CG Critics vis-a-vis Meguiars

Just a small handful of CG products I keep around. Their soaps aren't half bad. They use to have a lot of good polishes a few years ago.

But a lot of their polishes/glazes do overlap and do hardly nothing. They know how to market their products that's for darn sure even the bottles are getting nicer(at least the wrap).
 
Then there is SmartWax. From what I remember, SmartWax line was more consumer friendly. But I can't say for sure.

Years ago, before I got "into" detailing, I went to some open-house at the CG location and bought some SmartWax products and some MFs.

Early in my detailing life, I picked up some CG products, but have since moved on from them. Just my experience. Didn't care for their durability with the various products I've tried. The hex pads are good, but they're Buff & Shine (or were ?). Pet's 53 is also a pretty good wax.

When I started learning more about the Meguiar's line, it started to feel a bit like the CG thing. BUT, i don't think they're near the level of CG. Seems like CG has 3-4 degreasers/APCs, 30 paste waxes, 20 soaps. I'm not interested in counting the actual numbers. haha... maybe later if I get bored and curious.

Regardless of criticism, find something you like, and use it often (-Mike). I agree with that. If you (and/or your client) are happy with the results, then that's all that matters (put simply).
 
I still use Jetseal from time to time and topped with their Black wax I always find those to be an amazing combo. Still not as good as a coating though
 
So is Mastersons Wax a subsidiary of CG? I know that guy used to do all of CG videos and then disappeared. He definitely knows how to hype and market products, lol.
 
Judging by "Mastersons" comments on their YouTube videos, no. Looks like Greg went off and is doing his own thing now
 
Marketing is part of all companies sales strategy. As individuals some marketing strategies we may like, some we may not.
This forum is a part of AG's marketing strategy. Bob McKee bringing in Mike Phillips to run his training department and interact on this forum was part of Bob's marketing strategy. Bob taking Nick with him to market McKee's 37 and hiring Joe to run the detailing side of Mckee's 37 is another example. It's kind of like when we all anticipate the Superbowl commercials, some we may like, some we may not. I've tried quite a few of CG's products, some I liked, some I didn't. I've also tried many other companies products, some I liked some I didn't. :props:
 
CG does get a bad rap but I think it's self inflicted. They have over what now 500 YouTube videos, most covering the same thing over and over and many times conflicting each other. They have a product line that seems to straddle itself on use and intention or just confusing on which should be chosen. While they give that POP to the paint that we all want it doesn't last long, at least in my experience and many reviews online. So I can see it being perfect for the guy who touches his car way to much and doesn't let a product do its thing as it was made but more the always wiping just to wipe to look good at all times guy you see at shows and meets. Also have you noticed that EVERY product is on sale..always, like that store down the road that's "going out of business" but never goes out of business.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
 
custmsprty said:
Marketing is part of all companies sales strategy. As individuals some marketing strategies we may like, some we may not.
This forum is a part of AG's marketing strategy. Bob McKee bringing in Mike Phillips to run his training department and interact on this forum was part of Bob's marketing strategy. Bob taking Nick with him to market McKee's 37 and hiring Joe to run the detailing side of Mckee's 37 is another example. It's kind of like when we all anticipate the Superbowl commercials, some we may like, some we may not. I've tried quite a few of CG's products, some I liked, some I didn't. I've also tried many other companies products, some I liked some I didn't. :props:
Click to expand...

This is an interesting comment. When I think about Collinite I think of the anti-marketing company. I don't think Collinite has a marketing strategy.

About Us

The detailing industry today is a far cry from its origins. While manufacturers have made concessions and broadened their product ranges, we’ve refined ours. We’re taking the road less traveled, perfecting the most specialized parts of detailing. Here, the landscape for truly durable waxes isn’t overcrowded. The pretenders are few, and the savvy consumers-the ones who have tried everything and looked everywhere under the sun-know this all too well. That’s why they know Collinite.

