Forum used as a reference tool.

[Jeff Smith]

I am sitting here at work. A little whle a go a buddy walked in complimenting what I do and how I do it. He had a few questions and after talking I invited him over to detail his PT Cruiser next week. I provide the supplies. He provides the food and good company.

After he asked a few questions I confused him a tad more by asking him questions back in return. It did not take him long to realize he hit the nail on the head by coming to me.

Anyway, of course, as always I had the forum opened in the background of the PC but minimized. While I started answering questions, I was able to back up the answers with the posts from some of your folks as well as Mike.

Fortunately I have gotten to know my way around the forums where I was able to get to what I was looking for reasonably fast.

His eyes seemed to get bigger and bigger the more we got into things and I was able to back up what I saying with complimentary information from others. Worked like a champ.
hehe, his comment to me was that I had rasied the Bar around here when it comes to detailing. Anybody can shine a ride. But to know how to do it and be willing and able to convey it to others is a skill in & of itself. This forum is where I get my info and it has been freely offered by you folks.

Those of you that share your knowledge are to be congratulated and should be proud that you take the time out of your day to share your knowledge.

Thank You,

EACH ONE, TEACH ONE

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Forum used as a reference tool.

Originally posted by j333_76484


EACH ONE, TEACH ONE

And there you go...


the forum is a tool... a powerful tool at that. this is why I created the sign-up forums, it forces all of these car guys that are completely capable of surfing the web to take a little tiny bit of time out of their eBay day to learn how to Register and then learn how to Reply, to a thread.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=71

Then, once I've gotten them over that hurdle, and then once they've attended our class here in Irvine, it's a cake walk to come back and either find what they're looking for, or post a question...

Some club members balk at the request, but most comply...

Look at this example... I sent the coordinator one e-mail and 28 people sign-up for a class...

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7999

The forum is a tool... Thanks for sharing your story.

[Jeff Smith]

I hope to take a class some day. Not in the Budget to come to Irvine for it though anytime soon. Might have to start a little fund for that goal and see it come to fruition in a year or 2. I am keeping my eyes open for more localized classes.

I have taken detailing on as more of a hobby than anything. Started about 3 months ago. In three months time I have learned enough and applied it that I get more compliments on my truck than you can shake a stick at.

My greatest enjoyment is when one of the folks that compliment me actually take the time to ask a question or express a specific interest. I try not to act like some conceited know it all, but once I get started people useally start to crack a smile and realize they are talking to someone who has actually sat down and researched things and has applied what they learned. I am not arrogant, just enthusiastic and I guess it shows and surprises folks. It really surprises them when I pull out my Ink Pen and a piece of paper and say"call Me. We'll bring her to my house and do her up. I provide the supplies and you provide the food." I meet alot of great people like this and am building some great relationships with other folks who realize that taking care of their vehicles does not have to be hard or time consuming if you have the proper tools, attitude and know how.

[rusty bumper]

Nice writeup j333_76484!

I've experienced some of what you talked about too.

I also look forward to the day when this forum grows to the point to where it causes more & more stores to start stocking Meguiar's products and in greater volume.

[Jeff Smith]

Originally posted by Rusty Bumper
Nice writeup j333_76484!

I've experienced some of what you talked about too.

I also look forward to the day when this forum grows to the point to where it causes more & more stores to start stocking Meguiar's products and in greater volume.

I hear you. I have gotten in pretty good with the Local Manager for our AutoZone, who carries the best selection around here.

He comes outside quite often when I pull up to see what I have done recently. I usually have a trunk full of Megs stuff and try to alway show him things he does not seem to carry. I always emphasize the things I have recently used so he can see the results, especially if he does not carry that product. I even gave him a few Ultimate Wipes the other day.

I'd love to have a local supply place that carries all my needs and I do attempt to work on them. Around here Only AutoZone and K-Mart actually have what you could call a dedicated Meg's Display. Usually on an endcap but dedicated none the less. Both carry about 70% of all the Consumer line stuff and AutoZone does carry #7 and #26 as well. I am working on them though. Looks like we all need to TEACH our local vendors a bit as well.

[Black Bart]

I talked to the manager of my local autozone about more Meguiar's products and he told me that he just takes whatever the company sends him.

[Jeff Smith]

Originally posted by Black Bart
I talked to the manager of my local autozone about more Meguiar's products and he told me that he just takes whatever the company sends him.

Mine told me the same but added the in differerent regions different items are "HOT". For instance around here #20 might not be a big seller but , say in some city, it might be, Therefore Autozone may buy this product with the intention of supplying certain areas with it. As long as it is is the main system, any store can request it as needed.

I have been turning alot of folks on to Meg's stuff and as I use the Detailer line alot they like to try to find that. I try to steer them to this website or ADS for their initial buy. If I start them off lovng the look of things like #7 & #20, I think they find it hard to look at anything else. So over time, hopefully someof these folks will also be pestering the local suppliers for more of these products.

There is only one "DETAILER SUPPLY" place in my phone book. They are actually a detailer but also sell products. I gave them a call and asked how much Meg's stuff they keep around. They said they don't keep any Meg's stuff on the shelf but can order it and have it within a week. Heck I get 2-3 day order turn around from Meg's. I should be selling it to them.

[gb387]

j333_76484... great post! This IS the place to get good reliable info on the products we use. I have found the majority of the stores I order products from know very little if anything about Meguiars products. You start to toss out some numbers like #26, #6, #49 and you loose them. Then they will start to sell 3M products to me... I say no thanks and move on to another store.

My only complaint is the lack of knowledge the local stores here in Iowa have on Meguiars products. Most don't know what products do what and even if they carry them. I have a very hard time getting #66, ask for it and they say there is no such thing!?!? I will put money on that one!

I have learned tons of things here that helps me detail my vehicle, friends vehicles and especially shining up the Amusement Park rides at the park I work for.

[imacarnut]