A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

[akimel]

Perhaps the potential financial return does not warrant the investment, and it may well be that the market is already flooded with boutique waxes, but I would like to suggest that Meguiar's consider developing a more expensive paste wax. This wax would be sold within the $40-$60 price bracket and would be designed to compete against waxes such as Chemical Guys 50/50, P21S 100% Carnauba, and Pinnacle Souveran. It would be a carnauba/synthetic hybrid and would have the following characteristics:

1) Easy application and easy removal. WOWO. If one reads the reviews of the above mentioned waxes, one finds that each is extolled for its easy application and easy removal.

2) Does not stain trim.

3) Typical carnauba durability or better (6-12 weeks under normal conditions). In other words, it needs to have better durability than Souveran, but does not need to last as long as Collinite.

4) Great wet look.

5) It would only be sold over the internet through one or two distributors. Limited availability and distribution heightens the perception of prestige.

The product might not make a profit for Meguiar's, but that is okay. What is important is for Meguiar's to offer a wax that is well reviewed and which competes well against the above mentioned carnauba waxes. The mere offering of this kind of wax elevates the Meguiar's name and ennobles the entire line.

I realize, of course, that M26 and M21 may well produce appearances that are indistinguishable from more expensive waxes/sealants; but the fact remains that in the minds of some (many?) "less expensive" signifies "inferior."

AutoGlym now has its High Definition Wax. Why shouldn't Meguiar's have its own exclusive elite wax? Meguiar's Concours Carnauba or something like that. I'm sure you all can figure out better names for it.

Cheers,
Al

[Ryan L.]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

While I see what your saying, NXT 2.0 has some of those properties and provides a great looking finish on a prepped surface and is under $20.

Do you think those boutique waxes are better than NXT 2.0 on a well prepped surface?

Ryan

EDIT: Just read the part about cheaper price meaning inferior...that doesn't make sense at all. Cheaper price means better marketing.

[Heatgain]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

Why?
You're asking Meguiar's to charge much more for something they already have available, and then saying it's okay for Meguiar's to not make a profit on the higher-priced item.
I guess I'm missing the point. ??

[starvekos]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

Interesting question Al.

To be honest, I've asked myself the same question. These thoughts normally eminate when I read about Manufacture X launching a new wax / sealant. The text accompanying the new wLSP normally refers to: "now with polycharger..." or "100% carnauba content...".

Sadly, these new LSPs are the talk of the town for a couple of months and then a new kid on the block arrives or its back to the drawing boards to work on version II with greater durability. In the mean time, detailing old hands stick to what works and they produce the same results at a fraction of the cost of a boutique wax.

I applaud new products that are introduced mainly because they offer something different or contain new technology (hydrophobic qualities, micro abrasives, spray on LSPs...) that thrives to make the end users life easier. However, some of the new products that I have tried on of late have disappointed when I revisit the promise on the lable (protection for 6-12 months, the wettest finish...).

I would like to see how Meguiars can convince its loyal users to pay a premium for a new wax that is meant to out last M16 and add more depth than M26...

That being said, one can argue that this is all rich coming from me cause I have also bought the latest fad product.

Interested to hear what other MOL members have to say

[roushstage2]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

As for marketing, people buy these boutique waxes. If people pay $100 for a can of wax that costs $10 to make, kudos to the company for being able to sell it. Not the company's problem that some people don't have common sense.

Would it hurt IMO for Meguiar's to have one? No, probably not because people will buy it because if it costs more than what, $30?, people jump all over it because it must be better.

A modern-day M16...

That being said, I'll probably never spend over $15 on wax. I mean, I LOVE all of my cars, but common sense comes into play for me.

[akimel]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

While I see what your saying, NXT 2.0 has some of those properties and provides a great looking finish on a prepped surface and is under $20.

Do you think those boutique waxes are better than NXT 2.0 on a well prepped surface?

Heck if I know, Ryan, and it doesn't really matter. Perception here is decisive. As far as I know, Turtle Wax and Mother's SynWax also look as good on a well-prepped surface as any of the boutique waxes.

Also, NXT, M21, and M26 do stain trim; and I think there is a demand--at least among those who are willing to pay $50 per tub--for a wax that doesn't stain trim.

We are, I know, talking about a tiny portion of the market; but there are folks out there who are willing to spend $50 for a tub of car wax. So why not offer them a product? Think of the matter also in this way. Say I own a nice car, perhaps a Porsche or BMW, and I take it to a professional detailer to be buffed and waxed. He offers me a choice: $150 for a buffing/wax job with NXT or $160 for buffing/wax job with expensive _____ boutique wax. I am going to go for the more expensive option every time! Why? Because I want my special car to be dressed in a special wax. I don't want to be told that over-the-counter waxes are just as good as expensive boutique waxes. I want to be told there is a superior wax for my favorite car.

