Finally used my sample of the new Optimum Coating

Nah, I would want the original time tested formula. Waivers I'm willing to sign if necessary, but I wouldn't want a weak version of it.
 
corrswitch said:
Or maybe a non-professional version that is almost as good that is more forgiving to mistakes. I'm willing to sacrifice some durability for a chance to try it out.

From a business standpoint, I hope that makes sense.



Posted on the Optimum forum as well:



I'll call it Opti-coat junior or Opti-glaze :)
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While a good idea, I do not believe that it is feasible. for a few reasons. First the idea is to have a great product, not a lesser equivalent. Second the product is far from being hard or difficult to apply, but if applied where you don't want it, too bad, it's there. Third, there is nothing wrong with a pro-only product, in fact I think it is not only a good move in terms of liability, but also will create a further reason for non licensed and insured detailers to step forward, and become true business people. For the enthusiast detailer, there is nothing stopping you from prepping the car, and having a approved installer come and install the Opti-Guard.
 
This type of product in the hands of an uninsured detailer could be a real potential problem. I read where some versions could not be removed from trim. Get some on the trim of a supercar and see how fast the internet lynch mob forms.
 
I don't know the make-up of the coating, so even though the application is very similar to Opti-Seal, I don't know if any of the technology can be incorporated into Opti-Seal.



I applied the newest version (not sure if it has been tweaked from what I was sent to try) on my Optimum distributor's work van and it was as easy to use as Opti-Seal is. Comes in a syringe since the sprayer heads were clogging. Suprisingly easy to use out of such an odd delivery system and you can certainly tell exactly how much product it takes; less than a half ounce for a Chrysler Town and Country.
 
If this product would fill scratches, pitting and imperfections it could be a nice product addition for a restorer type of detailer. Dealerships are pretty cheap and I doubt it will be a big seller except to maybe high end dealers.
 
wannafbody said:
If this product would fill scratches, pitting and imperfections it could be a nice product addition for a restorer type of detailer. Dealerships are pretty cheap and I doubt it will be a big seller except to maybe high end dealers.
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Actually, if you were to charge a dealer $150 to apply the coating, they'd get their money back by charging the customer $500+ just like they do with other sealant systems.
 
Scottwax said:
Actually, if you were to charge a dealer $150 to apply the coating, they'd get their money back by charging the customer $500+ just like they do with other sealant systems.
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And what is the cost of the product? Last I heard near $90 dollars. This is probably a better product than they use at dealerships but are you or Optimum going to offer an insurance policy with application? Many dealerships offer a paint insurance policy along with their sealant application on new vehicles.
 
reparebrise said:
While a good idea, I do not believe that it is feasible. for a few reasons. First the idea is to have a great product, not a lesser equivalent. Second the product is far from being hard or difficult to apply, but if applied where you don't want it, too bad, it's there. Third, there is nothing wrong with a pro-only product, in fact I think it is not only a good move in terms of liability, but also will create a further reason for non licensed and insured detailers to step forward, and become true business people. For the enthusiast detailer, there is nothing stopping you from prepping the car, and having a approved installer come and install the Opti-Guard.
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Agreed. Great thoughts.



Its good business sense to go with a pro line for now to ensure its used properly and re-coup the cost of development.



Like most inventions, parts of the technology will trickle down to the consumer level for more growth and profit. Its just good business. At the today's fast paced market, I'll hope it moves quickly.

Also, there will always be a market for different offerings based on the consumer and price level.



I think of it similar to the history Detailing clay. It started as an invention for Pro's and trickled down. And look at its impact on the industry, amazing.



Indeed exciting times not just for this product but seeing more inventions.
 
wannafbody said:
And what is the cost of the product? Last I heard near $90 dollars. This is probably a better product than they use at dealerships but are you or Optimum going to offer an insurance policy with application? Many dealerships offer a paint insurance policy along with their sealant application on new vehicles.
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I've heard from $50 to $90 for two ounces of product. I have no idea what the final cost will be, but based on my use, two ounces should be enough for 4-6 vehicles depending on size. I believe there is a guarantee that comes with the product but again, I am not 100% sure. I'm not really in the loop on this product other than what I've read on the Optimum board and based on my sample use.
 
