The industry and the WOW factor... A little too much sometimes?

[The Driver]

I understand that everyone has an image to uphold but lately it seems to be getting a little over the top. It's not just one person but I feel a lot of places are starting to get like this. All these coatings and simple corrections are nice but as feel as though they are portraying the industry as every car can be this way (When in fact they can't or the owner can't justify spending that much). The fact is most cars including base model sports cars z06, 911 etc are in need of multiple passes for a complete correction.

I see these "look at me" before and afters of BRAND NEW cars that need a mild one pass with say Menz FF3000 if that... an than coated. Then it seems to be a "look at this amazing turn around" moment. I respect skill where it's due but I feel as though lately a lot places are really showing just the glam side when in fact the real turn arounds should be the 2+ step corrections an coatings on cars that are 6+ years old.

Maybe it's just me, but a lot of the cars I do are entry level sports cars or classics requiring more than one pass to get perfect...

 

[Rsurfer]

I agree, but if you took 100 people off the street, only 10 would notice a swirl or light marring. 90 of them are looking for a hard candy shine. If it's clean and shiny that's what counts.

 

[Ronkh]

I would have agreed with you, but when I got the Tahoe washed up and stripped it was a whole different story

 

[Concours.John]

I think it boils down to not if the car can be corrected but should be. This is based on use and care after. Even million dollar cars need this thought out. If someone is regularly going to track or rally it the object is preservation,

 

[Stokdgs]

The Driver --

If you have ever Detailed for a living for any amount of time, you will definitely know, as I believe you do, that there are no "easy paint corrections" - ever -

As we all know, all paint corrections are going to be different; lucky for everyone, the technology has improved this step so much, it IS faster and easier for the most part for those that study, do a lot of research, practice, work hard at it, and then do this all over again.

No longer is it always going to take 2-3 different foam pads to get the desired correction and gloss; and to make that even better, no longer is it going to take 1-2-3 different compounds to take non corrected paintwork to looking beautiful, clear, and very glossy.

I personally love the newer compounds that clean so good that the pad "squeaks" when they are done and the paint is beautiful; and if there is any product to wipe off, it is so very little.. This is a great timesaver and product and towel saver.

The only thing that takes the "hit" for all of this in my experience is the foam pads I use, which are now carrying more of the load for me, but this is ok for my needs and financials..

I understand your point about this looking like it is easy to get "perfect" results, and then that is so subjective, right ?

In the real world as I know it, every vehicle needs more than just a light pass even with a Rotary, to knock down the appearance of even very light spiderwebbing if I would be so fortunate to only get cars like that.

Part of being a really good Detailer is that challenge of seeing all the damage even to those dang single stage jet black german cars of the 80's, and taking all your skillsets and knowledge to turn that into a beautifully, perfectly polished with no swirls, rolling Black Hole with a V12 under the hood..

No one is going to say much about the amount of work it took to get there, because we are so long past that.. We just work hard every day and turn out literal rolling mirrors for a living..
Dan F

 

[The Driver]

Well said, I'm currently detailing to pay bills so I guess that's why this whole thing popped into my head. Very well said about being a really good detailer. Personally I love challenge's I just wish everyone was willing to pay for it

 

[Stokdgs]

Well said, I'm currently detailing to pay bills so I guess that's why this whole thing popped into my head. Very well said about being a really good detailer. Personally I love challenge's I just wish everyone was willing to pay for it

The Driver --

Thanks for your comments..

If you will find a way to position your careful, great, perfect, work in front of those who own the higher end vehicles, the price for your work will automatically go up..

Demographics also play a big part in getting a higher price for your work, so that is also a major consideration, especially if you are already established with a family, etc., and not really seeing a move in the future..

Hope you find the place you are seeking and all will be well with you and yours !

Dan F

 

[Todd@RUPES]

I like reading about details for many different reasons and appreciate all levels of work, from the new car/one step to the full restoration.

 

[JSFM35X]

As far as look at me and WOW factor write up's..............

I think that these forums drive alot of business for the guys that do this for a Living. They link their most recent write up and email to a perspective customer looking for a similar level of service. It a justification of why you woujld pay X $ to get the picturred results. Also, alot of perspective customers cruise the net looking for a detailer and these posts serve as advertising for the professionals.

I am here to learn and take care of my own vehicles. At the begining of my detailing Hobby, I learned a ton just from reading pro write ups. Now every now and again I pick up sopmething that really helps me with my own cars.

If anything, I wish all the pros would list what they used (tools, brushes, chemicals and pad and polish combos) so that I could get an idea of that does what and what the results are of each product. I realise that alot is in the technique and less in the product, but I still like to know who plunked down their hard earned cash for what. It helps me decide on what I want to try next. I love to try new stuff that is touted a better or new, or the best.

