How a Car Wrapping Shop Showed Me My Golf Isn't Interesting Enough

"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
12/14/2016 at 17:30 • Filed to: Drive

I will be the first person to admit that a Volkswagen Golf is not an interesting car. It’s a sensible, handsome, timeless hatchback that would only gather attention if it was on fire (Although I have gotten compliments on the car from strangers). I realize that in order for this wrapping company to make their event as exciting as possible they would want cars that grab eyeballs and cause envy. I don’t want to sound spoiled or craving attention because it really isn’t the case but the way things took place left me disappointed to say the least.

It starts with the Wrapping Shop in my local city called EVOLUX. These guys comply to the now very popular requests from clients who want to wrap a part of their vehicle. I have seen their work from matte black rims on a Mazda 3 to a full wrap on a new McLaren 570S. They satisfy a huge number of customers, and even if I am not and will probably never be one of them, I respect and admire the work they do. Why would I never be a customer? I absolutely hate the matte look on cars, or the new fad of painting your rims matte black. To me, this is the easiest way to make your car look like a cheap knockoff but it’s a rant for another time.

I follow EVOLUX on Facebook as well as Instagram in part because I like supporting the local car culture and in part because I love seeing the cars driven around the same streets where I live. Then a couple of weeks ago they posted something I was genuinely interested in: “EVOLUX Roadtrip 2016”

An honest to goodness meet up and drive with honest to goodness car people. I was was so excited I immediately e-mailed the company to have my spot; this was in a Thursday. I want to make it clear that this was the only publicity they released. There were no rules regarding type of vehicle, no cost of entry, or restriction of any sort that they announced. I got an e-mail back a day later stating that they were doing final preparations and would release the time and location of the event shortly, they also asked me what type of car I had, if it was modified, my personal information and a picture of the car. I sent everything within minutes and patiently waited for a response.

Saturday afternoon arrived and I was confused as to why I haven’t received any information, so I called the company to make sure there hadn’t been a mistake. Again, they told me to wait for the last preparations but confirmed that they had my info. Sunday came with no response yet and as Monday afternoon came I realized why. The photos and videos of the event that took place on Sunday morning were posted, and it was obvious that the Golf was going to be quite a bit outclassed by the lineup of cars that arrived that day. I immediately realized why there was no response form the company; The type of cars that were attending (And they wanted to attend) were sports cars or at least had the intention of being sports cars.

Seeing through the photos and the videos I couldn’t help but think I would have loved being there.

I have to say I’m not pissed at the company or at anyone who attended, I really am not. What got me thinking was why did they not mention that it was an event of strictly “sports cars” or that they would have some sort of “selection system”that you’d have to comply in order to be able to attend. All the publicity was extremely open and encouraging to go with basically any car you’d like but this wasn’t the case. I sure hope that I find other events such as this because that Sunday drive would’ve been one hell of a good one.

DISCUSSION (47)

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Vicente Esteve
12/14/2016 at 16:33

I’ve had a couple similar problems with owning an accord coupe now, mainly the local cars and coffee scene (it’s held at the Porsche dealer so thats the kind of clientele they want)

But also for a local toys for tots charity rally. Last year, when i had the C30, I was invited to participate (but couldn’t because work)

I made sure I was off this year and wrote the same guy. He said, they try not to discriminate but typically the event is only for unique vehicles and I’d be put on a wait list (even though the event wasn’t full)

I finally heard back the other day saying they were full and wouldn’t need me.

It kinda sucks honestly.

Vicente Esteve > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
12/14/2016 at 16:36

Man that is even worse! It does suck, but I know there are clubs out there that will accept anyone with open arms.

bob and john > Vicente Esteve
12/14/2016 at 16:37

not to be that guy but...duh? its a red golf.

If it was camo wrapped or chrome wrapped or something, maybe...but at the end of the day, its a stock hatchback on stock wheels. not much to be seen in.

but, you can work this to your advantage. find the meet up spot, and tag along behind them. party crash, so to speak. no one is going to notice a red hatch back following them :)

EDIT: I just realized its not a GTI either.

my friend, you are ambitious. and have a remarkable sense of self esteem. I cant take that away from ya.

