What manufacture has the best chemicals?

[Clean in Montana]

How do you think has the best and why?

I know some out there pick and choose the best for their customers...

Pre-soak -

Prep Gun -

Triple Foam -

Wax/Sealant -

Drying Agent -

What have I forgot?

ETA: I have read some of the other threads on this an don't think the discussion was really there...I mean "Soap Geek" colors flying true and proud!

 

[captain cw]

Everybody is going to tell you that what they are using is the best. For me.....price and performance and a honest distributor make for the best. Sometimes it can take quite a bit of trial and error to figure it out for yourself. There are A LOT of chemical salesmen out there. Ask a bunch of questions of each one. Price? Dilution ratio? Fragrance? Color? Then trial and error. I currently use Ryko chemicals and I'm very happy with them.

 

[Whale of a Wash]

The Ford Vs Chevy Debate.
Very subjective in nature.
My soil has clay in it, and need completely different chemicals or dilution ratios compared to sandy climates. Also the water in each area reacts differently to the different chemicals and how they foam. Also tough to compare the very cheapest to the most expensive. Time to call the salesmen , and they will definitely stop by, or buy some from some of those ads on the forum.

 

[MEP001]

How do you think has the best and why?

Maybe you should have mentioned that you're a chemical salesman and not looking for advice on which soap to use yourself.

 

[sprocket]

Then he must sell the best chemicals, question asked and answered.

 

[Clean in Montana]

Maybe you should have mentioned that you're a chemical salesman and not looking for advice on which soap to use yourself.

If I felt that it would provided anything to the thread I would have. I know why my customers like and use my products. They get clean cars with a low cost per car and free service. Trust me if I was trying to sell anything it would face to face and not over a forum.


I'm am just trying to find out what others like in other areas (ones that I would never travel to) and what they feel is a great product for their customers.

I also don't work for a specific chemical company, so being on the look out for new products is something I am always doing.

Is that better?

 

[pitzerwm]

Not just to Clean, there aren't too many secrets today, so when one appears to be sneaking in a fast one, they actually damage their creditability. When distr. and "salesmen" call and ask me how to participate on the Forum, I recommend that they use something in their user name to indicate who they are. That way there isn't any chance of a misunderstanding of their intentions. Stupid always gets whacked. Real stupid gets banned

 

[captain cw]

I guess I was right when I said there are a lot of chemical salesman out there......

 

[MEP001]

If I felt that it would provided anything to the thread I would have.

Since the replies you were getting were from those who thought they were helping an operator make a decision, I'd say it was very relevant.

I often post asking questions or pointing out stuff like this to help someone get the information they're seeking. Evidently it sometimes comes across as me trying to "call someone out" on something. Trust me, you'll know when I'm actually doing that.

 

[sprocket]

Any time I was approched by a chemical sales person the first thing that came out of there mouth was our presoak will remove windshield eyebrow. There is just no secret sauce,all manufacters use the same raw material to blend the same products.Some may have a higher or lower concentration but no manufacter has something that any other doesn't have. Its all about being happy with your Distributor, price,show and the product that your buying. I just don't think there is a bad product out there. Captin CW said it best!

 

[Earl Weiss]

FWIW I just started using the KR triple foam low PH conditioner. Seems to work well and smells great. The true bug guts tree sap cooked on bird poop season test has not come here yet.

 

[rph9168]

I have been in the car wash industry for almost 34 years now. Most of that time in the chemical end of the business with some of that time in wash operations.

I have always maintained that a good chemical rep can make anyone's chemicals work. The main difference being the cost to do so. The problem today is that instead of forming a relationship that can benefit both parties some chemical guys spend their time talking down other company's products rather than making theirs work to the benefit of the operator. On the other hand, some operators encourage this by continually making unrealistic demands that ultimately encourage this behavior.

I believe it is important for loyalty on both sides be earned by the chemical rep having the operator's best interest at heart and the operator showing that they are willing to let the rep earn that trust. While not really a win-win scenario (if there is such a situation) the rep is afforded the opportunity to earn the business and the operator can expect that they are receiving the best efforts of the rep to keep costs down and quality up.

 

[pitzerwm]

maybe it boils down to a lack of respect from one direction or both. People want everything instantly and for free, so the people that promise that get the opportunity.
The fact that there is no such animal, is lost on them, its like the people that are what I call rainbow chasers.

IMO, you need to educate yourself so that you know how to evaluate whatever you buy and how to figure out if its working right and cost effective. I usually hire someone to do something, I watch them, go buy the tools, a book/Google and in the future, I can do it myself, if I choose.

Its your money, your business and its your job to make a profit etc. The more that you know the less you get screwed without the kiss.

 

[kentadel]

I'll jump in. For years I used Road Guard powders, made a switch to JBS for a while, then used a small private company's chemical. All were great in the self service bays, but just OK in the automatics. Have now switched to Blendco for everything. When I consider the total package, chemicals, ease of use, price, and the chemical rep's knowledge, Blendco has been the best for me. I will add that my rep is an independant and also sells other brands of chemicals. I also think he could make those brands work in my wash if I had chosen them.

 

[txheat]

The last time i help on this subject i got bash. But i can tell you this, from my short experience since we only just open last year.... choosing chemical is a balance between cost and customer satisfaction. Moreover it is more of common sense and like others say trial and error. It is best you do it on a local level where the cost and shipping cost wont be a factor. If the supplier is willing to help, they usually give out sample for you to test.

In SS bays, find chemical that satisfy customer and appeal to their senses... if they can see it and smell it then they are happy and you will be too.


In IBA, i spend more money on chemical because i want customer car come out clean....not like some local car wash here spray water and color chemical and call it a car wash.

Good Luck

 

[Clean in Montana]

Since the replies you were getting were from those who thought they were helping an operator make a decision, I'd say it was very relevant.

I often post asking questions or pointing out stuff like this to help someone get the information they're seeking. Evidently it sometimes comes across as me trying to "call someone out" on something. Trust me, you'll know when I'm actually doing that.

I see how it would have come off better if I would have included the info in the beginning. Last way I would want to come off as "covert"...

 

[pitzerwm]

Montana,

Go to User Options and modify your profile.

 

[Clean in Montana]

Montana,

Go to User Options and modify your profile.

Done...Hope that helps out.