TeamAF-Geschichten
Master Distributor | Region: Malaysia
Auto Finesse Malaysia
"We started our business in Auto Detailing Service in December 2018. Auto Finesse can be categorised as premium products in Malaysia for high end users and car enthusiast who's looking for quality products and well-known brands."
TeamAF Malaysia
Auto Finesse Malaysia
| Name: | Auto Finesse Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Programme: | Master Distributor |
| Region: | Malaysia |
| Founded: | 5+ Years |
| Employees: | 25+ |
We started our business in Auto Detailing Service in December 2018. It was just a small shop lot selling a few auto detailing's brands. The business didn't not run as expected. One of the reasons, we realised that our marketing efforts was not appreciate or recognise by the company's brand despite we have built many videos and images for marketing purposes to introduce the brand in Malaysia. Then, we realised at certain point to be a Professional Detailer, why not we look for other International and Premium brand and become the Sole Distributor for Malaysia market. We are not only using the products for Auto Detailing Service business but we can also create our own community and followers instead of distributing the products for our income and make profit because we love doing marketing. So, we decided to create the phenomena of Auto Finesse in Malaysia!
We found that Auto Finesse marketing style is different from others. They are not only focusing on Auto Detailing products but people lifestyle as well. Engaging with the current and up to date marketing trend in the market is so important to be known and recognised by consumers. The postings on social media, remarkable and creative videos on Youtube by Auto Finesse have caught our attention and we believe that Auto Finesse is the brand we are looking for and it has a great potential in Malaysia market. The products variety itself for us have great quality and friendly users. It's suitable for range of people start from beginner until professional detailers.
Auto Finesse brand has been recognised and well known by a few detailers and car enthusiast in Malaysia because of the marketing in social media especially on Youtube Channel. Auto Finesse can be categorised as premium products in Malaysia for high end users and car enthusiast who's looking for quality products and well-known brands. At the first place, we thought Malaysian people are quite lazy to wash their cars at home because of Malaysia hot weather which is difficult to wash at open place. It makes you burnt under the sun! But, our guess is completely wrong after a few months Auto Finesse products enter the market. The brand is well accepted and we are able to generate more than 10k per month by just selling the products to regular users, not including the Auto Detailers.
Our Headquarters of Auto Finesse Malaysia is situated at PJS 11 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia. It is a half factory storey building and the location is in automotive industry area. Our main cave to showcase all the Auto Finesse products, accessories, and merchandises. We also run the Professional Auto Detailing services and Auto Detailing Academy at the same place. Our operation area can accommodate 5 cars to be detailing at one time and it is equipped with full set of professional and up to date and high quality equipment imported from Europe and worldwide.
Customer can purchase the Auto Finesse's product by online especially in our Official Store in Shopee's platform, and also in TikTok Shop (latest). Soon, we will be ready with our Official Website and many more to come including e-commerce facility for purchasing of products, blog/vlog, guides and affiliate program for our dealers as well.
We also encourage people to get the products by walking-in to our HQ during the office hour. It gives them opportunity to see how professional we are when handling customers' cars at the premise. Besides, more products and equipment related to detailing that they should know how to use and when to use it when washing their cars. From here, we want to create the lifestyle of people circling the lifestyle of Auto Finesse!
The Auto Finesse is so fast and reliable. We are really appreciate and a lot of tokens should be given to Auto Finesse for their fast actions and responsibility. We receive supports from Auto Finesse from time to time, any matters we raise up or in a confusing state Auto Finesse will always be there as our brother. As a result, from zero we become who we are now and we still keep intact with the community of Auto Finesse especially in Malaysia as it is a lifestyle not just only a business.
Auto Finesse has provided from multiple sources to get the videos, images and marketing materials. Everything is complete and it is ready to be used for marketing purposes. It is shared via the shared folder in Google Photos, Vimeo, and Trade Portal itself.
All the products have their own strength and advantages. But to be honest, our favourite product in the range is the SiO2 based such as Lavish Ceramic Foam, Ceramic Spray Wax and Wash n Gloss Car Shampoo. These products provided instant result with high gloss shiny and protection. Our Ceramic Wash, one of our Auto Detailing Package at Auto Finesse Malaysia is also popular among our customers. Meanwhile, Malaysian favourite's products are Compound, Polisher, Graphene and Ceramic Coating. We are strongly believed that Auto Finesse should invest and produce high quality of all the products mentioned above so that we can compete more with the other brands. Auto Finesse brand are able to penetrate Malaysia market because of the marketing and videos are produced aggressively following the current and up to date lifestyle among the car enthusiast. In fact, Auto Finesse Malaysia make them as our mentor and reference in marketing strategy especially in social medias.
To begin with, the process of learning, copying, generating ideas and retrieving materials from Auto Finesse Trade Portal to be used for marketing are so helpful. Getting through the process both in marketing and improving skills in detailing that we have been through years help our business to develop. We got a lot of advantages from these and we only need to execute and use the experience wisely for the brand to be in the top list among the auto detailing products in Malaysia.