Vicente Esteve > bob and john
12/14/2016 at 16:42

Of course, I was expecting them to have a restriction of some sort but when I read none I thought it was open to as many people as possible.

Oh if I had known that the event was taking place I would’ve totally tagged along.

Xyl0c41n3 > bob and john
12/14/2016 at 16:52

So what if it’s a non-GTI Golf? This company was a huge bag of dickwads. They didn’t specify car type in their advertising of the event, and they didn’t even have the ovaries to tell OP that their lineup was full or that registration was closed, or some other excuse even AFTER he called to ask what was up. That’s just plain rude.

And since when does the car you drive determine how big an auto enthusiast you are? As we have seen over and over again here on Oppo, some of us drive the cars we can afford with our limited budgets or the necessities of our lives (like needing a car that can safely haul several kids). Others of us don’t even have cars at all. Making the barrier to entry for car culture the ownership of some tricked out car is a shitty thing to do.

Bytemite > Vicente Esteve
12/14/2016 at 17:01

I bet they felt too awkward to reply to your email and tell you straight up that your car wasn’t up to snuff, because obviously it’s not. If you are a car/driving/modding/racing enthusiast, it’s safe to assume you drive a car that’s a bit special.

fourvalleys > Xyl0c41n3
12/14/2016 at 17:05

I don’t think the person you’re replying to said that the original poster wasn’t a “car person,” just that he or she maybe shouldn’t be too surprised that a car wrapping shop wasn’t especially interested in a very common hatchback.

Why did a vinyl wrap shop organize a cruise? One, to advertise. Get a lot of good pictures of exotic cars, and you’ll look like a high end shop.* Two, to drum up business. Get a couple of cars they’ve wrapped mixed in there, and maybe some of the owners of exotics would consider dropping the cash for a wrap. You probably won’t be putting a vinyl wrap costing a couple thousand dollars on a Golf, right?

So, to put it bluntly - they aren’t targeting this person as a customer, and they aren’t expecting a stock VW to bring them business. I can’t say I’m surprised at all. If I were in their shoes, I probably would have at least notified the person that they were giving priority to other cars, but they’re definitely not obligated to do so... it’s still a private event. Besides, it’s not like a car show where they’re just trying to bring in the masses.

* there’s something to be said for appealing to a more common market, as well... but if your work costs a few thousand dollars, you’re probably targeting the high-end market.

Bytemite > Xyl0c41n3
12/14/2016 at 17:06

I agree that there shouldn’t be barrier to entry for automotive enthusiasm. But if you are interested in that specific culture, it is reasonable to assume you would have a car that reflects your interest. Honestly not difficult even with just a couple grand to buy an enthusiast car so that’s no excuse.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Bytemite
12/14/2016 at 17:11

I disagree only because in the pics he posted I see a stock miata, c5 corvette, and charger.

Honestly I don’t see that much of a difference between a stock miata and a stock golf.

Xyl0c41n3 > Bytemite
12/14/2016 at 17:18

There are plenty of people here on Oppo who drive “beigemobiles” (myself included). And like I said, there’re even Oppos who don’t have cars at all.

Saying you have to have something expensive/unique/approved-as-an-enthusiast-car is ridiculous.

Ttyymmnn is interested in aviation. Should he have a WWII era AT-6 Texan parked in his backyard before he posts another aviation history post? No, of course not, because requiring ownership of a particular object before you’re granted “legitimate” status in a fan culture is absurd.

And that wrap company was extremely unprofessional by not, at the very least, telling OP they were looking for cars different than his. They had two opportunities to do so directly: after he submitted his email, and when he called them to ask what was going on.

OP himself says he wasn’t surprised they wouldn’t want a Golf like his in their lineup, but being accepting and understanding of that doesn’t excuse their rudeness or unprofessionalism. If that were me, I’d remember that once I finally get rid of my Fiesta and get the Mustang I really want. They’d never get my business, and I’d be sure to tell all my friends exactly why.

When you’re a business professional, you’ve gotta be courteous and professional to everyone, because you NEVER know what their story is.

