How to choose a professional automotive detailer

Where quality is the thing sought after there is no comparison
Car washes, amateur detailers posing as professionals & express detailing shops offer cheaper prices undercutting a true professional detailer. Master automotive detailers will always have higher prices because they offer premium detailing services.

Selecting a professional detailer is not an easy task
It’s unsettling but true - many may call themselves professionals but they do not stand up to or beyond the industry standards and lack customer commitment. When seeking the services of a Master Automotive Detailer it should be approached no different than if you were hiring a contractor for your house. A vehicle is the second largest investment for most people - a major asset and you don’t want amateur detailers performing work on it. You want a master automotive detailing technician because simply knowing how to make a car sparkle is not enough. If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional detailer to do the job - wait until you hire an amateur! The result can be costly.

Pricing reflects the quality of workmanship
Price is what you pay; the value is what you receive. The result of quality workmanship is not an act; it is a habit that is long remembered after the price is forgotten. A Master Automotive Detailing Technician should:
- Have ethics
- Be consistent
- Offer high quality services/ products
- Offer value for the price
- Possess professional skills
- Possess knowledge about the chemicals they are using
- Have knowledge about and use the proper equipment
- The workmanship should have value for the price
- Constantly update their professional skills, education and training to keep pace with the ever changing technology
- Have technical training and knowledge about the various surfaces of each vehicle because each vehicle is made of different materials. No two cars are the same so each vehicle must be treated accordingly.

A professional detail takes several man hours to complete
In most cases it should take 8 hours to complete an interior / exterior detail but in some cases a detailing specialist may ask to keep the vehicle several days if the work is extensive. The true professional does not put a time limit on quality when it comes to auto detailing; so if you are told that a complete detail can be performed in a few hours be very weary.

It should be noted that even the Master Detailer can sometimes miss something because these are multi-dimensional surfaces. If they do, call them immediately and tell them. A true professional will ask you to bring it back in so they can fix it.

Chemical quality
A master detailer uses the highest quality of professional grade chemicals that are proven to be successful. It is important that the automotive detailer understands that the quality of the chemicals used on your vehicle are just as important as the workmanship that is performed. Quality products make a world of difference. A complete restoration can look good but if the products that were used are low-grade - it defeats the purpose because they have not provided complete protection against the elements. A detail shop using brand name products available at retail stores should be avoided.

Your car care guardian should be committed to customer satisfaction and a superior craftsman
Here are a few more tips to help you when looking for that diamond in the rough:

• Educate yourself - Gain as much information and knowledge as you can about car care prior to consulting any auto detailing services.
• Ask around town - Inquire with friends, family, co-workers and automotive dealerships to find out who is the best automotive detailer in or close to town. Automotive dealerships are your best bet - they are in the business and know the value of a fine detailer.
• Ask questions - Once you have expanded your knowledge you will be able to ask questions. Find out what options are available to you, ask what the differences are between their service and the competitors, ask about their customer satisfaction policy, prices, the benefits and how they define themselves as a professional.
• View a car before and after - Ask the detailer if you may see a car prior to being detailed and again after the work has been completed. Do not go by photos. Ask to see the real deal. It may be a little time consuming because you will have to go to the shop twice but it is well worth it.
• Ask for references - Don’t be afraid to ask a detailer prior to contracting them for several references. If they are unwilling to provide any - stay clear. A true professional has excellent references and is more than willing to provide them upon request.
• Follow through - Before committing to any services follow through on the references. Ask the reference if they were satisfied with the work performed, what type of service they purchased, if they have had any problems - if so, was it rectified in a timely and favorable way. Ask when the work was performed - if it was just performed ask if you can see it.
• Make a decision - It’s now time to make an intelligent decision based on your knowledge.

Remember, basing your decision on pricing alone is not enough

Auto detailing is protection for your asset. In general, prices reflect the quality of workmanship. Lower quotes usually mean lower - chemical quality, care, client satisfaction, craftsmanship and overall knowledge, training and education. A true professional does not reduce prices to compete because the quality of work provided supersedes that of the competitors and is above the industry standards.

That's the Diamond Detailing Difference!

Diamond Detailing Automotive Reconditioning Technicians are trained, professional detailers dedicated to art & science of automotive protection. Our professional skills are a result of our professional training, certification and devotion to continued education. Our key to client satisfaction goes beyond that of providing the highest quality service. It is the responsibility of a bona fide professional detailer to educate clients on why it is a wise move to invest in quality, to teach proper care car maintenance and explain the many benefits of automotive detailing.

