Joining an association

Bunky said:
When the industry experts are representatives of chemical companies, it sounds more like a way to get detailers identified for marketing reasons in the name of certification.



It is sorta like the gasoline companies wanting to get people to join an driving association so people get certified as drivers.
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BINGO! It is blatant and transparent profiteering, plain and simple.



Since the representatives who provide education to association members are chemists who work for product manufacturers, I'll just go directly to those manufacturers and ask them to tell me how to properly and effectively use their products. If the product manufacturer refuses to provide me with the information I need, I won't be purchasing or using their products. Just that simple.
 
It comes from a client that said he was friends with said bait-&-switch'ee. Take it for what it's worth but he has no reason to bad mouth them. The guy is straight up.



I agree that not everything is about what is in it for me. As an example(specifically in my case) you can take a look at my previous posts and see how many posts are there from helping out people who otherwise could be my competition. It's about us helping each other without monetary gain here at Autopia. My biggest direct competition in my market is Bryan Burnsworth and I have only said good things about him and his work to people who call me saying they also spoke with Bryan. He does good work, is honest and I am sure if you chose to use him you will be happy, is my typical line. If all I was here for was monetary gain I would be bad mouthing him and/or Mike at Mirror Detailing. I like those guys and it's friendly competition as far as I am concerned. (besides that there is enough business for all of us ;))



With that said...



If I am going to spend $200+, there had better be something in it for me. I worked hard for that money and there simply must be something tangible justifying the cost.



For the rest, as I said, I hope IDA becomes more and I can see the value in the future.



buda said:
JC



Did you personally see this "bait & switch" occur. Were you involved in the "bait and switch?" Or is this something someone told you?



You know it is said that you believe none of what you hear and only 1/2 of what you see.



The Phase 1 part of the IDA Certification is a very simple program. It tests a detailer's knowledge of chemicals; leathers; wheels materials; paint finishes, etc. There is nothing subjective at all about the Phase 1 test, you either know the information or you don't.



The industry experts are represenatives from all of the major chemical companies in the detail industry, including chemists.



The Certification Committee was made up as well of detail operators too who gave valuable input as to the types of questions that should be asked in the tests.



The subjective part of the Certification is Phase II which is the hands on testing and that has yet to be finalized.



One step at a time.



As for the IDA policing it's members, it is not an enforcement agency. The IDA hopes that everyone who signs the agreement to abide by the Code of Ethics will do so. What is called the "honor" system. Of course if a customer or another detail business owner reports an IDA member in violation of the Code of Ethics in writing (eliminating heresay) the IDA Board has an Ethics Committee that will act on the complaint. But it has to be a formal complaint in writing for everyone's protection.



Joining an association is not alway about "what's in it for me." It is about what can I give back to the industry in which I make my living. As they say it is better to give than to receive.



If you are only looking to "receive." And, you do not feel for the IDA dues fee you will get no value exchange how can I convince you to join. I and the others who support the IDA do not do so with the attitude of "what's in it for me." It is what can I give back.



Regards

Bud Abraham
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I am interested as well in who the "industry experts" are. I know chemists were mentioned, but bud, you stated "The Certification Committee was made up as well of detail operators too", who exactly is the committee made up of ? Can we get business names and locations ?
 
Jean-Claude said:
II must know who these industry leading manufacturers and professionals are. The current sponsors are far from industry leading manufacturers, save for Makita(whom I really doubt knows a lick about detailing -probably more about granite polishing...). I am not trying to slight the current members of the IDA, but whom of them are industry leaders as advertised?
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I don't see how you can say this? Here's a short list of them:

*Auto Magic

*PRO

*CARBRITE

*Auto Geek

*Stoners

*Simonize

*Eco Lab

*Optimum



Chances are you use products from these people on every detail. I know I do. If they aren't industry leaders I don't know who is? Maybe people should reach out to one of these companies and ask why they felt there was a value in joining the IDA.



I also know a member in Michigan (Classic Appreciation) and they are far from being hacks. Probably one of the most sucessful operators in the state. They obviously also felt value for joining the association.



Bud - I hope you understand the resistance this forum has for accepting the IDA? It's not that people are against the concept of an association. I think it's more or less resistance to change. It would be nice if more IDA members could be active on this forum. I think as more people see their presence they may understand their rationale for growing the industry. They might also open their eyes to adopting greater ideas/processes for the trade.
 
David Fermani said:
It would be nice if more IDA members could be active on this forum. I think as more people see their presence they may understand their rationale for growing the industry. They might also open their eyes to adopting greater ideas/processes for the trade.
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Bullseye. Since it's agreed that Autopia has developed a significant influence on the professional detailing trade, this sounds like an ideal way to move forward to growing the association.
 
Good spot David. I simply missed those. My mistake.



It's reassuring to see that list though and it does change my opinion though I am still reserved.



David Fermani said:
I don't see how you can say this? Here's a short list of them:

*Auto Magic

*PRO

*CARBRITE

*Auto Geek

*Stoners

*Simonize

*Eco Lab

*Optimum



Chances are you use products from these people on every detail. I know I do. If they aren't industry leaders I don't know who is? Maybe people should reach out to one of these companies and ask why they felt there was a value in joining the IDA.



I also know a member in Michigan (Classic Appreciation) and they are far from being hacks. Probably one of the most sucessful operators in the state. They obviously also felt value for joining the association.



Bud - I hope you understand the resistance this forum has for accepting the IDA? It's not that people are against the concept of an association. I think it's more or less resistance to change. It would be nice if more IDA members could be active on this forum. I think as more people see their presence they may understand their rationale for growing the industry. They might also open their eyes to adopting greater ideas/processes for the trade.
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David Fermani said:
I don't see how you can say this? Here's a short list of them:

*Auto Magic

*PRO

*CARBRITE

*Auto Geek

*Stoners

*Simonize

*Eco Lab

*Optimum
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I'm not trying to nit-pick here, but Auto Geek isn't a manufacturer, are they ?
 
They are Palm Beach Motoring Accessories, makes of those PBMA brands.Boutique products. They are a bit different than Auto Magic, Pro, and Carbrite, maybe not exactly apples to apples.
 
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