Revamping My Product Lineup

[jarred767]

So I started this business six years ago as a side job and it has really taken off. Since the I finished my degree in finance, and this detailimg business has become so successful that I have decided to stick with it rather than find a job in the finance field (at least for the foreseeable future). With that decided, I came to the conclusion that I needed to upgrade what I do, change some stuff, and really go after this. (BTW I feel like I'm in the stone age using M66, M80 and M83 for most jobs even though they are great products).

After doing a ton of research on here over the past few weeks and falling back in love with Megiuars - especially the newer products - I think I have come up with a new lineup for customers to choose from (exterior wise) and wanted to run it by all the pros on here to get any feedback or suggestions before implementing it. I have strictly stuck with dual action maxhines and not sure if i really want to add on the use od a rotary right now, just so you know. So here's the new lineup (all levels would obviously start with washing and drying the vehicle):

Level 1:
1-step using D151 PRC and yellow 2.0 foam pad

Level 2:
Clay bar
1-step D151 and yellow 2.0 foam pad

Level 3:
Clay
D300 using MF cutting disc
D301 using MF finishing disc

Level 4:
Clay
D300 using MF cutting disc
M205 using yellow 2.0 foam pad
M21 using black 2.0 foam pad

A couple questions: Will there be enough of a noticeable difference between levels 3 and 4? Or would that depend mostly on the amount of time put in during the D300 step in each series? And is there any way to work M105 into the mix as I love it's abilities, but couldn't seem to figure where to use it, other than maybe by hand in hard to reach areas like under door handles? Finally, if anyone near Seattle would be interested in about a half a gallon of either M80 or M83, let me know as I could get rid of it on the cheap!!

I look forward to hearing some opinions on this potential new lineup before I go out and start acquiring the stuff. Thanks in advance.

[Murr1525]

Re: Revamping My Product Lineup

Just a thought, but while I think you may need those products, you may be better off offering customers just different levels of cleaning, and then you worry about what products it may take.

Like just a waxing (cleaner/wax).

Clay and wax.

Swirl Removal.

Show Car detail, etc.

And then you just use wht it needed to reach those levels.

And I wouldnt get rid of the #80 incase some simgle stage paint comes in...

[jarred767]

Re: Revamping My Product Lineup

Thanks for the response Matt, yeah, I would definitely word the packages for customers in this way as most probably wouldn't have any idea what I was talking about if I worded them in the same way as my original post. So I guess to reword my question a little, the MF system is going to be able to do a very decent job at swirl removal on most cars, so I can stick with that for level 3?? and then for level 4 I more need to be testing what it would take to bring the paint up a "show car level?" And if D300 and the cutting disc don't do it, is the only thing more aggressive with a DA to use the MF cutting disc with M105? I believe that I've read that on here in a few different places.

And if I'm going to be offering such a package (right now a decent swirl remover is the most extensive I have) should I really be adding a rotary and/or damp sanding/wet sanding to my repertoire, or would M105 be strong enough?

Finally, about the comment on M80 and single stage paint, is M205 not very useful on single stage paints, or why such a suggestion?

[Murr1525]

Re: Revamping My Product Lineup

I think there have been a few other posts on here where the MF system is great for general detailing, but maybe doesnt have the show car shine, etc. I havent had to use it, but sounds like you would need a little comparison, and see what your eye likes best as far as all MF, MF with some other products, all other products, etc. And on top of that if you get a tricky paint, knowing what options you have.

If you are going to go to more defect removal, you may want to look at getting a few hoods at a junkyard or something, and some sawhorses, and just practice different things. The MF system has been shown to be able to remove the 3000 grit damp sanding marks, but that is still somewhat limited defect removal, though not shabby.

Otherwise, just have to tell the customer what you can and cant do.

And yeah, not that #205 cant work, but #80 is really good, esp on drier paint.

[jarred767]

Re: Revamping My Product Lineup

I do love the oils that 80 seems to have, so it seems like it would be a wise decision to keep it around, probably more valuable than trying to pawn it off somewhere. Thanks for the tip on the hoods, and that is something I would definitely plan on doing if/when I decide to bring either wet sanding, damp sanding, or a rotary into the equation. I'm assuming that a rotary would probably be the first option to add to the mix and then work to more aggressive stuff as I get comfortable with it?

Thanks again for your help and if anyone else has any other words of wisdom that they can shed - especially on the MF system being used in the way I outlined, it would be greatly appreciated as I am wanting to soak up as much info as possible before implementing a new lineup.

[Murr1525]

Re: Revamping My Product Lineup

Well, the idea of the MF system is to take care of the mild things a rotary can do.

But if you were going to be doing heavier sanding, etc... you would probably want to be comfortable with a rotary to make sure you can remove any marks you put into the paint.