Question:
I was at the Pilot truckstop in Troy, Illinois a couple of weeks ago, and I saw this scam being run by a peddler in the parking lot. I was amazed that people still fall for this trick, it's one of the oldest scams in this industry - until I realized that unless you've been around awhile or been burned by it, you don't know of the "Metal Polish" scam. So here it is...
You're sitting in your truck eating your lunch, or perhaps you're at the fuel island, and someone will approach you and try to sell you some metal polish. They'll claim it's an excellent product and cleans aluminum with ease - just wipe it on, let it dry, and wipe it off.
They'll take a paper towel, and pour just a little bit of this milky white polish on it, and begin wiping a small piece of aluminum on your truck - probably no bigger than a pack of cigarettes. The peddler will wipe the area for about 20-30 seconds, and then tell you it needs to dry. In about another 30 seconds a white residue will form, and the peddler will take another clean paper towel, wipe off the residue, and lo and behold... your aluminum is bright and shiny!
Simple as that - wipe it on, let it dry, and wipe it off. What could be simpler? And, you have the opportunity to buy a 20-ounce bottle of this metal polish for only $20 (or thereabouts - depending on how bad they need money, and how stupid you look...).
So you give the peddler $20 for a bottle - you've just seen it work with your own eyes, and it does polish your aluminum to a nice bright shine, you saw the dirty paper towel with your own eyes.
If you buy a bottle, join the crowd - you've just fallen victim to one of the oldest scams in the industry. And it's so remarkably simple!
No trick paper towels loaded with metal polish, no "bait and switch" tactics - they'll sell you the bottle that they use to prove that you are getting the exact same metal polish that they used on your truck.
"So, what's the scam?" you ask. Let me tell you a little more about this metal polish.
It's enviromentally friendly - it won't harm the enviroment if it gets into the sewer system or the water supply. It's non-toxic - it contains no harmful chemicals or petroleum distallates that will harm your skin, you can literally bathe in it and not be harmed. It's also non-poisonous - in fact, it's so non-poisonous that should you have heartburn from eating a greasyburger or two, you can take a couple of sips of this metal polish and relieve your acid indigestion.
"Bull***t!" you scream. "Ain't no way you can drink metal polish!"
Trust me, everything the peddler tells you, and all I've told you is the absolute, 100% truth - just not all the truth.
For this miracle metal polish that you'll pay $20 a bottle for is a chemical compound known as "sodium bicarbonate in an aqueous solution" - or as it's known in plain English: "baking soda in tap water".
Yup - plain old Arm & Hammer baking soda in tap water. The same baking soda that you stick a box of in your refrigerator at home to keep odors down. The same baking soda that is the primary ingredient of carpet deodorizer. The stuff they sell at WalMart for .79 per box - plain old, everyday household baking soda.
Take about 5-6 tablespoonfulls of baking soda, mix it in about 16-20 ounces of water, shake it up, and BINGO! - instant metal polish. Just wipe it on, let it dry, and wipe it off.
Far be it for me to try to tell you how to spend your money. If you want to spend $20 for about .10 worth of baking soda and water... be my guest. As a matter of fact, if you're willing to spend $20 on this metal polish, send me an E-mail, I'll make you a heck of a deal on a half-gallon of the stuff!
And, I've got some oceanfront property in Kansas you might be interested in buying also...
"Climb back in the cab, cross your fingers for luck.
We gotta keep movin' if we're going to make a buck. "
- Roll On Down the Highway, Bachman Turner Overdrive


Answer:
I have bought some dang good polish over the years. I have also fallen for some bad gigs. About the most fair and reliable around here I have found is Rebbles.
True, he sells it out of his car. At lease he is insured and has a biz lic. Most of his customers are repeat customers.
Many of the pan handlers selling polish just buy some mineral spirits and a block of jewlers rough and mix it up. For 10 bucks they can earn a quick 50 on the polish and maybe 200+ for polishing folks wheels and tanks.
I have never ran into the bakeing soda polish, I am sure its out there.lol
Just seems one would notice ratehr easy. It has to be rather thin and mixes pretty well.202 N Main Street
Summerfield Il 62289
TRUCK PARKING AVAILABLE!

Answer:
People that approach me at truck stops, I have one rule...
GET THE "F" ANYWAY FROM ME AND MY TRUCK!!!
NOW!!!!

Answer:
i never "fell" for that one for several reasons:
1) i could not afford, at the time, to have "my" wheels cleaned "professionally."
2) i figured i could to it myself, somehow, cheaper.
3) i'm leary of anyone who approaches you out-of-the-cold to do something for you or sell you something.
The difference was/is in this case the guy was going to clean all six wheels on the tractor (at the time i had all aluminums on the tractor) and, i must admit, he did do a good job as far as the sample demonstration.
The bottom line is that i would not and you should not do business with anyone who solicits you cold----cold calling. This is so obvious as to not warrant further elaboration.
The only exception is lumping. Expecially if the company is paying for it. Then it doesn't matter.

Answer:
Never buy anything from anyone circling the truckstop. Lot Lizards, bums, polishers, brokers, working for food, Im stranded and have a family. etc......
If you are stranded and have a family call a local church they will help.
If you hold up a sign saying you will work for food, you are cheap labor. Go to the local food bank and eat for free if you are hungry, and then help with the dishes.
Bums, what can I say, I have been homeless, no job, pennyless and look at me to day. Clean your a$$ up and get a job. If you want to work you will find it.
Lot Lizards, stay away not worth it.
Polishers: If your stuff was any good, get a patent, sell it to Dupont and make millions.
Brokers: Yes I have seen brokers running around the truckstop looking for an empty to haul their load. No Joke. If you got to go to a truckstop and run around the parking lot like a lot lizard you must be bad news.

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Dam, if it works that well he isn't scamming a bit. He's selling a product that works. A bit exspensive but it works.


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He's scamming, the paper towels are the secret ingredient.
Answer:
First of all, how do these people get away w/soliciting in/on truckstop grounds in the first place?
Sounds like they could make more $$$ by setting up a portable bar-b-q stand.

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http://www.badmouth.net/why-lie-i-need-a-drink/202 N Main Street
Summerfield Il 62289
TRUCK PARKING AVAILABLE!

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Dammit, why didn't I think of that. (again)
If he sold the stuff for $20.00 and threw in a free roll of paper towels it would be a bargain.

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Don't ya just love the "professional Polishers" that show up after the sun goes down and try and get you to pay them to polish your truck in the dark!!
I love these guys... They SWEAR they can do a good job..., they all have been polishing for XX number of years....
OH yea... almost forgot... when you haven't washed your truck for a month and all that salt is on your tanks.. I love it when they say "they'll make them shine like chrome.. "