Lou Bunn
New member
That was on Jepardy a few nights ago - kid you not!
just my opinion
- Thread starter JMjr
- Start date
That was on Jepardy a few nights ago - kid you not!
Lou Bunn
New member
My cousin Bobby - the man who's almost rich & famous has tried hard in a bunch of service fields. He bought a commercial grade Toro ZTR mower, fancy trailer and a bunch of other tools and was gonna be rich in the green grass biz.......till he found out that every Bubba and little Mikey working for beer or xbox money was cutting grass. After he did the math, he found out he was working for about 8 bucks an hour. Now, the ol boy did get insurance and went to community college to spray Round-up and paid taxes. So he may have done better just doing cash under the table - till he broke a picture window or something. Next, he got into AmWay - last family reunion got kinda ugly, then he started talking to me about washing cars...
I told him there wasn't any money in it and I just did it to get away from the wife, whew, he believed me!
I told him there wasn't any money in it and I just did it to get away from the wife, whew, he believed me!
Stokdgs
dansautodetailing.com
BINGO! With the advancements of products, pads and machines today...even a weekend guy on his own car can produce some great results on a clear coat.
However back when I started with my father, it was Dupont compounds, with a rotary spinning a million miles and minute with a wool pad that never stayed on...working on single stage paint and hoping you didn't burn thought the finish..Now that was an art IMO
I was there, DuPont compounds and all !
But you know, what I did learn was how to use the tool, and this took time and practice, with very, very, knowledgeable, successful, people watching and making sure I got it right.
And I did...
Dan F
That's what I am saying nobody is taking the time to learn and appreciate the skill set that is involved in detailing anymore and treating it like a "get quick rich scheme". Say for instance your in the middle of detailing this high end car and the rupes and flex take a crap and all you got left is that 8yr old reliable Makita sitting their but you don't have a clue how to use it. smh. I have already heard of so many of these new machines breaking and falling apart in less than a year and now thet are left with no way to make all this money on all these cars. I have no problem with making tax free dollars at all just like the next man but in this day we live in being sued is like second nature. I appreciate the ones before me who still use the rotary and if decide to take that leap and try new technology they still have that reliable skill set that got them there to begin with. Its like using a plasma cutter but don't have a clue about using gas and a torch. Then like said before you see questions in the forums about " hey I m working on this Bugatti how soft is the paint and what is the best pad/combo to make it shine" really? when did detailers become categorized? all you have now is production or high end detailers? I disagree. Anybody can say" I only specialize in high end vehicles" to charge a higher price for their services. So if somebody doesn't charge you 1800$ for a full detail that makes them less of a detailer?
Stokdgs
dansautodetailing.com
Another Key part of becoming a great Detailer will always be knowing, really knowing, the definition of this word - Innovation -
One will have already thought out the risk/s of having only 1 machine and will have allowed for back-up machine/s, a complete brush set for each, and perhaps even taken them apart to see what's in there, and know how to or willing to learn how to do simple repairs.. How bad do you want to stay working without equipment failure downtime???
Those that really make this word a part of their daily life in home, work, and play, will always be more well-rounded in all areas of their lives and able to figure out more easily how to get through life's daily challenges..
One has to be able to try and experiment constantly because every paint type, product, pad, ambient temps and humidity is going to be different and have some effect on what you are doing on that vehicle's paint at that time.
Not much is said about this, but the reality of it is that the really great ones Innovate constantly, because it is the only way to know for sure you are producing the best possible result within the guidelines, pricing, time, of that project.
You want to be curious, willing to take reasonable, well-thought-out chances, and ready to take responsibility for whatever the outcome - good or bad -
A great Detailer will have an enormous amount of information stored in his/her head, that will always be called upon and added to, and remembered - especially when it is needed the most..
All of these "sacrifices" one makes actually help one to stretch and grow, and become better, and one day be able to look back and see, and then say - " I got through that"
Nothing can ever substitute for getting something from hard, honest, work... The reward is always so much sweeter and longer lasting.. Because you worked hard and Earned it... It is really how we are all wired...
Dan F
One will have already thought out the risk/s of having only 1 machine and will have allowed for back-up machine/s, a complete brush set for each, and perhaps even taken them apart to see what's in there, and know how to or willing to learn how to do simple repairs.. How bad do you want to stay working without equipment failure downtime???
Those that really make this word a part of their daily life in home, work, and play, will always be more well-rounded in all areas of their lives and able to figure out more easily how to get through life's daily challenges..
One has to be able to try and experiment constantly because every paint type, product, pad, ambient temps and humidity is going to be different and have some effect on what you are doing on that vehicle's paint at that time.
