Saving money on products

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ken tuep

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What kind of tricks have you done to try to save money on detailing supplies, cleaners ,pads, polishes, whatever it may be. I'm trying to get the most bang for my buck.


I'll start. I don't know if its been done or not. One thing I've been wanting to try out is Iron-X. But it seems so expensive for the quantity of product. I purchased a small sample of the Iron-X ($6.99 for 2 oz), and the Iron-X snow soap ($27.99 for 32oz). I was originally going to put the snow soap in my foam cannon, but knowing that I would use the entire bottle on 2 washes didn't sit well with my wallet. I saw the snow soap could be diluted, so mixed it 8:1 in a spray bottle as per the manufacturers recommendations. I sprayed the entire vehicle, including the wheels with 1 32oz spray bottle of the diluted Snow Soap. I just wanted to compare and see how well it worked, next to the original Iron-X.

I set up a test on my personal vehicle, both front wheels for evenness of dirt. Spayed them each with the separate solutions, about 2oz on each wheel to be fair(since all I had was a sample of the original Iron-X).

I allowed both to dwell for about 4 minutes then procedded to scrub with a daytona wheel brush only. Both seemed to remove iron, and bleed out about the same. The Iron-X Snow Soap produced a nice foaming action as i agitated, the original Iron-X did not. I then rinsed and inspected the results. They both worked equally well, there wasn't any real difference in appearance after the cleaning.


I also sprayed the entire vehicle to decontaminate it, and used almost a full 32oz of diluted snow soap on my wifes 2010 Dodge Journey. It seemed to work perfect.

I should have taken pictures during the process, but was a bit pressed for time. Maybe when I do my truck I'll take pictures for comparison.

All said and done I am impressed with both products, but have decided the snow soap is the route for me. Just figured I'd share my experience, and hope to hear some more ways to save.

Thanks for reading, Ken.:postpics:I KNOW!!
 
102 views and NO input? You guys are better than that!
 
I take advantage of the BOGO offers on autogeek.net!
 
I can't comment about the Iron-X, since the only Iron-X I use is the soap gel and I'm very satisfied with it. As far as controlling your detailing budget, I have a few recommendations. Don't be tempted by the current "hot" product. There are no miracles out there. All products have their own characteristics and some are better than others, but it's so easy to spend big bucks looking for something that's just head and shoulders above anything else on the market, only to be disappointed. For my DD's I maintain, I rely heavily on the Collinite and Duragloss line. Both are excellent values and give superb results. Same thing with Meguiar's. Their pro products such as the Glass cleaner or D151 AIO are excellent values. I use OPC on the leather parts of my seats, but Meg's APC everywhere else, since it's just as effective and a lot less costly. If you find someone who shares your passion, you can pool your funds and buy larger sizes of products, such as ONR and save a bunch. AG's rolled edge towels are as good as anything else out there IMO and are a bargain at regular price, not to mention being on BOGO from time to time. Speaking of BOGO, taking advantage of those is one of the best things you can do to control your expenses. Even if you don't have a large enough order to get free shipping, taking advantage of BOGO's on stuff you use can still be a substantial savings. I have enough supplies in stock that I don't really need anything at any given time. I always have a list populated and when one of AG's many deals come around, I'll pull the trigger.

One final thing worth mentioning is to read a lot here on the forum. So many or our great membership are happy to share their experiences. You can use their reviews as sound criteria to decide how best to allocate your funds.

Bill
 
I'm not sure what's the purpose of the IRonX Snow Soap? Once you IRonX a car (once) how often would you have to use the chemicals in IRonX? Buying the sample sizes is VERY expensive ounce per ounce BOGO or not. Why not just get a bottle of TRIX and use it for dual purpose for $16?

If your trying to save money, but products that are highly dilutable if possible, like CG stuff. Buy stuff on BOGO and stock up. Always wait for free shipping promos. Buy towels directly towel places instead of detailing places. Buy larger sizes.
 
I do take advantage of BOGO very often, and has saved me a bunch. As far as the Iron-X I mentioned, it's for Iron decontamination on the entire vehicle. It helps to ensure the surface is as clean as can be after claying, and before polishing.
 
swanicyouth said:
I'm not sure what's the purpose of the IRonX Snow Soap? Once you IRonX a car (once) how often would you have to use the chemicals in IRonX? Buying the sample sizes is VERY expensive ounce per ounce BOGO or not. Why not just get a bottle of TRIX and use it for dual purpose for $16?