I really like the crazy, picture filled detailed write ups. Application video's are also great becasue I feel more comfortable applying a product (like a coating) after watching the video. The cost of screwing up a coating is a very long day wasted polishing off high spots.

Anyway, If you don't like the WOW write ups, they are pretty easy to avoid. I am the opposite, I love to open the forum and see a crazy car that someone went to town on and photo documented. That in it self is a lot of work as well.

Have a good week..............

 

[Ronkh]

Well said, I'm currently detailing to pay bills so I guess that's why this whole thing popped into my head. Very well said about being a really good detailer. Personally I love challenge's I just wish everyone was willing to pay for it

They fact is that most people can't or don't want to see the difference. A majority of people think that driving through the scratch and shine and adding "hot wax" or "sealant for an extra 4.00 will give them the "wow factor" Or the $79.95 "detail".

Most people here in my opinion appeal to the people who can or want to see the difference, as well as people looking at this site or similar, get to realize what a true "detail" is. Simple fact is, lots of people think a wash/wax and spritz some armor all on the dash and tires is a "detail"

So you have a few choice.

Give em what they want = have a few different package w/add ons

educate your customers

give your customers a good value and let them advertise for you (doesn't mean lowering your standards or prices) (but if you look at some of the "pros" here, they always go that extra mile and give their customers more than they expected)

 

[The Driver]

Anyway, If you don't like the WOW write ups, they are pretty easy to avoid. I am the opposite, I love to open the forum and see a crazy car that someone went to town on and photo documented. That in it self is a lot of work as well.

Have a good week..............

Once, I don't have a problem. It's an abundance of wow is what I'm referencing. I would like to see some more full multi step corrections. I like the intensive stuff

 

[The Driver]

They fact is that most people can't or don't want to see the difference. A majority of people think that driving through the scratch and shine and adding "hot wax" or "sealant for an extra 4.00 will give them the "wow factor" Or the $79.95 "detail".

Most people here in my opinion appeal to the people who can or want to see the difference, as well as people looking at this site or similar, get to realize what a true "detail" is. Simple fact is, lots of people think a wash/wax and spritz some armor all on the dash and tires is a "detail"

So you have a few choice.

Give em what they want = have a few different package w/add ons

educate your customers

I educate my customers FAR beyond what most detailers ever divulge to clients. From products to the process itself. I'm not worried about clients, I have more than enough, I just wish I could get through to them all (That will never happen and.... I guess I should start taking weekends off)

The porsche style marketing does work sometimes, cheap base cost and a lot of add ons. I still prefer the all inclusive stuff though, I hate being a sales man.

 

[JSFM35X]

Being a good salesman is as important as being a top notch detailer. You need both skills to succeeded. Trust me, I have been in sales and management for the last 25 years and sales is not for everyone. If you can get good at it or if you have the IT factor gift and are a natural the sky and your imagination is the limit.

I educate my customers FAR beyond what most detailers ever divulge to clients. From products to the process itself. I'm not worried about clients, I have more than enough, I just wish I could get through to them all (That will never happen and.... I guess I shoulweekends off)

The porsche style marketing does work sometimes, cheap base cost and a lot of add ons. I still prefer the all inclusive stuff though, I hate being a sales man.

 

[Stokdgs]

Confidence is the key to gaining confidence of the prospective buyer of your services..

Once you have their confidence, the selling will not really be as much selling as it is having a pleasant conversation with someone that is going to trust you with their "Baby"...

There are dozens of easy to read "clues" coming from the prospective Client, and all you have to do is tune in to them, figure out how important this vehicle is to them, and go from there.

You need to of course make constant eye contact and armed with your Brinkman light of your choice, your paint thickness meter, a nice clean microfiber cloth, you are dressed appropriately for the meeting, and you will hardly ever get a negative response...

Its on and off pretty quickly, (because you read the Client and have an idea of how much time they can spend with you), and then the appointment is set up, pricing is discussed, and you set "their" expectations right then..

Is there going to be another call/text/etc., if you find something they need to see, after you remove all the gunk hiding the real condition of the paint? Are you set up to send them a quick pic from a phone, etc., if they need to see what you are talking about?

Good luck with this !
DanF

 

[The Driver]

Confidence is the key to gaining confidence of the prospective buyer of your services..

Once you have their confidence, the selling will not really be as much selling as it is having a pleasant conversation with someone that is going to trust your with their "Baby"...

There are dozens of easy to read "clues" coming from the prospective Client, and all you have to do is tune in to them, figure out how important this vehicle is to them, and go from there.

