Mbrazelton

Works awesome of Weathertech floor mats
 
Matt 

With the Special Edition Sprays, the trade forum got out of hand.  I had asked people about things, and all they want is special detail spray.  They have 2 bottles of shampoo and brilliant glaze, but they want 4 special edition detail spray.  So I traded 15 of mine, for a mini swirl killer, so roughly 150$ or $10 a Bottle and I paid Freight just so I didn't have to deal with them anymore.  I made a topic about having a positive or negative post about doing deals with people, to hopefully weed out the people that do bad trades.  

I'd also like to thank Shane, me and him have had a conversation about buffing pads.  He has also done a lot to answer questions, I think the forum/facebook group is a good tool, some of us detail a lot, and some less.  So groups have use or tried things more so its good to share knowledge to others. 
 
 

With the Special Edition Sprays, the trade forum got out of hand.  I had asked people about things, and all they want is special detail spray.  They have 2 bottles of shampoo and brilliant glaze, but they want 4 special edition detail spray.  So I traded 15 of mine, for a mini swirl killer, so roughly 150$ or $10 a Bottle and I paid Freight just so I didn't have to deal with them anymore.  I made a topic about having a positive or negative post about doing deals with people, to hopefully weed out the people that do bad trades.  

With the Special Edition Sprays, the trade forum got out of hand.  I had asked people about things, and all they want is special detail spray.  They have 2 bottles of shampoo and brilliant glaze, but they want 4 special edition detail spray.  So I traded 15 of mine, for a mini swirl killer, so roughly 150$ or $10 a Bottle and I paid Freight just so I didn't have to deal with them anymore.  I made a topic about having a positive or negative post about doing deals with people, to hopefully weed out the people that do bad trades.  

With the Special Edition Sprays, the trade forum got out of hand.  I had asked people about things, and all they want is special detail spray.  They have 2 bottles of shampoo and brilliant glaze, but they want 4 special edition detail spray.  So I traded 15 of mine, for a mini swirl killer, so roughly 150$ or $10 a Bottle and I paid Freight just so I didn't have to deal with them anymore.  I made a topic about having a positive or negative post about doing deals with people, to hopefully weed out the people that do bad trades.  

With the Special Edition Sprays, the trade forum got out of hand.  I had asked people about things, and all they want is special detail spray.  They have 2 bottles of shampoo and brilliant glaze, but they want 4 special edition detail spray.  So I traded 15 of mine, for a mini swirl killer, so roughly 150$ or $10 a Bottle and I paid Freight just so I didn't have to deal with them anymore.  I made a topic about having a positive or negative post about doing deals with people, to hopefully weed out the people that do bad trades.  

Hopefully this does not become an issue.
 
While I would say that a trade does not need to be even to the penny, scalping or the ridiculousness seen on some ebay posts is not in the spirit of what would be expected in this section of the forum.
 
 

Im right with you man! Another reason I now stay away from wanting to trade anything. I rather purchase from someone who has overstock of a product or just wants to get rid of it at a discounted price.
 
Sick of seeing.. " I have 2 items but want 6 limited edition detail sprays and your first born"! 
Yes I exaggerated a little bit but believe me I read some individuals trade request and I LMAO!  

Only need two batteries. You can charge one in less time than it takes the other to run down. Don’t know anybody that will run any polisher for 30 minutes nonstop. I’ve  played with the cordless Flex units and they are nice. Only problem is you keep reaching for the non existent cord ?

I use both products, but prefer the mitt when doing my truck because of the size and long flat panels. Can do it with a mitt in a lot shorter time. I have always planned on polishing the vehicle after claying due to most of the time you may/will get some marring with either product. 

I also think it matter how much time you want to spend cleaning it weekly.  If you seal it at some point you will have to put some work in to re-seal it in about 6-8 months, I personal like this because usually by that time the truck needs a good simple polish and sealant. Usually right after winter and about right before winter is when I do mine.  If you ceramic coat it, you spend more time up front, but the protection last longer.  I think a good sealant regime, is just as good as Ceramic Coating.  There is about 10 different way to do it, just which one works good for you, same with steps.  My wife has a pearl white car, and the steps I use on hers is different then my gun metal truck.  Also if you want to Coat it, now would be the time because the truck has less imperfections.  

