I also work p/t for my father-in-law who is a licenced Locksmith. the majority of our work comes from import car dealerships (theft jobs, master keying new dealerships, etc) and I would point out to him that the "detailers" at these businesses use inexpensive, bulk products to achieve a quick turnaround. In a dealership, time is money and vehicle prep is based on how quickly the car washers can prepare the vehicle for the buyer. (I really do not fault the dealership on this practice) However, it starts sometimes an uphill battle to explain how a proper detail can transform a paintjob. Again, some people are fine with the swirl-o-matic at the corner and their detailers ( it's almost pointless to try to change their minds). For those who want to take it to the next level, I'll be there.
Oh, so you're a Detailer? You work for a dealership?
- Thread starter todd@bsaw
- Start date
So true! The place I buy 3M Ultrafina from also sells to the local BMW/Cadillac dealer. The dealership has seen a demonstration of UF and agrees it works...but they don't want to spend the money. Ugh.
This is typical dealership detailing that I have fixed over the last few months...
Guess which side I polished?
This one got signed off on!
Sudz On The Run
New member
Good talk and it is so true , the only thing i disagree on is not throwing the wrench. Should of belted him with it
imported_artikxscout
New member
It's kind of funny you mention that too Scott. Dealership do wonders to their cars on the lot, but I've seen couple cars that roll off the Showroom looking perfect. Maybe they just don't to spend money on the cars that they just want to liquidate. ::shrugs::
imported_Shaun Carollo
New member
yakky said:
How did you figure out my master plan?! Being fixed and mobile, I need to look into this, it could work out perfect!
vtec92civic
New member
Wow . . . . now that is what i'm talking about! I would have tossed the wrench and laughed at him in the process. Don't feel bad about what you charge because we go through the same stuff over here along with everyone else.
Dealership people think they know it all. Their cleaning skills speak for itself just look at the condition of most all the cars on the lot . . . . even the brand spanking new ones. It's sad that someone like that young kid decided to try and insult your intelligence . . . . . carry on with what you do and don't mind his stupidity.
Dealership people think they know it all. Their cleaning skills speak for itself just look at the condition of most all the cars on the lot . . . . even the brand spanking new ones. It's sad that someone like that young kid decided to try and insult your intelligence . . . . . carry on with what you do and don't mind his stupidity.
brwill2005
New member
This situation is just a fact about the detailing business. Everyone and their brother with some soap and rags is an auto detailer. I do not even worry about it anymore. What I do, is try to differentiate myself from these idiots, and show people what a real professional detail company is all about. This does not mean that I have to spend 50 hours on a car perfecting the paint. What it does mean , is offering top notch service and a great value.
imported_Larry A
New member
I work for a Toyota dealership. I donot detail cars there. Ive seen a lot of detailers work and I have to say that are detailer is one of the best.When he buffs he used megs #151 most of the time with a foam pad. He uses a paste wax and he clays most of the cars . His cars come out swirl free with a lot of depth and gloss.
Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
I'm glad I'm perhaps not the only one who's been frustrated by all the threads that start "Hi, I've washed my cars a few times and it's kind of fun, so I've decided to start a detailing business. Can you guys tell me what to buy and how to do it? I'm opening next Monday."
HiMyNameIsSean
New member
I just hope you guys don't just toss every young kid that wants to start a detailing business into the same category. There's some of us who have a true love for it, and a will to learn.
Just my .02
:thx
Just my .02
:thx
JimmyCutlass
New member
I am seventeen, I have only had my license since January and had my own car since April. I have started my own detailing business. Even I know exactly what you guys mean. :grrr I am pretty good with my DA and can do a fair bit of paint correction. I am slowly getting the hang of my new Harbor Freight rotary (taking it one step at a time), I use mostly Meg's Detailer Line/Mirror Glaze products and do top notch work
When I hand out my business cards and show pictures of my work or my car to others they tell me how they can bring it to the car wash for ~$15 instead of pay me $150. They seriously don't know the difference between the services they will receive at their typical car wash and what I offer.