We want our clients to have the highest expectations and to understand the difference between our services and that of the competitors. Experts agree That it is a combination of the amount of time, care, equipment knowledge, chemicals, skills and training that define and separate the amateurs from the true professionals. A master detailer takes pride in their workmanship and wants their customers to be able to do the same. You have the right to be cautious and should be

Diamond Detailing fixes damage caused by other detail shops on a regular basis - so we have first hand knowledge of the type of poor workmanship out there. We have gained the trust of clients from all over Ontario and the United States because we understand that customers work hard for their vehicles and deserve to have them protected by the highest standards.

To book an appointment please call or visit us at:

Diamond Detailing Guelph's Finest Automotive Reconditioning Technician

355 Elmira Rd North Unit 139, Guelph, Ontario, Canada(519) 824-3915

http://diamonddetailing.50webs.com

Used car sales what's in the future for Canada

As talks continue across the globe about the ban on older vehicles one country has followed through. While this new law may be inviting from an environmental point of view it doesn't come without major implications especially in a time where the economy is so fragile. The banning of older vehicles will only add to the decline of car sales and therefore damage the economy further. If other countries follow suit this will take money out of every ones pocket - everyone accept large greedy consumer financing companies. Small used car lots and large automobile dealerships will feel the wrath - when they feel it the economy will feel it as a whole also. A move like this will force more people to buy new; meaning that we will only be adding to the current credit crisis. For the middle and lower incomes citizens a law like this will leave them without affordable transportation, force them into further credit debt or leave them car less.

Our environment is a major concern - perhaps a Federal law for annual vehicle safety's and Federal emissions laws should be imposed before we start banning vehicles based on age and we should look deeper into converting older cars to bio-fuel.

I find it interesting that this ban comes at a time when Canada/US/Mexico are in their final stages of their Globalization NAFTA deal, in a time when the car economy is weak in the USA and Canada and that this law takes place in a country where our automotive manufacturers have moved after closing the doors here. This sounds much more like an economic strategy than an environmental strategy.


See the following articles:

Mexico abruptly restricts car imports
By CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN Associated Press Writer
Article Launched: 03/02/2008 12:37:30 PM PST
http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_8429774


Texas—Some are dented, scratched and rusty. Others rattle and belch under faded paint jobs. But the "'98" soaped onto their windshields and a surprise change in Mexican import rules have turned a single year's worth of used cars into pick of the used-car lot.

Beginning Monday, only cars made for the 1998 model year—none older and none newer—can be legally imported into Mexico. Car dealers were given notice only a month ago.

Until now, used cars 10 to 15 years old were scooped up at auction by South Texas used car dealers and rapidly sold to Mexicans hungry for affordable transportation and "la novedad"—or novelty—of unfamiliar makes and models.

Cars newer than that were banned from imports as unwelcome competition for Mexican car dealers, and anything more than 15 years old was seen as a potential environmental and safety hazard.

But now, under pressure from Mexico's new car dealers who say "vehiculos chatarra," or jalopies, undercut their sales, the Mexican government is allowing only 10-year-old used cars to be legally imported into Mexico.

All of a sudden, 1998 Luminas, Astro vans and Ranger pickups are sought-after trophies.

The Mexican Association of Automobile Distributors, which pushed for the change, said it was needed to "stop the accelerated conversion of our country into the world's biggest automotive garbage dump."

The Mexican Consulate in McAllen said the change was made "to
restrict the entry of vehicles that compete with the Mexican car industry."
A mile north of the Rio Grande, 80 percent of the customers at Walester Auto Sales are Mexican. But this past week, only one out of the 24 cars on the dirt lot boasted the magic "1998."

That vehicle was a white Chevrolet Blazer with a "Redneck" sticker on the windshield and a vanity plate of a silhouetted couple embracing in front of a tropical sunset. It was priced at $3,200.

With the sudden change in demand, such 1998 models are appreciating for the first time since they rolled off the lot, their prices rising by $500 to $800, while dealers cut prices on slightly older models in a frantic effort to move them out before Monday's deadline.

"At this point we have a lot of merchandise that was going to Mexico that now will stay," said Elena Garcia, who owns Walester with her husband, Armando Garcia, who was in Florida scouring auto auctions for more vehicles.

At Gutierrez Brothers, a few Mexican car dealers milled about, shaking their heads at the limited selection.

"The worse thing we can do is buy something that we don't know if it can go across (the border)," Juan Gutierrez said. "If a 1997 worth $3,000 can't cross, it's not even worth $1,500."

He had to unload about 1,000 cars last month at sharply reduced prices just to avoid getting stuck with them in March.

Gutierrez said his buyers at auto auctions across the country tell him that when a 1998 rolls into the garage, 20 buyers line up where there used to be a handful.

Mexico bans all imported used cars from U.S. except 1998 models
Posted Mar 3rd 2008 7:32AM by Chris Tutor posted on AUTOBLOG

All you people with a 10-year-old car – drive it, drag it, push it or pull it! Mexico is paying top dollar!

