Autopia Product Line

[Bobby G]

After a lot of thought, I have decided that I don't want to compete with the many vendors and manufacturers represented at Autopia by selling the "same old stuff." That does not serve the interest of the community. Instead, I will:



1. Continue to seek sponsors who what to take advantege of the Autopia resources to interact with and support the community;



2. Develop a small "Autopia Brand" product line that works the way I like and uses unique ingredients; and



3. Continue to develop Autopia books.



I finally found a good chemist right here in my own backyard who thinks the way I do. He is an emulsion technology expert. My goal is not "months of protection," I'm looking for ease of paint perfection and a show car finish that makes people go wow!



More announcements later as I have them.

 

[wizardofahs]

Sounds like you made the right decision. I look foward to your future products and books.

 

[Jngrbrdman]

"300%" mark-up?! Tell me where your getting that return because I want in.

All over the place, my friend. Just books alone are marked up 100% when you buy them. I know for a fact what the mark up is on some of the products we use here on Autopia through information right from the horses mouth. Many products we use are marked up 100% - 150% of cost. Its called 'supply and demand.' Do you really think that it costs $250,000 to make a Ferrari? Would they be as cool if they were $50,000? Do people still pay $250,000? Supply and demand...



I like the idea of having an Autopia line. We have had the discussions before about "best" products. If David can find the right product that isn't just some relabled product I've already got and it works to my satisfaction, then I'd use it. We could use some new products in the industry.



David, tell your chemist to make something that repels dust. I don't care how long it lasts. Just make it repel dust. :xyxthumbs

 

[Green Monster]

DavidB thats way you are the Mayor, you have to make the big decisions and care for all of us Autopians. :bow

3. Continue to develop Autopia books.

Great cause I can't wait til the next one "The Perfect Shine", any idea when its coming out? :nixweiss

 

[Bobby G]

I'm getting printer quotes in next week. I hope it won't be too much longer.

 

[Sidney Trainer]

I think Autopia should stick to the AUTOPIA products first. Such as the shirts, A bucket would be cool, and stuff like that.... I mean I dont think that autopia should come out with a set of products just yet.... plus where would we critique the products??? I mean David B. would you realy be happy if we said that your sealant is no good or somethin like that??? I mean I wouldnt be if I was u.... just a thought:nixweiss

 

[imported_Aurora40]

Do you really think that it costs $250,000 to make a Ferrari? Would they be as cool if they were $50,000? Do people still pay $250,000? Supply and demand...

Not to get too OT, but I don't think you'll find 100-300% markup on cars. It does cost a whole lot to develop a Ferrari, and I'd guess a good bit to manufacture one.



But I agree with your point. I'm sure there are huge markups on detailing products.

 

[BlkonBlk]

I think the key is not simply to repackage products, but to offer a value-added service. Personally I'm not interested in buying a repackaged product, but it would hold my interest if it were a combination of products that had been tested by some of the more experienced members of this forum. That would provide an added value for me.



And different combinations for different purposes. Dave has his perfect shine formula in his book that outlines a series of products designed to meet a certain result.



I think that is key. Design combinations that are tailored for the occasional detailer, for the detail super-freak, for the professional, for the new car-owner, for the dark car owner, for the light car owner, etc.



I think you will find that once someone subscribes to a certain method, they will come back and by the same products individually.



Just my opinion. I'd buy it....:xyxthumbs

 

[Detailing NY]

Hey Dave,

you want to make something that I know every Autopian will buy!



A flat hose that works!!!!!! Something that will not tear on the concrete.



Mobile detailers need room and 200 ft of a plain old hose takes up lots of room. Make a flat hose that is 200 ft and wont tear and I will be one happy detailer.