Q’s for Pro detailers- How have modern cars affected your business?

oneheadlite

oneheadlite

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Background- I’m just an enthusiast with no plans to get into detailing for a living. But - Something I often wonder while driving down the road:

How have today’s modern cars affected Professional Detailers, given the trend for new cars has been much “busier” styling?

Seems like all the new cars have more aggressive/larger/intricate grills, more body/accent lines, air ducts (both real and false), etc? I would imagine all these things would add time/complexity to a proper detail. Do you tape off all the edges, or carefully freehand near them?

Are you able to change what you charge to compensate and still get the job?

I wonder how thin the paint will get on some of these edges as cars pass through the used car lots getting blitz-buffed by some guy with a rotary just looking to get the next car through...

This isn’t a knock at all on modern styling, it just strikes me as a lot more work to keep up properly.
 
The biggest issue that affects our business in SoCal is leases. People with leases don't give a **** until it's time to turn it in. Even then they just do the basics to not have to lose their deposit. We've started really trying to turn our attention to toys because people with toys take care of their stuff and they buy their cars as a general rule of thumb.
 
I can’t even polish half of my front bumper on my Altima, even with a 3” machine. I would definitely need an ibrid or air tool equivalent to thoroughly do it if I didn’t want to do it by hand.

My favorite part about the styling of Tesla’s is the front bumpers are almost all flat(ish).. not full of a ton of grooves and slots and other busy stuff.


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oneheadlite said:
Background- I’m just an enthusiast with no plans to get into detailing for a living. But - Something I often wonder while driving down the road:

How have today’s modern cars affected Professional Detailers, given the trend for new cars has been much “busier” styling?

Seems like all the new cars have more aggressive/larger/intricate grills, more body/accent lines, air ducts (both real and false), etc? I would imagine all these things would add time/complexity to a proper detail. Do you tape off all the edges, or carefully freehand near them?

Are you able to change what you charge to compensate and still get the job?

I wonder how thin the paint will get on some of these edges as cars pass through the used car lots getting blitz-buffed by some guy with a rotary just looking to get the next car through...

This isn’t a knock at all on modern styling, it just strikes me as a lot more work to keep up properly.
Click to expand...

Funny you posted this! I just started a new job at our local Ford dealer on Monday. I'm in charge of lot stock/delivery.

You are correct about the styling on the newer cars. Hell, even looking at the new F-150/250/350 trucks, they have crazy "ins & outs" front and back.
 
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