Good 1-step polish?

T

tustah

New member
I've been detailing for customers for about a month now, and I would say 90% of them are only willing to pay for a 1-step polish. The problem with this is that I get the feeling they expect a lot of defect removal from the 1-step. I try my best to give thorough explanation, but they are more worried over price.



I have been using a OC/OP mixture with a touch of RMG. I'm not entirely sure what I can use that will be stronger but won't require a 2nd step.



Products I have are:



OP

OC

OHC

Menzerna IP

PO106FF

RMG



Lately I've been seeing Hi-Temp Extreme Cut mixed with OP. Not sure if that qualifies as a one step though.



Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
 
If you want a true one step, then I'd highly recommend the FK1 215, as it provides decent bite and durability. If you want a good cut with great finish - with a separate step of LSP application - then try OHC, ClearKote Compound Moose or Hi-Temp's Heavy Cut.
 
What about Meguiars #80? Pretty decent light swirl removal and when topped with a carnauba will help hide any minor remaining defects.
 
Bence said:
If you want a good cut with great finish - with a separate step of LSP application - then try OHC, ClearKote Compound Moose or Hi-Temp's Heavy Cut.
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Wouldn't the use of OHC require you to finish with a light polish? Maybe a 50/50 mix of OHC/OP would do the trick?



Been looking into Hi-Temp products but would it be as effective using a PC? Recommendations say use a rotory.



Scottwax said:
What about Meguiars #80? Pretty decent light swirl removal and when topped with a carnauba will help hide any minor remaining defects.
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Will look into that. I think they sell it at my local Pepboys and Paint supply store.
 
Im only familiar with OP and OC, but either obviously finishes out very well. Have you considered a spray wax after your polish? I mean.........give them what they pay for! Spray waxes are very convenient, affordable and obviously time isnt a factor. 10 minutes and you can do an entire car.
 
tustah,



The 50/50 mix of OHC & OP is roughly the OC... :D



Some say that HT products work with a DA. I use my HTEC with the rotary only. The CKCM work excellent with both machines.
 
StumpyDetailing said:
I personally love to use OC on an Orange pad, followed with Meguiars #66 on a White Polishing pad...



The good comments never stop :getdown
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Wouldn't that be considered a 2 step polish if I took that method?
 
tustah said:
I've been detailing for customers for about a month now, and I would say 90% of them are only willing to pay for a 1-step polish. The problem with this is that I get the feeling they expect a lot of defect removal from the 1-step. I try my best to give thorough explanation, but they are more worried over price.
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Sounds like you are aiming at the wrong target market and you need a good 1-step marketing plan. Something that will help you to identify the type of customer who needs your detailing service, what they expect and what they are willing to pay.



1) Who is the customer?

2) What does the customer buy?

3) What are the values of the customer?

4) What are the realities of the customer?

5) What does the customer expect from your service?

6) What is the customer willing to pay for your service?



In your case, the realities of the customer are not matched very well with the service you are delivering. At the same time, the prices also appear to be a mis-match.



Contrary to popular belief, being in the detailing business is 80% about operating a business and only 20% about the technical aspect of detailing. You are not just detailing for customers, you are attempting to become an entrepreneur. Yes, there is a difference.



Just look at all of the responses. Every single reply has been about finding a good 1-step polish. Not a single person had anything to say about what you are offering and what your customers expect. Look closely, 100% of the replies are technical. Not a single word about the business side of things. Sure, the replies will certainly help with the technical side of things however, they do not help to solve your problem of what your customers expect and what they are willing to pay.



It is up to you to go out there and 1) identify the customer and why that customer needs your service, 2) learn more about how your customers will measure the value of your service, 3) package your services in order to meet the needs of your customer, 4) become market driven, 5) find a need and fill it.
 
mirrorfinishman said:
Sounds like you are aiming at the wrong target market and you need a good 1-step marketing plan. Something that will help you to identify the type of customer who needs your detailing service, what they expect and what they are willing to pay.



1) Who is the customer?

2) What does the customer buy?

3) What are the values of the customer?

4) What are the realities of the customer?