I’ll give you an example: My dad worked for decades in retail, most of those years working on commission. At one point he sold men’s suits. One day a man walked in who looked a mess. Dirty, wrinkled, ill-fitting clothes (like, t-shirt and shorts), ungroomed, disheveled. Nobody wanted to attend to him. My dad didn’t care because money is green, no matter who’s spending it. He attended to the man and helped him pick out over $3,000 worth of clothing. The man thanked him for his courtesy and explained he only ever came shopping once a year. My dad got a nice commission that day because everyone else looked at that man like he was a tramp. He wasn’t.

Bytemite > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
12/14/2016 at 17:28

Come on now...a miata is a pure sports car, and a golf is a economy hatchback?

EL_ULY > Vicente Esteve
12/14/2016 at 17:31

Kinja'd!!!

que chido ser politico en Tamaulipas. Neta carnal :]

EL_ULY > Xyl0c41n3
12/14/2016 at 17:38

See. OPPO/Jalopnik posts wragging on Camry, Corolla, crossovers, etc.

Must have this much steering feel to enter this lovable collection of “elite enthusiasts”

se la lavan! Todos!

LOL nah, we cool here :]

TysMagic > Vicente Esteve
12/14/2016 at 17:39

I’d be happy to feature your car on my instagram if you’re interested?

https://www.instagram.com/boring.cars/

LongbowMkII > Xyl0c41n3
12/14/2016 at 17:45

Hauling kids isn’t a hinderence. Don’t use that excuse.

Xyl0c41n3 > LongbowMkII
12/14/2016 at 17:55

When did I say it was a hindrance? But if your income only allows you to pay for and maintain one vehicle and you have two kids who are under 4-foot-9-inches tall (the minimum height requirement in Texas for not needing a booster seat), you’re not going to be spending that money on a Miata.

Getting the car that allows you to safely (and legally) transport your kids around instead of the enthusiast car doesn’t make you any less of an enthusiast.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Bytemite
12/14/2016 at 18:03

To anyone other than a car enthusiast, does the miata look like anything that special? It’s a sub $30k roadster that blends in just as much as a golf.

Xyl0c41n3 > fourvalleys
12/14/2016 at 18:03

They can’t say that they weren’t targeting him as customer. They don’t know he won’t want to wrap his base Golf. They also don’t know that he won’t someday own a six-figure car that he’ll want to get wrapped.

Kindness costs nothing extra, but in business, a lack of kindness can cost a whole lot. It may not cost right away, but it does eventually. They could have told him his car didn’t meet their criteria. He clearly would have been fine with hearing that (as he pretty much says in the main post and here in the comments). Not saying anything at all and letting him figure it out on his own via Facebook is a dick move.

LongbowMkII > Xyl0c41n3
12/14/2016 at 18:22

“some of us drive the cars we can afford with our limited budgets or the necessities of our lives (like needing a car that can safely haul several kids)“

Right about there.

And no shit they aren’t getting a Miata. I drove a Nissan Murano for about a year thanks to limited options. It didn’t make me less of an enthusiast, but I was fully cognizant of the fact I certainly didn’t appear to be one. I didn’t roll up to C+C and drift events like I belonged there. Just went to general parking. No one wants to see that.

I now have a cool obscure vehicle but, doesn’t mean I demand everyone recognize that. I’ll roll up for a back corner C+C spot with the Mazda5 (because maybe someone wants to see one?) but I’m not going to be upset if I get side eye. I’ll just assume those exotic owners are jealous of my alacantara.

They’re def jealous of my third pedal.

Vicente Esteve > Bytemite
12/14/2016 at 18:23

Heh, I think I would’ve preferred that. But yeah, I see your point.

Vicente Esteve > EL_ULY
12/14/2016 at 18:23

Nuevo Leon! Me mude en Julio.

Vicente Esteve > TysMagic
12/14/2016 at 18:24

Sure, why not! Also I love the account, I have been following it for a couple months now.

JGrabowMSt > Vicente Esteve
12/14/2016 at 18:37

You honestly should be pissed. I’m serious.

What if you were a potential client? What if you were a wealthy individual with a new toy and wealthy friends with expensive toys?

