They do detailing now? Yikes.
- Thread starter langod
- Start date
kirkofalltrades
New member
That's just weird.
imported_Detailing Technology
New member
Kean
New member
I found this through a quick search (NO THANKS):
Yes - there was a thread on here a while back started by a stereo installer whose store is about to offer detailing as part of their services. In that particular thread, the store manager wanted to start the offering by investing only $600 in tools and supplies. So you can imagine that their service offering was not very extensive.
I doubt very much that what Best Buy does would be considered "detailing". All they are looking to do is squeeze an extra $65 out of every stereo installation they do. I'm not going to repeat everything from the older thread, but basically it seems that Best Buy's target market here are the folks who get their car stereo installed and then say "Hey, I haven't washed my car in a long time, and what's another $65 on my Best Buy Card"
I'm guessing that 50% or more of what detailers do is pretty simple stuff and you could train anyone off of the street to do it within 2 hours or less. Now I'm not trying to be disrespectful to anyone who details for a living. I do realize that there is another 50% of your work that does take some skill and training. However, I have to believe that Best Buy's "core" of detailing services is made up of basic stuff that almost anyone could do.
Wash
Dry
Wax
Clean Wheels
Interior Vac
Interior Protectant
Wash Windows
There MIGHT be some stores that will do machine polishing. IF there are any such stores, I would guess that their offering is limited to a one step, filler heavy DA polishing that just makes the car look good until the next wash. Again, this is something that is pretty easy to learn, and pretty hard to screw up.
I doubt very much that what Best Buy does would be considered "detailing". All they are looking to do is squeeze an extra $65 out of every stereo installation they do. I'm not going to repeat everything from the older thread, but basically it seems that Best Buy's target market here are the folks who get their car stereo installed and then say "Hey, I haven't washed my car in a long time, and what's another $65 on my Best Buy Card"
I'm guessing that 50% or more of what detailers do is pretty simple stuff and you could train anyone off of the street to do it within 2 hours or less. Now I'm not trying to be disrespectful to anyone who details for a living. I do realize that there is another 50% of your work that does take some skill and training. However, I have to believe that Best Buy's "core" of detailing services is made up of basic stuff that almost anyone could do.
Wash
Dry
Wax
Clean Wheels
Interior Vac
Interior Protectant
Wash Windows
There MIGHT be some stores that will do machine polishing. IF there are any such stores, I would guess that their offering is limited to a one step, filler heavy DA polishing that just makes the car look good until the next wash. Again, this is something that is pretty easy to learn, and pretty hard to screw up.
Wow, thanks for posting that Kean. Looks like what I expected. Everything they offer is basic service that almost anyone could do at a satisfactory level with about four seconds of training.
Everyone here needs to get out of the "Autopian" mode of thinking and realize that NOT everyone meticulously polishes every miniscule imperfection from their car's paint. And not everyone lovingly caresses their car in a way that eliminates marring. The fact is that there is a HUGE market of people who just want a clean, shiny car.
I'm actually surprised that we haven't seen this sooner. Now I know it's a cliche, but it's true. Successful business is all about location, LOCATION, LOCATION. I believe I know the store that langod (the OP) posted about. If I'm not mistaken it's located in NH's largest city at the junction of the two largest highways in NH; Interstate 93, and the F.E. Everette Turnpike. The store itself is in a very prominent shopping mall, the next closest of which is about 20 miles and at least 30 minutes away.
Needless to say, the place is full of people, all day, everyday. So you have a convenient location with a parking lot full of thousands of dirty cars. Who WOULDN'T start a car wash business there.
Everyone here needs to get out of the "Autopian" mode of thinking and realize that NOT everyone meticulously polishes every miniscule imperfection from their car's paint. And not everyone lovingly caresses their car in a way that eliminates marring. The fact is that there is a HUGE market of people who just want a clean, shiny car.
I'm actually surprised that we haven't seen this sooner. Now I know it's a cliche, but it's true. Successful business is all about location, LOCATION, LOCATION. I believe I know the store that langod (the OP) posted about. If I'm not mistaken it's located in NH's largest city at the junction of the two largest highways in NH; Interstate 93, and the F.E. Everette Turnpike. The store itself is in a very prominent shopping mall, the next closest of which is about 20 miles and at least 30 minutes away.
Needless to say, the place is full of people, all day, everyday. So you have a convenient location with a parking lot full of thousands of dirty cars. Who WOULDN'T start a car wash business there.
Kean
New member
....personally, I would expect the same quality & experience from these geeks as I would any common car wash or dealer lot. In other words, I wouldn't let them touch my car if they paid me. I doubt this will put the squeeze on any local professionals. ....if anything, it might bring them more business. 
Dan
Well-known member
I would applaud the effort if it involved some heavy training and standardized procedures that ensured minimal damage cleaning. It would be nice to know you could go to a chain and be reasonable sure you wouldn't get the swirly treatment, however, I think this isn't going to meet my vision.
The word detail is so overused now, its just blah.
The word detail is so overused now, its just blah.
Junebug
JAFO
It all comes down to how good are the people doing the work and if Best Buy will invest in some decent products/equipment. Personally, I didn't have that great a Geek Squad experince, guy told me I needed a new sound card, when all I needed was to install an updated driver.
Tripperfx3
New member
Lees, while you may be right my customers get a lot more out of me and my services for 150 bucks than they would from Best Buy. I charge hourly and in 5 hours I can get a nice interior clean up and a single step exterior polish done along with everything they're offering and use better quality products.