"some thought-provoking questions??"

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buda

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Was having some thought-provoking discussions this week with collegues and detailers this week about a number of things related to the industry and thought I would run by those on the Autopia some of the questions and hope for some interesting answers:



#1 - Are you a technician or a businessman?

#2 - What percentage of daily time do you spend detailng vs operating the business?

#3 - Do you really own a business or just have a job?

What is the difference?



Look forward to your replies.



Bud ABraham
 
Oh!

Really, that is all you believe it requires to start any business, be it a detailing business or whatever?

You are kidding, right?

Grumpy
 
Ron Ketcham said:
Oh!

Really, that is all you believe it requires to start any business, be it a detailing business or whatever?

You are kidding, right?

Grumpy
Click to expand...





The humor of the reply flew over your head @ "Mach .3", more "Thought provoking gems of wisdom from the "Carwash King," here are a few I thought might be better from the great "Boodah"





1. Do you spend most of your time trying get your customers car dislodged from the track of your "State of the art tunnelwash"?

2. How much time do you spend online trying to get cases of "Pine scent" mirror hangers by the case?.

3. The cotton rags are not that bad for your customers finish, as your guys only drop the towels "Occasionally" on the ground

4. Bubblgum machines in the customer lounge are "Moneymakers" behind sales of "Porkrhinds"

5. A 20% damage rate to your customers cars are "Acceptable" ratios in the "Carwash industry"

6. You can make back your ROI "With the quickness" as long as you have a 90% of "Entry level" guys "Employed" at any one time, as someone has to hire these guys as Obama needs those unemployment numbers to spike as why should 3rd world countries beat America in this regard

7. Reclaimed water is a "Green aspect" of your operation.......AlGore says so...........and that's a fact

8. Carwash owners have lot's of time off for vacations, as minimum wagers need no supervision.....place practically runs itself

9. "Penny saver" newspapers are the "Poo"

10. The above "Bullitt points" are "Revolutionary" in the industry
 
#1 - Are you a technician or a businessman?

#2 - What percentage of daily time do you spend detailng vs operating the business?

#3 - Do you really own a business or just have a job?
Click to expand...



What is the difference?
Click to expand...



There can be a multitude of differences that revolve around the kind of business you operate. Such as do you have a crew of people working for you or if you are the only one who does the repair. People that pride themselves on performing the work will most likely gravitate around the technical aspects of the operation, where someone that operates a larger scale of business can't be "hands on" and needs to be more "behind the scenes" and customer driven/oriented. This doesn't in any way mean the technician can't be customercentric in his business either as these people couldn't have gotten where they they were without having a strong dedication to please their clients. For these people, operating the business is a funtion of detailing.
 
I fear that I might come across as a Buda supporter and be blacklisted by writing this but here it goes...



I understand that most you guys disagree/dislike buda's posts because of the way he comes across and his disconect from Autopian style detailing, but the questions he asked in this post are worth thinking about for people who detail for a living (even though the questions are not ground breaking). Buda might not be the greatest detailer (or a detailer at all actually...I've never seen any of his work), but my guess is that he has more experience than most of us in running a business. This was posted in the pro detailer general discussion forum and in my opinion deserves some discussion because at the end of the day we have to be profitable. We will debate for hours about what the best glass cleaner/tire dressing/sealant is, but we can't spend a few minutes thinking about, and discussing our business? Really?
 
I agree JPostal. Good questions from the OP that deserves some interaction as I believe this is what the motivation behind this thread was in the 1st place. I also think Bud has extensive knowledge on the business side of the industry too, but I think he may have got off on the wrong foot with some of the forum members. It appears he is here trying to help.:yield: Let's take this thread and his efforts at face value and concentrate on positive discussion. Pretty please.....:pray2:
 
Two great response posts.

Bud has years and years of operating businesses that are part of the detailing industry.

Successfully, I may add.

Bud and I have butted heads over the years on various issues, but never resorting to mud slinging, etc.

As JPostal says, Bud deals mainly with professional detail shops and major carwashes that provide detail services that "people want to buy", and these people do not expect the high standards that individual enthusists such as here attempt to obtain.

Grumpy
 
Auto Concierge said:


The humor of the reply flew over your head @ "Mach .3", more "Thought provoking gems of wisdom from the "Carwash King," here are a few I thought might be better from the great "Boodah"





1. Do you spend most of your time trying get your customers car dislodged from the track of your "State of the art tunnelwash"?

2. How much time do you spend online trying to get cases of "Pine scent" mirror hangers by the case?.

3. The cotton rags are not that bad for your customers finish, as your guys only drop the towels "Occasionally" on the ground

4. Bubblgum machines in the customer lounge are "Moneymakers" behind sales of "Porkrhinds"

5. A 20% damage rate to your customers cars are "Acceptable" ratios in the "Carwash industry"

6. You can make back your ROI "With the quickness" as long as you have a 90% of "Entry level" guys "Employed" at any one time, as someone has to hire these guys as Obama needs those unemployment numbers to spike as why should 3rd world countries beat America in this regard

7. Reclaimed water is a "Green aspect" of your operation.......AlGore says so...........and that's a fact

8. Carwash owners have lot's of time off for vacations, as minimum wagers need no supervision.....place practically runs itself

9. "Penny saver" newspapers are the "Poo"

10. The above "Bullitt points" are "Revolutionary" in the industry
Click to expand...



I almost sprayed my coffee on my laptop when I read that!

