Certification?
- Thread starter Mr. Magic
- Start date
deadlock32
New member
I feel that if standards came into play, it may end up hurting more than helping, because then why joe shmoe that got the cert but still does things mediocure vs a higher quality job, a person looking at the 2 might think better quality work would come out of the less expensive, same cert as the better quality guy.
Detailing is more of an artwork IMO. Your car is going to run reguardless who details/cleans it (excluding engine detailing = P )
Detailing is more of an artwork IMO. Your car is going to run reguardless who details/cleans it (excluding engine detailing = P )
DaGonz
Autopia fire/rescue.
Mr. Magic said:
Being a "part time paying hobby, guy next door trying to make a few extra bucks" type of detailer who has corrected the paintwork swirls custom installed by some of the "true detail shops" in my community... can I qualify for "certification?"
Gonzo0903 said:
YES! heck in Spokane there are many ASE Cert. guys that work out of there home. I don't have a problem with that. Matter of fact I wish I could work out of my home. I just feel that if there was some sort of standards then guys like you and me would not have to fix other peoples crap. Also as far as Wholesale goes it would make the playing field more even. I had a car lot call me the other day all they sell are mini vans. (you know what the must look like) My retail starts at $200.00 My wholesale is $140.00 for 30+ car per month. The guy tells me I am only paying $100.00 now! I stopped by the place and man if he is happy with that guys work the i could do them for $100.00 carpets still wet. (now frozen) stains in the carpet. no polish they just look like crap. he cleaned the van not Detailed it. and thats why there should be a standard. cleaning V Detailing does any of that make sence?
:think:
imported_paradigm
New member
it makes sense...but it would be more of a filter for customers to use rather than a way a charge more $$$$ for a detail, IMHO. it's always good to show proficiency in something, whether it is through a degree, awards on the wall, or certs.
Envious Eric
New member
well maybe you should go to that guy who only pays 100 and detail one car for him for 100 and ask him if he likes the difference, maybe then you will get the job....
dr_detail
Beautification Specialist
So after pushing towels around vehicles for 20+ years I should be considered just as qualified as that newbie who just passed some textbook course granting them certification? Oh, that makes perfect sense to me!! And who, prey tell, will regulate all this new bureaucracy, and where will the infrastructure come from. And who will enforce it. I guess a bigger issue would be who's gonna pay for all this?? Maybe instead of asking someone else to regulate us, we would all be better off regulating ourselves by forming a Car Wash & Detailers Union and charging Union Rates -- how long do you think car wash owners would survive if their low wage employees said "golpearemos!!" How long would the $9.95 full service car wash survive? And how long would America, with it's lust for the Automobile get along with out us -- this is a multi-billion dollar a year industry. I for one say this idea of having to be certified to detail might help in keeping the "I gots me a bucket and some towels and went to wally-world and picked up some MF's & waxers so now I'll calls meself a detaler &'ll charge 10 bucks to detail yours car" types out. And it might grease the pockets of some politicians who will make a profit off the bureaucratic B-S of the certification process. But, just like having an ASE Cert to work on a car -- it's just a #$%^& piece of paper -- It says "I know the processes and procedures" but it doesn't say squat about my craftsmanship or dedication to the trade. It doesn't regulate my prices or offer any guarantee that I'll do a good job or even do it right -- it just says that I passed a test allowing me to post a framed piece of paper on the wall.
Certification won't mean anything if the customer expectation for it isn't there. And right now, it isn't. The average person can go outside, wash, vacuum and wax their car and be happy with the results. Their perspective is detailing is a relatively easy, non technical job and they expect someone who does it for money can probably do the job at least as well as they can (but chose not to) themselves. Most would wonder why a profession they consider low tech needs certification.
That isn't to say that certification on our end, to ensure we are up to date with the latest techniques and products, plus have shown the skill needed to buff out a car and the technical know how to remove stains isn't a good idea; it is. However, the average customer isn't going to care, so from a marketing standpoint, I believe certification is a non-issue.
Personally, I prefer to let my current customers sell my services to their friends and co-workers.
That isn't to say that certification on our end, to ensure we are up to date with the latest techniques and products, plus have shown the skill needed to buff out a car and the technical know how to remove stains isn't a good idea; it is. However, the average customer isn't going to care, so from a marketing standpoint, I believe certification is a non-issue.
Personally, I prefer to let my current customers sell my services to their friends and co-workers.
imported_Detailing Technology
New member
A cert is a waste of money. Look at MCSE (Microsoft Cert) for example. Its a worthless piece of paper. All it means is someone could pass a test on the day they took it.
Scottwax has his own certification, he has a million pictures of his work. If that doesnt help sell a client, I dont know what can.
Scottwax has his own certification, he has a million pictures of his work. If that doesnt help sell a client, I dont know what can.
imported_mirrorfinishman
New member
The view of all interests would need to be taken into account including detailing businesses, product manufacturers and consumers.
Standardization through certification should provide solutions to satisfy both the detailing industry and the detailing customers.
Standardization needs to be market-driven. It should be based on voluntary involvement of all interests.
Standardization through certification should provide solutions to satisfy both the detailing industry and the detailing customers.
Standardization needs to be market-driven. It should be based on voluntary involvement of all interests.
imported_paradigm
New member
hey...i have my MCSE 2003...what are you trying to say?!?!? :LOLOL
imported_mirrorfinishman
New member
paradigm said:
Here are a few of the benefits that could be realized through certification.
