PA DETAILER
DETAILED TODAY?
only product i have tried from them is their wash pads. the smaller size. and it was a impressive wash pad. really liked it and it was very good quality.
Adams Products
- Thread starter uniquedetail
- Start date
Blacktruckowner
New member
You have to play by there rules on there web-site and asking the wrong questions about a product will get you banned. I do like there QD.
ihaveacamaro
I like teeth
As i understand it, Adam said junkman took money from them and apparently there was a falling out over that. Adams products work but they are not by far the best nor the cheapest. They could be argued as the easiest though and best cs department!
Junkman2008
"Detailing Devil Dog"
Junkman here. Allow me to clear up some misconceptions and overall bad information here. Ain't nothing like going to the source for your information, instead of relying on rumors and hearsay.
First, I never was or never have been an employee of Adam's Polishes, Inc. They couldn't afford me, even if they wanted to do so. I have for the last 13 years been employed by the company that I founded as a computer/network consultant. I did a radio and TV show on the same subject for years. That's what pays the bills and that's what I enjoy doing for a living.
What I did do for Adam's is show people how to use some of their products. They didn't pay me to do this because again, they couldn't afford to do so. That's why for people who have watched my videos, know that I didn't feature everything that Adam's sold. I was not a fan of everything that they sold so I only showed the stuff that I liked. I didn't bother featuring the stuff that I didn't like and that did cause some issues with Adam, the owner. Since I wasn't getting paid to make videos, I was free to do whatever I wanted to in them, and feature only what I wanted to feature in them. This is why some of the stuff I did and said in my videos differed drastically from what was said and done in the Adam's videos. This also created issues between them and I.
If someone used my coupon code when purchasing stuff in those videos, I would receive a 10% kickback from the purchase. Now in the scheme of what I do for a living, that kickback was equivalent to gas money. I charge anywhere from $130+ per hour to do consulting work. You couldn't pay me to fix paint or make videos for money unless you had Jay Leno dollars. That's why I do it for free. That way, I can use what I want to use, say what I want to say and do what I want to do in those videos. My soul is not for sale. There's no pressure, and I can stand behind anything I say or do in them.
I started out making videos using a multitude of different products and this created all kinds of confusion for novices, my targeted audience. With Adam's and the polishes/pads being color coded, I was able to explain how to do this stuff in a manner that even a caveman could understand. The stuff worked so I killed two birds with one stone. That's why I showed people how to use their stuff. Now YOU know too.
My love of cars is the main reason I do this stuff. My father was a body shop man for 40 years and I guess it rubbed off on me. To see someone have their pride and joy all jacked up, hurts me as much as it hurts them. If I can ease their pain, I'm all in. I don't need anything in return, just to see the happiness on their face is enough for me. I learned a long time ago that people don't have to pay you with cash in order for you to be rewarded or feel appreciated. Some of the best payment that I have received has been in the fellowship that I have experienced with people that I have met through these forums, my videos and through the Internet. Just a bunch of car guys and gals, breaking bread together and sharing a lot of laughs. You can't buy that kind of fun and you haven't lived until you've experienced that kind of fellowship. That kind of payment is priceless.
They DO offer bulk sales. You can buy any product they sell in bulk volume. Now I will be the first to admit that it is not the most cost effective brand to go with when buying in bulk but everything they sell is available in bulk.
I would have to agree with you there.
I don't know how you would test a product's durability and be able to give a solid opinion that would be applicable for everyone. Product durability is going to be night and day different for everyone. From where you live to how much/often you apply protection or use the vehicle, durability is subject to a lot of variables.
The polishes actually work. That was one of the products that I featured in my videos, and I didn't feature them on a million dollar Lambo that didn't have a scratch on it to begin with. Some would say that they are not 'the best' polishes on the market but not everyone needs 40 grit sandpaper in a bottle to fix their paint. This is where a solid technique comes into play. I can make some paint look slightly better with some Jergen's Lotion, a orange pad and a PC. Does that make lotion a good polish? No, but it says a hell of a lot for my technique. Technique trumps polish 24/7. Now a more fair statement would be that you can find polishes out there for a LOT cheaper that will work just as well, if not better.
I definitely agree with you there. I won't say anymore.
