What's best 1-step wax for neighborhood detailer?

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imported_smprince1

New member
I just got started doing a few vehicles in the neighborhood for some pocket money. I had been using a 2-step process after washing (UPC/UPP or PwC/EX, etc.)



I wanted to offer a quicker (and cheaper) option for those who only want a basic exterior wash and 1-step wax.



What would you recommend? NXT? PwC alone? Megs #06? What else?



Many thanks in advance for your suggestions.
 
Id suggest something with some cleaning ability.....Moosewax is a good one step quicky.....if there just looking for something to clean and brighten....
 
Klasse AIO. I has the best cleaners and polishers I've ever seen in a 1-step product. It's also extremely durable and doesn't stain trim. Use a very small amount of the product and it will be easy to remove. It doesn't take much to get excellent results.
 
I throw my recommendation of Autoglym Super Resin Polish in. I have found it to have good cleaning ability with either a polishing pad on the PC, or when applied with a MF applicator. It seems to last a pretty good amount of time on my car too - I'd say around 2.5-3 months. This is on a daily driven car parked outside all of the time.
 
Megs ColorX is a very good one step, cheap and available OTC. Chemical cleaners, light abrasives and a polymer for protection. Worth a try for around $6! :)
 
In addition to the above suggestions, "IF" the paint is in good condition, you might want to try Auto Magic's #79 Awesome Gloss polymer sealant @~$7 for 16oz or their #22 Wet Wax @~$5 for 16 oz. Both are non-abrasive. Mother's waxes are often under rated but are good waxes and priced reasonably.
 
Any cleaner wax from Meguiars or Mothers, for example Meg. cleaner wax , #6 and Color X, Mothers cleaner wax liquid or paste and Reflections. If you order online Klasse AIO, and Poorboys.
 
lawrencea said:
Any cleaner wax from Meguiars or Mothers, for example Meg. cleaner wax , #6 and Color X, Mothers cleaner wax liquid or paste and Reflections. If you order online Klasse AIO, and Poorboys.
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Mothers carnauba cleaner wax is the safest bet. A true one-step wax. Reflections looks better, but doesn't have the cleaning power of the carnauba cleaner wax.





Alex
 
-Klasse AIO

-Color X

-NXT



I would say by machine would be more effective. Think about a PC if you already don't have one :)
 
smprince1 said:
I wanted to offer a quicker (and cheaper) option for those who only want a basic exterior wash and 1-step wax.
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smprince1,



If you are going to offer a quicker and cheaper option; why do you think a prospective customer would choose to spend more money and purchase your 2-step process, rather than just go with your cheaper one step?
 
its probably best to offer a few choices, if your like me (i detail others cars for extra cash aswell), you'll have a heap of different products from your car.

explain the benefits and drawbacks of each, like polymer vs Carnuba for example and let them choose. that way they get what they want and will come back.



one stepper - AG SRP.
 
When you begin to offer your detailing services to other people in the neighborhood you are basically becoming a Professional Detailer. As a Professional Detailer it is really up to you to choose what is best for the customers vehicle. I really don't think it is a good idea to let the customer choose. Since you consider yourself the professional, they should be relying on your knowledge and experience.
 
mirrorfinishman:



I appreciate your comments above.



I agree with you that once I start offering this service for $$$ I am considered a professional and therefore I should "advise" my customers what I consider to be their best course of action. However, for many avarage working-class people, white-collar or blue-collar, just having a coat of wax put on their car a few times a year is considered an "upgrade". Autopians they are not. While I intend to advise my clients of the benefits of a more complete, multi-step exterior detail (appearance/paint protection/durability, etc), I expect there are many who will only want a wash and 1-step cleaner/wax on their family daily driver.



I expect the true car enthusiasts will be willing to pay for the benefits of a multi-step detail, but I wanted to offer some choices and let the customer ultimately control what happens to his/her vehicle.



BTW, based on the responses above here are the offerings I am leaning toward:



PwC (already have used as part of multi-step)

AIO (already have used as part of multi-step)

Meg's #66 (have never used, but am considering trying)



All applied with PC, using SONUS blue pad typically, or with SONUS grey pad if a little more bite is needed.



Many thanks to everyone for your replies and comments. It is appreciated and I believe this forum is great and offers a valuable wealth of information sharing.
 
#66 with PC/white pad looks great! If you want some, PM me your info. and I'll send you some. I've got a gallon that I rarely use.



On the other hand, really pay attention to what mirror has to say, because I painted myself in a corner when I started, by offering #66 as a cheaper solution. Basically, if not educated and given a cheaper solution MOST will always take the cheaper route. If you educate, you will build a client foundation which will keep them coming back regularly. If you don't educate and offer "1-step, express details, wash/wax" you will see them, hopefully, once a year.



I still do wash/wax services, but it's only for vehicles that have been properly cared for.
 
SouthernZ71 said:
On the other hand, really pay attention to what mirror has to say, because I painted myself in a corner when I started, by offering #66 as a cheaper solution. Basically, if not educated and given a cheaper solution MOST will always take the cheaper route. If you educate, you will build a client foundation which will keep them coming back regularly. If you don't educate and offer "1-step, express details, wash/wax" you will see them, hopefully, once a year.
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This situation can happen when you are first starting out. You basically start thinking, well if I'm getting customers who are interested in my more complete, multi-step exterior detail, then I surely can get even more customers who are interested in my cheaper one step process. The problem with this type of thinking is that most of your current customers may slowly begin to go for your cheaper service.



Here's something to think about. Why not price your one step detail closer to the price you now charge for your multi step. Then you can price your multi step a lot higher and make it an exclusive optional service.



One thing to keep in mind is that once you begin to establish your method of pricing, it will not be easy to change it in the future. You would be very smart to carefully plan your strategy and make any necessary changes before you get too many customers.



p.s. - What we are talking about is Marketing. Who is the customer? Why does the customer need your detailing service? How much is the customer willing to spend?
 
mirrorfinishman said:
Here's something to think about. Why not price your one step detail closer to the price you now charge for your multi step. Then you can price your multi step a lot higher and make it an exclusive optional service.
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Great advice, once again! However, I still think you would end up in a similiar predicament. The last straw was when I spent about an hour educating a client and he choose the 1-step and then asked for a "better" price. From then on I stopped listing 1-steps and only mention it when a client is selling/trading their vehicle.
 
klasse aio and Sealent Glaze. People will come with those two. That's how I started getting people. When I was using Meguire's I was getting a couple of cars, but when I went to the Klasse boys I'm getting 2 cars a week on the weekend. Start offering packages
 
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