What I like about this site

I have been to similiar sites that have detailing forums, and they say that they
welcome people to express ideas on the subject of detailing.Detailing is a very
diverse profession, and there is certainly many different ways and approaches to
complete a detail.Although, the time spent , experience,and the products used are
the key factors to a great detail.Some detailers have experience in one area of
detailing such as a correction, or doing boats, aircraft, or waxing cars.

One thing I notice about these web sites is a few members control what is said
on the forum. If you post something they do not agree with they will delete
you.On detailcity.org that happened to me,and I feel that is wrong. I was not tryingto use the forum to sell a product, but to express my opinions on certain subjects that concern me about the business.

I feel one reason that detailing is not considered a profession is because there are no standards.Why is it that maid services and painters make good money, but
an experienced detailer is offered $8.00 an hour.My feeling is that most people
equate detailing to a hobby, and not a skill.I live in Naples Fl.and I see more
so-called detailers than in most major cities and they last long enough to damage
and burn enough customers until they run out of business and look for another job.

I have made several posts on this website, and I am sure that many here do not
completely agree with everything I have expressed, but no one has deleted me.
Thanks Bud.

Bill Daley

Welcome:

This is a good forum where you can express ideas... and they are not removed. Unfortunately it is in decline because one or two persons wish to dominate the board and are disrespectful of the right of others to speak

Mr Daly

You are absolutely correct about the consumer perception of the detailing industry. The cost to enter the business is so low that anyone with a shop vacuum and a can of wax can call themselves a detailer.

The INTERNATIONAL DETAILING ASSOCIATION (IDA) is working hard to professionalize the industry and set our members apart from the back alley, weekend detailer.

For members we have offered a number of things to help them in their efforts:

a. Published a Code of Ethics that can be displayed
b. Provided a Membership Certificate indicating that this business is a member of
an international industry association.
c. As well as a window decal doing the same thing.
d. Published a Glossary of Detailing terms to help all of us speak the same
language
e. Developed and posted an Environmental & Regulatory site for Members that pro-
vides links to all types of sites that will give a "professional" detailer a
place to get information on how to be environmentally and OSHA compliant, etc
f. Have conducted detailing educational seminars all over the country
g. We willl have Detailing Pavillion and Educational Presentation at the upcom-
ing Car Care World Expo in Las Vegas in May
h. Will kick off a Detailer's Certification Program in 2010
i. Will be publishing a first ever Detail Business Survey in 2010

However, to be successful we do need to have the support of all the legitimate detailers in the industry.

If you are a professional detailer and would like to join with us I ask you to consider becoming a member of the IDA. Go to www.the-ida.com and you will find a link to join. It is only $50 a year for membership.

That will be a huge step for you to help in professionalizing the detail industry.

Regards
Marnie Joseph
Executive Secretary
IDA
info@the-ida.com