Where do I find a local "real" detaler?

J

Josiah

New member
I've never used Zaino, but I would like to proficient with it and use it for myself and my business. However, I'm a little disappointed that it does not come in gallon sizes (or at least a little bigger than it does) with a discount.



I'm wondering how long you can use each bottle, or if you have figured it out, how much it actually COSTS to do a coat with the waxes/polishes. Also, how much value is contained in the window, vinyl, trim, et cetera etc. dressings. It sounds like a great product line, but may be too expensive to take professionally at first. I strive for quality and customer satisfaction, and I don't mind using a slightly more expensive product for that.



Any thoughts? How far does a bottle go is what I am wondering.



Thanks

Josiah
 
FOr polishes I have used about half a bottle total for about 7 coats of Z2 on a large truck.



As you use it more you get better with it.



The other products are good but expensive for detailing others car unless you are willing to charge for it. I suggest you try it on your own then get the feel for it.
 
With Zaino (and most other synthetics), the less you use, the better. As an example, I just Zaino'd my 2002 Tahoe yesterday, and I used less than 1.5 oz of Z5 to give it two full coats (including the entire roof).



On a smaller vehicle, you could probably get two full coats on an ounce of product, so if you figure (conservatively & realistically) 1 oz. per coat, you'll get 12 coats out of a bottle, which works out to around $1.50 per coat.



Of course, if you factor in the cost of ZFX, it would go up quite a bit, as one $19.95 bottle will treat 12 oz's of Z5 or Z2...then, the cost would be around $3.10 per coat.



Using the Klasse products ($39.95 for the 'twins'), you'd get about 16 coats of each product at a cost of about $1.25 per coat. With conventional carnauba's, you'd probably get between 15 and 20 coats of wax from a 10oz container.



FWIW, I recently tried the Z16 (dressing), and I like it. It has a nice citrus smell, and it shines the trim and tires nicely. The only tip I can offer is to make sure the tires are completely clean - make sure to use a good, strong, tire cleaner before applying.



No matter what you choose (almost), if you put the effort in to "details", you'll end up with good results.
 
As a Pro detailer, I might look at it a different way. What is the value to your customer?



A car that has a high quality sealant applied will look better, longer. So, marketing and pricing are key. For a standard wax job, you might charge $45. However, to professionally apply a sealant that will last 3-4 times longer than wax, you might uplift to a value of $60.



Better yet, make your sealant jobs $75 and provide a bottle of QD to your client so they can keep their car looking good between visits to you.



Whatever you do, don't try to absorb the cost yourself. If your clients want a better end product, they will be willing to pay the difference.



db



P.S. this is a discussion for the pro forum.
 
Thanks for the tips. I'm sure DetailKing will have some helpful input, and I look forward to his take on the topic.



Man, sounds like a fantastic product, the whole line. I'm excited to try it!



Josiah
 
Steve, I've gotten over 25 coats out of my Pinnacle Paste Glaze and its still half full. I'm thinking that I should get at least 50. Laters
 
Provide 2 services...."an old lady cleanup" and an enthusiast package that will appreciate it. The costs of the different packages should mirror the differential in product costs and time.....
 
I am wanting to find a reputable detailer in the Atlanta area and I'm not sure where to look. There are plenty of adds on Craigslist, and in the phonebook, but so many of them are nothing more than people that come to you and wash your car, put on a coat of turtle wax, and slap some 20w 50 on the dash. I really am looking for some one to polish a set of aluminum wheels that I have. I spent about 2 hours on them a few months ago with some Simichrome and a power ball it helped, but I didn't get the results I was hoping for, and now they look just as bad as before. I am obviously an amateur in detailing and do not have the proper equipment or knowledge to do a good enough job on them. Any thoughts?

 
+2 on gmblack3. Bryan will be able to handle ALL your detailing needs :wizard:

lol@ 20/50 onto dash :)

P.S. To get those wheels polished proper it will require you to take the tire off the rim IMPO
 
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