Opticoat 2.0 discontinued, OptiCoat Pro sees price increase

[tdekany]

Uhhh, the word Permanent

If I had bought this coating as a consumer I would be filing a lawsuit against the installer/manufacture/retailer for false advertisement




@ Rasky. I tried to tell you

Call Dr G - ask him how long OCP or 2.0 last on the paint. He will tell you permanent.

 

[tdekany]

Bear with me here, I read as much as I could stomach throughout the 300 replies but let me try and get this straight...

Optimum has discontinued OC 2.0 in an effort to further differentiate the "Pro installers" from the "hobbyists". Optimum has raised the price on the newer, allegedly weaker product, and reduced the amount of coating per unit sold by half for the hobbyist version.

Now if that's right (which I hope isn't the case), this essentially benefits those who detail for a living and pisses on those who are passionate about their cars but don't detail for money?

Please correct me if I'm wrong, I don't want to be throwing stones but from what I've gathered, how could the enthusiast detailing community even fathom of putting up with that? I'd imagine in general that the market for those in the business side of things holds a greater share than those who detail as a hobby, but is it that clear cut of a difference in market share?

Like I said, I don't want to stir up a ruckus with my lack of understanding, if someone could try and clear this up in a concise manner I'd greatly appreciate it.

2.0 - it seems that many so called pro detailers were using 2.0 but claimed it to be the pro version and undercut legitimate operations.

 

[swanicyouth]

Maybe OC isn't 100% permanent - bit it's lasted me 2+ years and going strong on my wheels. This is where I'll miss it. It was a unique type product for where you wanted a closest to permanent application as you could get. Even if that "permanent" was only 5 years...

Maybe as a paint coating it was surpassed... But, I would really like to see Optimum release an OC 2.0 like product for wheels - or even rebrand it Wheel Coat or something.

Dunno. I don't think they are listening or they may not care. But, I'm sure SOMEONE is listening...and the "permanent coating" market is now Open for Business.

 

[builthatch]

Optimum has raised the price on the newer, allegedly weaker product, and reduced the amount of coating per unit sold by half for the hobbyist version.

[FONT=&quot]according to Dr. G regarding Gloss-Coat:

same protection properties as 2.0 (am not sure if that is a commentary on term or not)
greater ease of use
greater slickness
greater gloss
can be layered at any time
can use wax or sealant over it

my feeling based on that info is that it's better than 2.0.

2.0 was a barrier breaker and market leader, and this item is supposed to be much improved given those claims. if that's the case, i can understand why it's more expensive than 2.0.

2.0 was ~$3.50 per cc, Gloss-Coat is ~$5.00-6.00 per cc.

on average, 10 cc will handle a full average vehicle from top to bottom, including all paint/trim/wheels in and out/side and rear glass, etc.

[/FONT][FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]i have two tubes in my possession that i'm excited to try soon.[/FONT]

[/FONT]

 

[Dr. G]

[FONT=&quot]according to Dr. G regarding Gloss-Coat:

same protection properties as 2.0 (am not sure if that is a commentary on term or not)
greater ease of use
greater slickness
greater gloss
can be layered at any time
can use wax or sealant over it

my feeling based on that info is that it's better than 2.0.

2.0 was a barrier breaker and market leader, and this item is supposed to be much improved given those claims. if that's the case, i can understand why it's more expensive than 2.0.

2.0 was ~$3.50 per cc, Gloss-Coat is ~$5.00-6.00 per cc.

on average, 10 cc will handle a full average vehicle from top to bottom, including all paint/trim/wheels in and out/side and rear glass, etc.

[/FONT][FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]i have two tubes in my possession that i'm excited to try soon.[/FONT]

[/FONT]

There has been a great deal of speculations over why Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 has been replaced with Gloss-Coat and except for the comments from “builthatch” (my apologies since I did not know your name) and Thomas Dekaney, nearly all the rest have been completely off the mark. As many have pointed out we are not a marketing company but a manufacturing one and as such our focus is on developing new products and improving the existing ones. In 2011, in response to many requests from a large number of non-professional customers, we developed Opti-Coat 2.0 with similar properties to Opti-Coat Pro but much easier application requirements.

Nearly every product that we manufacture, goes through an upgrade every 2-3 years. Opti-Coat 2.0 was no exception and during the past several months it was reformulated to add several attributes that our customers had requested over time. These attributes included slickness, gloss, easier application, ability to add additional layers, adding wax or sealant on top, etc.

As the project was nearing the end, there were an increasing number of consumers who were contacting Optimum that had Opti-Coat 2.0 applied to their cars and had the wrong understanding that it was the pro product or a newer version of Opti-Coat Pro. Some consumers were even under the impression that there is a warranty for their car in our data base! In order to put a stop to these deceptive practices and eliminate the confusion for consumers, we decided to release the new formula under a new name that eliminates any further confusion with Opti-Coat Pro. Additionally, as part of the changes to our program, from now on all Opti-Coat Pro applications come with a 5 year warranty to further avoid any confusion or miscommunication to the consumers by using any other product instead.