If your trying to save money, but products that are highly dilutable if possible, like CG stuff. Buy stuff on BOGO and stock up. Always wait for free shipping promos. Buy towels directly towel places instead of detailing places. Buy larger sizes.
Click to expand...


I use Iron-X on every vehicle I detail. The Iron-X snow soap makes almost 2 gallons for $27.99. Which makes it very cheap compared to everything else I've seen like it? Iron-X is $32.99 per liter, and is to be used straight out of the bottle.
 
ken tuep said:
What kind of tricks have you done to try to save money on detailing supplies, cleaners ,pads, polishes, whatever it may be. I'm trying to get the most bang for my buck.
Click to expand...

Ken , you already loosing money.

the best to save is 15off, free shipping , or 20%off free shipping. and buy in gallons or more than samples.
now about products , i can get same results if not better and i don`t use fancy products, i use chemicals that you diluted and get the right strength to do the job.
the price for your samples i get my all year around wheel cleaner. make sense?

Cosmin
 
Cosmin said:
Ken , you already loosing money.

the best to save is 15off, free shipping , or 20%off free shipping. and buy in gallons or more than samples.
now about products , i can get same results if not better and i don`t use fancy products, i use chemicals that you diluted and get the right strength to do the job.
the price for your samples i get my all year around wheel cleaner. make sense?

Cosmin
Click to expand...

I do take advantage of free shipping, and buy in larger quantities after I have tested a sample product. I wasn't stating that I was or am loosing money, just that there are always cheaper options if you search for them. This was mostly for the guys who do use Iron-X, or haven't used it because of the cost.

This is the first fancy product I have tried ever, I only use otc products most of the time. Meguiars for compounding, polishing, and wax. Purple power is my main apc, and cheap soap is what I stick with most of the time.

My cabinet is full of gallon containers, 105,205, cg wash, and so on. I was just showing how I saved money on a product that is somewhat costly by using another for the same purpose. I thought I was a genious when I figured this out!!!!

Thanks for all of the feedback, I appreciate it a lot.:xyxthumbs:
 
Practical solutions I have found:

1. Measure products meticulously. I have some 3 oz. measuring cups I bought from AG that I use for soap, ONR, APC, etc.

I found I was using WAY too much product when just "guesstimating".

2. Buy in bulk. You will ALWAYS save money buying product in 1 gal or more sizes, but make sure to crunch the numbers to make sure.

3. Use products that are economical. I use mostly AG sold product, but use HD Polish and Speed a lot because you need so little in order to get a great finish.

4. Find bargains when you can. I was browsing my local Target one day and found a premium, no name tire shine that was originally $11.99 for a 32. oz bottle market down on liquidation for $3(!!!) a bottle. It is an excellent, water based tire shine from the Voodoo brand. I bought 9 bottles, all they had. Where else can you find tire shine for $3 for 32 oz.?

5. Look for other detailers that are reducing their inventory. I have bought many high end, unused products from other detailers for pennies on the dollar just because they had started using something else, and now wanted to liquidate the unused stuff. I'm talking pennies on the dollar here.

Edit: forgot one!

6. Use a quality, dilutable APC!! I use 3D APC and use it for engine bays, wheel wells, tires, wheels, carpet cleaning and pre treatment, general interior cleaning, leather cleaning, and my Tornador gun. If I was buying specific products for each of those uses, it would cost me hundreds of dollars. Meguiar's APC is also a great APC.
 
Cosmin said:
Ken , you already loosing money.

the best to save is 15off, free shipping , or 20%off free shipping. and buy in gallons or more than samples.
now about products , i can get same results if not better and i don`t use fancy products, i use chemicals that you diluted and get the right strength to do the job.
the price for your samples i get my all year around wheel cleaner. make sense?

Cosmin
Click to expand...

VP Mark said:
6. Use a quality, dilutable APC!! I use 3D APC and use it for engine bays, wheel wells, tires, wheels, carpet cleaning and pre treatment, general interior cleaning, leather cleaning, and my Tornador gun. If I was buying specific products for each of those uses, it would cost me hundreds of dollars. Meguiar's APC is also a great APC.
Click to expand...
This is pretty much how I do things.

When you're working on your own vehicles, the flavor of the month is a fun filled hobby and quite fulfilling as therapy. When you're running a business, the flavor of the month will bankrupt you.