You need to of course make constant eye contact and armed with your Brinkman light of your choice, your paint thickness meter, a nice clean microfiber cloth, you are dressed appropriately for the meeting, and you will hardly ever get a negative response...

Its on and off pretty quickly, (because you read the Client and have an idea of how much time they can spend with you), and then the appointment is set up, pricing is discussed, and you set "their" expectations right then..

Is there going to be another call/text/etc., if you find something they need to see, after you remove all the gunk hiding the real condition of the paint? Are you set up to send them a quick pic from a phone, etc., if they need to see what you are talking about?

Good luck with this !
DanF

Well said, I agree 100%. It's tough especially being an person who really goes hardcore with prep work, telling/explaining to them what they see may only be the tip of the ice berg. Usually the eye's widen when I tell them it's between 12-18 hours usually...

 

[Gurge]

As far as look at me and WOW factor write up's..............

I think that these forums drive alot of business for the guys that do this for a Living. They link their most recent write up and email to a perspective customer looking for a similar level of service. It a justification of why you woujld pay X $ to get the picturred results. Also, alot of perspective customers cruise the net looking for a detailer and these posts serve as advertising for the professionals.

I am here to learn and take care of my own vehicles. At the begining of my detailing Hobby, I learned a ton just from reading pro write ups. Now every now and again I pick up sopmething that really helps me with my own cars.

If anything, I wish all the pros would list what they used (tools, brushes, chemicals and pad and polish combos) so that I could get an idea of that does what and what the results are of each product. I realise that alot is in the technique and less in the product, but I still like to know who plunked down their hard earned cash for what. It helps me decide on what I want to try next. I love to try new stuff that is touted a better or new, or the best.

Nailed it. Sometimes its just about posting a certain car so you might get the attention of someone in that community.

And I always try to remember to post what pads / products I used for the correction work. To help out the next guy whether its a first timer or full timer

 

[Lou Bunn]

I did sales for 30 years in my old job, it got easy (well easier) after I dropped about 80% of that canned sales training the company paid too much for. Do you want an example? Go to a Best Buy and have some "kid" read you the bullet points of why you need a $65 extended warranty on your $150.00 tv.......sad, but you know what I mean. The trick is to talk to a customer like you would talk to a friend, be honest, give them choices and tell them what you would do if it was your car.
Spend time asking them questions about what they want, what they expect and how they plan to use the car and don't forget to let them know that you're ther for them for regular wash/wax jobs - unless they want to come back months later in the same sad shape. You know sir, it's easier and cheaper to maintain than to start over. BINGO - got a detail and a client for those wash-wax days.
It's taken me time to figure this out, but, doing a proper detail is hard work, and I'm not a young man anymore. I can do 1 good one a week, but I'd rather be doing the maintenance wash-wax's, pay is the same (hourly rate) and it's easier on my back.

Also, I want to thank Mr. Todd Helme, his detailing write ups are second to none and should be made into a book! He inspired me to go way beyond what I thought was good enough and my customers are blown away! He has shown the amazing turnarounds and really taking the "hammer'd" back to showroom glory. I've laughed at other guys on that other forum showing a new sports car with a little dust and some light swirls talking about have thrashed it was and how great thou art.....really, get an enema pal before you blow.

This weekend I do a little truck and a little car, just a wash and BFWD, same customer, been doing it every 3-4 months for years. I feel like it's a vacation!

Lou

 

[Beemerboy]

I've had this exact thought on some of the "turn around" pics posted. It's like the thread I started about the word used "trashed". Thanks for posting this, I was glad to not be the only one thinking it

I see these "look at me" before and afters of BRAND NEW cars that need a mild one pass with say Menz FF3000 if that... an than coated. Then it seems to be a "look at this amazing turn around" moment. I respect skill where it's due but I feel as though lately a lot places are really showing just the glam side when in fact the real turn arounds should be the 2+ step corrections an coatings on cars that are 6+ years old

 

[Beemerboy]

I've been in sales, marketing and training for at least twenty five years, being conservative. My take is helping people "buy" listening and identifying the needs...the result is the sale.

That's the largest failure in the buy and sell process is, sales people typically

Seek to be understood, before they seek to understand.

The opposite is what's true.

Being a good salesman is as important as being a top notch detailer. You need both skills to succeeded. Trust me, I have been in sales and management for the last 25 years and sales is not for everyone. If you can get good at it or if you have the IT factor gift and are a natural the sky and your imagination is the limit.

 

[Ronkh]

I've been in sales, marketing and training for at least twenty five years, being conservative. My take is helping people "buy" listening and identifying the needs...the result is the sale.

That's the largest failure in the buy and sell process is, sales people typically

Seek to be understood, before they seek to understand.

The opposite is what's true.

:bow