To simply exclude someone because their vehicle is “not up to par,” is like telling customers they arent welcome. If I stop by a local dealership in my Magnum, they often want it because its a desireable car, so regardless of why Im there, they try to hustle me. I go somewhere with my SL, and Im just asked if Im interested in anything.

I didnt transform into someone new, I just showed up in a different car.

What if you pulled a photo of a stock looking car with a big moto build, and didnt want them to know about the work done on the car?

Its a bad move on their part. If it’s their intention to have a gathering for high end cars, they need to be up front about it. To have not responded to you because your car was stock, or “too plain” is just absurd, and quite sad. I wouldnt want to go to them for any kind of work, because the elitist, and honestly two-faced nature of a meet organized like that is just cowardly. If they were expecting something different, they should have been up front. Theres nothing “too plain” about your car, it isnt lacking in any regard. If you wanted more, you would make it happen. What if its all you can afford and they just silently shot you down?

Im glad youre not offended by it, but you showed genuine interest in the event, the least they could have done was be honest with you.

EL_ULY > Vicente Esteve
12/14/2016 at 18:38

ariiiiiiiiiba Nuevo Leon! Tierra de osos, gente que fuma (MTY), y carnes asadas cada viernes sábado y domingo.

Kinja'd!!!

crowmolly > Vicente Esteve
12/14/2016 at 18:41

Yeah, that’s shitty. They can’t even hide behind the “we want our paying customers to have a special experience” line. “Ghosting” like this is not professional.

Xyl0c41n3 > LongbowMkII
12/14/2016 at 18:43

I don’t think you understand that we’re arguing the same side of the coin.

I’m not saying this wrap shop should have given OP the front spot in the line, or even that they should have let his car in (I’ve said as much several times now), but they could have said, “thanks for your interest, but we’re currently looking for a different kind of car for this event.” They didn’t even tell him where they were going to end up after the cruise so he could go ogle the pretty machines after it was done, if he wanted to. That’s fucked.

And in none of my comments have I once asserted that those within car culture at large should fawn over someone’s beigemobile. Not once.

What I have asserted over and over again is that ownership of an “enthusiast” car shouldn’t be necessary to be considered a “real” enthusiast. Some people on this thread think that that should be a barrier to entry, and I’ve argued (again, repeatedly) that that’s absurd and given examples why.

You’ve gone to C&Cs with your Murano just to go check out the other cars knowing no one gives a flying flip about your car. You parked your beigemobile in general parking. That’s cool. That’s what I’d do with my Fiesta. But nobody treated you like a dick and said you couldn’t even go at all . That would be messed up.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Vicente Esteve
12/14/2016 at 18:44

F A H R V E R G N U G E N

Say the word!

LongbowMkII > Xyl0c41n3
12/14/2016 at 18:55

it’s a little messed up, but nothing to clutch pearls over. Not every group is as inclusive as Oppo.

Maybe it’s a bad business decision in the long run, but I’ve seen many shops run a long time making worse ones.

Vicente Esteve > JGrabowMSt
12/14/2016 at 18:59

I would 100% prefer if they were up front about it, but yeah if I were to tune my car or put an exhaust I would want to keep it stock looking because sleeper. Again, it sucked but there are other clubs that are very welcoming.

Vicente Esteve > crowmolly
12/14/2016 at 19:01

Actually that would be a great way of saying “We want the expensive cars here” without mentioning it outright.

It isn’t professional, and if I planned on wrapping my car for some reason it would not be with them.

TheJWT > Vicente Esteve
12/14/2016 at 19:08

Bro, don’t you know that being a true car enthusiast means putting tacky shit on your expensive car to get Instagram followers?

daender > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
12/14/2016 at 19:10

Stock C5 and Charger...but they’re in Mexico. Probably not as common there as they are here. Heck, it could also apply to the Miata!

Xyl0c41n3 > LongbowMkII
12/14/2016 at 19:12

Maybe you don’t think it’s something to clutch pearls over, (gee, thanks for that sexist stereotype), but I do think it’s a big deal.