I have talked to a couple of local detailers here in Roanoke. Do you know what wax brand they use? One uses Turtle Wax, the other Simoniz. I asked if I could get a better wax for my car. One began to speak very passionately on behalf of Mother's Reflections, and he told me that is what he would use on my black S2000. I like Mother's Reflections and think it is a very good product for the money, certainly comparable to NXT; but I did think that both of these guys were missing a business opportunity.

It just so happens that here in Roanoke there is also a fifteen year old kid (yes, only fifteen years old! check out the link) who charges $500-$600 for a full detail. What does he use as his LSP: Dodo Juice Supernatural! This teenager already has a keen business sense. He knows that if you want owners of expensive cars to entrust their vehicles to you, you need to offer waxes that not only are a good value for the buck but which are perceived to enjoy a far superior quality than anything you can purchase at the local auto store.

[CWM3]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

I think Meguiars would do well to consider this option if they needed too. However, it seems to me, that Meguiars has a dedicated group of followers. Even the so-called naysayers of their OTC waxes seem to still like using the Detailer/Mirror Glaze line of products.

Of course, I still think that Meguiars could make a pretty penny off of it. I probably would buy it just so I could try it. The way people buy up cans of #16 on this forum I wouldn't be suprised if they bought the boutique stuff too.

EDIT: Just read the part about cheaper price meaning inferior...that doesn't make sense at all. Cheaper price means better marketing.

You're right, it doesn't. The OP was pointing out a somewhat common mistake among the so called detailer elites who think that NXT/#21 is somehow inferior because it costs less. Ironically enough, I have seen the same detailers on forums praise (and rightfully so) #26 which is a wax that can be bought OTC.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

While I, obviously, work for Meguiar's I want to start by saying that any decision in this regard has nothing to do with what I do here but, here are my thoughts on this:

Everything described as the selling points in the original post here is already covered, and covered extremely well, by M26 Hi-Tech Yellow Wax at a mere $12.50 per bottle/can MSRP. We've had a forum member bring in a sample of a wax that cost, literally, 100 times that amount and when applied side by side on a well prepped surface none of us could tell them apart.

Meguiar's has always prided itself on delivering high quality, effective and easy to use products at a fair price. I would think that rather than have us jack up prices to sell a product at an inflated price just so we can offer some exaggerated impression of cachet, that maybe everybody else should sell their product at a more realistic price.

Again, please understand that this is MY PERSONAL OPINION AND NOT AN OFFICIAL MEGUIAR'S STANCE.

[sudsbyhubbs]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

I like the idea of a boutique wax coming from Meguiar's, however it seems to me that Meguiar's as a company has been dedicated to the Professional line for so long that that's where the company's heart really is. They don't seem to offer quite as many consumer products as other companies do. When they do come out with new consumer items, if they don't go over well, they seem to discontinue them quickly. So maybe they will come out with a "high-end" wax, but if it doesn't do well, you better get it fast!

[SVT Lightning]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

I've always considered M26 a Boutique Wax......it's just not expensive! 95% of a show car finish is in the prep work.

[Dibbuz]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

I've been detailing for 3 years now and the prices in the States are very low considered to the rest of the world. Where you guys pay $18 for a bottle of M80 we pay $36, a bottle of NXT on megsdirect $18, here $36, so the distance between a Dodo Wax of $50 isn't that much any more and worth taking a chance.

But I think the low prices are a bit of the past with the new products, the M105 and M205 are around $35 and not the $18 for a M80. I guess Meg's need's the money.
On the other hand I can buy a 32oz bottle of Menzerna for $20 wich costs in the states at least $45 for the 106FA(M205 kinda product).

Maybe not for the states a boutiquewax is an option but it would be for the rest of the world since the prices there are alot higher and people are willing to pay for it.

I do think the ingredients of Wolfgang Fuzion are better quality than M26. I know a big part is just the package and the name but I must admit I have never noticed more depth with any other product since I put Fuzion on my car.
The prep is 90%, the wax is just the cherry on the cake. I would certainly consider a Meg's boutique wax, even if it's juist to make my collection complete

[RaskyR1]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

I promised myself after my last purchase that I will not but another botuique wax again!

Is M16 a botuique wax?

[akimel]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

I promised myself after my last purchase that I will not but another botuique wax again!

Is M16 a botuique wax?

Haha! So you broke your vow already!

[dvtldav]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

Maybe Meguiar's could change the color of #26, give it another name & sell it for $50 a tin. Who would know the difference except Meguiar's? I know Meg's doesn't work that way & Barry would would never let it happen, but it's a thought.

Dave

[RaskyR1]

Re: A Meguiar's Boutique Wax

Haha! So you broke your vow already!

Maybe I should set a limit on the dollar amount instead?