Bravo Mr. Willis, Bravo!
 
buda said:
#3 - Do you really own a business or just have a job?
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I always assume that subtleties of expression are intentional, meaningful, and telling. So...



What's with the use of "really" and "just" in the above? Omitting stuff like that might go a ways towards dialing back the knee-jerk criticism and result in more worthwhile discussion.
 
It is like any business, the technical people are more versed in the technical aspect of their business and not the "business" aspects. I think the business people (like buda) can learn from the technical people on here about offering higher quality service, and the technical folks can learn more of the business side (how to market, how to grow the business and the like)



Jenn
 
Accumulator said:
I always assume that subtleties of expression are intentional, meaningful, and telling. So...



What's with the use of "really" and "just" in the above? Omitting stuff like that might go a ways towards dialing back the knee-jerk criticism and result in more worthwhile discussion.
Click to expand...



:werd: That's exactly it... if he'd just take the time to think before he posts and consider how he's coming across to people, it would help his cause infinitely. As a business student I absolutely value the input and opinion of those more experienced than I am, but when that person with more experience is constantly coming across as belittling others who do not do things exactly the same way they do them (for any multitude of legitimate reasons) it makes me disinterested in anything they have to say.
 
jenn1270 said:
It is like any business, the technical people are more versed in the technical aspect of their business and not the "business" aspects. I think the business people (like buda) can learn from the technical people on here about offering higher quality service, and the technical folks can learn more of the business side (how to market, how to grow the business and the like)



Jenn
Click to expand...





Jenn



Why do you make an assumption that I know nothing of the technical aspects of auto detailing. I would put my knowledge and ability to detail a car along side anyone in the industry. I have owned and personally operated 3 detailing centres and that is where I gained my knowledge and experience in the business of detailing.



If I come across as arrogant it is not intended it is how others read what I say.



That is the problem with the written word it is impersonal and does not convey a person's real self.



If you or anyone would care to contact me personally I am always available to converse personally with anyone on my nickle: 1 800 284 0123 Ext 4



Regards

Bud Abraham
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
:werd: That's exactly it... if he'd just take the time to think before he posts and consider how he's coming across to people, it would help his cause infinitely. As a business student I absolutely value the input and opinion of those more experienced than I am, but when that person with more experience is constantly coming across as belittling others who do not do things exactly the same way they do them (for any multitude of legitimate reasons) it makes me disinterested in anything they have to say.
Click to expand...



Charles



Rather than trying to assume you know me or what I am like or how I post on the forum why don't you take the time to call me personally (on my nickle at 1-800 284 0123 ext 4). If after talking with me you still feel I am an arrogant arse, then so be it. But to criticize who I am and what I am without knowing me personally it out of line.



As they say, "what others think of me, is none of my business."



Bud Abraham
 
Ron Ketcham said:
Oh!

Really, that is all you believe it requires to start any business, be it a detailing business or whatever?

You are kidding, right?

Grumpy
Click to expand...



Ketch:



Charles thinks of himself as a comedian.
 
Richie Carbone said:
I have just one question for you buda.



Do you have any before, during and after pics of your "Professional" detail work?



If not then S T F U and go back to your lane.
Click to expand...



Richie



Sorry do not have any photos, of that kind. My success in the business are the repeat customers that I have. Do not need reminders of "how good I am."



If you are ever in Portland, Oregon I would invite you to our facilities and I can demonstrate some of the advanced detailing techniques we use to process the most exotic vehicle and the most trashed vehicle with great results.



It is all about having;



a. Having a thorough and complete knowledge of the materials you are working on.

b. Being able to identify and understand the problems to be corrected.

c. All of the right equipment, not just what you can afford

d. Having all of the right chemicals

e. Having the right tools & supplies

f. And, knowing how to use them



Detailing is very easy to do if you have all of that, AND OF COURSE A SKILL SET. You know you do not have to be Michael Jordan to be a good basketball player.



Bud Abraham
 
JPostal said:
I fear that I might come across as a Buda supporter and be blacklisted by writing this but here it goes...



I understand that most you guys disagree/dislike buda's posts because of the way he comes across and his disconect from Autopian style detailing, but the questions he asked in this post are worth thinking about for people who detail for a living (even though the questions are not ground breaking). Buda might not be the greatest detailer (or a detailer at all actually...I've never seen any of his work), but my guess is that he has more experience than most of us in running a business. This was posted in the pro detailer general discussion forum and in my opinion deserves some discussion because at the end of the day we have to be profitable. We will debate for hours about what the best glass cleaner/tire dressing/sealant is, but we can't spend a few minutes thinking about, and discussing our business? Really?
Click to expand...



Postal



Thanks for the post and grasp of what I was trying to convey by asking those questions. It is clear that most here do not understand as you do and would rather throw stones than learn.



For the record, I am a detailer and a reasonably good one because I have obtained the knowledge regarding the materials I am working on; have spared no expense to purchase all of the equipment, tools and supplies needed to do any detailing job a vehicle might need, and while not a chemist, have endeavored to learn all I can about the science of cleaning chemicals and paint finishing chemicals. Have talked with the best detailers in the country and manufacturers of chemicals to learn what and how to do things.



While I am not Michael Jordan, I am still a pretty good detailer and would put my ability to detail a car, at 70+ years old against anyone.



Regards

Bud Abraham
 
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