Master Distributor | Region: Japan
Auto Finesse Japan
"The word "Detailing" is something very new in Japan. In Japanese, "Sensha" meaning "to wash" was an overall broad description. I was confident that I would be able to fill in the gap if I brought in "Detailing" to Japan. The brand that fulfilled my idea was Auto Finesse, and I currently still stand with the choice I made."
TeamAF Japan
Auto Finesse Japan
| Name: | Auto Finesse Japan |
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| Programme: | Master Distributor |
| Region: | Japan |
| Founded: | |
| Employees: | |
Detailing automobiles have always been my hobby since I first purchased my 1994 BMW 318i when I was 18.
The word "Detailing" is something very new in Japan. In Japanese, "Sensha" meaning "to wash" was an overall broad description. As an importer, wanted our automobile enthusiasts to enjoy their lifestyle by bringing in a new experience and concept, hoping to extend the longevity of the current market for the next 10 years.
The wide variety of accessories was another big reason for choosing Auto Finesse. There were more than enough items in one brand that anyone can wish for. The brand colour of black and teal were eye-catching. Although bottled solutions must be tested before seeing results, but I believed the accessories alone were sufficient to attract customers, giving them the perfect opportunity to try out a new brand. I was confident that I would be able to fill in the gap if I brought in "Detailing" to Japan. The brand that fulfilled my idea was Auto Finesse, and I currently still stand with the choice I made.
Honestly, the initial reaction to the Japanese was not great at all. Don't get me wrong, the product range was great, and the solutions and accessories themselves were amazing. The package design had a huge impact compared to other brands which stood out on social media. The branding was excellent.
After launching, not just being a new detailing product brand, Auto Finesse had a much more different "ideology" for automobile enthusiasts.
First of all, the idea of [Pre-Wash] did not exist in Japan. As I mentioned earlier, "Sensha" was just about washing a car. Contact washing with shampoo and mitt was the first stage after rinsing it all down with a hose. No one understood the purpose of snow foams and pre-washing until we presented the "why's" and "how's". When we started Auto Finesse Japan, waxes were considered old-school. Sealants or Coatings were the Japanese standards, and everyone looked for professional stores to have their vehicles finished. The idea of washing a car was only there to wash down dirt and maintain the beauty of the paint. We understand enthusiasts in the UK polish their own cars with a polisher, however over here, polishing is still considered to be a work for professionals.
Auto Finesse had approximately 130 products, and we knew no other brand in the Japanese market had the same amount of variety. The challenge was tailoring the products for the Japanese consumer. We focused on tailoring the products in a manner where a customer would not be reluctant to challenge themselves with the new concept. We worked especially on how to explain what each product was for, by creating labels for each bottled product, even including instruction manuals.
The marketing for the lineup was done through design brochures, websites, and social media, mainly focusing on brand imagery. The goal was to strike our target customers with the impact of "The World of Detailing" and differentiate the new concept from the commonly known "Sensha". After 4 years, the term "Detailing" became widespread in Japan. There are now plenty of detailers that give out services, not just polishing and finishing like in the past, but more focused on how to maintain a clean vehicle from the wash stage. High-performance luxury waxes re-entered the market, and are advancing over sealants. I like to think of myself almost as the pioneer of "Detailing" in Japan, and it motivates me to carry on my current business.
As Auto Finesse Japan, we currently use two online platforms for direct sales. One being our official online website, and another online Yahoo Store mall. We also distribute to Autobacs, the largest automobile lifestyle providers in Japan, detailing stores, auto custom stores, and also online gift stores for various purposes. As an exclusive distributor in Japan, our main job is to safely import goods, inspect every product that has been flown in over the Pacific, and provide dealers and direct customers with the highest quality products that we can vouch for. We have great partnerships with dealers who offer walk-in stores and provide services with detailing bays. If we were to expand the Auto Finesse brand even more on a larger scale, walk-in stores may be a possibility in the future. Business in Japan is built on mutual respect with each other. These relationships are the key to success in business in the future.
Starting up as a distributor, we inquired about Auto Finesse through their online website. Dealership and distribution programs were easy to find, and the advantages/differences were immediately clear. Responses to contact were prompt, and we were immediately provided with sample products, before opening an account.
As we had the expertise from our previous business arrangements, we had experience importing products, however, we did lack the knowledge when it came to importing mass amounts. We were aware that other international distributors often use sea freight shipping, however, we preferred air as we found it less time-consuming and secure. This is when Auto Finesse had brilliant support for us on the logistics side. Their coordination with their carriers created a stress-free importing experience for distributors like us. Auto Finesse handled everything from the collection, export, and delivery.
