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Dave KG's Machine Polishing Emporium

6K views 40 replies 19 participants last post by  LookingToLearn 
#1 ·
A few weeks back I was approached by Mark at Raceglaze, who was wanting to add a new part to his business with regard to machine polishing, to offer customers of Raceglaze a product lineup that would allow them to prep their cars to perfection. Initially, interested in my thoughts about which products would be good to offer people who were either experienced or simply enterring the world of machine polishing, Mark had contacted me and I discussed some of my thoughts with him...

... What grew out of this was the decision to start a whole new section of the Raceglaze store - the Dave KG Machine Polishing Emporium:

www.davekg.co.uk

In this emporium, I have discussed with Mark and put together kits and selected products that I enjoy using and rate highly. This is going to be a continued work in progress, starting small and building as I venture and test new products and the ones I rate highly enough, will enter the emporium... So just now, we see the starting, as time goes on new products will be added.

I do stress that I am not personally a trader, and as you will see when you click the link, this takes you to the Raceglaze website - so all of the credit for the service is with Mark. For me this is an opportunity to share my passion for products that serve me well and I think are exciting, and to see them together on an online store. And having got to know Mark through detailing meets I am delighted that this is happening through the Raceglaze website!

So - at the moment we just have the beginnings of what I hope will turn out to be an active emporium, where I have put together machine polishing kits based on the Meguiars #80-series range of polishes. A strange choice of polishes? Those who know me well will know why I have chosen them, not just because these were the products I cut my teeth with when I enterred machine polishing but also because they offer consistently strong performance and I personally find them a joy to use.

Perusing, you may be surprised by some of the products I have listed in the emporium - Farecla G3?! Again, those who know me well will know my respect for a strong performing product regardless of its name tag, and while G3 may be an old-school product, those lookong for a cutting compound which will perform serious defect correction will find G3 to have a lot to offer.

I look forward to working with Mark on this venture, and in many ways feel a little spoiled here! In that I have my own little region of products I recommend, and Mark and the team at Raceglaze do all the hard work of sourcing them and supplying them! I'm lookiong forward to another exciting new venture in detailing :)
 
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#6 ·
Hi Dave,

Good idea - I got my G220 and Menz polishes based on your reccomendation :)

Which leads me onto my question (;)), I always thought you liked Menz polishes, is there a reason you have chosen the sonus/megs combo?
 
#14 ·
Mark is also sourcing Menzerna polishes which will be added when he has them :)

Meguiars #80-series polishes are there for a couple of reasons - the main one being that I highly rate them, love the long working times and the value for money they offer... and the other is slightly nostalgic as these two polishes were my first venture into machine polishing many years ago and what got me into machine polishing - so they had to be there ;):)
 
#7 ·
All the best to you and Mark, on your new venture.

Everyone will be buying products endorsed by the Great Dave KG. :p j/k.

Good luck and look forward to your new venture take off.

All the best for the future.

Gordon.:thumb:
 
#15 ·
I like the idea Dave,

however I have concerns on how it will work long term and going forward. With your testing of new products on behalf of Wax iT, Marc may end up attempting to source small quantities of many multiple lines and loose out on purchase power (which will inevitably affect his competitive market price). Or he may end up with large amounts of redundant stock as it has fell out of favour or been displaced.

Also personal opinion always "looks", justifiably or not, a little bias when it's sold by the sponser.

I do however wish yourself and Marc every success with this venture.
 
#16 ·
I like the idea Dave,

however I have concerns on how it will work long term and going forward. With your testing of new products on behalf of Wax iT, Marc may end up attempting to source small quantities of many multiple lines and loose out on purchase power (which will inevitably affect his competitive market price). Or he may end up with large amounts of redundant stock as it has fell out of favour or been displaced.

Also personal opinion always "looks", justifiably or not, a little bias when it's sold by the sponser.

I do however wish yourself and Marc every success with this venture.
While I agree that there could be many lines, part of my personal remit in having this emporium is to keep things simple - so not having tons of products all offering the same thing ultimately, but rather havre the product which if I was going shopping now would buy and rely on... While I do test a huge number of products, many of which lets face it are very good, whether or not I would personally replace the stock of product I have in my unit with it (eg, lets say a new polish... is good, great... does it justify replacing #80 with?) is another matter and its on the basis that I am selecting products here...

Re: bias, I do understand your point, however one would hope that those who know me and my advice realise that I need to highly rate a product before I would recommend it openly in this way... I dont say I like something to sell it... In much the same way as many of the online traders! Take Rich at Polished Bliss for example - are his opinions on Gloss-It any less valid because he is selling it? Certainly not in my opinion - indeed, he has put his name behind Gloss-It by stocking it in his store and Rich operates in a way where he only stocks what he trusts (as do many traders)... That he is a reseller means little to me when reading his advice and his recommendations because I know for a fact they are coming from experience rather than a desire to sell. I would hope people will see this from me in the same way and it would be a great pity if otherwise.
 