Car ownership is a privilege. Even shitty-beater-car-off-of-Craigslist car ownership is a privilege. The amount of money it takes to purchase, insure, register and inspect (in applicable states) a vehicle, not to mention the extra money it takes to keep it fueled, oiled, and running with halfway decent tires/brakes/battery are more than even a lot of Americans can afford.

A lot of people on Oppo forget that. For many of us, buying a $1,000 - $3,000 beater on Craigslist is not a huge sacrifice, or even a sacrifice at all. Paying $20-$100 a week on gas isn’t either. Paying the ~$55/year (in Texas) vehicle registration fee doesn’t cause more than a moment’s thought past, “oh shit... I need to do this before the end of the month.”

But for some people, they can’t even get the shit car with the broken a/c and the huge rust spots, much less whatever shiny new thing Jalopnik is talking about because even the shit car is too expensive.

It’d be nice if more Oppos realized or remembered that.

Vicente Esteve > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
12/14/2016 at 19:24

I have a shirt with that word on it. I like that shirt.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Vicente Esteve
12/14/2016 at 19:30

Once you do business with private entities, you open yourself up to getting stiffed. The higher up you go, the bigger the potential stiffing.

Here’s a somewhat unrelated but starkly true analogy: I take my car to an experienced exotic specialist. He is relatively cheap, knows what he’s doing and he’s generally fast......when he gets to your car after wading through 15 other backlogs.

Literally nobody, not even my wife, understands why it takes 2 weeks to change the oil on my Fezza, or 2 months to settle an insurance spat. But the reality is, guy has no price competition because his huge 3-building shop is on family-owned land. He is in no hurry to finish cars faster—like a true Italian artisan, he’d rather do things right and also like a true Italian artisan, make up some BS when he’s behind. He may or may not piss me off, but even when he does, nothing I can do about it.

bob and john > Xyl0c41n3
12/14/2016 at 19:32

had to go to an exam, took a while. sorry for late response.

ANYWAYS, its not about how much of a car person he is. But it IS about what kind of clientele THAT shop wants to be associated with. If I am running a high end performance motorcycle chop, I am going to much prefer that any rides I do have Ducatis and BMWs and other high end (or rare/modified) bikes because that looks good on the business. Having a run of the mill honda or a Harley isnt exactly something I’d want associated with me. not that it’s a bad bike or anything. Nor would I trash talk. (hell, everyone has seen how cobbled together MY bike is. but it DOES perform) but for the reputation of the shop? Eh. and the fact that he hasnt had any work done there doesnt exactly help with his standing.

TLDR: Its nothing against him. But it IS about the branding and reputation of the shop.

Vicente Esteve > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
12/14/2016 at 19:38

That’s a great way to put it. The guy who runs this place knows he will get the business form most of it not every person who wants to wrap their car. For now I guess its his way.

Xyl0c41n3 > bob and john
12/14/2016 at 19:41

All that is well and good. Still, when he called to see what was up, they could have said something then. A simple “thanks for your interest but we’re going for a different look.”

Instead they left him hanging and quite literally told him to keep waiting for them to get back to him. That’s unprofessional and rude.

LongbowMkII > Xyl0c41n3
12/14/2016 at 19:59

Keep speaking for those who don’t have a quarter of the car you do. Stories of financial hardship aren’t rare here.

It’s not like you know shit about anyone’s shit to go off on this financial privledge bend. I know it because I’m experincing it. And I’m still lucky. Fact is, I could sell the Cruze and just get a less expensive car(the plan), not that it’s ANY of your business.

I’m so tired of your fucking lectures, specifically when you’re speaking from a place of zero knowledge.

Xyl0c41n3 > LongbowMkII
12/14/2016 at 20:36

You’re warning me not to speak of situations I know nothing about when you don’t know anything about my situation either. Specifically, you are speaking from a place of zero knowledge. That’s a bit ironic (and misguided).

And you’re also still misconstruing what I’ve said. You have been since your first comment to me in this thread where you argued against something I never even said (kids being a hindrance to enthusiast car ownership).

