The Time Has Come
11-04-2010, 07:18 PM
#1
Evil Mazda Driver
Thread Starter
The Time Has Come
Well folks…I am sad to say that the time has come for me to hang up my buffer. This was not a decision I came to lightly and I have been pondering it for at least few months and giving it more serious thought in the past week or so.
The foundation of my retirement was laid as soon as I began working with paint several years ago. The main reasons for me moving away from detailing is due to a lack of clients with time and money to burn. Many want an 18 hour job done in one day for $100 and I’m only one guy, folks. I’ve tried to weed out these people as best I can but it’s just not working. Another highly prominent factor is the increased strain on my body. Both sides of my family suffer from back problems and the more I twist and strain while working on cars, the sooner I will begin to suffer as well. After the Q5 I detailed in June, my back was in crippling pain for several days. Additionally, my customer base is shrinking, not growing and this summer was by far my worst year in the past decade. I had a whopping total of two corrections and one touch up while the rest were simple washes or protection jobs. I attribute this customer loss to people who were used to the 14 year old boy who washed cars for fun. As my skills grew, my prices had to rise accordingly and a slump in loyalty quickly followed. I did gain new customers looking for great work but it just wasn't enough to bridge the gap. I also blame the slump in business to the downturn in the economy but regardless, my love for the work isn’t enough for me to continue justifying the expense it requires. I have pumped well over $2,000 in supplies and equipment into this venture in the past 12 months alone and it simply isn’t paying off enough for me to afford supplies, let alone turn a profit. I feel that a further price increase will simply alienate my remaining customer base.
While you have seen great work from me, in most cases, I actually lost money on the venture rather than earned it. They say always quit while you're ahead and that's exactly what I'm doing. I feel that if I continue down my current path, detailing will become more of a burden than a reward. For the longest time I looked forward to making neglected paint jobs shine but that appeal simply isn't there anymore. For a while I anxiously awaited the return of that feeling but it has yet to surface after months of waiting. I want to be able to look back my days detailing with fond memories instead of disinterest and loathing.
For me, detailing was a way to teach myself a new skill and make some money on the side. While I won’t pretend to know everything (because nobody does), I feel that I have learned a great deal and made many friends with you here and elsewhere. I will not go away, fear not. AcuraZine is by far the greatest forum of which I have ever been a member and it’s the people that make it great. While I will not be accepting any new clients, I will maintain a very select group who understand the effort that goes into what I do and appreciate the time taken. And when work does present itself, I will show it. Also, I am more than willing to continue offering advice and will maintain a presence here in W&W, enjoying and commenting on your fabulous work and pointing new folks in the right direction.
I sincerely appreciate everybody’s support over the past few years and wish all of you, novices and experts alike, the best of luck in your ventures. Stay swirl-free, my friends!
- Andrew
The foundation of my retirement was laid as soon as I began working with paint several years ago. The main reasons for me moving away from detailing is due to a lack of clients with time and money to burn. Many want an 18 hour job done in one day for $100 and I’m only one guy, folks. I’ve tried to weed out these people as best I can but it’s just not working. Another highly prominent factor is the increased strain on my body. Both sides of my family suffer from back problems and the more I twist and strain while working on cars, the sooner I will begin to suffer as well. After the Q5 I detailed in June, my back was in crippling pain for several days. Additionally, my customer base is shrinking, not growing and this summer was by far my worst year in the past decade. I had a whopping total of two corrections and one touch up while the rest were simple washes or protection jobs. I attribute this customer loss to people who were used to the 14 year old boy who washed cars for fun. As my skills grew, my prices had to rise accordingly and a slump in loyalty quickly followed. I did gain new customers looking for great work but it just wasn't enough to bridge the gap. I also blame the slump in business to the downturn in the economy but regardless, my love for the work isn’t enough for me to continue justifying the expense it requires. I have pumped well over $2,000 in supplies and equipment into this venture in the past 12 months alone and it simply isn’t paying off enough for me to afford supplies, let alone turn a profit. I feel that a further price increase will simply alienate my remaining customer base.
While you have seen great work from me, in most cases, I actually lost money on the venture rather than earned it. They say always quit while you're ahead and that's exactly what I'm doing. I feel that if I continue down my current path, detailing will become more of a burden than a reward. For the longest time I looked forward to making neglected paint jobs shine but that appeal simply isn't there anymore. For a while I anxiously awaited the return of that feeling but it has yet to surface after months of waiting. I want to be able to look back my days detailing with fond memories instead of disinterest and loathing.
