Pros or Hobbyists?

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imported_Indy YZF

New member
In alot of threads, folks talk alot about 'customers', etc. It got me thinking, does anybody have any idea what portion of the contributors and readers of these threads are Pros vs Amateurs? Im just curious. Always nice to know what the population comprises before we address them!
 
I'm a hobbyist. What got me going was I had a 4 year old car that was never polished or waxed. Had a pro come over and detail it in and out. Looked brand new when he left and I figured I might as well keep it as good looking as I can so I went crazy with the professional products and am very pleased with the results I am getting with the products on all four of my vehicles. I look at it as therapy as I enjoy doing the vehicles.

I use

Menz FPII

Blackfire sealant

P21S wax

PC 7424

Hi Temp tire cleaner

TOL Grape dressing

TOL Bubble Bath
 
I think the weekend warriors out weigh the pros on here.



But then again who knows! I am currently a professional for you stats.
 
Call me part-time detailer, just trying to put some $ in the kids college fund. But, the thing I like about this forum is we can all learn from each other, afterall, it's usually the weekend warriors that try the new stuff first.
 
Not sure if you really want to call me a pro but I do get paid to detail. I can pretty much do anything but wetsand and thats only because I have never tried it nor had anyone to teach me.
 
It's hard to said, always try to keep my rides perfect and have done details for folks in the past and just did one last Sunday. My first paying job was in the summer of 1969! Did my supers 69 Z28 when he needed it wash and wax (only stuff around in those days was good old turtle wax) and got paid 5.00 bucks. So i would say a Hobbyists.....:usa
 
Im a beginning hobbyist but i plan on picking up detailing because:

#1 i like having my ride look the best

#2 i can maybe make a little extra $ on the weekends and days off

#3 its a good workout and gets me outside...nothing like looking at a car that just had a good detail done and knowing you did it.
 
I consider myself an amateur at detailing. Because it is one of my hobbies.



Then again, I fund my hobby by detailing. I dont think it makes me a pro, but I guess that depends how you define pro.
 
amature here, only take care of my car and 3-5 others for family & close friends. although ever since i've taken on this little hobby (5 yrs ago) Im no longer afraid of losing my job (well i would miss the cushy desk and a/c) as I think I would have great 2nd career detailing cars. It never fails, when Im detailing a friend/family car I have at least 2-3 people stop and ask me for a business card to which i respond "oh, are you looking to hire a VP of finance" LOL. But old age is catching up with me, those 3-4 hour detail jobs kill me - it's a young man's job (I'm 40).
 
Im in same situation as smprince and Junebug, money for the kids school fund, but the wife thinks when wwe getcash it goes in her pocket. Sonyexec, how about 2 or even 3 full details in one day, when you start late 10am, and only hnew about 1. I also am old 43, but I really enjoy washing, buffing, paint correction, and application ofLSP. I havnt advertyised inthe paper yet do to the fact my shop is in my mother in laws back shop, and she has the house/shop combo for SALE &%^#@*, and Im the one who how to do all the moving when she does sell. RANDAL
 
How about, Semi-pro? I detail my cars for a rental business and do a few cars a week for pay to add to the revenue stream. I've been doing detailing on/off for about 10 years mostly as a hobbyist for self, family and friends.



sonyexec - 40's the new 20 man!!!! I'm 43 and can do 2 cars a day with my sons help. We take our time and I use a rolling seat for buffing the sides of cars so I'm not on my feet all day. I'm in "fair" shape depending on who you talk to (Wife says a I could shed a few), but I love it and am considering actually advertising as a detailer in my area. I'd in no way say I'm a pro, but more than a hobbyist as I have no choice in my business but to detail every day.



PS... I gave up my director of IT & cushy corner office overlooking the Flat Irons in Boulder to play with cars all day. I was going bonkers and had to make a major change!!!!!
 
I envy you coscooper! I'm at the point that I absolutely DO NOT enjoy my real job anymore and would like to do detailing full time. The problem is I have a family to support and don't think I can approximate my currently handsome salary and benefits package from the real job.



I wouldn't consider myself a pro by any means but to answer the OP I do it on the weekends for extra cash and have done so for a few years now. I have waded into the deep end with some minor wetsanding and corrections and have been very happy with my results thus far. Correcting and polishing (then sealing) vehicle paint is a passion I thoroughly enjoy but "pro"? I'll reserve use of that word to some of the others here who display incredible magic with machines and time tested and learned technique! (David F., Todd of TropicalDetail, Anthony O., Picus and others who escape memory at the moment).
 
Puckman - well, it's not been easy after being use to the high$$ salary. We lived well within our means already and have had to learn to cut-back. But, I now have "sanity" in my life and am not nearly as stressed.



Learning every day about all of this is also a bit exciting. New technology to me and new way of thinking. But, LOVING IT.
 
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