Starting today, the only used cars the Mexico government will allow across its borders for resale are those exactly 10 years old. That means your 1998 Hyundai Accent has appreciated in value for the first time since you drove it off the lot. But your 1997 Astro van is, believe it or not, worth even less than it was last year, and you 1999 Daewoo Nubira drivers will have to wait until next year to cash in.

There are two main reasons for Mexico's seemingly arbitrary automotive adjudication. First, its new-car dealers are tired of trying to compete with all manner of relatively inexpensive, recent-model used cars from the U.S. Second, the government says cars older than 10 years are wreaking havoc on the country's air quality.

Until now, it was legal to import cars into Mexico that were between 10 and 15 years old. The Mexican Association of Automobile Distributors fought for the newer, more restrictive law to, as quoted by The Detroit News, "stop the accelerated conversion of our country into the world's biggest automotive garbage dump."

Canadian consumers buying state-side veicles

Being in the automotive detailing industry we can see a swing in the car buying market. For months, the Canada dollar has been strengthening against the American dollar tempting Canadians to head south to purchase a new vehicle. This new trend in automobile buying is cause for concern to the Canadian economy. Both the slumping exports combined with declined consumer spending in Canada has made a serious impact on the economy forcing Canadian automotive dealerships to put special Canadian pricing discounts and rebates into effect. But,something more noteworthy and something everyone should consider before buying a car in the United States are the new changes taking place at Canadian dealerships.

If you plan on buying a car in the USA be aware that Canadian dealerships have imposed a new rule in their service departments that states that no cars purchased from the US can be serviced for warranty work or fixed at Canadian automotive dealerships.

Globalization a threat to the Canadian Automotive Economy

Living in Guelph I am sure our readers are aware that Guelph is a major center for automotive parts manufacturing and our factories are packing up, moving down to Mexico or just plain closing the doors leaving people in Guelph jobless. As a citizen and an automotive business owner I urge all Canadians to start researching the long-term effects of NAFTA and globalization, create awareness and take your country back because Globalization a threat to the Canadian Automotive Industry, the Canadian economy as a whole and the freedom of Canadian citizens.

As some of you may or may not be aware the Canadian government has been passing several small bills in an effort to move globalization forward. The Canadian government in conjunction with the United States government has been slipping small bills through and making changes in law under the nose of the people to avoid the disagreement of the people and by dissecting these bills into small pieces they do not breach the Charter of Rights or should I say the don't alarm anyone as to the breaches. The majority of these changes have gone un-noticed by the citizens and have of course by-passed any media attention. Please read the following article written by Global Research :

Agenda for the North American Summit
By Andrew G. Marshall
URL of this article: www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=8224

Global Research, February 29, 2008

The next North American Summit is set to be held on April 21-22, 2008, in New Orleans, as a fitting memorial – returning to the location where the state turned its back on the people, literally leaving them to die; and where they now meet to turn their backs once again on the people, leaving them in the dark and their countries near death.

In preparation for the next North American (leaders’) Summit, the designated ministers from Mexico, the United States and Canada, met February 28 under the auspices of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP). Industry Canada issued a press release February 28, 2008, which stated, "This year marks the fifteenth anniversary of the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA has been a tremendous success: trade and commerce among our countries have grown exponentially." Then the press release made the statement that, "Trilateral merchandise trade is approximately $900 billion in 2007, significantly contributing to economic growth and increased standards of living in all three countries." Given the past few months of economic turmoil, record-breaking oil prices, a collapsing US dollar, and fears of a "1930’s style Depression," it’s a little premature to be saying our standard of living is on the rise.

After giving lip service to, "respecting the sovereignty, laws, unique heritage, and culture of each country," it states, "we have reviewed progress achieved since Montebello and have directed officials to" five key areas of integration, "Competitiveness, Safe Food & Products, Energy and Environment, Smart & Secure Borders, [and] Emergency Management and Preparedness."

Competitiveness:

The press release states that they will direct officials to, "Continue to implement the strategy to combat piracy and counterfeiting, and build on the Regulatory Cooperation Framework by pursuing collaboration through sectoral initiatives, with an emphasis on the automotive sector." So, it’s now time to cement together the already extremely integrated automotive industries of Canada and the US, as currently the Canadian "auto and parts makers export more than 85 per cent of their production south of the border."

It was recently reported that, "More than three-quarters of Canada's exports — including oil, minerals, lumber and passenger vehicles — are sold to Americans. The U.S. housing collapse already has slashed sales of Canadian lumber. Now, as a historic decline in home values causes American consumers to retrench, U.S. auto sales this year are headed to a 10-year low, according to TD Bank Financial Group in Toronto."

So my question is, if it’s the integrated economies between Canada and the US, specifically in the auto industry, that with a falling US economy threaten Canada’s own economy to such a great extent, why is the solution more "deep integration"? Looking at this from a perspective of looking out for the interest of Canada’s economy, if the ailment we are facing is a result of our near-total dependence and integration with the US economy, why is the cure more of the same? If you stick your finger in an electric socket, you get shocked. If, after doing that, you decide to continually put your finger in the same socket over and over again, expecting different results, you’re insane.

Safe Food & Products:

Of this the SPP press release stated that the ministers would advise officials to, "Strengthen cooperation to better identify, assess and manage unsafe food and products before they enter North America, and collaborate to promote the compatibility of our related regulatory and inspection regimes."

Of course, this has already started to be integrated, as it was reported in May of 2007 that, "Canada is set to raise its limits on pesticide residues on fruit and vegetables for hundreds of products," and that, "The move is part of an effort to harmonize Canadian pesticide rules with those of the United States, which allows higher residue levels for 40 per cent of the pesticides it regulates."


Energy and Environment:

Here the ministers state they will advise officials to, "Develop projects under the newly signed Agreement on Science and Technology; and cooperate on moving new technologies to the marketplace, auto fuel efficiency and energy efficiency standards."

On July 24, 2007, it was reported that, "The first trilateral framework agreement on energy science and technology was inked Monday by the energy ministers for Canada, Mexico and the United States," focusing on, "ways to increase cooperation on research and development and to reduce barriers to the deployment of new technologies in biofuels, gas hydrates, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, clean coal, and electricity transmission." It further stated that, "the three countries will exchange scientific and technical personnel to participate in joint studies and projects." The news report further stated that, "The ministers discussed increasing the region's energy security, recognizing the critical contribution that an integrated energy market makes to the North American economy."

Smart & Secure Borders:

Here the press release reports that ministers will aim to, "Strengthen cooperation protocols and create new mechanisms to secure our common borders while facilitating legitimate travel and trade in the North American region."

Creating "new mechanisms" is the most important part here. On January 22, 2008, it was reported that, "B.C. is about to become the first province to use a high-tech driver's licence. For an extra fee, it will enable drivers to cross the border into the U.S. without a passport and still comply with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security concerns," and that, "The enhanced driver's licence or EDL has a radio-frequency identification chip that will broadcast a number linked to a computer database, allowing a border guard to assess data and flag security issues as drivers approach the booth." It then stated that, "Name, address, place of birth, citizenship and photo will appear with a quick scan of the coding of the back of the licence."

On February 28, 2008, it was reported that BC made this move "in conjunction with Washington State," and that, "Ontario and other provinces with high-volume border crossings are expected to follow suit in the near future. Under the U.S.' Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), passports will be required for all travellers entering the U.S. starting June 2009, but RFID-enabled EDLs are being introduced on a voluntary basis as an acceptable alternative to speed up border crossings." The report elaborated that, "the Real ID Act enacted in 2005 calls for the harmonization of drivers' licences across states in the U.S," which are, in turn being harmonized with Canada’s licenses, and that the real agenda with this is to create a North American ID card. Andrew Clement, a professor of information studies at the University of Toronto was quoted in the article as saying:

The EDL scheme is seen as a way to sneak it [the ID card] through the back door by turning state licences, through U.S.-wide harmonization with biometrics, into de facto identity cards. And the Privacy Commissioner has pointed out that Canada's EDLs will be made compatible from a system point of view with Real ID standards, so Canadians will in fact be enrolled in the U.S. apparatus via licences. There are several steps to get there but this seems to be the direction it's heading towards

On top of this, it was reported on February 14 that, "the Garden River First Nation (an Ojibway Tribe of North American Indians), headquartered at the eastern boundary of the city of Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario, Canada, has signed an agreement to license and use Veritec's 2-D VSCode(TM) Biometric technology for multi-purpose cards which will serve as Tribal Member ID, Border-crossing (from and to Ontario, Canada) control and passport-backup ID cards," and that, "[t]he technology stores the individual's fingerprint minutiae." So, while BC is introducing this as a (for now) voluntary move, it’s being introduced elsewhere first for First Nations peoples, then, undoubtedly, for everyone.

Emergency Management and Preparedness:

Under this heading, the press release states that SPP minister will work to, "Strengthen emergency management cooperation capacity in the North American region before, during and after disasters."

This comes right on the heels of the announcement that, "Canada and the U.S. have signed an agreement that paves the way for the militaries from either nation to send troops across each other's borders during an emergency, but some are questioning why the Harper government has kept silent on the deal." It was further reported that, "Neither the Canadian government nor the Canadian Forces announced the new agreement, which was signed Feb. 14 in Texas," and that, "The U.S. military's Northern Command, however, publicized the agreement with a statement outlining how its top officer, Gen. Gene Renuart, and Canadian Lt.-Gen. Marc Dumais, head of Canada Command, signed the plan, which allows the military from one nation to support the armed forces of the other nation during a civil emergency."

