IDA Member Spotlight: Alvin Low, CD

Each month we feature a Member Spotlight. This month we spoke with the Southeast Asia Chapter President, Alvin Low, CD. He is also the director of Auto Maxima.

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Alvin Low (AL): My company was the Car Wash & Grooming contractor for Toyota Distributor in 2008. At that time, I had absolutely no knowledge of or hands-on experience with detailing. In 2013, I decided to go to LA and attend a one-week detailing training course. Afterwards, I came back and started to apply what I had learned to my business. 

IDA: Tell us more about your business. 
AL: I started a car wash business in 2008 with three locations. I was appointed as the Toyota Contractor for their aftersales division and provided car wash and detailing services at their service centers. In 2013, I took up Chemical Guys distribution. We were appointed contractors for Mercedes, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Citroen Car distributors. We provided car wash and detailing for those franchises. I took up Menzerna Distribution in 2014. In 2018, we developed a one-stop detailing supplies concept store for the detailing industry in South East Asia. We carry more than 2000 SKUs. Our main focus is to groom more professional detailers and grow their businesses by offering training, resources, and consultation for anyone who wishes to embark on a career in the detailing industry.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
AL: Our company motto is, "NEW LOOK MATTERS.” We carry detailing products that help achieve that objective. However, products are just a single aspect. We want our customers to know how to use those products correctly. We prefer to sell a “ solution” rather than a product. This is achieved by diagnosing customer problems and making the appropriate recommendation to solve those problems.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry? 
AL: You need to have “ detailing blood” in your body. We always tell our customers, polish with your heart, not your hand. Success will come if you are consistent with your job.

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us? 
AL: Our main accomplishment is the success of our business model. Not only do we offer convenience for our customers, being a one stop supplies store, our passion in serving our customers and helping them solve their problems make us their preferred supplier.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received? 
AL: “Stay in the queue, you will be served eventually.” Is some of the most valuable advice I have received. Be patient, don’t take short cuts; success will eventually come.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer? 
AL: New detailers: Making money is important, but satisfying customers is the most crucial aspect of your job.
Experienced Detailers : Don’t take anyone for granted. The trust you have built with your customers has to be guarded. Don't let it lapse. Be sure to maintain their trust by continuing to provide them with quality service. 

IDA: What is your funniest business moment? 
AL: One of my customers bought Playdoh plasticine to use as a clay bar and proudly proclaimed, “I got it much cheaper.”

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA? 
AL: I've always believed ethics and governance is needed to uphold every aspect of business. I see the IDA as a professional body to uphold the integrity of the detailing industry. We hope to see consumers being protected and their money well spent on detailing their cars. I hope detailers who carry the IDA badge continue to deliver professionalism and help customers to enhance their valuable asset, especially in Singapore. I hope the IDA will become the most recognized body in the world, and detailers feel prestige to carry the IDA sign.

IDA: How has your involvement with the IDA affected your business and your career?
AL: The IDA presence in Southeast Asia is still in its infant stage, but there are detailers who are members and are certified. They have good feedback and deliver professional work. My goal is to get customers to choose IDA certified detailers over the standard detailer.