Product images and pack shots for every product were provided to us through our dealership online account. All images were available at high quality for any use from online usage to printing pristine banners. Everything on social media was available for all of us to use. Last year, Auto Finesse updated its imagery platform. All files are now shared with every distributor, and they can be downloaded with any device. MSDS and product videos for all products can be downloaded through the online account as well.
Our favourite product is definitely "Avalanche". It's surprising how it can loosen up and remove dirt, oil, and grime without touching the surface, and being pH neutral. Works extremely well on all cars, smells good, and looks amazing. Avalanche has been one of our Top 3 best-selling products each year. We believe there are unlimited goals for Auto Finesse Japan. As we mentioned earlier, the idea of the pre-wash was uncommon in Japan until Auto Finesse was introduced in the market. The first two years were the most challenging because it was a new brand and it was a concept that had to be recognised and trusted by our target customers.
Master Distributor | Region: Portugal, Spain
Auto Finesse Portugal
"What stood out to us is everything we saw back then and continue to see on a daily basis. The special offers, the marketing, the design, the cars. That whole vibe is fantastic for us! We felt a click and said "we have to sell Auto Finesse products in Portugal, and that's exactly what we did"."
TeamAF Portugal
Auto Finesse Portugal
| Name: | Auto Finesse Portugal |
|---|---|
| Programme: | Master Distributor |
| Region: | Portugal, Spain |
| Founded: | 8+ Years |
| Employees: | 12+ |
In 2015 is when it all started for us. We found out about the Auto Finesse brand on social media at Christmas time and we ordered products for us to use on our own cars after it had captured our attention. The products won us over from there, our favourite being Radiance and Crystal! All the kindness the team has with the customers is surreal. What stood out to us is everything we saw back then and continue to see on a daily basis. The special offers, the marketing, the design, the cars. That whole vibe is fantastic for us! We felt a click and said "we have to sell Auto Finesse products in Portugal, and that's exactly what we did". When we took on the range it was already well known within Portugal, however it continues to grow every year and we have a great community of AF enthusiasts. We firstly started by designing a walk in store where customers are welcome to walk in, speak about detailing and be with cool cars. We have recently revamped the store to the AF style and offer our detailing bay for workshops as we want to bring the community together to learn more about the range and teach them how to use it. The AF team worker closely with us from the start and helped us to build the website, supplying everything we needed from packs shots and descriptions to guiding us through our first order. We are very happy to be a part of the family! Our plans in the next 3-5 years are to grow up our company and move to another warehouse, much bigger with a showroom (cars) and a new Detailing Academy, maybe with courses.
Master Distributor | Region: China
Auto Finesse China
"Yes we have a walk in store and detailing bay in China. People can come to Chinese academy shopping, asking their questions about detailing.There are more than 200 detailers finished our course and get their skills and business onto next level."
TeamAF China
Auto Finesse China
| Name: | Auto Finesse China |
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| Programme: | Master Distributor |
| Region: | China |
| Founded: | |
| Employees: | |
I'm a huge fan of modified cars, and I have followed lots of shows and events in all around the world. the works from AF is 100% amazing. They have get into the modified car then try to tell people how they can play with their cars, including modified, detailing, driving.
In now days, thousands of detailing brands in the same market, they have different styles. I like the design of AF brand best, super luxury classic England style, sweet smells, and high quality pictures and videos. those things is very important for customer images. why people always keep buying from the brand which they usually choose? because they like the design and style and those always in their minds.
In the first of all, we have do a lot of preparation before our first official's sales. people love the logo of AF and the videos from AF. the first challenge of our business is the price is a bit high for Chinese market. people like the brand but stopped cause the price. So we have tried to join some car show and event. the opportunity comes when we meet iAcro team, which is the biggest modified car show union in China. AF style is very close to modified cars, car owners also love AF brand quickly.
Yes we have a walk in store and detailing bay in China. I have been to AF academy UK, and I have take hundreds pictures from there. when I back to China, I have found a right place and build up a place as store and bay. people can come to Chinese academy shopping, asking their questions about detailing. if they really need a professional detailing course, we'd love to help them. There are more than 200 detailers finished our course and get their skills and business onto next level.
I'm appreciated with James help on our AF academy. It's a very daring game to offer AF perfection course from UK to China. we have do a lot of online training and discussions, huge work on translation and plastic on performance.
I remember that we are not doing great in beginning, I almost lose my patience. once when I talk with James, he didn't blame me on worse sales, but telling me about his story. in the end of the talk, James let me know, the business of detailing is a long game, he has insisted 20 years, we need to put our passion on it. The marketing materials are good, I always get those materials very soon and exactly.
For the classic product I will say avalanche snow foam, he didn't find any opponent today. for new stars I d like lavish best. that will save me a lot of time on paint protection. In future we are going to try corporate with colleagues in our city. putting our detailing corse to students, that will help us growing up the team of detailers. We understand that more new blood coming in, more stronger the industry will be in future (and to have more cars than James) just kidding!