While I have posted these comments, please do not pose any questions or ask for additional responses since I will not be going into any more detail and will not be adding any more comments. One last item that needs to be addressed is in regards to the term “Permanent” Coating. In the paint industry you have temporary coatings such as waxes, sealants, nano-sealants/nano-coatings which will wear off over time from normal washing or just being exposed to the elements. These temporary coatings will diminish over time and need to be reapplied or require boosters. On the other hand, “Permanent” Coatings will not diminish over time and there is no change in film thickness from being exposed to the elements or regular washing. “Permanent” Coatings therefore do not require reapplication or boosters. However, you can remove “Permanent” Coatings with sanding and polishing. The OEM clearcoat paint is considered “permanent” by these definitions and so is Opti-Coat.

David,

 

[jarred767]

So much information! I have spent the last couple days catching up and reading through this whole thread, and got to the end tonight to find Dr G. commenting himself, and I have to say, I am torn and extremely undecided on what to think.

I have been in the biz for about 8 years (used to post exclusively over on MOL, but am starting a transition over to AG due to the wealth of information here and just simply more activity) and started offering OC 2.0 a little over a year ago. It has gained in popularity and I decided this summer I was going to go "Pro". After contacting OPT in early July I found out they weren't taking new installers and were in a holding pattern until August - now I know why.

I have loved using OC 2.0 and my customers have too, it's been a great addition to my small one man (but very full time) business. I have made it clear to my customers that I was not installing the pro version, and charged accordingly, but now that option unfortunately isn't available any more as even after Dr G's comments I feel like there is still ambiguity in the durability of Gloss Coat vs 2.0. (If I missed something in his post, please corect me).

The dilemma I'm facing with going Pro is now quite difficult with the quota as I'm still ramping this side of things up and usually only do about 2-3 OC jobs a month. I'm skeptical about being able to maintain that volume once I have to charge double compared to what I do now for OC 2.0 (albeit for a better product in Opti Coat Pro). On top of it all, I will be moving my business to more rural Bend, Oregon next spring, and maintaining the quota through that transition will be even more difficult.

Not sure what I'm looking for specifically other than to see if anyone has any thoughts, and to use this as an official HELLO to the AG forums!

 

[tdekany]

So much information! I have spent the last couple days catching up and reading through this whole thread, and got to the end tonight to find Dr G. commenting himself, and I have to say, I am torn and extremely undecided on what to think.

I have been in the biz for about 8 years (used to post exclusively over on MOL, but am starting a transition over to AG due to the wealth of information here and just simply more activity) and started offering OC 2.0 a little over a year ago. It has gained in popularity and I decided this summer I was going to go "Pro". After contacting OPT in early July I found out they weren't taking new installers and were in a holding pattern until August - now I know why.

I have loved using OC 2.0 and my customers have too, it's been a great addition to my small one man (but very full time) business. I have made it clear to my customers that I was not installing the pro version, and charged accordingly, but now that option unfortunately isn't available any more as even after Dr G's comments I feel like there is still ambiguity in the durability of Gloss Coat vs 2.0. (If I missed something in his post, please corect me).

The dilemma I'm facing with going Pro is now quite difficult with the quota as I'm still ramping this side of things up and usually only do about 2-3 OC jobs a month. I'm skeptical about being able to maintain that volume once I have to charge double compared to what I do now for OC 2.0 (albeit for a better product in Opti Coat Pro). On top of it all, I will be moving my business to more rural Bend, Oregon next spring, and maintaining the quota through that transition will be even more difficult.

Not sure what I'm looking for specifically other than to see if anyone has any thoughts, and to use this as an official HELLO to the AG forums!

Lots of $$$ in Bend, unfortunately, you have to start all over.

In order to keep this kosher, Optimum needed to make changes so that real pros can operate and charge what needs to be charged. Instead of discontinuing it, David created another product to compete with the likes of CQ, 22ple, modesta, etc... The question is, how glossy, slick easy and durable is it?

 

[FUNX650]

In order to keep this kosher, Optimum needed to make changes so that real pros can operate and charge what needs to be charged.

I believe I understand the: keep this kosher aspect.

However:
Who/what determines the prerequisites to become classified as a "detailing-real pro"?

In the USA:
Is there a recognized "Detailer" apprenticeship program (or even an OJT program) that results in a person receiving their Journeyperson DOT card as being one of the Detailing Skilled Tradespeople...with the ability to now operate.

Why does:
Being able to operate, give a person the wherewithal to charge what needs to be charged?
Under whose auspices is this charging-method to be the new practice?


Bob

 

[tdekany]

I believe I understand the: keep this kosher aspect.

However:
Who/what determines the prerequisites to become classified as a "detailing-real pro"?

