c quartz finest

[SlightlyBent]

Here's an idea for CarPro:

Hold "Cquartz Finest" qualifying and training sessions (at say, DetailFest). These can be paid sessions to ensure that people are serious. During these sessions, you train folks on the product, how to apply, what to look for, how to maintain it, and so on. You can also have an 'exam' where someone has to prep a panel from a graveyard car and jewel it up for an application of "Finest".

These sessions would completely sell out (especially if held at detail fest) and you will open the market to more people who can properly apply the product. CarPro makes more money moving more product and can personally attest to the knowledge and skills of the people you accept; AG has another major selling point for coming to DetailFest - everyone wins.

A look at the map of where authorized installers of the product show me that there is a very large unserviced market in the US alone. Besides the one installer (who doesn't even live in my city, and he's very busy with all the Ferraris and Aston Martins he works on) near me, the next closest one is an hour drive. After that, I have to go to Houston or Dallas (3 or 4 hour drives, respectively).

---

Setting aside the products I cannot buy or use, _if_ I'm going to try a sealant for my car, I'm going to buy and use the best product available to me. If Opti-coat (non-Pro) and Cquartz regular/UK are all roughly equivalent, and something else like PolishAngel or GTechniq are better, I'm going to go with one of those in a heartbeat. I've been following the various 'compare' threads on those peoducts with interest - and probably will decide which one to get a month or so before I'm ready to apply it - and as allenk and I JUST spent 10 hours (and I then spent another 5 hours) correcting the paint on my car, it will be ~6 months or so before I'll be applying anything. To be clear - I won't be dropping a kilobuck on an expert to do it for me....

 

[zmcgovern45]

I don't think you're grasping the image that CarPro is building with CQuartz Finest product.

While I certainly cannot speak for CarPro, as I do not work for them, I would be willing to bet that they are not seeking to make Finest readily available to anyone and everyone who wants it. Their current model suggests the product needs to maintain a level of exclusivity in that it is only available to specialized installers and should be marketed towards high end clientele. If they wanted to mass market it and accept every installer that applied, they certainly could do that, however the fact that they have not done that and are readily turning away qualified individuals suggests that they are not looking to simply "move more product and make more money".

Think of it like this... Lexus could probably produce an inexpensive car and slap a "L" badge on it so that everyone could "own a lexus", however that is not the image they are trying to uphold. There are lower cost Toyota models that fill this void. The toyotas are still great cars, however they are simply more accessible to the majority of the market. While I understand this analogy does not fit perfectly into this conversation, hopefully you still get point I am trying to make.

 

[SlightlyBent]

I think I understand your point. I simply disagree with what they're doing. From my point of view, I want to put the best products on my car but I'm unwilling to shell out $1,000 to have that done (I AM willing to spend significant time and effort to do it myself...). Not unable - unwilling. Thus, the interest in the competing products "at my level". I really don't have much interest in giving CarPro any money to buy their lessor product (or the OC guys, for that matter). CarPro can take any stance they like for their products - that doesn't mean I have to buy their "Toyota" to apply to my Mercedes.

 

[zmcgovern45]

I think I understand your point. I simply disagree with what they're doing. From my point of view, I want to put the best products on my car but I'm unwilling to shell out $1,000 to have that done (I AM willing to spend significant time and effort to do it myself...). Not unable - unwilling. Thus, the interest in the competing products "at my level". I really don't have much interest in giving CarPro any money to buy their lessor product (or the OC guys, for that matter). CarPro can take any stance they like for their products - that doesn't mean I have to buy their "Toyota" to apply to my Mercedes.

Before you were aware of 'Finest', did you see these other products as inferior? Just something to think about.

The coating products available to consumers (ie CQUK, OC2.0, etc etc) are still fantastic products. They will all dominate a traditional sealant or wax in terms of protection. IMO the silica coatings have the edge in appearance and feel, but that is just me. There are TONS of other DIYers that get along just fine with the consumer coatings available. I myself still have 22ple VX1 Pro on my car... no complaints!