I found a detail shop local to me who were producing higher quality production work than all the other shops that I'm aware of and picked the owner's brains about how to dilute, what to dilute and how many chemicals are actually needed to detail properly.

It really boils down to about a half a dozen products in 1 gallons, 5 gallons, 55gallons whatever you have the space to work with. This is how I save money. I buy the flavor of the month about as often as I buy a lobster tail, which is very rare for me to do.
 
tuscarora dave said:
This is pretty much how I do things.

When you're working on your own vehicles, the flavor of the month is a fun filled hobby and quite fulfilling as therapy. When you're running a business, the flavor of the month will bankrupt you.

I found a detail shop local to me who were producing higher quality production work than all the other shops that I'm aware of and picked the owner's brains about how to dilute, what to dilute and how many chemicals are actually needed to detail properly.

It really boils down to about a half a dozen products in 1 gallons, 5 gallons, 55gallons whatever you have the space to work with. This is how I save money. I buy the flavor of the month about as often as I buy a lobster tail, which is very rare for me to do.
Click to expand...
You've got to realize that most of the detailiers local to me are right in around this auction which is just one of their many facilities around here so some of these detailers are pumping out 70 to 100 cars a week.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRqmRoA3hy8]Aerial Video of the Manheim Auto Auction - YouTube[/video]
 
Just make sure to do extra research on products you plan on buying specifically big items like an extractor, pressure washer, ect..

Also why are you all saying loosing.. it is spelled losing.
 
theclock12 said:
Just make sure to do extra research on products you plan on buying specifically big items like an extractor, pressure washer, ect..

^^^Why would you post this badly structured sentence?^^^
Click to expand...
theclock12 said:
Also why are you all saying loosing.. it is spelled losing.
Click to expand...

-Have you never heard the adage: "Someone loosing their purse-strings"?

-Do yourself a favor and don't attempt to be a member of the Grammar Police.

By being so 'arresting': It's a sure-fire
method of your receiving this Guarantee:
Someone will hath "loosed the dogs" upon thee.

Bob

Note to OP:
-I suppose I could have saved some AGO forum broadband space. But I didn't.
-Excuse my hi-jacking your thread. I just felt compelled to do so.
 
1) Don't get sucked into all the hype about new products. You can easily spend thousands of dollars on the latest "must have" stuff. I cannot stress this enough!

2) Having said that, buy products that have a multitude of uses...Obviously ONR, Gary Dean's infinite use detail juice...are 2 things that will save you a LOT of money.

3) If you are the kind of guy that washes your car every week (or every 2 weeks)...you only need a maintenance spray product to keep the paint protected. Don't get sucked into the hype of layering 15 different waxes and sealants because its cool. Your wallet (or wife/GF/or both)...will NOT think its very cool. Just get a product like CG V7, Optimum car wax, or Duragloss aqua wax and use every 2 weeks or so. Optimum will go a month or so easily...or lock in on a rinse-less wash with carnuba...1-step and you are done.

4) Buy in gallons...the savings are incredible. Bite the bullet once and be done with it.

5) Don't get sucked into buying all sorts of polishes...and stick to one or two family lines. Megs 101/205, and CG BlackLight...probably the only polishes you will ever need.

6) Once you have a system that produces consistently good results, stick with it (don't start buying all sorts of new stuff just because you can)

Wait for "free shipping" and yes, shop around (sorry AG). There are some really nice deals if you take the time to look around. Take advantage of the up coming Holiday savings.
 
ken tuep said:
I use Iron-X on every vehicle I detail. The Iron-X snow soap makes almost 2 gallons for $27.99. Which makes it very cheap compared to everything else I've seen like it? Iron-X is $32.99 per liter, and is to be used straight out of the bottle.
Click to expand...

I thought the soap was more of a maintenance product, that it wasn't strong enough to remove much iron like actual IRonX. Maybe I'm wrong.
 
swanicyouth said:
I thought the soap was more of a maintenance product, that it wasn't strong enough to remove much iron like actual IRonX. Maybe I'm wrong.
Click to expand...


In a side by side comparison, they both performed the same to me. I'm nobody, but I will continue to use the snow soap the way I do, instead of paying for regular Iron-X. I don't know how strong it is, but it worked at removing the little iron specs on my wheels and paint. I have plastic chrome on the wheels, and white paint for reference. I was surprised it worked as well as it did.
 
work the BOGO section, new values every two weeks !
 
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