One thing that should also be considered is employee-employer protection. Avoid training new employees to become your next competitor by protecting yourself with a non-compete agreement. The agreement must be fair and balanced in order to prevail legally. Used properly, it is a powerful deterent against an employee that you train... leaving and competing with you in the same marketplace. Weby SMOKUN - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
There are two basic levels of abrasive clays: mild and heavy duty. The most common is mild, usually light blue in color. The more aggressive clay is typically red. However, colors often change from one vendor to another... so ask or read the label. Mild clay will not damage automotive glass... providing you use a spray lubricant in conjunction with the clay. I do not recommend using plainby SMOKUN - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Another questionable "test" you've been intimately involved in? You presented these tests as though they were relevant, maybe even as timely as "several years ago", I think you said. I seem to recall that Ron challenged the integrity of another one of your more contemporary wfforts — supposed independent tests just a about a year ago. What was that one?by Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Bud, we've had this discussion elsewhere, so I merely copied my response... so you can read it AGAIN. As a matter of perspective, in fairness to the "research" previously cited, the Mercedes test was done over thirty years ago... and only offers a snapshot of the applied technology available then. With regard to the Texas study, again of the same vintage decades ago, tby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>A few well-intentioned comments for the deep thinkers: 1. NEVER say never. 2. Washing is essential. Waxing isn't. 3. Applying a protective sealant of some type makes good sense because it places another barrier between the topcoat finish and all the nasty stuff. 4. Blanket statements are usually wrong, to some degree... so be prudent when making broad comments. 5. The &quoby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>As I eluded to earlier, this market niche is all about showmanship and presentation. As professional detailers, you may find the upscale presentations offensively bogus... but the market segment targeted by these purveyors loves it... all the way to the bank! I disagree with the idea that what is being done is dishonest. It's showmanship at a level that would make P.T. Barnuby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Actually, it's much more than price. Or even process. It's not simply WHAT you do... but also HOW you do it. We're intimately aware of the upscale market and its product purveyors, including Zymol. As Ketch knows by our past involvements, Zymol (and others) are a perfect example of comprehensive marketing programs that focus on the overall "packaging" ofby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Bud, et al... I agree that learning how to use a rotary buffer isn't difficult. Rather, it's intimidating to many new detailers. All of us who've trained detailers in improving their buffing skills probably recognize that the greatest challenge is to overcome the fear of the tool due to the horror stories taht preceed the learning curve. Whether its a strangle gripby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Actually, the dual-action tool can very much be considered a buffer, and in fact... IS in most savvy detailing circles. Reason: The variable-speed D-A (pneumatic or electric) is not like the larger dual handled orbital, although many people liken the two because of their buffing characteristics. It's dual action is a much tighter controlled, mechanically integrated motion. Soby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>I was asked what essentials should be included in a mobile detailing unit for basic washing & detailing activities. The operator wants to use pneumatic buffers; 2 at a time. I would appreciate your collective input on what is absolutely needed, what is a nice option but not essential, and what should be avoided. I realize that air is not typically included in most mobile units,by Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Okay, Anne. Since you're not simply flirting with detailing, but intend for it to be a commitment, I urge you to accept plastic. Studies have shown that credit card purchases typically boost sales averages well beyond 50% more than if purchased by cash or check. I agree with Matt about seeking the easiest, fastest and most cost-effective clearing system without tying up moby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Absolutely no offense intended, Bud. I apologize. -Steve</HTML>by Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Bud... I suggest you lighten up on the kid. Think back to your own childhood... and that of your children. If what you suggest is for every high school kid who cuts a lawn... or shovels snow... or does a lot of other stuff... runs out and gets a business license, you need to step back and take a breath. City Hall probably won't even issue that stuff to a minor living with hby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>If you're just starting out... and sort of taking the detailing business out for a test drive, stay strictly CASH. Your clientele will adjust. Their incentive will be some obvious savings... and yours will be the avoidance of paperwork, governmental oversight, and cost. If you've already decided to take the plunge full-time, and your volume of business will justify recordby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Ben... If you don't mind answering, either here on the "phorum" or via a direct email response, how old are you? In reality, how much of a teenager are you? Are you still in high school? My reason