Soon after this was announced, in the Canadian House of Commons, "the NDP couldn’t get an answer out of Defence Minister Peter MacKay on why his government didn’t release details about a new agreement recently signed with U.S. military," and that:

According to what little is known of the agreement (the actual document hasn’t been made public and no word if it ever will) it will be up to civilian authorities on whether military assistance is needed and whether U.S. troops will cross the border to help in Canada in the event of a terror attack, flu pandemic, earthquake or some other domestic emergency. Same goes if Canadian troops were needed in the U.S. to deal with similar situations.

Calls for Further, Faster Integration:

The day of this press release from the SPP Ministers, the Canadian newspaper the Globe & Mail reported on the previous night’s debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in which they both threatened to leave NAFTA if they didn’t get certain concessions from Canada and Mexico, and the article stated that if NAFTA was torn up, "Canadians would lose their jobs; companies would go out of business, [and] our standard of living would decline." However, it is actually that, "NAFTA has been responsible for growing poverty, the creation of a new underclass called the ‘working poor,’ and the concentration of wealth in the hands of fewer and fewer people."

The Globe & Mail article reports that regarding Obama’s comments toward NAFTA, "CTV reported last night that the Obama camp contacted the Canadian embassy to give them a heads-up about the upcoming rhetoric and to reassure them there was no cause for concern." Continuing on the idea of a theoretical end to NAFTA, the article states that, "Our politicians can wait with fingers crossed, hoping that Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, if one of them does become president, won't follow through," or, "we can act, as we have acted in the past, to revitalize the Canada-U.S. relationship and turn crisis into opportunity."

It further states that, "Since 1993, when Jean Chrétien and Bill Clinton ratified NAFTA, Canadian prime ministers have largely ignored issues of economic integration," which is, of course, an obvious lie. However, it does give mention to, "Incremental efforts at harmonizing regulatory regimes - the once-much-vaunted Security and Prosperity Partnership - have been quietly shelved, left to the bureaucrats to work on, unperturbed by deadlines." So the problem, according to the Globe and Mail, is that the process of integration is not happening fast enough.

The article then went on to attack those who have attacked the North American Union, stating, "the American economy deteriorated and manufacturing jobs disappeared, prompting xenophobic fears over immigration and trade. Anti-trade zealots such as CNN's Lou Dobbs promoted paranoia. Their poisonous message has filtered throughout the industrial heartland of the United States." In explaining a solution to this "crisis", the article states, "The challenge today is the same; the answer is the same. Prime Minister Stephen Harper should propose a second round of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations."

The purpose of proposing a new trade negotiation agreement would be for the next President of the United States, presumably a Democrat, and if the Democrats want new environmental regulations, "Then let's propose a bilateral carbon market based on a cap-and-trade agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions." This idea would likely follow upon another trend being set in British Columbia. As reported by the Leader-Post, "Driving and other fuel-dependent activities are about to get more expensive in British Columbia as B.C. becomes the first jurisdiction in North America to introduce a consumer-based carbon tax," and that BC Finance Minister "Taylor said the new carbon tax will begin July 1, starting at a rate that will have drivers paying about an extra 2.4 cents per litre of gasoline at the pumps." It elaborated, "The tax will apply to virtually all fossil fuels, including gasoline, diesel, natural gas, coal, propane and home heating fuel. It will increase each year until 2012, reaching a final price of about 7.2 cents per litre at the pumps."

The article finishes by stating, "An activist government will get ahead of the story, with proposals to advance both economic and security integration with the United States as soon as the new president takes office."

Funny, that sounds like what every government since Mulroney’s has been doing, so how is doing more of the same, activist? Brian Mulroney, who signed onto the initial Canada-US Free Trade Agreement with George HW Bush, has since been rewarded with a seat on the International Advisory Board of the US-based Council on Foreign Relations. Chrétien signed onto NAFTA with Clinton. Paul Martin signed onto the SPP with Bush and Fox, Harper went further with the SPP with Bush and Calderon. Now, Harper is urged to go further with the next American President. So, what else is new?


Please support Global Research http://www.globalresearch.ca



What does it all mean to the citizens of Canada?

By the year 2012 Canada will not be the Canada you once knew. We will be a part of a union the North American Union which means that the United States, Canada and Mexico will become one union just as Europe has done. That means that Canada will take on the problems associated with these other countries such as national debt, unemployment, old age pension, laws, housing & credit bubble, re-evaluated currency, loss of freedom due to new laws imposed by Homeland Security and loss of rights. What was once a debt free country with a steady dollar will be no more. We will join forces with a debt ridden, unemployed, bankrupt country that is toxic and has drained it's natural resources.