#24 ·
If you have a bottle of #80 which is 3/4, then you have yourself an excellent light cutting and finishing polish that will remove light to medium swirls and finish down LSP ready... While #205 may offer a little more in finish, #80 itself does a great job on its own.

Its hard to describe... I buy all the new products because I'm like that - but in honesty I can happily get great results with the products I have.

When #80 runs out, then #205 would make a logical replacement for it, and once I've fully put it through its paces I will decide whether it makes #80 obselte or not... I suspect it wont fully though, owing the aforementioned oils in #80 which seem a little more apparent than in #205.
 
#25 ·
Dave - congrats on the venture and its good to see how your passion and many hours of dedication is paying off for you.

TBH, I do see a potential conflict of interest though. I think you risk being seen as biased when you are so active in recommending solutions to people,particularly in the area of machine polishing, AND have your name on a storefront. Unless someone knew your thoughts and recommendations hadnt changed since before this all set up, people could easily contrive that you have an £ interest in your recommendations, and are therefore not totally impartial. I am not for a minute saying this is true, but its impossible to be seen as impartial when you are connected to a storefront.

Hope you see where I'm coming from. As long as you are happy with that risk then I see no issue. It is perhaps less of an issue that these products are sold all over the place, so its not like you are pushing exclusive DaveKG lines ;)
 
#30 · (Edited)
Dave - congrats on the venture and its good to see how your passion and many hours of dedication is paying off for you.

TBH, I do see a potential conflict of interest though. I think you risk being seen as biased when you are so active in recommending solutions to people,particularly in the area of machine polishing, AND have your name on a storefront. Unless someone knew your thoughts and recommendations hadnt changed since before this all set up, people could easily contrive that you have an £ interest in your recommendations, and are therefore not totally impartial. I am not for a minute saying this is true, but its impossible to be seen as impartial when you are connected to a storefront.

Hope you see where I'm coming from. As long as you are happy with that risk then I see no issue. It is perhaps less of an issue that these products are sold all over the place, so its not like you are pushing exclusive DaveKG lines ;)
yeah i must agree, what i also was surprised at (i'm not saying that you are wrong for doing it - just that it has surprised me) is the fact that 2 months ago you were saying how you were an enthusiast and would never be anything else, you even had a little disclaimer in your signature to say you weren't a pro.

Now you're a pro who is linked to a trader. Just seems like a hell of an U turn to me.

Like i said i'm not knocking it, in fact i love to see people showing a bit of business sense and entrepreneurial flare, i was just surprised to see it from you in the world of detailing.
 
#26 ·
Tbh I did initially think there could be be a slight conflict of interests, but as Dave has said about Rich at PB, he sells products only if he has faith in them. As long as the deal with Mark means that only products that Dave definitely would recommend regardless of money issues are on that part of the site, it shouldn't be an issue.

Think of it this way. If Dave could get a team of technicians to create his perfect polish to his exact specs, and Dave had sole commercial rights to that polish, would you buy it?

Damn sure I would:thumb:
 
#28 ·
Have to agree with John and Damon here Dave/Mark but best of luck anyway.

From my own experience in teaching machine use (admittedly less than your own Dave), Menzerna has rarely let me down and consistently given good results and, crucially, been easy for those learning to use. Meguiars on the other hand has been a complete PITA and made teaching machine use, particularly the rotary, a nightmare.

Horses for courses I guess and again best of luck :thumb:
 
#29 ·
Have to agree with John and Damon here Dave/Mark but best of luck anyway.

From my own experience in teaching machine use (admittedly less than your own Dave), Menzerna has rarely let me down and consistently given good results and, crucially, been easy for those learning to use. Meguiars on the other hand has been a complete PITA and made teaching machine use, particularly the rotary, a nightmare.

Horses for courses I guess and again best of luck :thumb:
Menzerna is also enterring the emporium as per my original request for it too, as it is now arriving with Mark - however as you can understand one wouldn't wish to have a product listed when stock of it isn't actually physically with Mark, and as I still personally highly rate the #83 and #80 products I was more than happy to see these going in first... Horses for courses indeed.

The conflict of interest is interesting and while I understand that people may be concerned that I will begin only to recommend products which are in the emporium, this is certainly not going to be the case. This is an opportunity for me to have polishes that I recommend being kitted up in kits that I think go well together, and an opportunity for me to test new products and if I like them enough, I will suggest to Mark he stocks them... if they make products already there obselete, I will recommend their replacements. However, I appreciate that Mark simply cannot have every product I like in the emporium (have you seen my collection lately?!), so I have to be selective to my personal choices as to what will go in. But I will still happily recommend products which I reckon will do the job and do them well, regardless of whether they are in the emporium or not.

I spend considerable amounts of time testing new products, experimenting with new techniques and just generally playing around as well as now running a (very) small detailing business from it as a little side line ... do I do all this to make profit? Nope. I do this because detailing is my hobby and my passion, and it will always remain so regardless of any small new ventures that I may be embarking upon. I hope 2009 brings many more exciting things into the world of detailing, and I also hope to be pioneering my passion to new lengths and hopefully encouraging many new recruits into the world of detailing that many find strange, yet I derive a lot of pleasure from... Detailing is never going to be a sole bill payer for me, simply because if I did that it would take away from the enjoyment and add to it a stress that I simply do not want - as it stands, I have the challenges ahead of me in a few aspects that I have taken on while still retaining the enjoyment, passion and most importantly, fun. Something at the end of the day to wind down after a hard day pouring over Physics in the research lab.
 