For me, detailing was a way to teach myself a new skill and make some money on the side. While I won’t pretend to know everything (because nobody does), I feel that I have learned a great deal and made many friends with you here and elsewhere. I will not go away, fear not. AcuraZine is by far the greatest forum of which I have ever been a member and it’s the people that make it great. While I will not be accepting any new clients, I will maintain a very select group who understand the effort that goes into what I do and appreciate the time taken. And when work does present itself, I will show it. Also, I am more than willing to continue offering advice and will maintain a presence here in W&W, enjoying and commenting on your fabulous work and pointing new folks in the right direction.
I sincerely appreciate everybody’s support over the past few years and wish all of you, novices and experts alike, the best of luck in your ventures. Stay swirl-free, my friends!
- Andrew
11-04-2010, 07:28 PM
#2
, so are you completly leaving the forums then or just not dtailing anymoreWell folks…I am sad to say that the time has come for me to hang up my buffer. This was not a decision I came to lightly and I have been pondering it for at least few months and giving it more serious thought in the past week or so.
The foundation of my retirement was laid as soon as I began working with paint several years ago. The main reasons for me moving away from detailing is due to a lack of clients with time and money to burn. Many want an 18 hour job done in one day for $100 and I’m only one guy, folks. I’ve tried to weed out these people as best I can but it’s just not working. Another highly prominent factor is the increased strain on my body. Both sides of my family suffer from back problems and the more I twist and strain while working on cars, the sooner I will begin to suffer as well. After the Q5 I detailed in June, my back was in crippling pain for several days. Additionally, my customer base is shrinking, not growing and this summer was by far my worst year in the past decade. I had a whopping total of two corrections and one touch up while the rest were simple washes or protection jobs. I attribute this customer loss to people who were used to the 14 year old boy who washed cars for fun. As my skills grew, my prices had to rise accordingly and a slump in loyalty quickly followed. I did gain new customers looking for great work but it just wasn't enough to bridge the gap. I also blame the slump in business to the downturn in the economy but regardless, my love for the work isn’t enough for me to continue justifying the expense it requires. I have pumped well over $2,000 in supplies and equipment into this venture in the past 12 months alone and it simply isn’t paying off enough for me to afford supplies, let alone turn a profit. I feel that a further price increase will simply alienate my remaining customer base.
While you have seen great work from me, in most cases, I actually lost money on the venture rather than earned it. They say always quit while you're ahead and that's exactly what I'm doing. I feel that if I continue down my current path, detailing will become more of a burden than a reward. For the longest time I looked forward to making neglected paint jobs shine but that appeal simply isn't there anymore. For a while I anxiously awaited the return of that feeling but it has yet to surface after months of waiting. I want to be able to look back my days detailing with fond memories instead of disinterest and loathing.
For me, detailing was a way to teach myself a new skill and make some money on the side. While I won’t pretend to know everything (because nobody does), I feel that I have learned a great deal and made many friends with you here and elsewhere. I will not go away, fear not. AcuraZine is by far the greatest forum of which I have ever been a member and it’s the people that make it great. While I will not be accepting any new clients, I will maintain a very select group who understand the effort that goes into what I do and appreciate the time taken. And when work does present itself, I will show it. Also, I am more than willing to continue offering advice and will maintain a presence here in W&W, enjoying and commenting on your fabulous work and pointing new folks in the right direction.
I sincerely appreciate everybody’s support over the past few years and wish all of you, novices and experts alike, the best of luck in your ventures. Stay swirl-free, my friends!
- Andrew
The foundation of my retirement was laid as soon as I began working with paint several years ago. The main reasons for me moving away from detailing is due to a lack of clients with time and money to burn. Many want an 18 hour job done in one day for $100 and I’m only one guy, folks. I’ve tried to weed out these people as best I can but it’s just not working. Another highly prominent factor is the increased strain on my body. Both sides of my family suffer from back problems and the more I twist and strain while working on cars, the sooner I will begin to suffer as well. After the Q5 I detailed in June, my back was in crippling pain for several days. Additionally, my customer base is shrinking, not growing and this summer was by far my worst year in the past decade. I had a whopping total of two corrections and one touch up while the rest were simple washes or protection jobs. I attribute this customer loss to people who were used to the 14 year old boy who washed cars for fun. As my skills grew, my prices had to rise accordingly and a slump in loyalty quickly followed. I did gain new customers looking for great work but it just wasn't enough to bridge the gap. I also blame the slump in business to the downturn in the economy but regardless, my love for the work isn’t enough for me to continue justifying the expense it requires. I have pumped well over $2,000 in supplies and equipment into this venture in the past 12 months alone and it simply isn’t paying off enough for me to afford supplies, let alone turn a profit. I feel that a further price increase will simply alienate my remaining customer base.