Laws such as the one passed under the Mulroney Government in 1987, on the eleventh hour Canada signed a Free Trade Agreement with the US regarding the export of Canadian freshwater to the USA (for more detailed info on this issue read: Water and Free Trade: The Mulroney Government's Agenda for Canada's Most Precious Resource by Wendy Holm)is a good indication of the sneaky tactics being used to trick Canadians. These types of laws are being changed daily without the consent, knowledge or support of Canadians. The United States has drained it's land and it's people for everything it's worth and now it plans to do the same here. Ask yourself what benefit there is in joining a union with a country like the USA (who by the way devised this agenda) when they could handle their own matters. Is it for the promise of a stronger economy? If it is then I would advise you to do further research on the European union to see where it to is headed. Unionization is a temporary bandage on a festering wound that will within a few years explode and when it does the problems will be 10 fold.

Deadly pathogens in your car are a possiblity

A while back we had a client who had spilled raw unprocessed milk for making cheese in his van. The retired gentleman had taken his vehicle to an express detail shop to be cleaned and the odor removed but they failed to complete the task properly so he came to us for our help.

He explained he was living on a pension and the cheese he makes was quite costly to produce - in fact, he could buy it cheaper at the store; but loved making it himself. So he had gone out to a farm bought 4 gallons of milk and on the way home the bucket spilled over. He went on to explain that he was so upset at himself because his hobby had cost him so much. Between having to re-buy the milk, paying the express detail shop for a job that they didn't do right and having to pay us that his batch of cheese had become the most expensive cheese in the world.

We felt badly for him. The express detail shop should have never taken on that project. They are not equipped or knowledgeable enough to deal with a catastrophe like this. Spot shampooing the carpet, spraying it with air freshener and running the air does not resolve anything. The carpets and underlay were full of mold and the smell was beyond words. View the photos to see what the other shop left behind.

This vehicle recon was a huge undertaking. We had to completely gut this van. After removing the carpet it was given several cleanings to eliminate stains and ensure that the milk was completely removed from carpet and underlay. The van itself had to be completely cleaned using a medical grade antibacterial/anti-fungal solution. A three step system was used to decontaminate the contents and the air. The treatment we used is one that is utilized by hospitals to disinfect laundry, food areas and to make surgical rooms sterile. The first step was to decontaminate the empty van including the ac/heat and vent system. This ensures that there is no chance for mold, bacteria or odor regrowth. Once the carpet and freshly cleaned seats had gone through the drying process, they underwent the same decontamination process. Upon completion everything was placed back inside the vehicle, along with the freshly cleaned seats for a final decontamination and then allowed to air out.

We had the vehicle for 3 days, when he came to pick it we showed him the photo's and explained the entire process to him. He was disgusted by what he saw in the pictures, but he was elated by the final result. He couldn't thank us enough and kept insisting that he should pay us more because he had no idea how in depth the process was going to be. We declined his offer and he ended up taking a pile of business cards to hand out to people he knew. "Give trust, and you'll get it double in return" quoted by Kees Kamies

This story appalls me because the other shop had sold him on a service they could not perform. They lacked the equipment, chemicals, knowledge & training therefore they had no business performing this task. Instead of telling him they couldn't do it or refer him to someone that could they took his money. This in itself is a crime but that isn't the worst of it. In doing so, they put this mans' health at risk. Raw milk can carry salmonella, E. coli O157:H7 or listeria. If this milk contained any of these pathogens this man, his wife, grandchildren or anyone else in the van who made contact with it; would have been exposed to deadly pathogens. Something as simple as his grandson rubbing his hands on the carpet; could have transferred deadly bacteria onto his hands and in the event he didn't wash them, he could have transferred them to his mouth, food or another person through contact.

This is a serious issue and one that should be a lesson to all amateur detailers out there. When you are cleaning a car you must factor in the health risks for both the client and yourself. This includes the chemicals & equipment you use, the protection you wear and the process you utilize. Failure to eliminate possible hazards is a risk to your clients that you don't want to take; nor do you want to create a problem.

You must understand chemistry and be knowledgeable about the chemicals you use. Learn what health risks may be associated with them if any, use them as directed, do your research and always wear the necessary protective gear to protect yourself from exposure. A good example would be using ammonia and bleach (although I would hope you wouldn't ever be using these in a car) but if you did, you could be manufacturing a deadly gas that could cause you or your client to have respiratory failure. Certain chemicals may be poisonous to animals and small children. Several chemicals can be potentially dangerous to individuals with allergies and asthma; so keep this in mind to prevent accidents.

A professional detailer must also have the knowledge, training and equipment to deal with everything including bio-hazards. Failure to meet these requirements puts your health and the health of others at risk. Blood borne pathogens can include but are not limited to hepatitis.

