Detail 101 class or pay for training?

[dcving1]

Im very interested in attending the Detail 101 class since i am involved in starting my own detail business. My biggest problem is wondering where to go for in depth training. I have already attended the Thurday open garage a couple of weeks ago, and i wish i had more time to pick Michael Stoops' brain. Everybody says that i should go to the saturday class to help me get started and i am planning on doing that. I just want to know if it will be in depth enough for me to take that knowledge and apply it immediately or will i still be too much of a "noob" to even try working on clients cars. I have scoured the internet looking for detail classes, and ive found a few. I just dont know if paying almost $2,000 for a few days of training is worth it or not. So all in all, i just want to know if i'll benefit a whole lot more from a $2,000 class or if i should save the money to stock up on Equipment and Products and just attend the "free" Meguiars class.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

Our Saturday Classes go pretty in depth into the 5 Step Paint Care Cycle and deal with explaining what is going on with the paint in regards to defects, etc. We concentrate on removing defects by hand and with the D/A buffer, but we don't touch on rotary work. While fairly comprehensive, it really is an introductory class aimed at the consumer/enthusiast who wants to maintain their own vehicles, and maybe those of friends and neighbors.

There is very good info that helps a new user understand why you do, and don't do, certain things. Those basics are the foundation that everything else builds on. So if you've got a very good handle on the basics and now want to really advance your skills, it may not be the class for you. But if haven't ever really gotten the basics down, even if you've been detailing for a while, it might help to clarify some things for you.

[Michael PALERO]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

I just dont know if paying almost $2,000 for a few days of training is worth it or not. ... just attend the "free" Meguiars class.

The Meguiar's Detailing 101 introductory class is totally free. No need to bracket free in quotation marks.

Which $2,000 training class were you thinking of signing up for?

[dcving1]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

Its through a local training facility. A company named rightlook. Ive heard good things, but i feel that i can focus that kind of cash elsewhere.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

You're at where I was 18 months ago, so maybe I can lend some insight. I also became very interested in detailing as a possible business and looked at a few places in SoCal that offered structured training. RightLook was one of those businesses. The course outline is very impressive and comprehensive, but the cost was prohibitive (as you alluded to)

I attended both of the Meguiars Saturday classes (Detailing 101 and the Advanced classes). The beginning class was taught by Mike Phillips, and the advanced class was taught by Mike Stoops and Mike Pennington. After taking those two classes, I went back to RightLook and another shop in north county that offered comparative courses. After talking with reps from both shops, I concluded that the valuation just wasn't there for me. What I had learned from the Meguiars classes covered much of whay was being offered by these private shops.

And if you're anything like me, you are probably getting hung up on concepts of valuation. How could free classes with no strings attached possibly approach the level and quality of instruction that costs thousands? RightLook can offer things not covered in the 2 Meguiars classes such as touch-up painting, waterless wash systems, engine detailing, interior cleaning, etc. But these are things you can learn about from the great advice offered by the many pros on MOL.

But the level of instruction for polishing paint that MOL offers matches and (IMO) surpasses the quality and level of instruction from private shops charging you $$$ for their insight and knowledge. After all, you will receive free classroom and hands-on instruction from the same nationally recognized pros sought after by Barrett-Jackson and SEMA, among others.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

You have to look at return on investment (ROI). You'd have to do quite a few detailing jobs to break even on the $2000 investment. Then you have to ask yourself, if it's truly going to make you more money. By the time you did that many detailing jobs, you'd have (some) experience and you could still take the weekend classes.

You already need to invest in equipment. I'd personally keep my expenses as low as possible. You may even consider offering less services until you gain experience and know that Detailing is truly the profession you want to be in.

Why not go work for an established company. Get paid to learn. Acquire tools as bargains presents themselves and then either partner with or start your own business.

In the meantime, take every free course you can get. Do side projects and visit the forum regularly.

[Flash Gordon]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

i feel that i can focus that kind of cash elsewhere.

Sure would purchase alot of test panels

[dcving1]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. I've decided to attend the detail 101 class. I just needed the confirmation. $2,000 is definitely too much for me for a 3 day class. I've been trying to keep my expenses low especially since I'm just starting and have no equipment or products. Anywho, thanks for the advice and ill be there on Saturday! Hey, does anybody know if I can purchase the g110v2 along with some products directly from meguiars the day I attend class? It would be nice to go home and get an early start and practice on my own car.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

Hey, does anybody know if I can purchase the g110v2 along with some products directly from meguiars the day I attend class? It would be nice to go home and get an early start and practice on my own car.

Not at Meguiars. They won't sell products st the TNOG's or Saturday classes. But Detailing.com is a short distance away in Lake Forest on your way to Irvine. I'm not sure if their store is open on Saturday, but give them a call.

[SATracker]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

Meguiar's or pay classes? It depends on what you want. I've looked at some of the places offering classes and my concern was how much time was spent on how to build a business. I wanted to learn how to detail and not how to build a business, so I contacted a local detailer who is phenomenal and spent time with him. (For me detailing is a serious hobby.)

[visaliaipa]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

I have researched this as well and kind of in the same boat, although I don't have plans to start anything for abother year and a half or so. I went to the Meguiars 101 class on a Saturday and I can tell you it was great. You do learn alot as far as the basics and Mike and MIke are great instructors.

You do get a chance to do some hands on work with the D/A on someones car from the class that they pull into the bay. It is totally free and no "hidden" agenda, no push to buy products etc. Couldn't buy them there even if you wanted to. I drove 4 hours to go to their class from the Central VAlley of CA and was worth the trip. Thanks Mike and Mike!!!

And to boot they have coffee and doughnuts in the morning and pizza for lunch.

I have also looked into the classes at Righlook and Total pros but your right they are very expensive and have heard good and bad on both sides of the fence. Yeah you do learn someadvanced stuff and maybe a little more on the business side but in all honesty and I can't point to specific people, but there is a push when your there to buy/use their products etc.
Its hard to justify the expense. There is also Renny Doyle in Idaho but just as expensive.

I'd say go to the 101 class and if you like it and learn anything, which you will, go to the advanced and experiment on your own with test panels or your own car.

[dcving1]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

Yeah, ill definitely be there on friday. Especially with all of the good things ive heard about the class from other MOL'ers and a few friends out here in SoCal. Im just glad ive found a good support group, because with out the help from you guys, id probably be knee deep in debt before i got a chance to even make my first dollar.

Now, i cant wait till saturday! im already anxious. Oh, i also looked online at Detailing.com and saw they had pretty good prices. It's cool, because now with the money saved from going to the saturday class, i can afford equipment and some good products. Plus they are really close to Meguiars.

Hey quick question, The guy from that Detailing.com store said that all the g110v2's are on back order? Is this true? Will i really have to wait till November to get one? I know this should probably be on another thread but i just need to know where i must go to buy one preferably in-store, but willing to buy online if no other choice.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

Hey quick question, The guy from that Detailing.com store said that all the g110v2's are on back order? Is this true? Will i really have to wait till November to get one? I know this should probably be on another thread but i just need to know where i must go to buy one preferably in-store, but willing to buy online if no other choice.

I checked autodetailingsolutions.net, and they are out of stock on the G110v2's as well. But Amazon.com seems to have them in stock.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

Yes, unfortunately they are on back order at the moment. Amazon probably has more on hand because they sell far more of these than tools than anyone - they need to keep inventory levels up.

[dcving1]

Re: Detail 101 class or pay for training?

cool, i guess amazon it is! Thanx guys, i was goin crazy trying to find one. I'll just have to be patient. Im just so anxious and ready to practice.