Question about a base detail, not full correction.

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David703

New member
Im working at a local Ford dealership detailing their used cars. I don't get paid much for a basic detail. My question is how do you do a one step process? In other words, if Im not doing a full correction, should i just use a mild polish such as FPII and whatever that corrects I leave the remaining swirls? Obviously if I use something a lot stronger such as PG, I will need to buff off the holigrams left from the stronger polish.. then I'm heading towards full correction.



I recently just did a dark blue focus, I felt no big deal, small car, etc.. it took my 5 hours and I ended up with a full correction detail.



:hairpull



I need some basic "one step" proceedures.. thanks!
 
I would use a good AIO product, like Meguiars M66 or D151. Why give them more if they aren't willing to pay for it. At the price they pay it doesn't make sense to use expensive products.
 
Mind If I ask what they are paying per car? I was able to get $125 from one of my local used car dealers. I used to spend 3-4 hours on his cars. I don't really do them any more now though unless his detail shop is backed up with auction cars. I really don't like doing that kind of work anymore...
 
OK normally I wouldn't say to do this but.... If you're dealing with low balling dealers that don't 1. want to pay for a real service and 2. have no clue what a real detail is. Go get a nice filler polish. Glaze it over and fill it. The filler will last up to a couple of weeks. Once they wash it or it breaks down all the swirls will come back. But most dealer don't give a rats arse about that. They want it to look good now. Spend as little time on it as it takes to make it look good now. Hopefully the car sells in that time frame and the new owners spring for a correct detail. The main thing when dealing with dealer cars you have to treat this way.... Keep your name as far away from it as possible. It's crap work and hack work. But it's really how 99% of the dealerships are out there. Most will tell you they use nothing but top of the line products but most if not all are just plain wrong. They have no clue about detailing they only know clean.
 
HiTemp HT-69



a light cut polish & LSP in one

give them what they pay for ...the product is cheap and works well

and that will save you some time & money





IMO you need to lower your standards or upsell them the full correction
 
Jakerooni said:
The main thing when dealing with dealer cars you have to treat this way.... Keep your name as far away from it as possible. It's crap work and hack work. But it's really how 99% of the dealerships are out there. Most will tell you they use nothing but top of the line products but most if not all are just plain wrong. They have no clue about detailing they only know clean.
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What's the point in doing this profession if you can't stand behind your work? This might be the approach if you have no intention on staying in the detail business, but if you plan on growing your business, you'll need to put every reasonable effort into making these vehicle come out the way your customers want them. It doesn't matter what level of quality you're doing as long as your client's needs are met/exceeded and you're able to be profitable. Dealer work is as glamourous as you make it. Case in point, my business was my name(Fermani's Detail Center) and that's what allowed me to sell it to someone that still uses it 5 years later.



David703 - Menzerna makes some awsome products and is typically a slow working polish. Because of this, it usually isn't condusive to a dealer detail atmosphere. I suggest getting a faster working product like Meg's 105 and experiment with different techniques to hone down your touch time. Or, think about other products that can correct and fill in defects long term.



Did you ever think about opening up your own shop doing cars for this and other dealers?
 
Dave I humbly disagree with your statement. If the dealer was actually willing to pay for a top notch service so be it. Normally I would just refuse the work however in certian area's especially refusing any work at all just doesn't make any sort of sense at all. So if this low balling dealer is the only way to pay the bills for now so be it. But like Big Jim said. Only do what they are willing to pay for. If they want it glossed and tossed and back on the lot in 3 hours or less please tell me what options are readily available to do such work? You're obviously not going to correctly detail it (in most cases) so you do what you have to. Now when summer gets here and the clients start rolling in and want to know why they need to come to you instead of the next guy and you say well I take care of "So and so" dealer down the road and it's nothing but hack city do you really think the client is going to listen to "Well they just don't want to pay for a real service" I don't tell anyone which dealers I work for unless the dealers let me work the way I want to. Even if they don't pay well but let me take as long as I need I'm fine with that. However I had a couple of dealerships that literally wanted it spruced up and back within a couple of hours tops. If this guy is in the same situation I wouldn't blame him for one second if he didn't tell anyone in the area what dealer he works for.
 
RaskyR1 said:
I would use a good AIO product, like Meguiars M66 or D151. Why give them more if they aren't willing to pay for it. At the price they pay it doesn't make sense to use expensive products.
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not to hijack, but what pad do you like for 66? I use the Megs finishing pad and it just gums it up within minutes.
 
white gecko 99 said:
not to hijack, but what pad do you like for 66? I use the Megs finishing pad and it just gums it up within minutes.
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I've used the Meg's polishing pad with 66 before and it worked fine. Although, I always switch pads about 1/2 way through. If it's gumming up, try using less, switch to a fresh pad, or clean the pad with a brush as you go.
 
thanks all for your comments.. i guess there isn't one "right" answer to my dilema.



I have been friends with the dealer and manager for over 20yrs. Their FT detailer quit.. then a guy that worked in another department was doing it PT at night for the dealer, for extra money. But he wasn't experienced and low balled them with a price per car. So i inherited the job and amount per car from him because he couldnt keep up with the demand.. (only about 3-4 cars per week) since he worked 9-5 M-F already.



The manager who is a GREAT guy, appreciates the value he is getting but admits that the owner, who is strapped during this economic turndown, isnt going to pay any more..Im working my butt off for what equates to $10-$15per hour, and that isnt going to cut it.



I detail PT as I have another business that supports me.



So I guess I'll go with a nice AIO and hope they are still happy.
 
Menzerna Power Finish PO 203 is a very good product. This is my go to one step, you will save lots of time and energy with this product. Its cutting power is very good and finishes just as good. Hologram free!!
 
I would have said P0203 PowerFinish but that is a little pricey for your work here...a gallon of D151 or PoliSeal and you should be in good shape.... :)
 
white gecko 99 said:
not to hijack, but what pad do you like for 66? I use the Megs finishing pad and it just gums it up within minutes.
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On a 1-step I would use a white LC or yellow Megs polishing pad. I clean my pads on the fly after every panel with a MF towel. ;)
 
I have never used D151, but I know that it has a learning curve (I suppose all products do). Since you have decided to go with D151, David, I thought I'd point you to this MOL thread. It might save you some aggravation. :xyxthumbs
 
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