Napdr

P

PROServices

New member
So.. um Im confused..



I went to the NAPDR site and its a little wanting... Its on a sellstuff forum which seems to me like they are profiting from their organization. Is it a trade assosiation or is it a money making opportunity for some individuals who want to LOOK like a trade association.



I LOVE trade guilds. Shopkeepers putting their heads together and coming up with industry goals and stratagies to make sure everyone in the industry maximizes their businesses potential. Fees for these organizations are collected for things like marketing co-ops and in the really good ones, group benefits like insurance etc... Typically a guild is formed by a group of unaffiliated business owners within a given industry. An organization started by one person or a small team of persons is not a guild, or an association, it is a business. Show me an organization that is formed by a broad crossection of dedicated top notch detailers who want to keep the tunnel washes and bottom feeding catlle chute operations from ruining the "true" detailing profession, and im feeling all tingly.. but i find myself asking....



Why am I paying 250 a year to get a NAPDR membership... When i clicked on member benefits it said i had to be an authorized user to access that... Pay before you see??? Umm not this detailer.



I will be attending MTE this year.. I am sure that I will see a lot of great things... But NAPDR needs to know that as a detailer I dont really need more "individual satisfaction" because i spent 250 to join their club. Ive got legitimate vendors who's products I buy to run my operation. They need to work on the WIFM statement a little and I might get excited, but right now all I see is...



At best: a group trying to do something good for the industry that needs to do a whole lot better before I give them my shops endorsement....



At worst: Just one more group with a website and a foil sticker giving hack detailers an opportunity to try and buy a little credibility. .....





Feel free to post your comments... Im still in this to learn.....
 
Well, I shared your sentiments until recently.



To be sure, NAPDR is a new and fledgling organization, and it has stumbled in its initial efforts to gain membership. But there is a need and desire for a single voice for our profession. I, for one, choose to support and assist the organization.



Potential members attending MTE will have an outstanding opportunity to 'interview' the organization and the principals.



Keep an open mind, it is just three weeks away...



I look forward to meeting you in Clearwater!



Jim
 
I agree with Jim. A few growing pains for sure but up and coming.



NAPDR will have a booth at the MTE. I invite you (and anyone reading this) to go by and speak to them.
 
Let's see now.......The NAPDR Website hosts a story:



"NASCAR recommends professional carwashing". Okay. Fine. (Even though the NASCAR AutoService site sponsors Ecolab Care Care Products. You know, the Blue Coral folks.)



I read the story and see that it is sponsored by 3MCarCare. Hmmm. There's that creeping corporate sponsorship again.



.......but wait. In the story it states:



• Wax your car. Your car-wax coat will be the final line of defense between the damaging winter elements and your paint finish.



• Use a sealant. Paint sealant stays above the wax layer and will be the first barrier that comes into contact with the salt, snow, etc. Paint sealant is easy to apply and adds lots of extra protection.





Is this information correct? If the "car-wax" coat is the final line of defense, then how do I actually apply a sealant if it "stays above the wax layer"? Confusing. Conflicting.

Does this information apply to all product lines or merely to 3M's? Let's see:



From Autogeek: "If you really want to amplify the shine, apply a layer of carnauba over a layer of sealant. The sealant will create a glossy, hard coating while the carnauba wax will enhance the depth and dimension of the paint. A popular combination in the forums is Klasse All-In-One under Souverän."



......and Poorboy's recommends: "Poorboys Natty’s Red Wax also makes an outstanding topper. Apply your favorite paint sealant and allow it to cure. Apply Poorboys Natty’s Red Wax over the sealant to get the long-lasting protection of a sealant and the wet gloss of a quality carnauba paste wax."



......and from "The Perfect Shine": "The basic procedure involves cleaning, polishing, sealing and waxing. The final step of applying a topcoat of show car wax has become quite a phenomenon in car enthusiast circles."



So, is NAPDR or some other dues collecting fraternity going to adopt one specific technique that meets their approval? Will that technique depend on a particular product line whose manufacturer ponies up the most in sponsorship funds?



If no particular technique is to be specified, and results achieved are based upon a detailer's product knowledge and practiced usage, then what the hell is the purpose of all this?
 
Thats the point. Guilds or other professional association are intended to protect the interests of the business owners of the industry.. Are they agents of the chemical manufacturers association or the detailers? Corporations who do business with the detailing trade are a shakey proposal for industry sponsorship.. its a lot like putting the wolf in charge of the hen house. And if you are trying to tell me that i have to subscribe to one specific methodology for detailing then you really dont know much about detailing...perhaps more about selling detailing products...genuine trade associations generate business awareness for the industry and provide a strength in numbers platform for otherwise individual business owners; not just another place to send our money. Looking forward to talking with the good folks out at MTE in a few weeks, maybe i will get a better picture then. At this point I would be more comfortable with AUTOPIAN endorsements than anything else i have seen out there.
 
PROServices said:
Thats the point. Guilds or other professional association are intended to protect the interests of the business owners of the industry.. Are they agents of the chemical manufacturers association or the detailers? Corporations who do business with the detailing trade are a shakey proposal for industry sponsorship.. its a lot like putting the wolf in charge of the hen house. And if you are trying to tell me that i have to subscribe to one specific methodology for detailing then you really dont know much about detailing...perhaps more about selling detailing products...genuine trade associations generate business awareness for the industry and provide a strength in numbers platform for otherwise individual business owners; not just another place to send our money. Looking forward to talking with the good folks out at MTE in a few weeks, maybe i will get a better picture then. At this point I would be more comfortable with AUTOPIAN endorsements than anything else i have seen out there.
Click to expand...



Are you agreeing with me?



My intention was to point out the links that intertwine the entities listed.



'Tis why the referenced "association" holds no magic for me.
 
I just joined the Association today and also am making reservations for the Mobile Tech Expo. As someone who transitioned from a paid hobby to a full time business, I hope to get a ton of information at this show and with this association.



Most associations have growing pains and I don't know of a single one that didn't.



Toto
 
Totoland Mach said:
I just joined the Association today and also am making reservations for the Mobile Tech Expo. As someone who transitioned from a paid hobby to a full time business, I hope to get a ton of information at this show and with this association.



Most associations have growing pains and I don't know of a single one that didn't.



Toto
Click to expand...



The most valuable part of the whole deal is rubbing elbows with other detailers. That by far is what I enjoy most.



Welcome aboard! :woot2:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top