for asking is simple. A lot of discussion triggered by your questions seems to be focused on stuff that may not even be relevant. If you are still in high school... orby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Anne.. Read all the preceding posts and actually wondered if Dr. Phil should be fielding some of the comments. Nevertheless, if you're sincere in seeking some guidance on growing your detailing business, I'd be glad to help. But first, you need to share a few things. How much real exposure have you had in detailing vehicles? What skill level do you feel you have and whaby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Ben... A suggestion about the name. I think using your own name is a great way to start because it focuses on YOU... and creates an easy-to-remember identity. "Ben's Detailing" works for me. It begs the questions: 1. Who's Ben? 2. What does he do? You can promote it with flyers you can develop and print from your computer, and even gives you the ability to inby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Ben... Ignore all the naysayers! If you're interested in getting a taste of carwashing and eventually detailing, go for it! Washing a car isn't as easy as many may think, especially if you choose to provide exceptional service. But it is an easy entry business. And it's CASH! When you're starting out as a teen, it all depends on attitude and image. Being youby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Careful not to miss my point: The idea of taking your professional services to a mall and providing an entry level opportunity to farm their customer traffic... and ultimately use the exposure to grow your business is an innovative way to build a business. \If you're still thinking about shopping carts, you've missed my point entirely. Your mobile capabilities will be oby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Instead of dumping on the effort, take a moment and look at the potential. Okay, we all know that the methodology falls way short of actually getting the job done. And the whole idea was a way of dumbing down the actual process. But forget about the negative remarks... and instead consider what you might do if a large mall operation enabled you to provide a quick wash & expressby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>One thing we advise that you recognize when it comes to what you call things is the term's "marketing impact". When choosing a name, we scrutinize all of the words-and-phrase's obvious impact... as well as their not-so-obvious subliminal effects... mainly because we constantly focus on the marketing benefits of psychological association. Words and phrases engendeby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>At the risk of igniting a heated debate, I'd like to offer some factual information. Ozone is NOT a toxin. It is an oxidant. Toxins kill via a poison. Ozone kills via oxidation. The chemical you are referring to in the liquid odor elimnation product uses an encapsulation process identical to the more familiar consumer product called Fabreze. Products of this nature areby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Two basic points: 1. Magazine surveys are typically bogus. Garbage in...garbage out. They are not considered reputable research models. 2. Until this industry decides to rid itself of the 20th Century standards created by the wholesale marketplace, it will continue to wade around in the muck and mire of substandard profits. A "full-detail" is an old world term creatby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>I think the message Joe is sending is... when you're in the mobile detailing business, every minute saved is critical to your bottom line. As well, if detailers must wrestle with something cumbersome and heavy, and there is an easier way to achieve the intended result... why not save both time and production-draining fatigue by investing in an easier system. You make it up withby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Bill's comment about using litmus paper makes sense. It's an easy way to field test any liquid chemical and litmus paper comes in a variety of packs that range from general pH to very specific readings of .05 measurement. Simply dip the test paper strip into the liquid and watch for a color change. Match the color to a guide and identify the pH. Everey detailer should haby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>I agree with Brian. Water spots, typically from irrigation systems, are above-the-surface residues from minerals that remain after the water evaporates. They don't etch... and can easily be removed by using a lower pH chemical washing solution that instantly neutralizes the residue, leaving a residue-free finish. A filtration process is employed by many carwash operations anby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>I recall providing this list the last time you asked, Bud. Here it is again. PROFESSIONAL: - Conforming to the standards of a profession: professional behavior. - Engaging in a given activity as a source of livelihood or as a career: a professional writer, bus driver, surfer. - Performed by persons receiving pay: professional athlete, craftsman,employee. - Having or showing great sby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>I've had this discussion with several of you privately... and think it may be wise to share it with the group. It relates to generating new business.. and keeping existing customers, and makes concerns about fly-by-night competitors pale in comparison. One of the essential keys to marketing your business is DISTINGUISHING YOURSELF. In essence, separating (and raising) your busby Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts
<HTML>Where have you relocated to in Florida? -Steve</HTML>by Steve Okun - Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts