Meguiars Detail Dissapointment

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by herb
To add to your comments Mike, that paint on the before pictures of the Mercedes are horrid. The pics you see of the finish on my truck are much worse than when I brought my vehicle in for the second detail.

The only point I was trying to make with the before and after pictures is that it's possible to remove all the swirls and scratches, but if the car is put back into service as a daily driver, it is inevitable that swirls and scratches will be instilled again in the future and that to maintain a flawless finish the owners will have to actively do something to the paint.

This is to help everyone that ever reads this thread to understand the reality of what can and what cannot be done when it comes to scratch-sensitive clear coat finishes and to hopefully help match expectations to reality.


In your specific situation, I'm confident the detailers at our Detail Center can produce a flawless finish as well as I'm confident that you have the skills to maintain it.

[Aurora40]

Originally posted by Jbirk
If it is a mass center that gets lots of customer vehicles, they will charge less than someone like Mike P would charge.

Obviously, the work would have to be done faster and not to the same standards.

Remember, you are bringing them a daily driver not a show car. In addition, most people don't know what a swirl is, so they have no reason to do a 100% perfect job.

Wow, I sure hope that Meguiar's wouldn't put their name on a place that operated on that philosophy!

Herb, it seems you have two options. One is to just correct the problems yourself, which is certainly understandable as most of us here like to do our own detailing.

The other is to bring the car back. If you aren't happy, the worst that is likely to happen is they don't do any better of a job, and you are just out the time. The best is that they understand why you weren't happy, correct it, or explain to you the reasons behind the results.

I'd say take it back, it will take you less time than fixing it yourself, and you've already paid for the job. But if you don't want to do that, I can understand that too.

Let us know how it turns out.

[Chad Heath]

Mike sent me this posting yesterday and I feel it my responsibility as the division leader to get involved with this.

First, let me explain the Detail Center for those who are not aware of its existence.

It is a 6,000 sq. ft. completely enclosed detail center.



Since all of us are enthusiasts and very much enjoy detailing cars, let's just say it is a dream world for detailers. Nothing but the best lighting, water filtration, towels, compressed air...all top notch! This center is designed to meet and exceed the needs and requirements of not only anyone on this forum, but anyone who is looking for the best...so long as they are able to explain the expectation and are willing to pay for the service.

A comment was made relating to the quality of work and the volume performed at the center.

First, this is a retail center with varying levels of services that can be performed. Anything from a wash to a complete show car detail (including the ability to have PDR work performed) can be completed at this facility. This is where the willingness to pay for the service comes into play. Perfection can be achieved...but there is a cost. Our Ultimated Details average about $200. This includes Wash, Clay, Interior Carpet Extraction, Wheel Cleaning, Fender Well Detailing, Glass, Door Jamb Degreasing and D/A Polish and Wax of the paint. What it does not include is any rotary work. For this we charge an addition fee based on the condition of the vehicle and the expectation of the customer.

I will say that regardless of your budget I will challenge anyone to outperform our level of quality dollar for dollar!

This is not a high volume operation. We are not interested in detailing 400 cars a day. We've spent two hours on cars and we have also spent 3 days detailing cars. From Hondas to Ford GT's to Lambos to Off Shore Racing boats, we have seen and done a lot.

Being a former owner of a mobile detailing business with two trucks and a client list of over 500 people (which I sold some 10 years ago), I can appreciate and understand how difficult it is to find a quality detailer. Which is why I am in charge of this facility and demand top quality.

From our manager to our detailers, they share this passion and look forward to hearing from any of you.

With regard to the situation at hand, I would rather have the customer go back to the Detail Center, speak to the Manager Chiro Diaz and we will do what we can to remidy the situation.

What I love about the forum is this kind of candid dialogue. I love the passion this company and our customers exude...let's never lose it or we are just another wax company. Barry Meguiar and his family have spent the past 100 years supporting detailers like us and the automotive hobby...the Detail Center is just another perfect example of his dedication to this profession.

Sincerely,

Chad Heath
Director - New Business

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Chad, thanks for the input. Now, based on your description of the place, I'm drooling.... and I gotta ask -- do you have any pictures of the inside of the facility? I'd love to know how the "ultimate detailing company's ultimate detailing shop" set their work areas up

(Besides, it gives me ideas of what the best direction is to go with my own "ultimate shop")

[Chad Heath]

Still new to this forum gig, but I think I can get these on here:

This is our lobby area...you can purchase any product made by Meguiar's...they are all here! The section has been expanded to 20 ft and we have two other racks not shown:



This is a picture of one area of the center during an open house function. Nice Lexus...wonder who's that is?



If you have not seen one of these cars on the road...it is amazing. SL65...something like $165,000 and over 500 hp. A total sleeper. We detailed it for a dealer that was having difficulty working with the new ceramic clears. Notice the drop down air reels, lighting and carts wrapped in foam. The center of the shop is our product hub and the cars move throughout the building.



Finally, same car, but in the background you will notice our wash bay. Completely contained and run through a clarifier prior to discharge. Custom made cover from Shade Zone...it is terrific. All plumbed with compressed air.



If you are going to open a shop and would like to discuss your operation, I would be happy to carve out some time.

Thanks

[the other pc]

Hey Chad, ever thought about opening the place on Saturday? (or, maybe just one Saturday a month or something?)

Working M-F, 9-5 the best I've been able to do is stand in the empty driveway and stare at the unoccupied building.


PC.

[Chad Heath]

Look for that and a couple of other programs to start within the next month (hopefully).

[Aurora40]

Wow, nice setup!

[travisdecpn]

I want to come play.

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Wow now THAT is a detail shop. Though I'm not opening a "shop" at this point, I may be in a few years (after I'm out of college, and depending on the economy/market at that point).

Right now I'm doing all of my work on both personal and customer vehicles from my home garage. I've been trying to renovate everything from upgraded electrical (both 110 and 220 circuits), I'm looking at adding plumbing, and also of course have been getting all of my supplies/equipment organized and my lighting in order.

[Chad Heath]

As I have stated in previous posts, I started detailing when I was twelve because I wanted a bike my parents wouldn't buy me. As you all know, once you get the bug, you are hooked.

Now I am a Director for the most respected and leading manufacturer of appearance chemicals...a dream come true...albeit with a lot of hard work and a little luck!

Keep the passion, work hard, believe in what you do and the rest falls into place!

[Ranger72]

That building made me have an accident!!!!! Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[the other pc]

Originally posted by Chad Heath
Look for that and a couple of other programs to start within the next month (hopefully).

Thanks!


PC.

[MandarinaRacing]

DETAIL HEAVEN!!!!

WOW!

More Pics!

Alex

[rusty bumper]

Hey, we could use one of those shops here.