Not much is said about this, but the reality of it is that the really great ones Innovate constantly, because it is the only way to know for sure you are producing the best possible result within the guidelines, pricing, time, of that project.
You want to be curious, willing to take reasonable, well-thought-out chances, and ready to take responsibility for whatever the outcome - good or bad -
A great Detailer will have an enormous amount of information stored in his/her head, that will always be called upon and added to, and remembered - especially when it is needed the most..
All of these "sacrifices" one makes actually help one to stretch and grow, and become better, and one day be able to look back and see, and then say - " I got through that"
Nothing can ever substitute for getting something from hard, honest, work... The reward is always so much sweeter and longer lasting.. Because you worked hard and Earned it... It is really how we are all wired...
Dan F
512detail
New member
this thread is a good read. i totally agree with everything that the real pro's are saying on here. and no, i dont consider myself one of those..but i am aspiring to be there someday-hopefully with enough time and patience i can get there
i would not be telling the truth if i said i didn't start my business because i wanted money. but it was also because i wanted to find a way to focus all the energy i spent on my own vehicle (and girlfriend's) and thought of this as a good way for me to provide something to the public that i feel i am good at. i went to school- i have masters degree, but i really prefer cleaning vehicles over the desk job that laid me off two years ago. this business is HARD work, but very rewarding if you ask me.
yeah i get mad when i go out and campaign and am turned down because the local drive through carwash provides a free vacuum with $8 or whatnot. i've realized those people are not my market, simple as that
i really love detailing cars, even basic washes...i love it when people tell me "that didn't look that good the day i bought it"
after working in this business for the last six months i do agree that the soccer mom would be happier that she could see out her window than the 600/hr guy who is just worried about appearances.
at this point in my business, i would not take on one of those hi class cars like a lambo, etc. simply because i know i dont have the insurance (and i have already looked into it i just haven't pulled the trigger on it yet-but dont get me wrong, i know i need it) and i realize i dont have the expertise yet to take on something like that
i dont use a flex or rupes- im almost embarassed to say this on here but i do sometimes use the megs DA attachment that goes on a drill...i know it does not produce the same results but im also not expecting it to- but i dont really sell any 'paint correction' either. i realize i need more expertise before i can handle something like that-there's just not really anybody around here i can learn from, nor do i have the time with my other pt job that allows me to afford the bills when car washing is slow
and i find myself wanting to post on people's threads but at the same time i hold off because i dont really think of myself as 'professional grade' yet even though i stand behind my work and feel that i produce really good results- im just honest with myself enough to know that there are hundreds of pro's out there that are just simply better than me (but im thankful they dont work really close or i'd be out of luck
)
so to sum this up- really appreciate all the people on here who keep it real and aren't afraid to call out those people who are obviously just in this business for the bottom line
the way i see it- all of you guys obviously started somewhere, and it was probably a small business at first, and you probably had to fight to get the business where you wanted it to be or where it is now.
i realize all of this, and am trying my hardest to get to that point. im enjoying the hard work, the sweat (and even the humility this job provides sometimes).
so i guess ill stay as a lurker for now and keep taking everything in
sorry for the long rant but this thread really stirred something up inside me
i would not be telling the truth if i said i didn't start my business because i wanted money. but it was also because i wanted to find a way to focus all the energy i spent on my own vehicle (and girlfriend's) and thought of this as a good way for me to provide something to the public that i feel i am good at. i went to school- i have masters degree, but i really prefer cleaning vehicles over the desk job that laid me off two years ago. this business is HARD work, but very rewarding if you ask me.
yeah i get mad when i go out and campaign and am turned down because the local drive through carwash provides a free vacuum with $8 or whatnot. i've realized those people are not my market, simple as that
i really love detailing cars, even basic washes...i love it when people tell me "that didn't look that good the day i bought it"
after working in this business for the last six months i do agree that the soccer mom would be happier that she could see out her window than the 600/hr guy who is just worried about appearances.
at this point in my business, i would not take on one of those hi class cars like a lambo, etc. simply because i know i dont have the insurance (and i have already looked into it i just haven't pulled the trigger on it yet-but dont get me wrong, i know i need it) and i realize i dont have the expertise yet to take on something like that
i dont use a flex or rupes- im almost embarassed to say this on here but i do sometimes use the megs DA attachment that goes on a drill...i know it does not produce the same results but im also not expecting it to- but i dont really sell any 'paint correction' either. i realize i need more expertise before i can handle something like that-there's just not really anybody around here i can learn from, nor do i have the time with my other pt job that allows me to afford the bills when car washing is slow
and i find myself wanting to post on people's threads but at the same time i hold off because i dont really think of myself as 'professional grade' yet even though i stand behind my work and feel that i produce really good results- im just honest with myself enough to know that there are hundreds of pro's out there that are just simply better than me (but im thankful they dont work really close or i'd be out of luck
)so to sum this up- really appreciate all the people on here who keep it real and aren't afraid to call out those people who are obviously just in this business for the bottom line
the way i see it- all of you guys obviously started somewhere, and it was probably a small business at first, and you probably had to fight to get the business where you wanted it to be or where it is now.
