Which products do you go "name brand" and which that you go generic?

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Detailed Josh

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I'm sure there are some people who buy ALL the products from a certain brand from all purpose cleaners to waxes, etc. Then I'm sure a lot, like myself, pick and choose different brands depending on the product like they. For example I like Optimum No Rinse for my rinseless car wash, quick detailer, etc, or Meguiars 105 and 205 compounds/polishes. You get the point.

With getting more serious with turning this from a hobby into a business there are a lot of local chemical companies that sell detailing supplies in BULK. 5 gallons of Glass cleaners, all purpose cleaners, waxes, etc. This is obviously going to vary by who/what product are these local guys, but I'm assuming you have similar local suppliers. I DO NOT want to sacrifice quality one bit, I'm aiming at more quality customers, but at the same time what products does if any actually not matter as far as "name brand" and off brand/generic?
 
I don't know if SPRAYWAY is a generic glass cleaner or not, but I've been known to use it because it's cheap and works very well.
 
Man that is kind of a tough one. I have used a lot of the local/bulk suppliers and have always seen such a difference from them and name brands like Megs/OPT/3D that I have quit using them.

One of my main gripes with the local guys is the smell of their chemicals. I'm sorry, but if I have the choice of working around Orange scented 3D APC all day or death chemical scented local stuff, I'm going to spend a few dollars more for the 3D.
 
Everything I use is name brand although a few are virtually unknown to many people and detailers alike.
 
Don M said:
I don't know if SPRAYWAY is a generic glass cleaner or not, but I've been known to use it because it's cheap and works very well.
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:iagree: Sprayaway Glass Cleaner IMO is one of the better Glass Cleaners. Very inexpensive you can get it at Wally World!

Nice Choice as I agree too!
 
Hmm sounds like sticking to name brand for everything may still be the best option. I just figured some of the more "simple" things like APC or glass cleaners may not matter, but who knows.
 
I use pretty much all name brand too. Started out mostly using Meguiars, but over time I've tried out other stuff and now have about 50%; Meguiars and the rest is a wide mix from all other companies. Meguiars Detailer Line is just too hard to pass up on when doing a lot of cars. Price + effectiveness is really awesome with them!
 
jarred767 said:
I use pretty much all name brand too. Started out mostly using Meguiars, but over time I've tried out other stuff and now have about 50%; Meguiars and the rest is a wide mix from all other companies. Meguiars Detailer Line is just too hard to pass up on when doing a lot of cars. Price + effectiveness is really awesome with them!
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Agree with this. When it comes to price, effectiveness, Megs Detailer line is really hard to beat, especially for APC's, tire dressing, ect.. Between Meguiar's, Optimum, and HD/3D they account for about 95% of my products.
 
VP Mark said:
Agree with this. When it comes to price, effectiveness, Megs Detailer line is really hard to beat, especially for APC's, tire dressing, ect.. Between Meguiar's, Optimum, and HD/3D they account for about 95% of my products.
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I haven't explored HD/3D yet, what's your favorite from them if I wanted to give one or two things a shot?
 
I purchase about 3/4 of my products from my local distributor. Mainly for convenience, he stops by twice a month and asks me what I need. And the other reason is I spend a lot less time messing with bottles and it costs a bit less. I get 5 gallons of APC and Degreaser for $50 and they come with a spigot for filling bottles quickly and easily plus I don't have to mess with recycling bottles nearly as often. The main reason, though, is definitely the convenience. I spend way less time researching products a more time working on my business. If he recommends a product and I don't like it he sends me something else for free to try until we find a product I really like. I have 3 different AIO that I love for different things. I used to use d151 but after trying these from my supplier my d151 sits on the shelf. Remember what Mike Phillips always says. Find a product you like and use it often.
 
i just started detailing on the side about a year ago and there are a few wholesale places around here that i used to drop in on and make purchases. i can tell you from my experience none of their products compare to what you will find on Ag, CG,3d or carpro. having the better products is what will separate you from every other joe out there. your customers will know the difference when they stray someplace else and the will come running back. one of the lessons in life is realizing that in most cases you get what you pay for.
 
Even though I am not a pro, I use Meguiar's Detailers line of products for the bulk of my supplies: rinseless/waterless wash, shampoo, APC, glass cleaner, etc., because I use the stuff often enough that buying gallons saves me money in the long run. I use Rupes polishes because I have their Duetto polisher and pads. My vehicle is now coated with CQUK; before that I used to Meg's Ultimate system, and before that Meg's Mirror Glaze system.
 
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