Let's talk professional products

It's like a strong banana type smell if I am remembering right. It's pretty strong so if your not a fan I could see it getting over powering after awhile.



I think your new order looks pretty good. Some times I get smearing with #21 but I think my bottle was a little older. I like the APC with a foaming sprayer, has a good dwell time to break down the tough stuff. If your thinking of using APC inside the car anywhere you might want to look at APC+ instead. APC smells like chemicals where as APC+ has a orange smell, but it's low foaming. I can't help with the #84 & #85, I haven't used either one. I really like #80, has about the same cut as #66 but some nice rich polishing oils that give it a good working time and help to darken the paint. I have a love hate relationship with #83. I'm still getting the hang of it. I've heard some pros compare it right up there with the Menzerna line so I know it's good stuff.



Hope that helps maybe a little. I'm not a pro, just a beginner weekend warrior.
 
Jimmy Buffit said:
We are a "high-end, high volume" shop.



We use several vendors, but we keep going back to Meguiar's for most of our needs.



If I were consulting/advising a new startup (and I do), I'd recommend the Meg's line exclusively. Keep it straightforward and simple. And, keep the Distributor happy - if knows he's getting all your biz, he'll be much more competitive.



Use their pads, polishes, sealants, dressings. If something doesn't seem to be working, discuss it with your rep, have him find the solution - he has lots of options.



Remember, this is not a search for the BEST of each item, but rather a system of products that will make your operation effective and efficient.



Also, price of a product is not always the most important consideration. The cost of labor is substantially greater, so figure that into buying decisions, also.



PM me if you want specific product recommendations...



Best of luck in the new gig. Is it bigger/better?



Jim
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I can second the quality of Meguiar's Detailer line of chemicals:



1. Hyper Dressing

2. All Purpose Cleaner

3. Super Degreaser

4. Wheel Brightener



These chemicals make up the majority of our chemical budget and are available, of high quality, and when bought in 5 gallon concentrate form...affordable.



I cannot recommend the quality of meguiars.com. After buying 40+ gallons of chemicals from Meguiar's directly, they failed to deliver a large order. I called and requested it sent again. Nothing showed up. I requested again, they apologized and said they'd refund my money and send the chemicals for free. Neither happened.



Find a local supplier for Meguiar's Detailer line and buy 5 gallon concentrates at a time. Pick and choose among vendors for waxes and compounds...the Meguiar's line is mostly average among these supplies.
 
AppliedColors said:
Find a local supplier for Meguiar's Detailer line and buy 5 gallon concentrates at a time. Pick and choose among vendors for waxes and compounds...the Meguiar's line is mostly average among these supplies.
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We will more than likely become the local distributor for Meguiar's if we decide to switch over from Auto Magic.
 
David Fermani said:
What Auto Magic products do you have right now?
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White Magic, BC-1, BC-2, XP Swirl Remover, Power Cut Plus, Fabric & Carpet Cleaner, Orange Citrus, Body Magic, Clay Magic, Stain Guard, Fabric Spotter, Mal-Odorant



We also have some chemicals from PRO and Zep that get used regularly.
 
When training, I try to keep things simple.

We have 2 machines, PC and Rotary.

We have 2 pads, Meg's 6" beige and 6" yellow.

We have three polish/compounds, Light, medium and heavy. (Meg's #80, #83, and #85.)

Meg's #21 Synthetic Sealant



This combo is enough to efficiently work on 90-95% of the cars we see.



Until the new guy has done 10 Black cars to my satisfaction, he doesn't have access to rest of our armamentarium. Damn, I love that word! [: a collection of resources available or utilized for an undertaking or field of activity; especially : the equipment, methods, and pharmaceuticals used in medicine]



We use Meg's APC PLUS, which is only available from Distributors - not Meguiar's direct. Great, inexpensive. Excellent on wheels and engine. Mix 4:1 and a 25 gallons= ~1.50/gal.



As I posted earlier, use everything they offer. If its not working, have the distributor figure it out, or change...



Keep it simple.



Jim
 
Have you talked with your Auto Magic rep yet? You've mentioned the term "switching over", but you have lots of other products there? Are you planning on using just 1 line of products eventually?
 
David Fermani said:
Have you talked with your Auto Magic rep yet? You've mentioned the term "switching over", but you have lots of other products there? Are you planning on using just 1 line of products eventually?
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I have been there two weeks now and still have never seen our AM rep. He's not consistent with when he comes and does not call ahead. The owners have not been happy with the rep which is one reason they've been looking at changing.



Yes, I would like to use one supplier exclusively, which is one reason for the 'house cleaning' these last couple weeks to get rid of unneeded product and to make things more consistent. A distributorship is also one of the owners reasons because we already distribute to other local stores, body shops, and dealerships.



Thanks for the input, Jim. That's almost exactly what I've been looking at doing with the shop. You have a great reputation on here and it's good to know we're on the same page.
 
If it was me I would tell the vendors when would be a good time to stop buy and schedule it once a month (at least) If they pissed and moaned i would drop them. Your looking at spending a significant monthly budget. If they are unwilling to show, they are unwilling to serve.



Our regional Meg rep is pretty good. I have not met the AM rep yet.
 
I purchased products in the largest size possible (55 gallon drums / polishes by the case) and my AM rep visited me every week. He always spent atleast an hour with us and went around to each detailer to see how things were going. ~ Once a year some of the corporate AM guys would also visit and take me out to lunch/dinner. On the other hand, the Carbrite, Ardex/Megs, PRO & 3M guys would stop by and barely want to get out of their trucks. They were more or less order takers, not knowledgeable salespeople. I think it all depends on your sales guy and how willing/able they are to maintain your business. Especially when you spend $30K+ each year with them.
 
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