Their videos are made for one purpose and one purpose only. To sell product. They are really not trying to teach you anything, just trying to introduce you to their product line. I will say that their videos do NOT impress me in the slightest. After looking at their videos, I would not have been impressed enough to buy anything. The reason you have mentioned is just one reason. That's why I made my own. That's also why my videos are so damn long!
No comment.
And this lends credit to what I tell people all the time. There are 50 different ways to get your car to Shineville. Some products will take you through the mountains and some through the suburbs. Some will have you go the city route and other will have you on country roads. However, when it is all said and done, you will eventually end up in Shineville. If you enjoyed the trip, you have found your product. If not, there are many to chose from. It's not a question of which product is the best, it's a question of which product is best for YOU.
Here's one thing that you have to realize about Adam's products, as well as a host of other boutique brand. Adam's does not own a car chemical manufacturing facility. Very few car chemical selling companies do. Thus, they don't manufacture what they sell. To bad mouth their product line is to bad mouth a lot of product lines because we as consumers don't have one clue as to where any of this stuff is being manufactured. Companies like Meguiar's, which has been in business since the turn of the century (1900), are one of the few who have been in business long enough to manufacturer and develop their own products. They can afford to have their own research and development facilities, hiring some of the best and brightest minds in the business. A LOT of companies can only dream to be a Meguiar's one day. So to say one company's products suck without knowing WHERE those products originate could actually be shooting yourself in the foot. Especially if the product you prefer and the product you dislike are manufactured in the same building.
Bunky, you have often misspoke for me on various forums so I'll clean it up for you. It's not that I'm less keen on their products, it's just that I have chosen to use my resources to help out those who are more appreciative. Adam didn't care for the fact that I would steer people to other products that I felt were better. I can understand that, he's in business to make money and wants you to buy everything he sells. I on the other hand, am not going to ask a struggling college student or member of the military on limited funds (like I use to be), to spend all their loot on something that I know can be bought for much less. This caused a strain in my personal relationship with Adam. His products didn't stop working because of this strain, the products work as they always did. Thus, I'm not less keen on their products, it's more of an ethical or moral strain that I have with Adam. Our relationship has no bearing on how well their products work. I have now chosen to do as I always did before I knew who Adam was and make videos showing a multitude of other product lines. It just so happens that some manufactures have simplified their lines and made them more classroom friendly.
I have very soft clear on my car and that pad scratches the hell out of my paint. I don't use them myself.
Well now you know the truth and you won't have to pass anymore bum scoop because you just got it straight from the horse. :bigups
TacoHerder
New member
Thanks for chiming in here, always a joy to watch your videos.
dc52nv
New member
Thanks for clearing things up, junkman. I must admit I love your vids you did for them and was the main reason I considered Adams.
ihaveacamaro
I like teeth
I disagree with you on the number 6. Yeah C5 has a big Adams base, but with Todd (our Todd from autopia
) and Phil @ detail domain on there as sponsors, other products and lines have been making their way into most discussions on cosmetics.
ihaveacamaro
I like teeth
Interesting story. Glad to know the facts now, rather than talk from hearsay.
Hope you get more active on this forum :bigups
Junkman2008
"Detailing Devil Dog"
I haven't made much of a deal about all that happened because karma usually handles what needs to be handled. I must say that karma has definitely been doing her thing.
uniquedetail
New member
Amen! Keep on Keepin on Junkman great videos and I appreciate your honesty nice to have a man of integrity spreading the truth about detailing, paint correction, products and companies . I have been detailing since I was 14 I am now 42 and still appreciate and learn something from your videos thank you for all you do
blessings. :yourrock
. I have been detailing since I was 14 I am now 42 and still appreciate and learn something from your videos thank you for all you do blessings. :yourrock
Junkman2008
"Detailing Devil Dog"
Amen! Keep on Keepin on Junkman great videos and I appreciate your honesty nice to have a man of integrity spreading the truth about detailing, paint correction, products and companies
blessings. :yourrock
Thanks for watching sir! I appreciate the support.
Nutbread
New member
Adam's has never made that claim. They are very up front about products which can't be sourced from the US. They even dropped a product when the mfr. moved production out of the country.
