Saving the good stuff?

Johnnyboy

Johnnyboy

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Just curious!

Seems logical to me that as far as supplies, I would save the "good stuff" for high end/full detail jobs (for customers that actually know/understand full detailing), and use cheaper/more of OTC products for daily drivers (customers who just care about the clean part). I feel that this is the same thought that most of the deatilers here would have but I may be wrong.

Any of you think this way and if not......why use the "good stuff" for DD's? Hope to get some input.
 
I don't really care what they drive. If they pay for a 3 step I am going to use the same products I would on a Mercedes as I would on a Dodge Neon. I have a set list of products I use, the only thing that changes the cost is what package they choose.
 
LSP's aside for now, I use whatever products I have that will yield the best results on any given car. Sometimes thats the $9 bottle of Ultimate compound, and sometimes it's the $40 bottle of Scholls S03+. From that point, it doesn't matter the cost, I just use what works.

As for LSP's (carnuba's mostly) you get what you pay for. If you want a high end wax that costs $500 for 8oz, you can bet your ass you're going to pay for it. If you just want you paint protected, and looking good then it won't cost you as much. I never try to upsell very premium (talking over $100) waxes, but I do have them, and use them as requested.
 
Wouldn't you also "think" that using the "good stuff" on any car you detail is doing/giving a little extra to the customer in hopes to generate more business by showing them you care about your work?

The customer gets a clean car either way, and the products used can often determine how long the car looks nice, or how easy it cleans up on the next detail, as well as how often the car is brought in for service. Some customers may know/care about quality detailing work, and others may simply just care about it being clean. Either way, the customer wants his car clean and shiny.

Is what anyone looks for in return from a customer, the money? Or is it a satisfied customer willing to pay you more often for more work, while (here's the good part) being willing to broadcast your good name? Is it more complicated than just a simple yes, or no answer? Should your decision to use certain products be based on what the client wants, or is willing to pay for?

IMO, these are questions only you can answer based on services/packages offered.
 
Also if the cheap stuff works as well as the "good" stuff, why not use it on everything? Just because it's not the trendiest product, or doesn't cost the most doesn't mean it isn't going to work.
 
A thought I have, using an lsp that is easier to apply saves you time = money.
 
CEE DOG said:
A thought I have, using an lsp that is easier to apply saves you time = money.
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I agree 100%, and that value can be passed on to the customer with some lsp's.

Some of these lsp's may cost a little more per bottle such as when using opti-seal or ultima paing guard plus, but they fit perfectly with what Corey said above. The amount of product used costs you little per car, cost you little time per car, but offers the customer great value in protection and longevity if it's maintained properly.

With subjective terms like "best" and "easiest" you could/would get answers all over the spectrum based on the experience of the person you talk to. However, if you ask someone like Corey who does extensive product testing you're most likely going to get a good solid recommendation from which to make "your decision."
 
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My customers design thier own package.....I have nothing set in stone so to speak.

I have my favorite products that I like to use and thats what they get no matter what they are driving.

All cars are different and all paints are different but the end results should be the same "Customer Satisfaction" Right?

I don't hold out on a certian product because of what that are driving wether it be a MB or a Geo....if I feel I can get that "WOW" factor on that Geo or MB with product X or Y i'll use it!

Thats where the Artistry comes in at least in my mind.....

Agree to what they want and over deliver! Don't skimp on product because of what they are driving...do the best you can do with what you have and when they see that Geo looking as good as that MB next to it you'll have a customer for a long time!

Just my .02
 
To me, this is a weekend hobby but wouldnt mind going beyond the weekend thing and until now, the only cars I have done are DD's. Not just beaters......some nicer upper class vehicles but to be honest, people that don't know the difference between a nice quick, proper wash and a full detail. I was only wondering because I have always used OTC products even on my own vehicles but thanks to all the knowledge I've gotten from the forums and the forum members, I've begun on upgrading my artillery but in change that would maybe mean an increase in charge if anything and see what their choice is?
 
Hoytman said:
Wouldn't you also "think" that using the "good stuff" on any car you detail is doing/giving a little extra to the customer in hopes to generate more business by showing them you care about your work?

The customer gets a clean car either way, and the products used can often determine how long the car looks nice, or how easy it cleans up on the next detail, as well as how often the car is brought in for service. Some customers may know/care about quality detailing work, and others may simply just care about it being clean. Either way, the customer wants his car clean and shiny.

Is what anyone looks for in return from a customer, the money? Or is it a satisfied customer willing to pay you more often for more work, while (here's the good part) being willing to broadcast your good name? Is it more complicated than just a simple yes, or no answer? Should your decision to use certain products be based on what the client wants, or is willing to pay for?

IMO, these are questions only you can answer based on services/packages offered.
Click to expand...

Spot on.... I will further add that one can absolutely ask the customer how they measure their own satisfaction from any pending work. Will it be durability, shine, slickness or "just clean my car and don't go into the details". Amazon.com learned that customers sometimes have no idea how they measure their own satisfaction; and modeled their business with this in mind. The more you know your customer; the more you can recommend, say "Package #2 but instead of the standard base wax product we will use a premium wax for an additional $xx". This type of "choice" provided to the customer means a lot to most customers you want to stay on your "client list" in the first place. Look at AG's product selection; they get it.
 
Johnnyboy said:
Any of you think this way and if not......why use the "good stuff" for DD's? Hope to get some input.
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This is no different than the challenge that every business owner faces on a daily basis. Controlling your variable costs, materials and labor, is paramount to success in any business venture, no matter how large or small. There are clients who will gladly pay a premium for German super-polymers or hand mixed British Carnauba blends, but the majority of your clientele are after reasonably high quality at a reasonably low price point. It's up to you to find the best value in every product you use on a client's vehicle. IMO, a DD deserves as much attention to product and process choice as any job, albeit with different standards of value. You need to strike a balance on any job in offering a quality product at a reasonable price for your market and still turn a fair profit. That's one of the great benefits of a forum like this one, where good information is exchanged freely. If a product offers an outstanding value you'll hear about it here.

Bill
 
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