How else can you explain that-without traditional marketing or advertising methods, new product launches, or even discounts-Collinite has found its way into these people’s hands-in over 50 different countries and counting? The answer is fundamentally simple and uniquely refreshing; No matter the time that passes or the compromises made around us, Collinite will stay the course and continue to exceed expectations. This is our enduring tribute to those who know us and those yet to find us; the ones who refuse to change or compromise. The ones who know better.
 
Cruzscarwash said:
CG does get a bad rap but I think it's self inflicted. They have over what now 500 YouTube videos, most covering the same thing over and over and many times conflicting each other. They have a product line that seems to straddle itself on use and intention or just confusing on which should be chosen. While they give that POP to the paint that we all want it doesn't last long, at least in my experience and many reviews online. So I can see it being perfect for the guy who touches his car way to much and doesn't let a product do its thing as it was made but more the always wiping just to wipe to look good at all times guy you see at shows and meets. Also have you noticed that EVERY product is on sale..always, like that store down the road that's "going out of business" but never goes out of business.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I'm not sticking up for CG, so don't take this the wrong way, it's just a personal observation, but there are a lot of sales around here too. My inbox can attest to that. :props:
 
Route246 said:
So, what you are describing is what marketing people refer to as a product mix strategy. CG's is a single wide and deep channel while Meguiar's created a multi-channel product differentiation strategy. In the end these products are all mostly the same in intent and differ slightly in quality and effect.
Click to expand...

Exactly, and IMO that makes a huge difference when talking about overlapping products or in other words basically saying they're just offering alot of the same thing to the same target customer.
 
CG has some products that I like and others I don't even bother looking at. No matter the company you got your supporters and critics but CG goes out of their way to knock on other companies. Talk to some of the guys that had booths next to them at SEMA over the years. At the same time, they overcharge for what you could buy from another company. Their waxes/sealants don't have the durability they claim but they're still pretty good. I actually like their V32 polish, I find it's a great one-step polish as long as you use the right pad. Some of their products are just out right money grabs like their cleaner and protectant for floor mats. I think most people just use an APC to clean their all-weather mats.. They have great products if you pick and choose one or two out of their whole line. I think most of us here are experienced enough in product purchases to know whats good and whats a bs product. Unfortunately CG doesn't necessarily want people like us. They want the newbie who finally got into because they got a brand new car and want to caress their car every day with some kind of new spray and wipe to keep it looking good all the time. It's like the guys who pull into a parking lot at the grocery store and before they go inside to get groceries, they use a QD spray to wipe down the car doing it the wrong way and inflicting swirls because they touch their cars way way too often. Well great, CG has a polishes for that. Oh don't have a DA polisher or have the means to? That's ok they have 30 different glazes just for that. CG markets to the same people who put a massive aftermarket spoiler on a front wheel drive car at the end of the day, as long as it sales they keep doing it.
 
Route246 said:
The reason why I even took the time to write this thread was because I sensed unfair criticism of CG because their marketing created a perception of inferiority, but not based on product quality or satisfaction.
Click to expand...

Hey I know exactly what you mean... I don't even use any Chemical Guys products, but if you see some of my recent posts you'll see me defending Chemical Guys when I see what I think is just blatant fanboyizm going on and people begin whining about the most minor things such as marketing like you mentioned... I agree, if you're going to bash a product or company, at least do so based on results not your personal preference of how you think they should advertise.
 
Eldorado2k said:
Hey I know exactly what you mean... I don't even use any Chemical Guys products, but if you see some of my recent posts you'll see me defending Chemical Guys when I see what I think is just blatant fanboyizm going on and people begin whining about the most minor things such as marketing like you mentioned... I agree, if you're going to bash a product or company, at least do so based on results not your personal preference of how you think they should advertise.
Click to expand...

My first few months on AGO started out very rocky because of the CG argument lol..so much hate. And ironically I only discovered CG through autopia way back in 2008ish.

So many products great products out there today..from CG and from everyone else. It's a good time to be detailing imo
 
Eldorado2k said:
Hey I know exactly what you mean... I don't even use any Chemical Guys products, but if you see some of my recent posts you'll see me defending Chemical Guys when I see what I think is just blatant fanboyizm going on and people begin whining about the most minor things such as marketing like you mentioned... I agree, if you're going to bash a product or company, at least do so based on results not your personal preference of how you think they should advertise.
Click to expand...