My advice would be to stop searching for reasons to complain about why you cannot have something and start enjoying all of the other great products available to you :dblthumb2:

If you decide that you must have Finest, then you simply must pay someone to do all of the work for you.

 

[SlightlyBent]

I was aware of "Finest" before I was aware of this forum... I was looking into having my MB properly detailed and came across the gent (who happens to be the only "Finest" authorized guy within 200 miles) and that's where I got the pricing. Turned off by that, I decided that I needed to do the work myself, which eventually led me to joining this forum and doing all that work on my car.

Every page of the CQFinest web page expressly indicates that it's a superior product to 'non-finest' products. The CarPro response (above) indicated that it's a superior product. Thus, by their own marketing material, their non-Finest products are inferior. I really don't want to use an inferior product on my car (eg., the BF BlackICE wax and other products I recently used). If I didn't care, I would have gone to the local car wash and let them destroy the paint (more than it was already).

I do understand their positioning of the product, but I don't support that positioning. That's not 'complaining'.

As I'm not going to go the route of spending a kilobuck for someone else to do it, I *am* looking at products (that simply makes no sense for me to do for my DD) and these products will be made by someone else.

I do troll various threads on sealants daily - it will simply be months before I'll be applying anything. To be clear, I'm looking for the best product I can use....

 

[gofast908z]

As for the 'regular' and 'uk' versions - why would I want to apply an inferior product? Clearly, "finest" is the best, and doesn't my ride deserve that? (Note that this is said with tongue slightly in cheek, but really - why should I bother with a lessor product?)

That's like saying I want a Mercedes.... But they also make an AMG version..... But they also make a AMG Black.... So why should I bother with the lesser models?
Well, they make different models for different uses and different budgets. They are thoughtful enough to provide multiple options for people.

But you still have to pay to play with the best.

 

[gofast908z]

I was aware of "Finest" before I was aware of this forum... I was looking into having my MB properly detailed and came across the gent (who happens to be the only "Finest" authorized guy within 200 miles) and that's where I got the pricing. Turned off by that, I decided that I needed to do the work myself, which eventually led me to joining this forum and doing all that work on my car.

And that there is the root.

This is what correction and coatings typically cost, whether its Finest or something else, its in that ballpark or more.

 

[zmcgovern45]

...To be clear, I'm looking for the best product I can use....

^You just made my point rops:

Other coatings may be 'inferior' to Finest, however they are far superior than most other products available. It is just how you want to perceive it. Choosing to write off a very well respected company because you simply cannot have their 'pro' product for your personal use is a bit ridiculous.

 

[gofast908z]

^ well said.

 

[Mike lambert]

Very well said by both of you! We only install finest at our shop because we want to be exclusive and so does carpro. As was said if you want me to coat your car with what we feel is the best product ,you need to be prepared to pay for my experience and skill,along with the expense of the product.

 

[Just02896]

I personally could care less if a company wants to make a non-hazardous, easy to apply, no license needed product only available to the "elite few". It's kind of funny in a way considering the fact that it is only elite because the maker says it is. Now, don't get me wrong. I've used it and it really is a great product but it certainly isn't the unobtainium they want you to believe it is.

 

[SlightlyBent]

"Best" in the world of cars is highly, highly subjective. We each buy what we think is the best car we can get for the money - but 'best' means different things to different people.

For me, the "s" class sleds won't work simply because they won't fit in my garage - they are too long by about 3 inches. The "c" class cars are too small. The two door and or two seat ones are ruled out for us because we have two kids and I have to sometimes bring my parents along. I wasn't interested in their SuV products. Within the "e" class, there are many options, from the diesel to the small v6 to the larger v8 to the blown v8 (E63 AMG) (a "black edition" AMG isn't available in the e-class). On paper, the E63 is the "best" but if you actually drive one, you need a spine made of titanium. They ride very hard. Thus, for my family, the non-AMG version made sense. Because my normal commute is ~8 miles, MPG isn't something I'm concerned about, so the car that made sense to me was the E550. That to me, is the "best" car MB makes -for my family situation. Additionally, because these cars depreciate so quickly, buying it as a CPO is what made the most financial sense to me.

So - to make this car that I spent so much time researching (and driving my wife nuts in the process) look as best as it can - it's reasonable for me to pay good attention to how to detail the car with the best products available.

Some of this discussion reminds me very much of my other hobby - photography. There, the world of amateurs collide daily with the world of the professional. In that world, there are enough "MWAC" (that's Mother with a camera) and others like her where professionals that sell to families are having a very tough time. There ARE significant price jumps in product lines - going from a $100 point/shoot to a $1200 DSLR is the first one - but from there, one spends many thousands on lenses and bodies, which can cost up to $8,000 for a high-end Canon/Nikon pro camera. There's even a level well above this, where Hasselblad sells digital medium format cameras for $40-50k - and that's before you buy a lens. The sad part is that unless you blow up the image to over 30", even the experienced eye cannot tell the difference between photos taken by a $1200 camera and the $50,000 one.

So - to professional detailers trying to keep your margins up by offering exclusive products - I fully understand where you're coming from. It takes years of experience to be able to produce a professional portrait (and much more equipment beyond a mere camera and lens). It takes years of experience to be an exceptional detailer. I do respect that - I really do - ESPECIALLY after spending 15 hours (10 under the tutelage of allenk) working on my car.

But - had I wanted to just pay the price and be done with it, I would have. That's just not me. I don't usually pay to have someone mow my yard, for example. I honestly enjoy doing it. I spent ~10 years learning photography and really enjoy the process. I really did enjoy the process of making my car look really good and thus will likely continue to do so. As much as I admire and respect the work of my professional photographer friends - I don't usually hire them to do portraits that I can do myself (now that I can achieve pro-level work).

It's because I like to do the work myself (and value that process) that I'm disappointed. Oh - and if I choose not to do business with a company, it's my right (and money) to do that regardless if someone thinks it's 'ridiculous' or not. That's my opinion and please feel free to disagree with it, but do not disparage it.

I have a strong feeling that Just02896 is right in that the difference between the product lines aren't as large as CP would have us believe (hence the firm tongue in cheek above). This will likely be similar to the difference between using the Hasselblad mentioned earlier versus a consumer-level camera. The difference for me is that I can rent a Hasselblad if I choose to do so...

Choosing a sealant/coating/whatever is likely going to be an ongoing/forever type of debate with various folks promoting their favorites (much like if you were to ask me what my favorite camera is). However, I'm not polishing a multi-million $ Ferrari ... I'm polishing my DD and want it to look good. Because these can last two years, I think it's a reasonable request to look for and use only the best products available. That said -

Junk product $1-$10 at wally-world + 2 minutes to apply and 2 hours to fall off.
Better products $30-$50 at auto store(s) + a few hours to apply and a month or so before it falls off.
Even better products $50-$150 via AG + lots of hours to prep the paint, carefully apply and so on, and then a year(?) before it is no longer effective.
... then a massive jump from that to $1,000 for CQ-F + no hours of my time (but lots of yours) to prep, apply, etc and then 2? years before the effectiveness goes away.

For the target market of guys with auction-bought Ferraris they're just going to flip in a few months and the guys with collections of Rolls, Astons, and the like, the strategy of selling an exclusive product works very well. In that market, the more you charge, the better you are perceived to be (and perception is everything). That's why there's a guy out there who can charge $8,000 to detail a car...

But, there's exactly one person qualified to apply this product within a 200-something mile radius of my house, and having properly-trained (via a training course with a test at the end) enthusiast like myself won't endanger his business. Or yours. There isn't saturation like there is with photography (and where professional photographers really are hurting from so many amateurs entering the business, many with very poor quality). None of that matters, anyway.

I have a specific need to fill on my car, and I need a product to fill that need. Just like I won't pay 10x for a Hasselblad, (or 10x for a Rolls when the MB will do just fine) I won't pay 10x for someone to apply a $100 product for me.

That wonderful wax I put on is already covered in a fine layer of cedar pollen....the search is on. Back to trolling the sealant threads.

 

[Dr_Pain]

As to the differences in CQuartz, CQuartz UK, and Finest they are absolutely all very different products. All provide great protection. Differences can be found in the gloss and appearance, protection from wash induced marring, the tactile feel, etc. All three have a different application method and flash times. The makeup of each is also quite different shown clearly even on the msds.


And I'll add some (like Dr. Pain) are certainly worthy but we must sometimes decline.

As for the other products (including CQuartz and CQuartz UK available to all) in the CarPro line we have a great reputation with some amazing and innovative products.

DIRECTLY from the Carpro people!!. I sure hope I didn't start a backlash regarding the exclusivity stuff (with my comments). As the owner of multiple businesses, I understand the value of certain business strategies to make and maintain the name sake and reputation. To me, the exclusive nature of Finest is a positive and that is in part what attracted me to become an installer for them. As it was described, I made my application and was turned down (at this time) because of another installer working within 25 miles of my shop. If I were to be the approved installer, and I was faced with a company that would approve indiscriminately all possible applicant without preserving my "exclusive" rights and privileges then I would lose loyalty to the company and its products, so although I am disappointed with the fact that I am not a certified (and marketed) Finest installer, I understand and made my peace with it.

well thank you for your response. have you ever tried the c quartz from a.g The one us amateur's can buy? lol

I've been applying coatings for years but just recently started posting my work on forums and my FB webpage. To answer your question, I've installed the CQuartz coatings and tried the reformulated UK version and my experience has been positive (main reason why I wanted to step it up and become affiliated with them). I've also installed OC2.0 and the PBL. My recent work (and the source of a couple of reviews on AG) has been with the PBL, but I am not exclusive to the product and will offer my expertise (and experiences) in assisting my client to select the best product for their budget. A little like what Zach was referring to.

I also have had very positive experiences with other Carpro products like CQuartz DLUX (my go to) and Carpro Eraser. I also have their glass pads and ceriglass product which I really like. After chatting Zach I am also looking forward to trying their Flyby30.

Anyhow, I am glad Corey jumped in to clarify things.

Here's an idea for CarPro:

Hold "Cquartz Finest" qualifying and training sessions (at say, DetailFest). These can be paid sessions to ensure that people are serious.

A look at the map of where authorized installers of the product show me that there is a very large unserviced market in the US alone. Besides the one installer (who doesn't even live in my city, and he's very busy with all the Ferraris and Aston Martins he works on) near me, the next closest one is an hour drive. After that, I have to go to Houston or Dallas (3 or 4 hour drives, respectively).

---

Setting aside the products I cannot buy or use, _if_ I'm going to try a sealant for my car, I'm going to buy and use the best product available to me.

Although I share your enthusiasm, I do have to point out that this idea carries a lot of marketing flaws. If you were to open enroll and end up with 30 installers that joined your class and all live and work within a 50 mile radius, how do you select your handful of detailers out of the bunch? They all came to the class, all were taught, all showed proficiencies etc... It would be a good marketing ploy if you just wanted to flood the market indiscriminatly from making a name and preserving a reputation (and catering to your current installer with the exclusivity protection, meaning all the Finest work gets directed to your shop based on the marketing through the Carpro site labeling you as THE certified installer). How would you feel about having a map that is flooded of installer, not exactly "exclusive". Even if they were to follow your advise, you will end up with a large area of the US without service.

As for your second quote, I feel there is a LOT of subjectivity regarding the "BEST" (actually way too much). Can you offer some accurate objectifiable data on which wax, sealant or coating is the best?? Even Corey refers to subjective perceptions in most of the description of the differences between his products (ie. gloss and appearance, protection from wash induced marring, the tactile feel etc..) There is no real data available from double blind control trial or actual measurable stress tests (marring, scratch, chemical resistance etc..) that has been provided by any manufacturer. I'll admit I was a big OC fan (which is on my wife's van) but since the introduction of PBL, I have been blown away. Am I a true convert now? NOPE! Subjectively I may be blown away by the results but I am a little more pragmatic and do need to see the long term viability of the product.

