that you gave me to finish this car I won`t be polishing it.". Which he didn`t seem to happy with. So, instead of arguing with me on that he decided to try to get me to take care of the cloudy headlights. So, to be fair and not to cause any issues (again not my account) I took care of the headlights at no additional charge. But left the car un-polished.

It actually really got to me cause I spent a good amount of time just trying to get the paint clean! Hard work just goes unnoticed in dealerships. As I said before it`s about quantity and not quality.

In all fairness, detailers don`t have to take their work right? It`s up to you as a business owner to know your costs and profit margins and only take work that you can be profitable doing. Dealerships only get away with it because there are a lot of really stupid people in the "detailing" industry that will play right into their hands. Dealers in my city have pushed recondition pricing back into the same price range it was back in the 1990`s in the last year despite MASSIVE price increases for everything over the last 8-10 years here (most notably the highest minimum wage in North America). Think I`m taking that work? We actually raised our prices this spring and none of the dealer accounts that are great accounts batted an eye. We did lose one account to a low baller over it but in the end losing that low end account hasn`t affected our sales one bit. We have set sales records every single month this year since May regardless. It`s up to you to know your business and know what work you want and ultimately that will be far more trouble than it`s worth. Far too many guys get caught in the trap of trying to stay busy as opposed to staying profitable.

**SeaJays** · 11-25-2011, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by ShineShop

In all fairness, detailers don`t have to take their work right? It`s up to you as a business owner to know your costs and profit margins and only take work that you can be profitable doing. Dealerships only get away with it because there are a lot of really stupid people in the "detailing" industry that will play right into their hands. Dealers in my city have pushed recondition pricing back into the same price range it was back in the 1990`s in the last year despite MASSIVE price increases for everything over the last 8-10 years here (most notably the highest minimum wage in North America). Think I`m taking that work? We actually raised our prices this spring and none of the dealer accounts that are great accounts batted an eye. We did lose one account to a low baller over it but in the end losing that low end account hasn`t affected our sales one bit. We have set sales records every single month this year since May regardless. It`s up to you to know your business and know what work you want and ultimately that will be far more trouble than it`s worth. Far too many guys get caught in the trap of trying to stay busy as opposed to staying profitable.

Great points and your right.

**imported_dfazekas** · 11-25-2011, 03:12 PM

Wow....I take a couple days off for Thanksgiving and I miss all the fun...

**imported_ww2717** · 11-25-2011, 10:39 PM

Hello Mr. Suggs:|

I asked you on several of your you tube videos why you never folded your clay. I asked you if you used a spur to clean your buffing pad with. I asked you if you ever changed out your pad with a clean one. You never seem to mention these in your video`s. When I would go back to see if you had replied to the comments that I posted to you asking you such questions my comments were usually deleted.

**Envious Eric** · 11-26-2011, 05:51 PM

LOL, you guys have to check out his most recent posts on a few others you tube pages...rasky`s and mine...what a joke! To say this guy is a professional in any sense of the word is something to laugh at! Of course, he will probably remove those comments just like he did on his own videos where everyone was calling him out...too funny!

Jeff, next time you are in the so cal area, I would love to have you "show me" how to polish a hood, seriously!

Here is a perfect example showing you have no idea what you are talking about (your own video with commentary:

jeffsuggs`s Channel - YouTube

all you have to do is watch the first few minutes:

"when you apply the BC2 by hand first, you remove the majority of the swirls" BWAHAHAAHAHA

oh yeah, you can see the window cowl where you hit it with the wool pad and stained it...what a joke