This is probably my favorite combo for a metallic car Brilliant Glaze with Paint Sealant.  On non-metallic car, just regular Paint Sealant. 

It would be nice to be able to review people you have traded with, or some sort of system to show people that someone is a positive person to trade with.  We are getting a ton of new people on here everyday it would be nice to have some system.  

It would be nice to be able to review people you have traded with, or some sort of system to show people that someone is a positive person to trade with.  We are getting a ton of new people on here everyday it would be nice to have some system.  

It would be nice to be able to review people you have traded with, or some sort of system to show people that someone is a positive person to trade with.  We are getting a ton of new people on here everyday it would be nice to have some system.  

It would be nice to be able to review people you have traded with, or some sort of system to show people that someone is a positive person to trade with.  We are getting a ton of new people on here everyday it would be nice to have some system.  

What???? ?

The 15 is a great “do all” polisher. But when it comes to client expectations you need all of the right tools for the job. You’re a good amount of time with your polisher away from considering offering it to clients in my opinion. You can get yourself in trouble with a polisher. Any time we introduce new services, I offer them at a significant discount to select clients (those I can manage expectations and know I can work with on problems that are bound to arise without destroying our reputation). It’s not impossible to add it to your services, but before you do so get adequate experience. 
 
Good luck. 

Please take the suggestions I’m about to make with nothing but respect. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get into it a bit. 
 
In one post you mention looking for tips on using your swirl killer and also adding paint correction in addition to your detailing services. This is a big red flag to me. Before you even think of offering paint correction to your clients, you need to build some experience with that new polisher of yours.
 
Having one polisher is great...to really offer it as a service on a variety of vehicles you should plan on investing in more polishers and lads. We have a total of five polishers (one has carpet brushes on it). So four of them that we use quite frequently. You could eliminate maybe one and be okay, but you really need the three to offer a complete service. We don’t use them on every vehicle. But you need the option when you need it. 
 
You need some experience to know what you can and can’t accomplish (setting client expectations is an important part of business relationships). Not everything needs three steps, or even two steps. Some do. Some require wetsanding. You can find yourself in over your head quickly. 
 
I’ve made this sentiment before...for us to touch your vehicle with a polisher for anything more than a light polish, you’ll find our paint thickness gauge in use. We want to know how aggressive we can (or more importantly can’t) be. The gauge is the way. Strike through someone’s clear coat using a polish too aggressive or bad technique...and all of a sudden you owe someone a paint job on your dime. 
 
True paint correction is an hourly charge. Polishing is a variable fixed charge. Know the difference between the two, but also understand the risks of both. 
 
My suggestion is to read the forums. Ask questions. Practice with that polisher. Invest in more equipment that you feel you need. Then, and only then do you offer the service to clients. You will make mistakes. Some minor. Some maybe a bit more major. 
 
If you’re interested in the adventures in starting and growing a business, feel free to read my posts. I’m pretty open and have chronicled the adventure with posts here. I’ve been fortunate to do some work for forum members here, even putting on a clinic. There’s more that goes on than owning a polisher. 
 
Please don’t take anything I said as other than respectful feedback. I’ve been lucky to get feedback from members here that’s been rather candid and it’s helped shape our business and the way we do things. Hopefully you take advantage of the same opportunity. 
 
If you have questions, ask. Myself and others are happy to answer. 
 

The one enhancement that I would like for the shopping experience is to be able to put Out of Stock items on the Wish List and get alerted when it is back in stock.  Not only would this help the member in knowing they can order it, but it would also let Adam's know how many need to be produced or procured, especially for the specialty items.  The two examples that I'll reference are the Small Detail Cart and MicroFiber Blanket.   

Wife's car needed a little detailing attention. 
 
 

This is my wife's White Pearl Rav4, I did this weekend.  My layers are one-step polish, then Brilliant Glaze, then Paint Sealant.  It seems to really bring the pearl out in it, when I get to about 4-5 month mark on the paint sealant the car really loses it pop of the pearl.  If its a sealant, I would not put any wax over the top of it, it might take away from the sealant.  I would just use detail spray as a dry agent when you wash, and brillant glaze if you just want to bring out the pearl alittle more. 

I've been using Brilliant glaze on my polished running boards and it seems to work pretty good.

Wife's car needed a little detailing attention.