i realize all of this, and am trying my hardest to get to that point. im enjoying the hard work, the sweat (and even the humility this job provides sometimes).
so i guess ill stay as a lurker for now and keep taking everything in
sorry for the long rant but this thread really stirred something up inside me
Stokdgs
dansautodetailing.com
512detail ---
You are precisely one of the good men we all want to try to help !
It is not so much as what you can do now as it is what you aspire to do in your future !
If you really love this work and want to make it in this field, well, then go for it !
Everyone started naked, and frail, and totally dependent on our very Mothers for nourishment, love, and warmth.. We perhaps, need to always keep that in perspective...
Keep up the attitude and great depth of appreciation for this so oft unthought of or appreciated profession, and you will get to whatever level you desire.
It is not glamorous for everyone, it is really hard, dirty at times, tedious, and strength-draining work, but the great prize that we who love it the most - is when the Client comes in and looks at the vehicle and says "That's NOT my car!!!" And it always is...
You have now just sealed a beginning relationship with a total stranger, that will probably go as long as you want it to go. And this is just one - the potential is as big as you want it to be..
So, be On here, participate, look at the wonderful store here with awesome products they offer...
We will always be available to help out !
Dan F
You are precisely one of the good men we all want to try to help !
It is not so much as what you can do now as it is what you aspire to do in your future !
If you really love this work and want to make it in this field, well, then go for it !
Everyone started naked, and frail, and totally dependent on our very Mothers for nourishment, love, and warmth.. We perhaps, need to always keep that in perspective...
Keep up the attitude and great depth of appreciation for this so oft unthought of or appreciated profession, and you will get to whatever level you desire.
It is not glamorous for everyone, it is really hard, dirty at times, tedious, and strength-draining work, but the great prize that we who love it the most - is when the Client comes in and looks at the vehicle and says "That's NOT my car!!!" And it always is...
You have now just sealed a beginning relationship with a total stranger, that will probably go as long as you want it to go. And this is just one - the potential is as big as you want it to be..
So, be On here, participate, look at the wonderful store here with awesome products they offer...
We will always be available to help out !
Dan F
can't argue with that at all. :bow:bow:bow:bow:yourrock512detail ---
You are precisely one of the good men we all want to try to help !
It is not so much as what you can do now as it is what you aspire to do in your future !
If you really love this work and want to make it in this field, well, then go for it !
Everyone started naked, and frail, and totally dependent on our very Mothers for nourishment and love, and warmth.. We perhaps, need to always keep that in perspective...
Keep up the attitude and great depth of appreciation for this so oft unthought of or appreciated profession, and you will get to whatever level you desire.
It is not glamorous for everyone, it is really hard, dirty at times, tedious, and strength-draining work, but the great prize that we who love it the most - is when the Client comes in and looks at the vehicle and says "That's NOT my car!!!" And it always is...
You have now just sealed a beginning relationship with a total stranger, that will probably go as long as you want it to go. And this is just one - the potential is as big as you want it to be..
So, be here, participate, look at the wonderful store here with awesome products they offer...
We will always be available to help out !
Dan F
that reply is precisely why I am here to learn and grow not just as a detailer but as a businessman and personally growth. Its a lot of lessons to be learned in detailing about yourself way more then about the car itself. I am not so lucky as far as not having a lot of detailers around me being I am in tx. Its detailers every where but I welcome that challenge with a smile and will be even more rewarding when my work will separate me from everyone elses. I have reached out to a couple detailers here but no luck due to the competition being so stiff between Houston,dallas,austin, and every town in between.
That just pushes me harder to learn, and apply what I have learned and keep going. I have been in the automotive field my whole life from mechanic to a automotive technology certification to 6 ase certs as a technician, to custom interior and sunroof installation (auto restyling) but detailing is just were I belong regardless of all that experience its were I find the most satisfaction and reward.
That just pushes me harder to learn, and apply what I have learned and keep going. I have been in the automotive field my whole life from mechanic to a automotive technology certification to 6 ase certs as a technician, to custom interior and sunroof installation (auto restyling) but detailing is just were I belong regardless of all that experience its were I find the most satisfaction and reward.