IDA Global Survey #6: Standard Order of Operations | Deadline: January 31, 2024

Hello IDA Members,

The next survey is here to identify detailing variances across the globe, put forth by the IDA Industry Standards Task Force! Previously, we have been gathering data from our members to create a comprehensive guide to detailing terminology across the globe. Our new project is to catalogue standard order of operations for various detailing tasks and the ways that the order of operations may differ from country to country or region to region.

To complete the survey, please enter – in the order that you complete them – the steps that you would follow for a standard exterior wash process. We have included a pre-filled drop-down of steps you can choose, but please skip over anything in the drop-down that you do not utilize in your wash process, and use the "Other" drop-down option to write-in any additional steps you take that are not included in the pre-fill. Clarifications to define "standard" are below:

• Standard wash, meaning not "waterless" or other specialty process
• Steps up to and including chemical decontamination, but not including polishing/correction/protection
• Exterior, meaning the body of the car including wheels/tires, but not including engine compartment
• An average vehicle: passenger vehicle with gloss/clear-coated paint, clear-coated aluminum wheels, no existing protections (ceramic coating, sealants, etc.), no soft-top, and utilized on "normal" road conditions (paved, freeways/motorways)
• To be completed in moderate environmental conditions (i.e. not raining, not too hot or too cold)

This is not a test; we are simply collecting data. If you do not use a step in the drop-down, do not include it in your order or operations. If you complete an action/task not listed in the drop-down, choose the "Other" write-in option to include the step where appropriate. If you use a step in the drop-down more than once during your process, you may select it more than one time. You do not need to fill in every step (for example, if your wash process is finished with 9 steps, leave the remaining questions blank).

Members, please watch your email for the link to take the survey. If you have any questions or comments, please email ISTF (Industry Standards Task Force) at info@the-ida.com. 

Survey closes January 31, 2024.

The goal of the Industry Standards Task Force is to gather terminology differences within the detailing industry around the world, so that we may have a comprehensive guide to offer to our members; let's all get on the same page and understand each other better!

Have any global terminology variances to report?

The Industry Standards Task Force has updated the Glossary of Detailing Terms webpage to include alternative terms used regionally and globally for the same definition, but we are always seeking to improve our content and keep up to date with industry changes. If your country/region utilizes a different term for a defined word/phrase in the glossary, please submit your term variance for review and potential inclusion in the Glossary of Detailing Terms via the Global Terminology Submission Form.

View Glossary

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