1) Industry recognition of your knowledge and proficiency of detailing products and procedures.
2) Access to technical and product information directly from detailing product manufacturers.
3) A professionally designed certification logo, framed wall certificate, wallet card, and lapel pin to identify you as a Certified Professional Detailer to clients.
5) An opportunity to attend industry wide conferences, technical training sessions, and special events.
6) Access to career and professional development information that clearly helps the detailing industry establish true definitions and standards.
imported_Detailing Technology
New member
paradigm said:
No insults intended. I own a IT staffing company in NYC. From my experience in the past 6 years in bisuness, 90% of the people that are looking for jobs that have MCP, MCSE 4, MCSE 2k/3, have no decent work experience. They were last employed as security guards, bank tellers, car salesman, and college studnets. The real workd experience that develops the mental skills and personality traits to do an IT job correctly can only be taught in the field. That testing system is ABUSED, at one time it meant something, now it requires further investigation.
This situation should be made top priority for a detailing certification. I caould tell you about a government minority education grant that 100% of the training schools here in NYC ABUSE this government grant and force feed test prep down the throats of non interested parties.
If your company paid for your MCSE 2k3, good job on your part, thats how it should be.
I have said this before but I will post my feelings again.
For one, "true" detailer / autopians are not the majority. The majority in the detailing world are the high volume mom and pop shops. Majority will rule and the certification will be geared toward the high volume shops. Quick glaze once over and it's good to go. Even if you had a certification geared toward the autopian style detailer who is going to care? Customer looking to get their vehicles detailed are not going to look for some sort of certification decal in the shop window. All they are going to see or care about is that sign that reads, "Full Detail $89.95!".
For one, "true" detailer / autopians are not the majority. The majority in the detailing world are the high volume mom and pop shops. Majority will rule and the certification will be geared toward the high volume shops. Quick glaze once over and it's good to go. Even if you had a certification geared toward the autopian style detailer who is going to care? Customer looking to get their vehicles detailed are not going to look for some sort of certification decal in the shop window. All they are going to see or care about is that sign that reads, "Full Detail $89.95!".
imported_Detailing Technology
New member
Danase said:
Take it from a guy that owns his own business in the automotive field like BOB above.
I think certification is a moot point. I actually am certified in refinishing from Toyota/Lexus , Sikkens for refinishing, Glasurit for refinishing, and countless GM body certs, I dont think at this point in my life you would want me matching colors to your car!
I agree with you Frank. Has anyone gone though any of the training schools yet? I used Kleen Car Auto Apperarance in NJ and man did I learn a lot. the whole way I detail changed. I know that their are other ones and I also feel that if you have been to any of the TRUE detail classes then you should all ready be certified. here is the link to kleen car. and no I do not work for them. I just am a believer!. Kleencarauto.com
DaGonz
Autopia fire/rescue.
From the Kleencar website...
Ask Scottwax about the number of times he has corrected paintwork swirls from the BMW store in his area...
Ask Scottwax about the number of times he has corrected paintwork swirls from the BMW store in his area...
Gonzo0903 said:From the Kleencar website...
Ask Scottwax about the number of times he has corrected paintwork swirls from the BMW store in his area...
:LOLOL Moritz is absolutely pathetic. Ask RAG about the San Diego BMW dealer that butchered a car of one of his customers.
It just goes to show it doesn't matter if someone has received advanced training or certification if they don't adhere to the standards they are supposed to.
FWIW, I have been through an abreviated professional level detailing class at Meguiars headquarters in Irvine. Absolutely first rate teachers (Mike Phillips and Mike Pennington) and facilities. I did take what I learned and applied it to my own business but that doesn't mean someone else will go through the same course and ignore what they learned because cutting corners is easier.
imported_mirrorfinishman
New member
Standardization through certification would help true detailing businesses meet the needs of the customer and at the same time, help to establish a profitable advantage over their competition. The major competitive advantage would be realized by those detailing businesses that successfully provide maximum customer value through the most efficient use of their people and processes.
Since the detailing industry is labor intensive, there is really no substitute for high quality standards, especially when it comes to basic interaction between the detailing service providers and their customers.
In summary, standardization through certification would help detailing businesses;
1) Understand and improve their detailing processes.
2) Identify and resolve problems quickly.
3) Establish a valid way to measure their service performance.
4) Create a clear measure of customer satisfaction.
Yes, some sort of Certification would definitely help to separate the true detail shops from the guy next door just trying to make a few bucks.
Since the detailing industry is labor intensive, there is really no substitute for high quality standards, especially when it comes to basic interaction between the detailing service providers and their customers.
In summary, standardization through certification would help detailing businesses;
1) Understand and improve their detailing processes.
2) Identify and resolve problems quickly.
3) Establish a valid way to measure their service performance.
4) Create a clear measure of customer satisfaction.
Yes, some sort of Certification would definitely help to separate the true detail shops from the guy next door just trying to make a few bucks.
imported_Detailing Technology
New member
You would need an association with a BIG advertizing dollar to sell that idea (certified detailer) to consumers.
For it to mean anything, consumers, not hobbyists, would need to know it's value to them. Getting this message to them is INSANELY expensive.
Once it is on the tip of the consumers tongue, people will know it's value.
For it to mean anything, consumers, not hobbyists, would need to know it's value to them. Getting this message to them is INSANELY expensive.
Once it is on the tip of the consumers tongue, people will know it's value.