I don't think you're grasping the image that CarPro is building with CQuartz Finest product.

While I certainly cannot speak for CarPro, as I do not work for them, I would be willing to bet that they are not seeking to make Finest readily available to anyone and everyone who wants it. Their current model suggests the product needs to maintain a level of exclusivity in that it is only available to specialized installers and should be marketed towards high end clientele. If they wanted to mass market it and accept every installer that applied, they certainly could do that, however the fact that they have not done that and are readily turning away qualified individuals suggests that they are not looking to simply "move more product and make more money".

Think of it like this... Lexus could probably produce an inexpensive car and slap a "L" badge on it so that everyone could "own a lexus", however that is not the image they are trying to uphold. There are lower cost Toyota models that fill this void. The toyotas are still great cars, however they are simply more accessible to the majority of the market. While I understand this analogy does not fit perfectly into this conversation, hopefully you still get point I am trying to make.

:whs: Well said, concise and to the point!

 

[cardaddy]

I think you misunderstood me - becaues the product cannot be purchased by people like me, I have to go through the authorized installer who charges $700 for the basic detail, another for a paint correction, and more $ for Cquartz finest application. I interpret this as having to drop a kilobuck to try out the product - how else am I supposed to see how it might work on my car?

As for the 'regular' and 'uk' versions - why would I want to apply an inferior product? Clearly, "finest" is the best, and doesn't my ride deserve that? (Note that this is said with tongue slightly in cheek, but really - why should I bother with a lessor product?)

Now first let it be known I don't have a dog in this fight.

How do you know what will work on your car? By trying what is available for your car. Yes the 3 versions of cq are similar, yet different. From my understanding UK is just thinner so that it works with the cooler temps. Short of 'finest' what you *CAN* get is plenty good enough, and you can always put two coats on.

Does that make in inferior? I think not. No more than PBL being any better or worse than another coating that can be bought for those less than perfect detailers.

I don't think you're grasping the image that CarPro is building with CQuartz Finest product.

While I certainly cannot speak for CarPro, as I do not work for them, I would be willing to bet that they are not seeking to make Finest readily available to anyone and everyone who wants it. Their current model suggests the product needs to maintain a level of exclusivity in that it is only available to specialized installers and should be marketed towards high end clientele. If they wanted to mass market it and accept every installer that applied, they certainly could do that, however the fact that they have not done that and are readily turning away qualified individuals suggests that they are not looking to simply "move more product and make more money".

Think of it like this... Lexus could probably produce an inexpensive car and slap a "L" badge on it so that everyone could "own a lexus", however that is not the image they are trying to uphold. There are lower cost Toyota models that fill this void. The toyotas are still great cars, however they are simply more accessible to the majority of the market. While I understand this analogy does not fit perfectly into this conversation, hopefully you still get point I am trying to make.

I think he does grasp it Zach. Just that he doesn't like it. I've been connected with local electronics distributors since the late 90's, (when I started designing, consulting, and building home theaters). Many lines hold back their top tier products for exclusive retailers while making the lesser lines available to anyone that wants to sell them. Yamaha for instance is one, along with Panasonic. Denon however will let you buy whatever you want!

DIRECTLY from the Carpro people!!. I sure hope I didn't start a backlash regarding the exclusivity stuff (with my comments). As the owner of multiple businesses, I understand the value of certain business strategies to make and maintain the name sake and reputation. To me, the exclusive nature of Finest is a positive and that is in part what attracted me to become an installer for them. As it was described, I made my application and was turned down (at this time) because of another installer working within 25 miles of my shop. If I were to be the approved installer, and I was faced with a company that would approve indiscriminately all possible applicant without preserving my "exclusive" rights and privileges then I would lose loyalty to the company and its products, so although I am disappointed with the fact that I am not a certified (and marketed) Finest installer, I understand and made my peace with it.