Over the years I have been exposed to many toxic, bio-hazardous and potentially dangerous scenarios including toxic substances, mold, bacteria, syringes, blood, vomit, feces, urine and viruses... but because I assume the risk is there, I protect myself as best I can before it is too late. You don't know where a car has been, what mold, bacteria, fungus, toxins and gases exist so you must take precaution.

Detailers who aren't experienced or knowledgeable enough to effectively or safely remove them, should abstain completely and let the real professional detailers do the job. I have a greater respect for people who admit they can't do something than those who take someone's money and wing it. No one wins when you fail and no money is worth jeopardizing your health or that of someone else !

Pro's VS The Joe's

Well my latest blog Amateur poachers a disgrace to the auto detailing industry stirred up quite a buzz. I have received positive feedback from several people, but the one I want to talk about is the one titled pro's detailers vs the jo detailers 1-0. A detailer in Toronto just wanted to say that it was about time someone stood up to expose the truth and begin educating customers. He said the industry needs to be redefined to separate the amateurs from the pro's because all to many times he has seen shops sell themselves as professional detailers with 9 years experience but their workmanship is no more than that of amateur level. He added that time alone does not make you a professional and I must agree.

I too, have met many who think that the time factor alone makes them a professional. In fact, I spoke to one today who is local in the city. These guys took 3 month's training, bought a franchise and now they are pro's. This amazes me; these people who wash cars, do express details or have nothing more than amateur skills to offer, honestly believe they are professional detailers and sell themselves as such. What's worse is the customers buy into it and end up paying these amateurs to damage their cars. This is why consumer education is so important. Clients need to be aware of the potential risks they are taking when they contract unskilled car cleaners and be able to see the difference between what the pseudo pro and a real pro or master can do. Once customers have experienced the difference, see the financial rewards and the long-term outcome of having a real professional care for their car they will never turn back.

I also received other emails from people who just wanted to share their car detailing horror stories. Each one is important and unfortunate. I feel badly for these people but the stories they told are not unlike the ones I hear on a daily basis. Individuals sold them on a valued professional service, took their money only to deliver less than professional results and in many cases their prized possessions were marred.

I should add that some of these people wanted to know the who and where of it all but I'll tell you the same thing I told them - as much as I would like to put a stop to bad business practices I can't name names. It isn't my responsibility to tell you who to avoid. It is ultimately up to the consumer to figure out who is a pro auto detailer and who is a joe detailer. All I can do is recommend other professionals.

Amateur poachers a disgrace to the auto detailing industry

Back in autumn I received a phone call from a female at an express detail shop situated in Guelph. She claimed she had a customer who needed their car high speed polished and wanted to send him down to me but said she needed a price. I gave it to her and had what I thought was a nice conversation about the business. Shortly after, I learned that I had been duped into giving her my prices so she could offer services at prices that undercut me.

Then two weeks ago, my landlord told me he had just received the oddest call. A women commercial car wash that runs an express detailing center at a gas station called asking to rent your unit. I asked who it was and immediately I started to laugh. We figured she was just trying to cause some kind of chaos with me and my landlord. Within the hour her partner strolled into my shop. I was delivering cars back to the dealerships but my wife, who is very intuitive, went to the front and immediately knew who he was even before he announced himself. He said his name and told her he worked for this woman at the gas station as an express detailer. He went on to say he doesn't get into the big detailing end of it . I just do express detailing, wash, windows, vacuum - nothing like the professional stuff you do he said. My wife kinda nodded and laughed. Then he proceeded to tell her the little angel he works with highly recommended us for window tinting and he wanted a price on how much it was to tint his PT Cruiser. Well my wife knew what game he was playing and told him that I would have to see the car to be able to give him the quote. She took his phone number and I called him when I returned. This time he told me it was one of the dealerships we have done some tinting services for that recommended me. I told him I needed to see the vehicle to give a price. He said he would bring it by and never came around again.

Last week one of my contracted window tint installers called me to ask if I knew this woman. I said yes I know of her. He told me she had called him 2 days in a row to get quotes on what he would charge her to do tint jobs at her shop. Then she asked him if he tinted at one of the dealerships. He told her no. She said do you tint for Diamond Detailing he replied yes why. Her answer was I don't like him I think he is an asshole.

Well I guess the only thing worse than people talking bad about you is when no one talks at all. I still can't figure out why she would say that because I have talked to her once in my life and I wasn't the one slithering around misrepresenting myself to get prices and undercut anyone but hey each to their own.

If she had of come to me on the up and up to ask me what my prices were I would have happily given them to her. If she can sell her services for less money good for her - as long as she is informing her clients that her skills aren't at a professional level and what risks they are taking by paying an amateur to do a professionals job. I am sure that isn't the case though. Like so many others, the 2 of them became part of that detailing phenomenon - where the amateur detailer magically becomes a professional overnight.