Optimum should just offer it in small sizes with a disclaimer for the hobbyist. I understand the appeal to some pros of having a product Jo Schmo can't get his hands on so a huge premium can be charged but come on.



Being an approved installer means nothing to me. That just means the installer has a business and bought the product.
 
Even at $90 if you can get 4 separate cars out of it that's a pretty good deal depending on what you charge for an application. You don't want to use that on a regular customers car unless you are charging a premium because you'll lose repeat business. Most of the coatings I've looked at retail for about $1000 per application.
 
Frito Bandito said:
Optimum should just offer it in small sizes with a disclaimer for the hobbyist. I understand the appeal to some pros of having a product Jo Schmo can't get his hands on so a huge premium can be charged but come on.



Being an approved installer means nothing to me. That just means the installer has a business and bought the product.
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What it means is that the person applying the product is insured. Unfortunately there are many' detailers" that are not insured or licensed, and this reflects very badly on our industry. I recently got a contract, and the first question the customer asked was to see my insurance. Hopefully the days of the unlicensed detailer are coming to an end.
 
reparebrise said:
What it means is that the person applying the product is insured. Unfortunately there are many' detailers" that are not insured or licensed, and this reflects very badly on our industry. I recently got a contract, and the first question the customer asked was to see my insurance. Hopefully the days of the unlicensed detailer are coming to an end.
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If you are working on fleet vehicles you will most likely need to carry insurance.



"unlicensed"- who issues licenses for detailers or are you referring to having a state business license?
 
Frito Bandito said:
Optimum should just offer it in small sizes with a disclaimer for the hobbyist. I understand the appeal to some pros of having a product Jo Schmo can't get his hands on so a huge premium can be charged but come on.



Being an approved installer means nothing to me. That just means the installer has a business and bought the product.
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Agreed. Maybe some of our local pros will sell it to us.



reparebrise said:
What it means is that the person applying the product is insured. Unfortunately there are many' detailers" that are not insured or licensed, and this reflects very badly on our industry. I recently got a contract, and the first question the customer asked was to see my insurance. Hopefully the days of the unlicensed detailer are coming to an end.
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I completely agree with the insurance issue. If you're detailing cars, inevitably you *will* damage something eventually, and it will be your responsibility to pay for it. However, having a license and insurance is a completely separate issue from being able to buy the new Optimum coating.
 
I still can`t see the problem in selling the product to anyone for personal use after signing a disclaimer.

Optimum are in business to make money aren`t they ? :nixweiss
 
Bence said:
Quite short, a couple of weeks.
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My sample is 6 months old and still seems to work fine. The sprayer is clogged though, hence the syringe packaging. My understanding is that will greatly improve the shelf life.
 
dervdave said:
I still can`t see the problem in selling the product to anyone for personal use after signing a disclaimer.

Optimum are in business to make money aren`t they ? :nixweiss
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Optimum is in the business of making money and that is why I believe there are limiting this product to people who they feel will most likely use it correctly and not screw up people's cars. If Optimum were to sell it to anyone, it is very likely someone who knows little or nothing about detailing will get this product and apply incorrectly to their car or someone else's and then come on boards like this and bash the product when really it was their lack of knowledge which lead to the poor result.



I think Dr. G is being pretty wise and prudent in limiting its distribution in the early stage. He is being willing to give up a little money now to increase the probability of this product in the long run.
 
bert31 said:
Optimum is in the business of making money and that is why I believe there are limiting this product to people who they feel will most likely use it correctly and not screw up people's cars. If Optimum were to sell it to anyone, it is very likely someone who knows little or nothing about detailing will get this product and apply incorrectly to their car or someone else's and then come on boards like this and bash the product when really it was their lack of knowledge which lead to the poor result.



I think Dr. G is being pretty wise and prudent in limiting its distribution in the early stage. He is being willing to give up a little money now to increase the probability of this product in the long run.
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Very good points, but it still sucks that I can't buy it. :(
 
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