I've been applying coatings for years but just recently started posting my work on forums and my FB webpage. To answer your question, I've installed the CQuartz coatings and tried the reformulated UK version and my experience has been positive (main reason why I wanted to step it up and become affiliated with them). I've also installed OC2.0 and the PBL. My recent work (and the source of a couple of reviews on AG) has been with the PBL, but I am not exclusive to the product and will offer my expertise (and experiences) in assisting my client to select the best product for their budget. A little like what Zach was referring to.

I also have had very positive experiences with other Carpro products like CQuartz DLUX (my go to) and Carpro Eraser. I also have their glass pads and ceriglass product which I really like. After chatting Zach I am also looking forward to trying their Flyby30.

Anyhow, I am glad Corey jumped in to clarify things.

Although I share your enthusiasm, I do have to point out that this idea carries a lot of marketing flaws. If you were to open enroll and end up with 30 installers that joined your class and all live and work within a 50 mile radius, how do you select your handful of detailers out of the bunch? They all came to the class, all were taught, all showed proficiencies etc... It would be a good marketing ploy if you just wanted to flood the market indiscriminatly from making a name and preserving a reputation (and catering to your current installer with the exclusivity protection, meaning all the Finest work gets directed to your shop based on the marketing through the Carpro site labeling you as THE certified installer). How would you feel about having a map that is flooded of installer, not exactly "exclusive". Even if they were to follow your advise, you will end up with a large area of the US without service.

As for your second quote, I feel there is a LOT of subjectivity regarding the "BEST" (actually way too much). Can you offer some accurate objectifiable data on which wax, sealant or coating is the best?? Even Corey refers to subjective perceptions in most of the description of the differences between his products (ie. gloss and appearance, protection from wash induced marring, the tactile feel etc..) There is no real data available from double blind control trial or actual measurable stress tests (marring, scratch, chemical resistance etc..) that has been provided by any manufacturer. I'll admit I was a big OC fan (which is on my wife's van) but since the introduction of PBL, I have been blown away. Am I a true convert now? NOPE! Subjectively I may be blown away by the results but I am a little more pragmatic and do need to see the long term viability of the product.

While it'd be something the "exclusive" guys would jump up and down over I honestly don't see anything wrong with a sales and training program that gets your product out there to as many customers as possible. If you are indeed qualified/skilled enough to, and understand how to install a product with results that are equal to the guy in the next town, next county, next block for that matter then the real winner isn't the public, but the manufacturer.

Dealers have to abide by MAP pricing every day of the week. Having more installers available doesn't hurt the pricing structure of any CQ product, but it does help them sell more. The key is that when someone starts calling around that the PRODUCT is always priced the same. I had a competitor back in 2002 that carried a line of speakers, a very exclusive line. He only got them so he could put them in his own home theater. Never sold another pair to anyone. In fact he never sold ANYTHING to anyone. He just applied for, and paid $20,000 for inventory.

He wasn't actually competition, although he was considered a "dealer". In fact, I was the one that built his entire system, theater, gym, family room, master bedroom all had surround sound, then we had 2-channel in 8 more locations. He wanted those speakers so he had some cards printed and contacted the manufacturer. Right after I completed the home theater (for the 3rd time, each time it got bigger and better, and by that time it had $130K in it) his wife told him she wanted a DIVORCE! So he calls me telling me he'll sell me those "exclusive" speakers but wanted me to put them up on the web for a quick sale. You see, he was forbidden from doing that because HE was a DEALER. I otoh was NOT and put the ad up. What he didn't realize however was that his setup was so exclusive, in a wood finish that nobody else in North America had. Once they saw the ad they called him and threatened to see him in court! :laughing: He told them he was going through a divorce and had liquidated everything and gone out of business. They still told him they'd see him in court!

Now wherein the rub lies is with a product like a coating and having the proper prep done PRIOR to that installation. When that isn't done correctly it can (and will) have a detrimental effect on the end product. By simply doing phone interviews, or sometimes email interviews, all based on geographical data mind you... that doesn't say one word about whether or not the chosen installer is any better or any worse than the next guy.