5) What does the customer expect from your service?

6) What is the customer willing to pay for your service?



In your case, the realities of the customer are not matched very well with the service you are delivering. At the same time, the prices also appear to be a mis-match.



Contrary to popular belief, being in the detailing business is 80% about operating a business and only 20% about the technical aspect of detailing. You are not just detailing for customers, you are attempting to become an entrepreneur. Yes, there is a difference.



Just look at all of the responses. Every single reply has been about finding a good 1-step polish. Not a single person had anything to say about what you are offering and what your customers expect. Look closely, 100% of the replies are technical. Not a single word about the business side of things. Sure, the replies will certainly help with the technical side of things however, they do not help to solve your problem of what your customers expect and what they are willing to pay.



It is up to you to go out there and 1) identify the customer and why that customer needs your service, 2) learn more about how your customers will measure the value of your service, 3) package your services in order to meet the needs of your customer, 4) become market driven, 5) find a need and fill it.
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First off, I would like to thank you for your response. I absolutely understand that I'm not getting the right customers but as a college student just trying to make some money on the side, I am limited to the customers I can get. I have been using craigslist and posting on local forums, which is why most of the customers expect so much but are not willing to pay for it.



I have also been thinking about packaging some of the deals. The problem is that there would be a price increase with more than a 1-step process (which is evident), but I live in Houston, TX and it's rather difficult to find someone that is willing to pay that much. Sure I can educate them on the difference between my services and a Mister Carwash, but as I said, there aren't many willing to pay that much to have their car detailed here.



Again, you are absolutely right about "finding the right clients under the right terms". That is the root of my problem.
 
You will find that well educated men and women, such as; doctors, dentists, attorneys, CPA financial advisors, stock brokers and especially small business owners, will usually be the type of person who needs your detailing services.



Look through the phone book and make a list of the different groups of highly educated professionals. These people, usually equally divided among men and women, will become the core of your target market. They are the people you need to go after.



These people are high income professionals who value their time. In most cases, they have a need to have the appearance of their car maintained on a regular basis, similar to having scheduled oil changes. They understand it is just as important to take care of the appearance of their car, much the same as the mechanical parts. They are smart about regular maintenance and they are always looking for good people who do good work.



Finding good customers is all about going out there and finding people who are truely interested in receiving a high level of quality for their money. Not necessarily a low price. People who understand the value of your detailing service.



Your job is to provide a convenient, valuable, time saving service. Maintain a high level of quality and you will be able to charge a profitable price for your services.
 
tustah said:
Wouldn't that be considered a 2 step polish if I took that method?
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not really because OC is a polish that finishes down LSP ready while 66 is a light cleaner polish/wax in one....therefore leaving you with one polish step and one wax step....



or are you looking for a polish/wax in one - one step using the polisher only? if thats the case, then 66 has been good for me for oxidation removal and wax protection....not good for scratches/swirls in my experience
 
Frank: Thanks again. I'll definitely start marketing towards customers with higher incomes. Very useful advice!



toyotaguy: I usually finish using Jeff's Werkstatt twins, so I'm looking for a one step using the polisher. I think my main concern was the customer's thoughts on my details, but I think for the condition I am given, I do an excellent job at detailng their vehicles.
 
mirrorfinishman said:
Contrary to popular belief, being in the detailing business is 80% about operating a business and only 20% about the technical aspect of detailing. You are not just detailing for customers, you are attempting to become an entrepreneur. Yes, there is a difference.
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I am sorry Frank, but that 20/80 ratio is just flat wrong. 50/50 is more like it. If you want to command higher prices and be chosey about your clientel, not only do you need to be a good businessman but you need to be a damn good detailer too. You have to keep up on the latest products and techniques to stay ahead of the competetion. That not only requires business acumen but a willingness to embrace new technology as it hits the detailing industry to see if it helps your detailing process.



Conversly, it doesn't matter how good a detailer you are if you don't know how to run a business, market and price your work properly. 50/50. You have to be equally good at both, IMO.



You are pretty much right on about the rest though. Decide what your market is and go after it.
 
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