:dblthumb2: :iagree: 100% :dblthumb2:

I personally never comment on any product unless I've personally used it.

And that doesn't include just detailing products.

I've purchased and used a few CG products:

Silk Shine, still my all time favorite interior detailer.

 
custmsprty said:
:dblthumb2: :iagree: 100% :dblthumb2:

I personally never comment on any product unless I've personally used it.

I've purchased and used a few CG products:

Click to expand...

Good point. I don't comment on something I don't know about. I think Kirkland MF (especially their latest version) gets the same grief, a lot of fanboys bashing them without ever using them. There should be a fanboy tag available whenever someone starts making comments without full disclosure, the way the SEC and SOCKS does with public company comments. LOL!
 
I've used CG products as I've used products from most every company trying to find the "one" but nothing worked good for me and I did end up tossing but out or giving it away. The one thing I still use is their branded yellow hex pad. I only use it for my worst jobs where I don't want to use my good pads and it has held up well through the years.

Sent from my XT1609 using Tapatalk
 
I drank the chemical guys Kool aid waay back when I first started....some of their stuff was good i.e. silk shine (which I still use and really like) and eco wash....but as I got more into detailing and joined AG and opened my eyes up to​ the rest of the detailing world I quickly shyed away from CGs....i stepped back and saw their gimicks and schemes and even had a couple bad experiences with customer service, or lack there of....and I am personally proud to say that I haven't gave them a penny for the last 2 years lol :)
 
I think a bigger issue is people just souly purchasing products from one brand. "I use only CG products." Okay, that's fine and all but A) you are more likely to buy overlapping products and B) they are missing out on a TON of great products from other brands.

I will say that is has been easy retiring CG products. Many are now collecting dust towards the back of the shelf because I have replaced them with far better products from other brands.

In regards to the comments about how many "waxes" they offer, I only classify waxes that are pure caranuba. Like Meg's synthetic tech "wax" 2.0 is not a wax, it's a sealant. Wax just sells and the word is familiar to people in an age where things like Silica oxide and carbon coatings are a thing.

I am more attracted to the brands that have themes, like a coating system and a full product line that evolves around said coating system. It makes a lot of decisions a no-brainer.

CG and Meg's are still good though.
 
The problem I had with CG was their customer service. Virtually every order I ever placed with them was wrong. I was met with indifference, if I was able to contact them at all.

My first order was for a set of 5.5" pads. They sent 6.5". One would think that it would be a simple exchange, right? Wrong. This was 2013, and I was actually able to talk to someone in the office. They told me to "just use them, they'll be fine". But that's not what I ordered...

Then I tried their FP Final Polish. I got two bottles because it was on a special. Well, the polishes were watery after opening them. Again, I was met with "OK, so..."

Of course by the third time, I was done. I love the Hex Face pads, and really love their pad cleaner. But because of the horrendous customer service, I stopped sourcing from them. I have a friend here who shops with them, and I'll have him pick me up a gallon of pad cleaner. As far as pads, I use the flat Buff and Shine, or LC Hydrotech.

I use a ton of Megs because I'm familiar with the product line. They're utilitarian in nature, designed to accomplish a certain task, and do so quite well. They have a great, decades long reputation of customer service and support. That appealed to me because after the marketing and hype has worn off, the stuff in the bottle has to perform.

As far as Meguiar's overlap... It was explained to me that consumer demand drives what stays and what goes. The reason some of their archaic products remain available, is because they're still heavily being used somewhere in the world. I bet they would love to jettison the old M01, M02, and M04 cleaners among others. But they can't, due to demand. I don't believe that CG has this kind of phenomenon occurring that justifies their product line.

Brings to mind a quote from someone from the manufacturing end of detailing. In regards to smaller companies vs Megs/3M "They (3M/Megs) spill more product a year than these other companies sell". That's paraphrased, but you get the point.

These days I stick to companies who manufacturer what they sell, Rupes, Megs, Menzerna, duragloss, etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top