<HTML>Happy birthday Ron. Glad to hear you made it back from your big trip to the big South.</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Try soaking the stain with a good paint prep product for a minute or two. Then use a plastic scraper to remove any residue from the berries. If the surface is smooth but still stained, then you will need to polish out the stain with a good quality polish. Start with the least aggressive polish coupled with a buffer and light wool pad. If that doesn't work then bump up to a more aby Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Scott, I think you make a great point about being able to charge a fair price after receiving professional education. In every profession those that demonstrate expertise and experience get to charge a fairer price for their services. My primary objective in taking Ketch's class was so I could make more money doing what I love doing. He and Tim showed me at least a dozen techniby Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Rob, Honestly the only reason I can think of to have a larger 8-12 gallon vacuum would be if you only plan on cleaning out your vacuum cleaner once a year. Otherwise there is no real need for a vac that size. I say save the money and get a quality 6 gallon. Even a 6 gal will take a very long time to fill with dry dirt particles. When you are looking at HP ratings be aware that theseby Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>I recently attended Automotive Internationals PrepExcellence class and I wanted to share my experience with others who are in need of professional detailing education. For those who are considering starting a detailing business or would like to take their existing business to the next level should consider investing in professional detailing education as the small investment will payby Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Incredible work Joe. Thanks for taking the time to share this story with us. Of course you know that every person who owns an oxidized beater from the WWII era will be knocking down your door expecting similar miracles.</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Matt, You story sounds very similar to mine. I recently accepted a generous severance package from my employer of 12 years and I am starting an automotive service and detailing shop. Four years ago I started doing maintenance and detailing work on the side to establish a customer base because I knew someday I would get the opportunity to do what I love doing full time. As far as marby Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>I am considering the purchase of a hot water pressure washer to be used for detailing and cleanup purposes at my shop. Does anyone here use one as part of their normal detailing process? If so: - Is it easy to justify the large price difference over a non-heated pressure washer? - What flow rates do you prefer? - What temps do you use for cleaning the vehicle? - Is there any chanby Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Stephen, Don't confuse sealants with clear coats.</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>I don't know how you begin to go about taking your ideas from concept to reality Brian. But I would be happy to field test any new gadgets for you at my detail shop in Delaware. Call me if you are interested. 302-530-6265. Good luck. I wish you the best with your ideas. Christian Everest AutoWorks and AutoSpa</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Those were the good but not so profitable days huh? I am in the process of opening my detail shop but I'm doing it a little differently than most people. I hired a very meticulous female who has been detailing on the side for a few years. I plan to let her handle the bulk of the detailing chores while I focus on doing other work such as marketing, writing tickets, answering phoby Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>I wholeheartedly second Buds recommendation of this book. I read the book during Easter weekend and it honestly changed the way I approached nearly every aspect of my business. I got my copy for free at the library.</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>I am starting an automotive repair and detailing shop in the next few weeks. For those that have thier own detailing business or for those that dream of having one, what tools would you LOVE to have at your disposal? For the sake of discussion, money is no object. Christian Porter Everest Autoworks and Autospa</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Bud, Personally, I think my business would benefit most from seeing classes that show ways to speed up the detailing process without sacrificing quality. I would also be interested in a class that shows innovative ways of organizing detailing chemicals and equipment and inventory control. Thanks, Christian</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Since you have used both the dry foam machine and hot water extractor, which would you recommend for daily use in a detail shop?</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Is there anyone out there with experience using this type of product? Thanks, Christian</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>A customer of mine just relocated to Chicago and he wants to know where a reputable detail shop can be found. Any recommendations? Thanks, Christian</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Joe, I highly recommend you spend a few nights reading "The E Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber. This book will open your eyes to so many new ways of thinking about your business. The author wrote the book for business owners in your exact situation and I know a handful of businessmen who have realized larger profits and less stress by putting into practice the things talkby Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>I just detailed a brand new Lexus w 6k on the odometer because the owner took his car through an automatic car wash. The vehicle had deep scratches from the front of the hood to the end of the trunk. His $10 mistake earned me 15x that amount. I LOVE AUTOMATIC CARWASHES! Christian</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Great link Scott. Thanks for sharing.</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Does anyone have any experience using a dry foam cleaning machine? While researching hot water carpet extrators I stumbled across a website - - I'm curious to know if anyone has used this setup for cleaning automotive interiors. What was your experience? How does it compare to hot water carpet extrators? Thanks, Christian</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>"commercial digital vapor steam machine " What vapor steam machine do you recommend and where can you get one? What other benefits do you find from using this tool?</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Excellent job Brian. I've been approached a few times about detailing motorcylces but I have yet to bite the bullet and take on the job. How would you compare the process to working on a vehicle? How long did the detail take to complete? Are your prices similar to detailing a car? Christian</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>I am drafting a business plan in preparation for asking for a a small business loan. Can anyone point me in the direction of 2004 detailing industry information? I'm talking about avg wages, sales, prices, etc. I remember seeing an issue of Prof Carwashing and Detailing that contained this information but my wife discarded my copy and I was unable to find the info on carwash.comby Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>If the engine bay was detailed then it is possible that engine degreaser got into the fresh air vent at the base of the windshield. Ozone machines are very effective on odors like these. If the dealer falls through for you, someone you know might have a machine you could borrow for a few hours. Run the car for a while with the defroster turned on and place the ozone machine as closby Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>A few weeks ago a customer brought me his brand new GMC pickup. The entire vehicle was covered with overspray from a piece of construction equipment on a job site. This "stuff" was on his paint for 3 weeks before he brought it to me and his brand new paint felt like sandpaper. The only thing that worked for me was clay, a squirt bottle full of soapy water for lubrication,by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Bud, I completed the test for you a few weeks ago. You responded back to me very quickly. I was happy with my results but there were a few areas of the test that challenged me. I learned quite a bit from completing the test and from reading your responses to some of my answers. If anyone has not sent your test to Bud for grading I think you are missing a great opportunity to expandby Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML> Looks to be a good deal if anyone is interested. I just placed my order. Christian</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>My wife picked them up at the store. She was able to get all the crayon and dirt marks off of our freshly painted walls with no problem. I was able to effortlessly use on of these erasers to remove some stubborn scuff marks of some interior door panels. The first time I used this tool the words "magic eraser" instantly popped into my head because that is exactly what it is.by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Check your inbox.</HTML>by Christian Porter - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts