1 steppers?

Junebug

Junebug

JAFO
Times are tight, my customers are waiting longer between details and some have gone to the cheap tunnel of swirls. I will not cut my price as I am cheaper than anyone else! So, to the "just wash and put something on it" crowd, I'm trying to figure out the best (cost effective but looks good) method/product. Right now I'm using M151, I like it better than Poliseal, but after some reading, Menzerna One Step Acrylic Jacket looks promising. Anybody tried both?

Note - I did have a bit of a problem with 151 last weekend, 2 year old black Jetta- never been waxed. I washed, clayed with AM blue/#49 Body Shine - went straight to 151 on orange & white LC pads via PC. Looked great under the garage lights at 12:30 AM, next day in the sun revealed several blotchy areas the 151 didn't come off, took my strongest QD, and some elbow grease to remove. I guess I should have done an IPA wipe down before the 151.

Thanks
 
I've used Klasse AIO and Zaino AIO... Both excellent products, quick, easy and provide excellent shine and protection.:)

I know what you mean about the "just wash and put something on it" crowd!!! And they want it done for 20 bucks!!!:out:

To be honest I have lowered my rates by $5 per hour, just to generate business. I mostly have repeat customers, so they appreciate the break... (Many of my "return" customers weren't returning!!!):wink:
 
As all cars surfaces are different sometimes from one another, so one have to test a product to make should it's going to work them. Klasse AIO and Menzerna One-step Acrylic Jacket, these provide great results and leave a great protection behind so one should more then one AIO for these types of jobs that come around.
 
The economy has become tougher and people would rather go to the car wash than spend big dollars for a great detail. I use good products ordered from PAC which last at least 6 months. Then I go over proper auto care with my customers and if they want to do the easy work like waxing then I refer them to PAC. I see them every Spring and Winter. I know that seems a long time between customers but, with the economy as it is, it's better to see them twice a year than once every year. Also, by going all out for the customer by making suggestions to help them maintain thie auto appearance it shows them that you care about them and they will return. Just don't give away all your trade. secrets.
 
I appreciate the comments - seems like we're all in the same boat. I guess some folks can't tell the difference from a 20 buck machine swirl job and a 75 dollar hand wash, clay, polish and LSP - plus glass, tires and wheels. No, I'm not kidding. You point out the swirls and scratches that the "autospa boys" put in and they look at you like ..so?
 
Junebug said:
I appreciate the comments - seems like we're all in the same boat. I guess some folks can't tell the difference from a 20 buck machine swirl job and a 75 dollar hand wash, clay, polish and LSP - plus glass, tires and wheels. No, I'm not kidding. You point out the swirls and scratches that the "autospa boys" put in and they look at you like ..so?
Click to expand...



Frustrating, isn't it? :cursing:

Randy
 
Right you are Bill. Today a lot of people see cars as a means of transportation and don't really care what it looks like. To them a car is just a machine or tool to travel to and from. Then there are some who do care what thir vehicle looks like and we see them at least twice a year and finally, there's the exotic cars whose drivers really care how their expensive vehicles look and we see them 4 or 5 times a year. So until the economy picks up (which O expect to be down for the next 2 years easily) we just need to buckle up, budget and try to get the most out of every dollar.
 
June, does the AIO really cut down work time for you (and others doing the 1-step with AIOs)

I can't remember the last time applying and removing LSP took me more than 30 minutes, so for an extra 30 mins, I'm using a 'pure' polish to correct the paint and leave it glossy/LSP ready, then sealing it.

I'll never use those as I'll always have 20-30 mins to apply LSP and I'm not trying to change anyone's mind here, just curious as to why a lot of people choose the AIOs over polish/LSP combo... is it simply that half hour?
 
Ivopivo - you have a great point. As easy as Blackfire is to apply and remove, I could have done a SIP on an orange pad and then did the LSP. I know, I know - you're "supposed" to do another step after SIP, but, it finishes out fine with a Flex or PC (4"pad) and what the heck, guys are saying they're LSP ready after 105.

I agree, the amount of time I spent on that Jetta - granted I didn't use 151 the best way (or did I?) I know that the SIP/BF would have looked better and lasted longer. And in this case, 2 year old car, never waxed, it would have blown the owner away.

I'm really rethinking using AIO's and in particular - M151 again - but it is supposed to be "reconditioning cream"

ya'll - I'm rambling, feel free to chime in
 
Junebug said:
I guess some folks can't tell the difference from a 20 buck machine swirl job and a 75 dollar hand wash, clay, polish and LSP - plus glass, tires and wheels. No, I'm not kidding. You point out the swirls and scratches that the "autospa boys" put in and they look at you like ..so?
Click to expand...

How long does it take you to do all that in general.......?

That's an amazing price, you should have them lined up like cord wood.......

Is it that rough for pro's these days.....?
 
I detail part-time, I charge by the hour - but for the example above - 75 bucks doesn't include a lot of interior detailing. And that is for a normal car, not a SUV -Minivan and not one that looked like someone lived in it either.

Yeah, it's rough, I don't have the biz I've had in the past, but i have had a few full details that sorta made up for the rest. Everybody wants a clean shiny car as cheap as they can get it.
 
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