Re: When is someone considered a Professional Detailer?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
lane5515
I would like to know what it takes to be considered a Professional Detailer? There are detail shops in my area that are viewed as Professional and I wouldn't let them touch my cars. If someone does detailing full time as their profession are they considered Professional? Can you become certified through continued education or earn certain qualifications?
Wow excellent question. I DO NOT consider myself a professional detailer as I detail great cars for fun. I do get paid with most of the details I have done. But it's not my main business. Do I consider myself above average and comparable to others? Yes. I have a professional detailing shop about 100 yards away from my main business. Their sign even says what that do. I will not mention the name as I do not want to cause a stink. I am located in Newport Beach, CA and anyone that lives near or works in Newport Beach will know who they are.
Their work is not even 1/2 as good as how I detail. How do I know? One of my customers used to take his ride their and after I worked on his ride (Ferrari 575 Marenello) he couldn't believe the difference. He now does not take his ride their and I have had a couple of referrals from him.
I also know I am significantly less in the amount I charge. But again, it is for my stress relief and I have fun doing detailing. If it was my business and I made a good living out of it a constant repeat business and many referrals and word of mouth...then maybe so. However, FOR ME it would take the fun out of it as I would be too stressed out of trying to make my business work. I already have a business that stresses me out!....LOL
Re: When is someone considered a Professional Detailer?
Well you're a professional detailer when Mike Philips is polishing paint beside you on Competition Ready of course. I jest of course, not that it's a bad indication either..
Re: When is someone considered a Professional Detailer?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sharply Dressed
My two cents. I think a professional person regardless of career choice is
1. Dedicated to the craft
2. Studies the craft
3. Is constantly searching and learning to be better
4. Would do it for free since they love it so much
5. Have common characteristics (passion, skill, tools, great products, customer focused, a little obsessive compulsive)
6. Love sharing with others in the sane profession
7. Know how to manage and balance service and payment.
Just a few thoughts before I'm off to dream land
Well said.
Certification's are also meaningless IMO, including the IDA. I've seen some hacked up work by certified IDA members.
Re: When is someone considered a Professional Detailer?
Here are my personal thoughts...
A "Professional"
IMHO the definition is someone that gets paid to do a job.
Whether they do a good job or a bad job, if they get paid, they are a considered a "Professional".
The IDA
This organization has created exams for both detailing knowledge and "hands on" experience.
These folks spend their personal time, effort and energy to discern the wheat from the chaff.
They truly do care what it means to be a detailer & want to educate folks on the difference.
I proudly wear a Certified Detailer (CD) and Skills Validated (SV) IDA patch on my sleeve.
The IDA is dedicated to distinguishing a knowledgeable detailer from the bucket brigade.
A "Detailer"
This is a tough one. Anyone with a bucket, car soap and a sponge can call themselves a detailer.
I see it all the time. There is a big difference between a "clean" car and a rolling mirror on wheels.
Some folks are trying to make a living dragging a trailer across three counties washing cars for $30.
If they turn out a spotless car without spending 40 hours polishing paint can they still be called a detailer?
I've met many different kinds of "detailers" over the years.
* Those that think they know everything and don't know anything.
* Folks that think they are a god with a polishing machine in their hand.
* Those that bust their behind trying to pay the rent and feed their families.
* Plain 'ole, down to earth, regular folks that are some of the very best on the planet.
As in any occupation there are the bad, the good, the great, and the truly exceptional.
For me, I try to do the best I can and the best I know how, each and every time I "detail" a vehicle.
Final note:
I admire Mike Phillips for what he does...
Folks come from all over the country paying their hard earned money to learn how to be a better "detailer".
Keep up the good work Mike. You are a valuable asset to the detailing community.
Re: When is someone considered a Professional Detailer?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RaskyR1
Certification's are also meaningless IMO, including the IDA.
I've seen some hacked up work by certified IDA members.
Certifications and degrees mean you have a basic knowledge.
If I had to have surgery, I would like to know the "doctor" has a degree.
I've seen hacked up work by plastic surgeons, cardiologists and neurosurgeons.
Have you ever seen the TV show "botched". This surgery is done by licensed doctors.
On another note: IMHO When a surgeon has a scalpel in his hand he thinks he's a god.
Re: When is someone considered a Professional Detailer?
Read Mike Phillips books, go to his classes and your on your way to becoming a "Professional".
Re: When is someone considered a Professional Detailer?
A "professional" is a person who receives payment to do a thing. Someone who is good at something may not be a "professional." One who receives payment, even for a job preformed poorly, is a "professional."
Re: When is someone considered a Professional Detailer?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
osiapstndp
A "professional" is a person who receives payment to do a thing. Someone who is good at something may not be a "professional." One who receives payment, even for a job preformed poorly, is a "professional."
Webster doesn't say that.
Re: When is someone considered a Professional Detailer?
I think it starts when your clients recommend you to there good friends.
Re: When is someone considered a Professional Detailer?
In tennis you are a professional if you accept money for playing or teaching. There is a difference in the level of professionals in tennis and detailing. Also look at the term professionalism.