I think with a program like the OP suggested it would be better for everyone involved. Either have a factory representative come out and inspect your work, and methods. OR.... you show up to something like Detail Fest and take part in a PAID program to get certified in the product(s) you want to sell.

Just calling something "exclusive" doesn't make it so. Holding it back from the masses is a different type of "exclusive". As we all know, detailers come in all shapes and sizes. Some work from home, some from their truck, some from a little car, others from their mom's van, and sometimes..... just sometimes..... one will have a full brick and mortar building. You want to offer a true "exclusive" product then hold it back to only those guys that have made the investment into a facility, overhead, and risk to go along with it. The problem is, look how many guys may have had a building and lost it, then worked out of their truck. Or those that worked from a car and finally moved to a building. None of that though means that they are any better at what they do than the guy that's been doing it for 30 years and does it from his home.

As a reminder here, just playing devils advocate guys, nothing more, nothing less. rops:

To the OP:

I like what you said about photography. For instance, my daughter got married last July. One of her best friends calls herself a "photographer". That is when she's not making minimum wage at a dumpy pizza joint. She's taken classes, gone to the local college for some even. But her camera is a single lens Canon EOS Rebel of some sort. My camera (one of them that is) is a Canon DSLR and I have half a dozen lenses to go with it. I've been taking photos since I was a kid, starting with film in the mid 60's. I was actively shooting creatively in my teens in the 70's. So almost 40 years I've been shooting and have 4 times as much equipment as this girl, but SHE is a PROFESSIONAL. Hmmmmmm......

My daughter had asked her if she wanted to shoot her wedding, then she decided that the price was something as high as she would charge anyone else. Never mind that she owed money to my daughter, and was always calling her for a 'ride' here or there because they only have one vehicle, (and it barely runs). So my daughter tells her, "No, I want you to come as a guest, you're my friend". That pi$$ed the girl off so she decided she wasn't coming at ALL! Then the day of the wedding she showed up with her CAMERA! %#@#(&@ Seriously?!?!? So she spent the day taking photos as if she was hired to shoot the wedding. Afterwards they decided that if she took all the photos then they'd go ahead and buy them from her. So they offered her a price, which offended her of course (remember, she's a PROFESSIONAL) but none the less she took the money. Then when they went to get the photos, (nothing printed, all digital files) she had not kept ANY of the originals! She put them into collages, being all creative and what not, then said she no longer had ANY of the originals. OMG!!!!!!

So yeah, what does it mean to be "exclusive" or hire a "professional"?

I understand your reluctance to 'accept' anything but the very highest level of product from a given source. However, do not let that preclude you from looking at other CQ, OC, or even Pinnacle Black Label products. I can tell you from experience that CQ and PBL both look and perform great. OC Pro I've not installed but may need to very VERY soon.

(I'll find out tomorrow actually as I have a national body shop chain with about 15 locations around town that has called me to come do a Jaguar. The owner had it originally "coated" in MO, and they don't know what a coating is, much less what product is on the vehicle. If it has a CQ sticker, or a OC sticker on it THEN I'll know what I'm going back with.)

In any event, don't let the whole "coatings are forever" thing hold you back. They scratch and swirl just like any paint out there, just that they provide you a sacrificial barrier between your paint and the elements and/or washing techniques. And of course fantastic protection, gloss and shine. With this Jag tomorrow I'll have to cut and buff the entire thing and remove what is left before I can even start to coat it again. It is my understanding that this is the SECOND body repair since it was coated, thus it all needs to be compounded and start from scratch. They all remove with compound! I can let the $10 an hour guys at the body shop cut and buff it with their horrendous wool pads then I can go in and put the time into it to make it right. After all.... wouldn't be the first time I've cleaned up after the "production guys". :laughing:

While $25 an ounce isn't cheap (PBL) it is far from that "kilobuck" price you mentioned. Even with 2 coats you'll get your 550 done 4~5 times over with a single bottle.