While you have seen great work from me, in most cases, I actually lost money on the venture rather than earned it. They say always quit while you're ahead and that's exactly what I'm doing. I feel that if I continue down my current path, detailing will become more of a burden than a reward. For the longest time I looked forward to making neglected paint jobs shine but that appeal simply isn't there anymore. For a while I anxiously awaited the return of that feeling but it has yet to surface after months of waiting. I want to be able to look back my days detailing with fond memories instead of disinterest and loathing.
For me, detailing was a way to teach myself a new skill and make some money on the side. While I won’t pretend to know everything (because nobody does), I feel that I have learned a great deal and made many friends with you here and elsewhere. I will not go away, fear not. AcuraZine is by far the greatest forum of which I have ever been a member and it’s the people that make it great. While I will not be accepting any new clients, I will maintain a very select group who understand the effort that goes into what I do and appreciate the time taken. And when work does present itself, I will show it. Also, I am more than willing to continue offering advice and will maintain a presence here in W&W, enjoying and commenting on your fabulous work and pointing new folks in the right direction.
I sincerely appreciate everybody’s support over the past few years and wish all of you, novices and experts alike, the best of luck in your ventures. Stay swirl-free, my friends!
- Andrew
11-04-2010, 07:40 PM
#4
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Is this because the Democrats lost control of the House?
Will the Garage become a cesspool of human waste?
Will Portland end up on an episode of Intervention huffing polish fumes?
Tune in next season!
Will the Garage become a cesspool of human waste?
Will Portland end up on an episode of Intervention huffing polish fumes?
Tune in next season!
11-04-2010, 07:49 PM
#6
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,641
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to the buffer 
Andrew, you're hired for this coming summer if you're still up to it.
11-04-2010, 07:56 PM
#7
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
Andrew- sorry to hear about your situation. I think I'm in the place you were when you first started "Oh look, a 17 year old who's motivated and wants to make some money, let's help him out." I'm just getting started. Although I do zero paint correction (just wash/clay/wax, etc.) whatsoever, I've been paid quite well. Since April of this year I've done 12 cars, averaging 7 hours of work/$80-$120 a car. Not too shabby.
Have you ever considered not doing as much work per car, IE not doing paint correction? I feel like that'd greatly take a load off of your work. Don't just give up on it! Take a break over the winter and see what spring brings. I wish you the best of luck. Your work is outstanding.
Have you ever considered not doing as much work per car, IE not doing paint correction? I feel like that'd greatly take a load off of your work. Don't just give up on it! Take a break over the winter and see what spring brings. I wish you the best of luck. Your work is outstanding.
Trending Topics
11-04-2010, 08:12 PM
#9
Needs more Lemon Pledge
In all seriousness, that's quite a decision to come to.
It sounds like you are at peace with it, good for you.
The only other option I could think of for you would be to offer a lesser quality service (Wash/dry/wax with fillers) service and just do a high volume, but I don't think that's your style.
Anyway, find something new! Idle hands masturbate a lot.
(I couldn't be completely serious, it's ME!)
It sounds like you are at peace with it, good for you.
The only other option I could think of for you would be to offer a lesser quality service (Wash/dry/wax with fillers) service and just do a high volume, but I don't think that's your style.
Anyway, find something new! Idle hands masturbate a lot.
(I couldn't be completely serious, it's ME!)
11-04-2010, 09:56 PM
#10
Evil Mazda Driver
Thread Starter
Thanks for the words of support, everybody.
Come on up to Portland.
I think I can pencil you in. 
I won't be throwing anything out.
I have offered a clay/sealant option for the last year or so and it has generated very little interest. Thanks for your kind words. 
Come on up to Portland.
I won't be throwing anything out.Have you ever considered not doing as much work per car, IE not doing paint correction? I feel like that'd greatly take a load off of your work. Don't just give up on it! Take a break over the winter and see what spring brings. I wish you the best of luck. Your work is outstanding.