In the USA:
Is there a recognized "Detailer" apprenticeship program (or even an OJT program) that results in a person receiving their Journeyperson DOT card as being one of the Detailing Skilled Tradespeople...with the ability to now operate.

Why does:
Being able to operate, give a person the wherewithal to charge what needs to be charged?
Under whose auspices is this charging-method to be the new practice?


Bob

I think you need to be asking Optimum these questions, not me.

 

[allenk4]

2.0 - OPTI-COAT PRO EXTERIOR PAINT WARRANTY

1. Opti-Coat Pro Warranty is valid for Five (5) years from the date of application for any vehicle that is Five (5) model years old or newer.

2. Opti-Coat Pro Warranty is valid for Two (2) years from the date of application for any vehicle that is Six (6) model years to Ten (10) model years old.

3. Any vehicle that is older than Ten (10) model years at the time of application cannot be warranted.


The average age of cars in the USA is 11.4 years

The new warranty does not seem like a real seeking point now


The OLD and NEW warranties provided for $1,500 or reapplication of Opti-Coat Pro...whichever is less expensive

So the reality was always that if it failed...OPT pays for a re-coat

No one was ever a re-paint

I speculate that the cost of warranty fulfillment was very low

 

[FUNX650]

I think you need to be asking Optimum these questions, not me.

That's the best you can do? LOL!

No...I asked the correct person/entity:
You are the one that brought up the notion of "real pro".


Bob

 

[tdekany]

That's the best you can do? LOL!

No...I asked the correct person/entity:
You are the one that brought up the notion of "real pro".


Bob

Real pro = honest. if you claim you are using OCP, you are using OCP

 

[allenk4]

What is OPT criteria for granting Pro Installer status?

All I have seen is the insurance requirement and a loose requirement that you operate a detailing business; brick & mortar or mobile are both acceptable

Is there more to it?

 

[FUNX650]

Real pro = honest. if you claim you are using OCP, you are using OCP

Thanks for the clarification on honestly applying OCP...under Optimum's Pro-guidelines, and possibly others.

IMHO:
If Optimum, and Detailers with "OCP privileges" had not been charging such an obscene, gouging-amount...
The temptation for those, without these said OCP privileges---to similarly charge Customers---would not have been much of an issue.

•Which practice, I dare ask, is considered more ethical/honest than the other?


Bob

 

[builthatch]

What is OPT criteria for granting Pro Installer status?

All I have seen is the insurance requirement and a loose requirement that you operate a detailing business; brick & mortar or mobile are both acceptable

Is there more to it?

yes. from what i've learned, they review general reputation, social media posts, write-ups, etc.

IMHO:
If Optimum, and Detailers with "OCP privileges" had not been charging such an obscene, gouging-amount...
The temptation for those, without these said OCP privileges---to similarly charge Customers---would not have been much of an issue.

•Which practice, I dare ask, is considered more ethical/honest than the other?


Bob

come on, Bob!

people are free to charge what they want...and people are free to pay what they want. if both parties are satisfied and there was no deception involved, that's certainly ethical and honest!

lying is not acceptable because of obvious reasons. if someone is representing something as one thing but it is in fact another...that's a scam!

 

[tdekany]

Thanks for the clarification on honestly applying OCP...under Optimum's Pro-guidelines, and possibly others.

IMHO:
If Optimum, and Detailers with "OCP privileges" had not been charging such an obscene, gouging-amount...
The temptation for those, without these said OCP privileges---to similarly charge Customers---would not have been much of an issue.

•Which practice, I dare ask, is considered more ethical/honest than the other?


Bob

For a second, I thought you were sincere with your questions, Now I see you have a different motive.

Do you not have anything else to do?

 

[FUNX650]

yes. from what i've learned, they review general reputation, social media posts, write-ups, etc.

You regard this as recognition, as having certification, to be a "Detailing Pro"

I remember a function where all it took was six (6) votes by the attendees, for an individual to receive a "recognition-award".
Due to prejudices: that individual was left to be as unrewarded---and by his peers no less!

come on, Bob!

people are free to charge what they want...and people are free to pay what they want. if both parties are satisfied, that's certainly ethical and honest.

lying is not acceptable because of obvious reasons.

I remember people trying to price-gouge me.
I also remember how I detest this practice.

That reminds me.
I'll be back in a short-while:
Gotta go and fill-up the truck!

Bob

 

[FUNX650]

For a second, I thought you were sincere with your questions, Now I see you have a different motive.

No...You really are mistaken in your judgement of me.
My questions are sincere.
You just don't want to answer them.

What is your motive in not doing so?

Bob

 

[FUNX650]

Edit:
The previous post wanted to repeat itself.

Bob

 

[tdekany]

No...You really are mistaken in your judgement of me.
My questions are sincere.
You just don't want to answer them.

What is your motive in not doing so?

Bob

What is your question? This is like pulling teeth.