Do you professionals use big named products?

2001civicex said:
Well this thread sure turned to sh!t.



It only will head that direction if people allow it to. If you ignore the useless comments, it does contain good information.
 
To Scottwax:

I did a quick search at Poorboys, and PWC and EX are available in gallons. He even has a footnote on his site that you can contact him about larger shipments (5 gal. and up)! Didn't look for CK (sorry).
 
I use a combination of products. Mainly products from PRO (prowax.com), Poorboy's and Stoner. I also use the Omni APC from Automotive International and their buffer pads.
 
BigLeegr said:
To Scottwax:

I did a quick search at Poorboys, and PWC and EX are available in gallons. He even has a footnote on his site that you can contact him about larger shipments (5 gal. and up)! Didn't look for CK (sorry).



:cool: I did not know that!
 
This thread has taken an interesting thread. It started out by asking if professionals used big named products. Now, it has changed to a discussion of what can be considered a professional product. This reference has come up before, so maybe it would be interesting to define what is considered a “Professional Product.�



A lot of times, you’ll hear Products from Auto-Magic, Pro, Car Brite, Ardex and others referred to as professional products. I assume they get this label because marketing is targeted towards dealerships and detailing professionals.



Meguiar’s is unique in that it carries several tiers of products to cater to the needs of professionals and consumers alike. Their consumer line provides the marketing exposure while their Mirror Glaze and BSP line tend to be sold to detailing professionals and body shops.



Boutique products try to fit the happy medium between professionals and the regular Joe. They tend to market to and cater to people who like great looking results that aren’t attained with consumer grade products. These people may not have access to the “Professional Products� sold by the names mentioned above. These products aren’t as cheap on a per oz/ml basis as the professional products, but they are available in the smaller quantities that the enthusiast can use.



Boutique products would include Zaino, Klasse, Clearkote, Pinnacle, Poorboy’s, Platinum, etc. But since many professional detailers use these products, can they be considered a “Professional Product� in our terms?



In my definition, professional products are those marketed towards the detailing professional, auto dealer or body shop. They may not have the best results, but they are geared towards professional use. Boutique products can give better results than the professional products, but are still not considered professional.



Basically, professional products do not necessarily give the best results and many professionals use boutique products to get the results that they are satisfied with. I don’t think I’ll even bother to explore the term “Professional Detailerâ€�…



Ok, so this has turned into a longer post than I intended. I just hope you folks wake up before the boss catches you. :D
 
PrecisionOnline said:
Also, how are they on delivery charges?




:nixweiss I have a local Meguiars Pro distributer in my area, so I just run by and get what I need when I am in the area. You should have several in your area as well.
 
I seem to fall into the first category of detailers. High end and one at a time. If I can't make at least $175 for a small car then I pass. I'm not doing soccer mom cars anymore, thankfully.



As for products, I try to cut out the middle man and go directly to the manufacturer. Better profits for me that way. Luckily my cousin is the Auto Magic dist. for the Philly, Western Jersey area. So usually I get the chemicals for what he does. (And when I stick up for Auto Magic on here, that doesn't put a penny in my pocket)



My 3M distributor has everything 3M makes for cars but you have to give your right arm and kidney for a gallon of Finess It II.



I always liked Meguiars, thats why I asked about shipping. Stoner gives free shipping whether you order a case of Invisible Glass or 20 5 Gallon pails of whatever.
 
I have only been detailing about 2 1/2 years part-time but I try to always use the same products on customers cars as I use on my vehicles. I am gratified to look at a finished product and know I have done the best job possible and the customer is satisfied. Personal referrals is what keep me busy, and customer satisfaction is a priority for me. I say use what you feel is best.
 
I use the Meguiar's products as a first line, but am seeking to add another product line (polishes, waxes, glazes and compounds) since I am seeking to cater to a high-end market. Any suggestions?
 
Meguiars, Auto Magic, Stoner, etc.



They're all good. Don't be fooled by expensive products for sale claiming to be the best. When it all boils down, they're basically all the same.



Meguair's is excellent and so is Auto Magic. Compare their two great polishes: Show Car Glaze and GS-1. They are identical in performance, chemicals and smell...but not price.



Same goes for both companies quick detailers: Quick Detailer and Body Shine. Both do the same exact thing but you will pay more for Meguairs. But like I said, they are an excellent company and I use some of their off the shelf products because I can't find a distributor around me.
 
The professionals i know and have met, locally and interstate use 20 litre - 50 litre and 205 litre containers of products made by local chemical manufacturers such as Omikron in NSW, Squeaky Clean in QLD, Car Chem in SA and Pacer in NSW who sell Malco



The washing, fallout removal, carpet and upholstery and wheel cleaning products they get in the 205 litre and the exterior cutting, levelling, polishes, glazes, polymer sealants and waxes, they get the 5 - 20 litre 3M, Malco, PPG, Auto Glym, Meguiars products and others mentioned here that are not that well known in australia. Zaino, P21s, Klasse and such.



One detailing business in SA use Autosmart products which are made in the UK. They sell small quantites of the stuff for car care enthusiasts.



Most would use 3M and Meguiars Pro line to refinish but there are exceptions
 
Hi SVR nice to see another Aussie. As you now Australia is Floating in a lake made up of Meguiars !



Its good to see a few of the boutique ( autopian ?) products coming through now like P21S, Klasse etc but its slow.................... Ive been hassling my distributor for Clearkote and Poorboys but so far to no avail ! If its good enough for Scottwax it should be in Australia.................



Hope the Weather in SA is good !



Dan
 
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