11-05-2010, 09:14 PM
#12
Andrew sorry it took me so long to address this after your text
Now that I have read your thread I completly understand and I'am sorry that not all understand what it takes for a full correction and the price thats related to such work, believe me you know that I know what hell you have endured on some jobs, including my TL-S and the soft Honda paint that resulted in a high stress level to both of us this past summer that ended up with the random orbital rather than the Makita, but none the less the results were and are flawless. I can't say that I blame you for your decision, when your happiness is compromised, your finances compromised, and your physical mobility compromised due to all the bending and stooping etc involved its easy to see that in this equation its time to move on. Glad to hear that you will be keeping your select few clients as I know the ones you have elected to keep know what an asset you truly are
You are always apperciated by me and and are always welcomed to work on my TL to keep it pristine
Now that I have read your thread I completly understand and I'am sorry that not all understand what it takes for a full correction and the price thats related to such work, believe me you know that I know what hell you have endured on some jobs, including my TL-S and the soft Honda paint that resulted in a high stress level to both of us this past summer that ended up with the random orbital rather than the Makita, but none the less the results were and are flawless. I can't say that I blame you for your decision, when your happiness is compromised, your finances compromised, and your physical mobility compromised due to all the bending and stooping etc involved its easy to see that in this equation its time to move on. Glad to hear that you will be keeping your select few clients as I know the ones you have elected to keep know what an asset you truly areYou are always apperciated by me and and are always welcomed to work on my TL to keep it pristine
11-06-2010, 05:51 AM
#14
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Andrew I'm so sorry to hear 
I wish you the best with whatever you decide to do from here on out! You never know, a buffer may find it's way back into your life
I wish you the best with whatever you decide to do from here on out! You never know, a buffer may find it's way back into your life
11-06-2010, 09:54 AM
#15
Just saw this.
Kind of sucks.
But as you said. You're not getting rid of your equip. You can still enjoy the satisfaction of keeping your own vehicle(s) pristine and
and not having to deal with the headaches of clients. So I say it's a win-win. 
11-06-2010, 04:17 PM
#17
Former Sponsor
I unofficially hung my shiner up about 1 year ago. I have forearm and shoulder issues which would make for 2-3 day recoveries. Ive come out of retirement ONCE in the last year, lol, for a 3 car day which pretty much cinched the idea of hanging it up. My own vehicles are the latest to suffer.
Sorry to see you give it up so early, but if the body says no, then you have to listen.
If people arent willing to pay for a job well done, then screw um.....let them get hacked for half somewhere else.
Sorry to see you give it up so early, but if the body says no, then you have to listen.
If people arent willing to pay for a job well done, then screw um.....let them get hacked for half somewhere else.
11-06-2010, 10:35 PM
#18
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 31
Posts: 17,433
Received 1,488 Likes
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It sounds like you're doing what's best, so instead of apologizing I'll congratulate you for making a clearly tough decision.
And it doesn't sound like all is lost, since we'll still get your expertise and admire your work when it does come in
And it doesn't sound like all is lost, since we'll still get your expertise and admire your work when it does come in
11-08-2010, 11:44 AM
#20
best of luck on your future endeavours... it was a pleasure seeing your work and having your input as a member here... i am glad that you will stick around azine... i completely agree with you about the market nowadays... the economy sucks and not everyone can shell out a few hundred dollars for a quality detail anymore... even for me i have been slacking as of late...
best thing now is to use your supplies to keep your own ride clean so ppl can gawk when you drive around...
best thing now is to use your supplies to keep your own ride clean so ppl can gawk when you drive around...
11-08-2010, 01:38 PM
#21
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
Good luck to you Andrew, I actually wanted to start a detailing business, but like you I have back problems, and decided that the investment and the harm caused to my body was too great to offset the extra money. I will miss your threads showcasing your work as you have been a true inspiration for me. Glad you'll at least stay around so I can pick your brain though
11-09-2010, 07:22 AM
#23
wow! I have to agree congrats on a very great detailing career Andrew! your threads showing your work were unbelieivable and you have always been willing to help everyone and anyone on this board. I come to the W & W section everyday to see what guys like you Patrick and Dale are putting up or are talking about. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you choose to do going forward, but as others have mentioned i'm sure you will still have some more threads with your great details in them in the future!
11-10-2010, 05:51 PM
#25
Detail Cars in Philly in
Yea i never could really find the crowd that wanted to pay the price for total correction and havent touched my PC in a longgg time. Just do random stuff on weekends for people for cheap.
Been so busy with school and work that just havent had time
Been so busy with school and work that just havent had time
11-11-2010, 02:13 PM
#26
2012 SH-AWD / Advanced
I'm sure you'll be successful in whatever you do my friend! The sickness will always remain, so I suspect that you'll continue to have one of the best looking cars around. Take care buddy.
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