I’m not telling anyone they should get the cheapest car possible or a less expensive car than they have. Hell, if you’ve got the money for a Ferrari, get it! Enjoy it! Drive the hell out of it. Or drive the hell out of your Cruze, if that’s what you’ve got. I do with my Fiesta, crappy transmission recalls (that are still buggy even after the supposed fix) and all.

Ever thought you might be projecting a little and that’s why my “lectures” anger you so much? Because everything you’ve argued against me in this thread is either, 1. Something I didn’t actually say, or 2. Nope, just the first one... something I never actually said.

And, FTR, I didn’t try to start any arguments with you to begin with. You commented to me.

LongbowMkII > Xyl0c41n3
12/14/2016 at 21:13

You didn’t say it verbatim, but the meaning of your words were clear that having kids was not compatible with an commonly perceived enthusiast car. A hinderence to owning a enthusiast car if you will.

Which is patently untrue. On so many levels, because people drive much more exciting family haulers than I do. How else can your original statement be taken?

But I don’t realize we’re arguing the same point. Sure.

I don’t think you realize what point you’re even trying to make, hence the sudden concern for people who struggle to own cars.

“A lot of people on Oppo forget that”

Yeah, I’m projecting. You clearly didn’t just make a blanket statement about Oppo being ignorant of the harsher realities of life, despite posts illustrating them fairly consistently. Excuse me for being defensive about your innocent little jab.

I’m just going to guess that I’ve misconstrued that statement as well.

Xyl0c41n3 > LongbowMkII
12/14/2016 at 21:46

And I literally told you that that’s not what I meant about kids. And I’m telling you so, again . You most definitely did and continue to misconstrue it.

I don’t think kids are a hindrance to being an auto enthusiast because — again— my initial assertion is that ownership of a particular car does not an enthusiast make. Similarly, lack of ownership of a particular car does not unmake an enthusiast.

I have a dream car — a car I have lusted over since I was a little kid. I don’t currently own that car or a car like it, for various reasons. Despite that, however, I am still a car enthusiast.

I’m still allowed to ogle over the makes and models that catch my fancy. I’m still allowed to dream of one day owning my dream car, or something pretty close to it, even if that “one day” never actually comes.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Except, I didn’t make a blanket statement. You even quoted the words I did use: “A lot of people on Oppo forget that...”

“A lot” is not equivalent to “all” or “everyone.” You’re rounding up in a statement that had no math and which required no rounding.

You’re arguing #NotAllOppos when clearly that’s already understood to begin with. To address or reference the actions or attitudes of some of our members isn’t to apply that observation to all of us whole cloth.

You can even go back in my posting/commenting history when I’ve talked about my own struggles, though what I choose to put on here is limited because, well, the majority of kinja are strangers to me.

But if I’ve limited how much detail I offer about my own circumstances, I haven’t limited the advice or sympathetic ear I’ve offered to fellow kinjateers who have shared their struggles. Our comments and profiles are public. Everything I’ve said is available for anyone else to see.

And I won’t apologize for calling out the ignorance that exists on Oppo. Because it does. Just like the racism and sexism that exists here (thankfully, in fewer and fewer instances) which I’ve also called out in the past.

And just as with my objections to instances of racism or sexism, my objections to ignorance of privilege (really, attempts to elucidate) come with an understood “#NotAllOppos.”

FWIW, many of my comments on kinja are about various forms of privilege — confronting it, recognizing it in ourselves, learning from it, empathizing with those who don’t have the same types of privilege we may have.

That’s not new. And neither is my “concern for people who struggle to own cars.”

yamahog > Xyl0c41n3
12/14/2016 at 21:52

can both of you not

yamahog > LongbowMkII
12/14/2016 at 21:52

can both of you not

TysMagic > Vicente Esteve
12/14/2016 at 21:55

haha thanks man! annnndddddd you jumped line by about 200 submissions for a fun little video

Vicente Esteve > TysMagic
12/15/2016 at 00:49

It was great!

jimz > Vicente Esteve
12/25/2016 at 13:17

If there was a Charger there, a Golf should be sporty enough to commingle.

my problem is that I’d like to go to a C&C meet, but I’m my own worst enemy because I never think to look for one until after it’s happened.

Plus I no longer have my Mustang so the thrill is lower ;)