First Audi job, now problems.

[Corey@OptimalDetailing]

2010 Audi S5 Cuartz Grey Metallic

Customer reached out to me and asked me for a paint correction and possible coating application. I inspected the car and we spoke about our options. It wasn't swirled too bad, but had some RIDS from an attempt at tar removal from the owner. I ended up contacting the owner and explaining that our original plan was not going to be achieved and advised against a coating at this time. Yes, it would have made me more $, but I couldn't live with it leaving the way it would. We agreed on finishing up the correction as best as possible and applying a coat of WGDPGS 3.0. The owner seemed okay with that and we agreed on a lower price point.

After speaking to him for a while, I found out his "tar removal tool" was a choice of a scotch brite pad and a dishwasher sponge w/ the heavy scrub material. As if Audi clear isn't hard enough, now I'm stuck into this! These severely deep RIDS were unnoticed until it was decontaminated w/ IronX and clayed. All of my attempts that didn't even touch the RIDS include:

Meg MF w/ M105 (a drop of D300 to reduce dusting) on PC7424
Meg MF w/ M105 on Flex3401
B&S MF w/ FG400 on Flex3401
LC Hybrid Orange w/ FG400 on Flex 3401
LC Blue Wool w/ FG400 on Flex 3401

Did I do the right thing by contacting the customer and suggesting another option? He seemed very gung-ho about applying a coating, but at this level of correction, to me, it wasn't worth his money.

[Bill1234]

2010 Audi S5 Cuartz Grey Metallic

Customer reached out to me and asked me for a paint correction and possible coating application. I inspected the car and we spoke about our options. It wasn't swirled too bad, but had some RIDS from an attempt at tar removal from the owner. I ended up contacting the owner and explaining that our original plan was not going to be achieved and advised against a coating at this time. Yes, it would have made me more $, but I couldn't live with it leaving the way it would. We agreed on finishing up the correction as best as possible and applying a coat of WGDPGS 3.0. The owner seemed okay with that and we agreed on a lower price point.

After speaking to him for a while, I found out his "tar removal tool" was a choice of a scotch brite pad and a dishwasher sponge w/ the heavy scrub material. As if Audi clear isn't hard enough, now I'm stuck into this! These severely deep RIDS were unnoticed until it was decontaminated w/ IronX and clayed. All of my attempts that didn't even touch the RIDS include:

Meg MF w/ M105 (a drop of D300 to reduce dusting) on PC7424
Meg MF w/ M105 on Flex3401
B&S MF w/ FG400 on Flex3401
LC Hybrid Orange w/ FG400 on Flex 3401
LC Blue Wool w/ FG400 on Flex 3401

Did I do the right thing by contacting the customer and suggesting another option? He seemed very gung-ho about applying a coating, but at this level of correction, to me, it wasn't worth his money.

I think you were definately right in actually calling the client. My main response after than would be to explain why scotch bright is a no no in the auto detailing industry. I feel that education to clients strengthens relations for future work and work of mouth.

[TuxedoTaurus]

Yes, it would have made me more $, but I couldn't live with it leaving the way it would. We agreed on finishing up the correction as best as possible and applying a coat of WGDPGS 3.0. The owner seemed okay with that and we agreed on a lower price point.

Did I do the right thing by contacting the customer and suggesting another option? He seemed very gung-ho about applying a coating, but at this level of correction, to me, it wasn't worth his money.

You did exactly the right thing. I have spent about 10 years in customer service at some aspect or another with a Large company. By talking about the situation and educating, not condemning or berating them, they feel secure in your service. They will know how better to care for the car and appreciate your personal touch. The word of mouth will spread, and there is no greater advertisement. You could have certainly squeezed more money, but if the customer was not happy you would certainly loose in the long run. Not too many people are concerned with taking care of the customer. I tip my hat to you good sir:dblthumb2:

[Corey@OptimalDetailing]

Didn't feel the need to make an entire Show-N-Shine thread about this because, well, it left a lot to be desired. Although, this is why I called the customer and a few of the obstacles I ran into!!

No "life" in the paint at all. This was before decontamination.
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz330/zexelt3/Detailing/20140519_195926_zpsbu0ckkwn.jpg

These produced an extremely cloudy and dull finish throughout both sides of the vehicle.
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz330/zexelt3/Detailing/110_zpsc45769cf.jpg
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz330/zexelt3/Detailing/109_zpsa6fc8927.jpg
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz330/zexelt3/Detailing/071_zps92783a41.jpg
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz330/zexelt3/Detailing/050_zps055e67dc.jpg

This picture you will notice this is after 2 attempts to remove the rest of the surface scratches. These were induced onto A LOT of both sides of the vehicle. Must have been one dirty ScotchBrite pad to do this kind of damage!
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz330/zexelt3/Detailing/106_zps946f05e4.jpg

And around 3am doing the finishing touches before delivery to the customer. It was a far cry from what I started with and I was able to bring back some shine, but the deeper RIDS remained unfortunately.
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz330/zexelt3/Detailing/20140522_021308_zpsjnci1rus.jpg

[TuxedoTaurus]

Those close up shots make me cringe,:nomore: washing with abrasive pads for the customer. I am sure he will be thrilled with the results, especially since he knows what to expect. You did a very nice job in turning it around.