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#31 ·
I must disagree regarding Dave potentially being biased (infact, just look at the honest reply he gave to me further up the thread).

Dave is probably about the most unbiased person on the forum imho, and does not let his ego or "I know it all" attitude get in the way, he is willing to discuss some subjects rather than just say "your way is crap, mine is better" like some others seem to do... Sometimes I wonder whether some posters just say some things at times to be more "detailer-like" (not aimed at anyone in this topic btw :)) - I have never seen him doing that, or looking down on anyone because of their post count.

I certainly do not doubt his intentions one bit with him turning "pro" :)
 
#34 ·
Good stuff Dave :thumb:

I am glad that you are able to combine the passion and make a few £ to pay for your interest, even if only slightly ;)

I have to confess to also being surprised initially at the change of heart from just a few months ago when you were about to leave DW due to over commercialism. I'm glad you have found a way to get the balance right for you and that you are continuing to test, push the boundaries and help and inspire others. I just wanted to highlight that as you move in a new direction it inevitably changes how you are perceived and the risks that are attached to that ;)

I look forward to catching up in 2009 and seeing more of what you get up to in the name of detailing science :wave:
 
#35 ·
I certainly understand why folk will find my recent ventures a little surprising, though this one has been cooking for quite some time rather than something sudden :) ... Getting a balance is always difficult, but I think I have got things just ideal now - the tuition side of the business is something I really hope will become popular as I get a huge buzz out of talking to people and sharing hints, tips and skills - hence the traveling last year which will continue into this year for sure!

I'm grateful to you and others for highlighting their concerns - its like having a family of mates looking out for me and making me aware of potential implications of my actions, and I certainly appreciate that! :thumb: But I'm a stubborn soul, and certain things just wont change so the Dave KG of old will still be the same in 2009 :)

Looking forward to catching up with you again soon in 2009 - I'm sure I'll be seeing you at a meet soon! :thumb:
 
#36 · (Edited)
I cant understand what all the commotion is all about here.
I too read the posting. I was also dismayed that DW could lose one of there original members,. Who has put his heart and sole into the community.
How many people have benefited from Dave's advice, either in a response and also his guide.
I for one would and I don't mind saying would miss him around the forum.

So why should people not benefit from a long time interest and devotion to detailing. There are probably quite a few on here that would cut off there left leg to be in Dave's position. But i for one I do not grudge him in the slightest, he has put in the man hours not for financial gain. So why is there now so much of an issues that he is reaping the rewards.

Look at the work he does even away from Dw with the Artistic children and adults. Come on can people why not be happy and take it as it is meant.

Dave has never tried to force anyone to buy that product and I am guess he never will. All he is doing is again putting is heart on his sleeve and recommending products that he uses himself. It is still up to you as a consumer if you take his advise and buy the product.

All I am asking is to get behind the man, that has taught you and everybody something at least once here on DW.

All the best Dave you deserve its.
Hope things work out for you, and I for one will support you.
And take advisement for you and many other.
There are many people on this forum that are unsung hero's, Devoted to detail either by the Passion or through experimental technique or development, and it can only benefit the forum.
So continue all the good work so we can read and learn more.
Gordon.
 
#37 ·
I think my original sentiment may have been taken away to far

I just don't want for Dave to be taken advantage of, his help and encouragement to others has been an example to us all and I wouldn't want for that to be lost during this venture.

I am pleased if you get from it what you need both Dave and Mark :)
 
#38 · (Edited)
Maybe time for me to post up here.........
I have long admired Daves skills and considered that I ought to learn to do machining and be able to advise folks on the subject, but would be coming from so far behind (in fact starting with no hands on knowledge at all) and recognised that RG needed to offer machine products to its customers, as we do get asked for them often. The very basic range we had over a year ago was a tentative first step.
I've met Dave at so many gigs that it seemed sensible to have his knowledge on side, as I could never hope to get that good, and his level of knowledge was what I felt we ought to have, so the only way to do so was to ask Dave's opinions on some products I was considering stocking. This kind of expanded a bit...Dave felt that Kits would be a tremendous start point for those new to machining, and I asked finally Dave whether he'd put his name to the collection to lend credibility and keep us on the right path.
That's it really - Dave will still do what he does, we will still be a broadly based detailing supplies company, but both parties now have an extension.
We will be responsive to what Dave suggests, with 2 Menzerna products added to the range next week when I physically have my hands on them and kit options therefore widened. I have to also bear in mind that the majority of our customers are outside of DW and therefore Dave's advice gives us a set of products that we can recommend to a much wider audience, ensuring that folks set off on the right path.
I'd personally value support from folks on DW if you wish to buy what we recommend but recognise you have other options. Thank you for all your contributions to the debate.
 
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