When I showed one guy at school the 50/50 of my parents' Saturn hood and trunk lid (intentionally half corrected to showcase my work) after some loving with my rotary, G110, M105/M205 and M16 he assumed that I put a layer of wax on one side and not the other. The lack of swirls and RIDS was a result of a layer of wax. :lol I think we all wish it was that easy.
Everyone thinks they can match the skills of a young detailer and everyone thinks they can get the same job done that I do for under $50. :think: Good luck I tell them, you are better off going to them first so there is more damage for me to fix. :woohoo:
When I hand out my business cards and show pictures of my work or my car to others they tell me how they can bring it to the car wash for ~$15 instead of pay me $150. They seriously don't know the difference between the services they will receive at their typical car wash and what I offer.
When I showed one guy at school the 50/50 of my parents' Saturn hood and trunk lid (intentionally half corrected to showcase my work) after some loving with my rotary, G110, M105/M205 and M16 he assumed that I put a layer of wax on one side and not the other. The lack of swirls and RIDS was a result of a layer of wax. :lol I think we all wish it was that easy.
Everyone thinks they can match the skills of a young detailer and everyone thinks they can get the same job done that I do for under $50. :think: Good luck I tell them, you are better off going to them first so there is more damage for me to fix. :woohoo:
imported_DJ Mayo
New member
lawrencea said:
Ummmm, do what now??
todd@bsaw said:
Now I didn't read all of these posts....and I'm in the process of starting a small detail business...BUT....I'm not stupid enough to think I know it all or that someone down the block may know more. I do and will continue to consider myself a student in this "art".
That being said....At the point where he made that comment and walked away, "thats probably the best thing you've done all day..."
I'm not real patient for anyone coming on my property and being flat out insulting.
imported_rusty bumper
New member
Scottwax...
Do most of those dealership hack jobs require a rotary to fix, or do you use the DA polisher?
Do most of those dealership hack jobs require a rotary to fix, or do you use the DA polisher?
Superior Shine
New member
C'mon. Your being too tough on the poor little hack "detailer" I love those guys. They help me make tons of money.
YouTube - Superior Shine Auto Detailing, new client with BMW & buffer trails 1
YouTube - Superior Shine Auto Detailing, new client with BMW & buffer trails 1
RaskyR1
Rasky's Auto Detailing
todd@bsaw said:
LOL! I live with a few guys from Wisconsin and I just like giving cheese heads a hard time.
All in fun bro.
bigmackmiller
New member
You have to admit though...the more cars these guys screw up, the more cars there is for you pro's to fix...lol
Bullitt
Showroom Auto Detailing
This client just bought this MB. When he was ready to pick it up, it had a few scratches here and there, so he asked if they could fix them. This is the end result of the dealer's #1 products and professional staff. Looks like they ran with twisted wool and 8000rpm and then some. But hey, I probably get 50-60% of my business from clients with brand new cars in the wrong hands. And your right Jakerooni, I can't even look at Craigslist ads without wanting to jump through the screen and throw a wrench at these people. I saw an ad on CL the other day; the guy claims to have been in business for more than 20 years, yet has no website, pictures,logo, etc, etc. All we can do is keep correcting all there mistakes, and I don't mind, it makes me more money. I just feel bad for the person who paid for a new car, not a swirl/buffer trail package.
They even installed deep RIDS and swirls along with many wetsanding marks all over the car. Here's a 50/50 of the front fender after 105 and 83. Keep in mind this is before the 205 and UF. I just can't believe that these swirls were not there before the dealer got his hands on it.
They even installed deep RIDS and swirls along with many wetsanding marks all over the car. Here's a 50/50 of the front fender after 105 and 83. Keep in mind this is before the 205 and UF. I just can't believe that these swirls were not there before the dealer got his hands on it.