IDA Global Survey #8 | Standard Order of Operations: Soft-Tops

Hello IDA Members,

The next survey, put forth by the IDA Industry Standards Task Force, is here to identify detailing variances across the globe! 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. We will then be releasing the most agreed-upon Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) based on collected data and best practices. Check out the newly launched Standard Operating Procedures member resource section, with results from Global Survey #6: Exterior Wash Process and #7: Interior Maintenance Detail Process.

To complete the new survey, please enter – in the order that you complete them – the steps that you would follow for a special soft-top deep cleaning service (NOT a maintenance service) with contamination removal (for example, algae, lichen, sap, bird lime, etc.) and protection. Clarifications to define 'standard' are below:

• The task is not a maintenance cleaning on a regularly detailed vehicle. It is a full deep clean service.
• The soft-top is cloth/canvas, not vinyl.
• There are no rips or tears in the material or loose stitching to manage.
• Include any variances in your step-by-step process based on whether the rear window is plastic or glass.

This is not a test; we are collecting data. Please complete the steps you take in the order that you carry out that step. You do not need to tell us the method/chemical brand you use to clean a particular surface, and you do not need to fill in every blank step in the survey below – for example, if your special soft-top deep cleaning service is finished with 8 steps, leave the remaining steps blank.

The survey will close Friday, October 18, 2024. If you have any questions or comments, please email ISTF (Industry Standards Task Force) at info@the-ida.com.

Check your email for the survey link!

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.

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!

View Glossary

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