vtaki801

12 minutes ago, shane@detailedreflections said:

 

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. 

 

I appreciate it, and nothing but respect for sure. I love getting good feedback / advice like this. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous to do my own car. I for sure want a ton of experience doing my own car before I even consider doing others, and I called Adam's to ask what they'd recommend for doing my own car, and they said the 15MM was good for starting out. I appreciate the reply.

Haven't posted in a while, but when I have bought a new to me 2016 WRX in March this year. Unfortunately the previous owner did now take great care of the paint, and used an auto touch washer from my best guess. I just purchased the Swirl Killer 15MM 3 Step kit, and thought I can start offering some paint correction on the side with my little detailing business. If anyone has any tips for me on using it, that would be great. I've watched Adam's video where he is working on the black Ferrari multiple times, so I understand the basics, but hoping someone has some good tips for just starting out.Any help would be great. Thank you.

Thank you all!

Hello from SLC, Utah! I have been using Meguiar's for 4 years. My friend purchased Adam's about 2 years ago the Foam Gun Kit. He let me use it once, and I fell in love. I just ordered the kit with some detail spray, and Wash and Wax to see which one I prefer. I wash my car every Friday, and detail the car daily. I have a 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, and I really noticed the paint pop when I used my friend's Adam's. I look forward to seeing how I can improve my cars looks with everyones tips, and these fantastic products.