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Junkman2008
"Detailing Devil Dog"
Actually, they not only use to make that claim, that was one of their biggest advertising points. The problem is, so much crap is coming out of China (or is outsourced from there), that it is very hard to offer only American made products. Secondly, products made in the USA are going to be more expensive than products made in China. That's fine if you want to pay the cost because the products made in the USA are going to be of BETTER quality. However from a business standpoint, if makes you less competitive in your pricing.
The product that you are speaking of is the Gilmour foam gun. Someone brought that to their attention before they stopped carrying it. Then people found other packaging that had made in China on it and it appears that they have kinda toned down that claim. It use to be a big selling point.
Nutbread
New member
Fair enough. I probably should not have used the word never since I really can only speak about what I have seen in the time I have been aware of them. My experience with Adam's doesn't go back nearly as far as yours.
Blacktruckowner
New member
Glad to know all is well with you, so you going to stick around here for awhile with us? Todd is a great host and everyone else here are pretty good bunch.
Junkman2008
"Detailing Devil Dog"
I'll stay as long as I'm wanted or needed. I've been lurking since 2009. I didn't realize that it has been that many years!
There has been some talk and rumors about which brands are really making their own stuff and which are relabeled, I'm still curious as to what brands are just relabeled products of other brands, and which products are actually the same, just different colors and scents added for differentiation. As a consumer, I'd rather not spend more for the same thing, just under a different name.
Junkman2008
"Detailing Devil Dog"
I can only speak for 3 different brands. I know that Meguiar's and Menzerna both have their own manufacturing facilities. They make their own polishes and waxes. I know that Adam's does not have a manufacturing facility, but I have no clue where they get their stuff from. As I use different products all the time, I see a lot of similarity in a bunch of different brands. That means that a lot of boutique brands are getting their stuff from the same place.
If you want to know who makes their own stuff and who doesn't, don't ask on a forum... go straight to the horse. Contact the manufacturer and be specific with your questions. One of 3 things are going to happen. They will flat out tell you yes they do, and they can tell you exactly where their manufacturing facility is. Two, they will give you an answer that completely dodges the question or does not answer it in a definitive manner. Take that for what it is worth. Lastly, they won't respond at all. Again, take that for what it is worth.
The key is, if they manufacture their own products, they won't have to give you some fancy and colorful answer. All you need to hear is yes. However, you won't get that if they are attempting to be somewhat deceptive. Using nothing but common sense, you should be able to smell a rotten sandwich if someone tries to feed you one. Don't bite it, just walk away.
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Swanicyouth
New member
This is true. However, I think a lot of time too much emphasis may be put on this. My feeling is that if the price is right and the product is good, who cares where it comes from.
I use a lot of AG house brand products. I use all the house brand waterless washes, some of the rinseless washes, many of the waxes, DP and BF MF detergents, Wolfgang polishes, and a lot of other stuff from them. I'm under no delusion they are manufacturing or blending this stuff in Stuart FL. My guess is it comes in big drums from manufacturers like 4*, Optimum, Menzerna, Duragloss, etc... and they bottle it and package it there.
I do like to buy their products because they have great sales and incentives on them often. Rarely have I paid the list price for any BF, DP, Wolfgang, or Pinnacle product. I usually stock up on a few when they are on BOGO. Getting 2 for the price of 1 is a killer deal, and is something I haven't seen ANY other detailing retail site doing. This often makes the price too good to pass up.
While Adam's *may* be doing a similar type of thing when it comes to sourcing their products, the prices their are just way too expensive for me, and none of the products I've seen are able to be diluted.
Bunky
Detailing Gnosis
If someone is an enthusiast detailer, the cost of the many products is usually not significant in the grand scheme compared to other of life's expenses. It applies to expensive cars (who needs anything more than a Ford Focus), beers, wines, guns, cigars, etc, etc.
But think about this. If two people can take the same basic product, one just throws it up on a web site for a cheap price and a second person goes out finds customers, connects and educates them, provides no questions asked return policy, and then charges a bit more, is there anything wrong? This is what capitalism is all about yet some think it is a conspiracy but then they sound annoyed if they are price shopped by their customers.
But think about this. If two people can take the same basic product, one just throws it up on a web site for a cheap price and a second person goes out finds customers, connects and educates them, provides no questions asked return policy, and then charges a bit more, is there anything wrong? This is what capitalism is all about yet some think it is a conspiracy but then they sound annoyed if they are price shopped by their customers.