Detailing training necessary?

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SuperbShineDetail

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Hello everyone. My question is: Is certification as a detailer necessary?

I am actually very interested in getting formal training and getting certified, especially through Mike's training in Florida. However, the timing, location, and budget does not really afford me the opportunity to attend, at least for this year. If there were something closer to me, and priced similar to Mike's, I would be interested.

I believe my skills as a detailer are good enough to get paid for, hence why I'm starting a business.

I'm curious as to how many people out there have actually run successful detailing businesses (I'm going mobile) without earning any certification, and only learned through trial and error.

Thanks.
 
Yes certification is a beneficial representation and sets you apart from the rest.If you are going fully into this I would get certified.many factors on how to use different tools and teaching the correct technique by Mike Phillips one on one.There is no place on the east coast that host a very fulfilled hands on teaching experience than autogeek and a recognized mentor Mike Phillips.Very useful at getting Highend jobs as well.When your ready autogeek will be the best place to invest in proper training and testing.
 
I have pages and pages of testimonies from people that have attended my class here on the forum. If you want, I'll post them to this thread... see what others have to say that have actually attended on of these classes.


As for paying for it, check out Ryan's story...





How to pay for your Competition Ready 3-Day Detailing Class with GoFundMe


Hi everyone!

My name is Ryan and I attend the May 2016 Competition Ready detail class instructed by Mike Phillips. For those of you who are interested in attending the class, but can't afford it, I may have a solution for you.

GoFundMe


If you have never heard of GoFundMe, it's a website that allows you to start your own fundraiser. You can easily post your fundraiser on social media for the world to see, and donations are conveniently given online. Then, donations are automatically deposited into your bank account. If you're not on social media then you can just visit the website and search by name to get to your page.

To create your fundraiser, you must sign up on the GoGundMe website. Then, you set your goal and give a description of what your fundraiser is for. There is also a tracker on your page that everyone visiting will see, showing how much money has been donated and how much further you have to go to reach your goal.

My advice would be to set your goal a little higher than the cost of the class, to help pay for the tax the website charges in order to use their services.

Why use GoFundMe if they're gonna charge you? Because it's a great visual aid for yourself and others to see what your goal is and how far you have to go.

When I signed up and gave my description, I provided a link to the class, described the importance of the class to me, and most importantly, offered my detailing services in return for donations. I quickly realized one of two things happen....

First it encourages people to donate because they get something in return. I never told anyone how much to donate, but just to use they're better judgement. Therefore, I did the best I could to make each vehicle look good without going above and beyond. I will say that almost every donation was fair, and for the couple that weren't, I didn't sweat it. Here's why..

The second thing that happens, is people read your GoFundMe page, and decide to give a generous donation. It's a very appreciative feeling, as about 1/3 of the cost of the class came from generous donations for me. So if you're completely new to detailing and want to take the class before touching anyone's vehicle, then creating a GoFundMe page can still be a very valuable tool in helping you pay for the class.

If this post helps even one person to attend the class I can say it was a success. I hope it helps even more as the Competition Ready 3-Day Detailing Class teaches you in a way that all the reading of detailing how-to articles in the world can't. By allowing you to use and get a feel for every tool out on the market, on cars you may never have the chance to work on again your entire life. All the while having the honor of being taught by Mike Phillips.

So if the only thing holding you back from taking the class is the cost, try out GoFundMe. I did, and it became the difference in me wishing I could take the class, to being in the class.

Thank you for reading.

Ryan





:)
 
I never would have thought to use go fund me to help attend the class, very good idea. ive only used it for my kids Christmas request ( they make a video, stating that they don't want toys but instead want to help others with things like food, clothes, blankets ) once we are about a week or two out from Christmas we go out and pass out the gifts we were able to buy with his funds. go fund me and the other similar sites are a great place for people who want to do good reach their goals when they cant personally afford to do so. again great idea for others who want to attend the class.
 
Im not taking away from what you would get out of a class with Mike P or any of the other great teachers/detailers out there.

The deal with a "certification" is that the CUSTOMER has to care before it would make a difference in your income. If none of your customers know of a certification it may not mean much to them. In other words there has to be a demand for "certified" detailers.

I say this from experience. I went to one of the top (at the time) mobile electronics schools and got MECP certified back in 1996. Well NOT one shop that I applied to around here knew (OR CARED) about MECP and I made $12 just like anyone who could wire up a radio. TO THIS day I have never had anyone ask if I was certified at all. By now reputation has taken over the need for a certificate.

The point is it is a piece of paper to say you passed some tests. It doesnt mean you are a GOOD detailer, I have seen MANY MANY "certified" installers DO SOME PRETTY HACK WORK!
 
Different culture of business that's why.When someone screws up a paint job by instilling major swirls or cleaning leather and removing dye should be a crime because of destroying property.Example a lady called me this week she has a 14 Ford Focus.The carwash detailer was going to use a acid to remove sap on her roof.It should be mandatory for anyone detailing cars.If they teach it in trade school which they do you should be accredited in that craft.I can't count how many cars I have fixed from painters and so called detailers.Stories you wouldn't believe.people are becoming more aware of this promblem.
 
For me personally, I did it for the experience and to kind of work under and be taught by a known detailer I respect...and obviously the cool cars.

No matter how much you may know, there's always things you'll pick up. Weather it's from Mike himself, a guest detailer or one of the classmates.

You also get to use machines or products you never would of thought you'd use.

Its a good way to network also..they may be a lifeline for you..or you to them.. never know.

I've attended two different 3 day seminars .Mikes is hands down more worthwhile. 16 cars vs 2
I possibly have 2 more on my radar
 
Any training available in Portland, OR? I keep seeing and reading about Mike's classes etc and so sad he is too far for me... (I got your books though)
 
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