The thing that the two of them fail to understand is that I do not cater to price shoppers . We cater to clients who understand the value and the financial rewards associated with Master detailing services. Our clients are educated about proper auto care and want to protect their investment. Our clients know a pro detail job when they see it. They aren't seeking low price - low quality workmanship. They know that damage can occur from having amateurs work on their cars and totally reject the idea of a detail shop running their vehicle through a commercial car wash for a quick soap , spray and wax before they do a second rate detail.

Are they that desperate for clients? If so they should have just told me me. I could have referred at least 30 people a day who are looking for cheap work and don't care about quality.
It's unfortunate that there are posers like this in the industry. I feel sickened by it. It is disrespectful to others that are real professionals and masters because they have earned their reputation through training, experience, time and skilled workmanship. But the greater evil is the disservice to the consumers who don't know any better. The misrepresentation of themselves and their services borders on being fraudulent.

I included this example today as an education about the type of car care available and the type of people who perform it. It's not that I think there shouldn't be express detailing services - I just believe that if this is what you offer, it is your responsibility to educate your clients on the long-term and negative effects of this type of service. In addition to this, the people who operate these services should not be trying to pass themselves or their services off for something they aren't. The idea that you can't lose contact with the leaders has cut more throats than it has saved.

When I encounter a true professional who has earned the right to the title I have no problem acknowledging it and do recommend them if I am unable to take on a project. Consumers have the right to be educated and with this lesson comes one final piece of information - shops offering substantially lower prices is an indication as to the level of skill they have achieved and will execute. A true professional charges premium prices because he the services he offers are like an extended warranty that helps to protect the value of a vehicle.

Word of wisdom for the day - "Don't just envy another's good name; to become a master; you must learn from a master all that he has learned, work as hard as the master has worked, put in your time just as the master did, and then you can emulate the work that helped earn him his title."

Newest Services offered at Diamond Detailing

Guelph, Ontario based business Diamond Detailing released news today that it has teamed up with Trevor Norton, owner of Auto DPI to launch its new automotive accessories sales & installations service.

Customer requests prompted the idea to expand into the automotive accessories market - the idea was great but I needed to shape a plan. In wanting to preserve my reputation as a Master Detailer I knew that I could not execute the work myself. The main focus of Diamond Detailing has always been and always will be auto detailing. We have the highest standards of quality therefore, I can't afford to have my time tied up in other things that will deflect my attention away from the fine details. After much thought and consideration I decided to move forward. The decision to subcontract the new service was a natural one that allowed the vision to come to life.

The next step was finding a reputable installer who was at the top of their industry. I searched high and low looking for the best accessories installer - Trevor trumped all the others. Trevor Norton is a respected, professional in the automotive accessories and mobile detailing market whose workmanship I am proud to say stands up to the Diamond Detailing standards.

The Diamond Detailing Automotive Reconditioning Technician Spa located at 355 Elmira Road North Unit 139 will become the central location for the automotive accessories sales but it is Trevor who will be called in to perform the installations. The expansion allows for one-stop shopping and an extended menu of car care services without impairing the car detailing end of the business.

"It's an important day for the company that takes it one step closer to achieving the vision I have. Diamond Detailing will continue to expand and looks forward to further growth this year."

Sometimes questions are more important than the answers

Yesterday a client asked me a few questions, one of which was whether or not I found auto detailing competitive in Guelph in regards to business's who offer services at a lower price.

My answer was no. To be competitive you must have two or more businesses who are equivalent in ethics, quality, skills and price. You can not make equal that which is unequal. What people are getting here is a winning combination of premium car care - if I ever changed it my customers would notice.

There is a big difference between the chemicals and equipment Diamond Detailing uses compared to those used at car washes and express detail locations. I don't shop for price - I shop for quality. My workmanship must surpass the materials that I use in order to achieve excellence. Excellence is is an art that requires time and develops from training, experience and knowledge.

Price is what you pay; the value is what you receive. The result of quality workmanship is not an act; it is a habit that is long remembered after the price is forgotten. Car washes, amateurs and express detailing shops offer cheaper prices and do undercut us but the truth is we have higher prices because we offer premium detailing services - they have lower prices for less quality. Where quality is the thing sought after there is no comparison. If you think it's expensive to hire a professional detailer to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur! The result can be costly.

Diamond Detailing is a professional detailing business that customers value. Premium car care products, first class service, master skills and continuing client education has allowed us to expand the market to include consumers who, until now, may have been hesitant to make a significant investment to preserve the value of their assets. Consumers work hard for their vehicles and deserve to have them protected by the highest standards.

After a long drawn out answer the man asked me if I enjoy my job. Absolutely I answered. A business that only makes money is a poor business to be in. I am a firm believer that you must have your heart in the business and the business in your heart. People only do well at those things that they truly enjoy - it is almost impossible to excel when the soul is dead. What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.