How to justify paint correction pricing?

qbmurderer13 · 01-19-09, 08:26

Hey guys, im slowly trying to get my detailing business started up. Ive been regurlary washing/waxing cars for friends and family members for really low prices just to get word around. Now I do have experience with polishing and have done about 20 practice panels and about 2 whole cars. When I tell people about my business all they ask is how much. I tell them the pricing and when they hear anything over $100 they laugh and ask me if im serious. I know that 99% of people have no idea what swirls are and think theyre paint is perfectly fine and doesnt need to be 'buffed'. Most of these people also have no idea what the difference is between a regular wash/wax from a full paint correction detail. Theyre expecting to pay around 30 bucks and only have the car for about an hour. They dont believe that an actual 'car wash' can take about 8 hours. I know most of you guys are already established and have tons of befores and afters in certain forums but how do you convince the average joe into getting a paint correction vs just a wash/wax. Thanks in advanced.

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Holden_C04 · 01-19-09, 08:29

It's pretty hard to sell ice to an Eskimo. If you have a clientele that wants cheap, wash 'n waxes, you have to adapt to your market or change your market. It's as simple as that. If the price you charge doesn't seem like enough to cover your time/expenses, then perhaps consider becoming more efficient or reducing the time you spend on a vehicle.

qbmurderer13 · 01-19-09, 08:32

Well right now thats all im getting, but im also assuming that alot of the pro's on here also started. I do want to do paint correction but everybody thinks they dont need it. Maybe carry around a binder or some sort with before and after shots to show what polishing can do? Just looking for ways to further my business instead of just admitting defeat and sticking to wash and wax.

Holden_C04 · 01-19-09, 08:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by qbmurderer13

Well right now thats all im getting, but im also assuming that alot of the pro's on here also started. I do want to do paint correction but everybody thinks they dont need it. Maybe carry around a binder or some sort with before and after shots to show what polishing can do? Just looking for ways to further my business instead of just admitting defeat and sticking to wash and wax.

This is where the sales process begins. You have to convince your clients that you are the best man for the job and that the service you provide is a good and fair choice. It's a huge topic that can't really be covered in one thread, so perhaps you should consider taking some college business courses or picking up a few choice books from the library.

Business knowledge is critical to the success of any business. It's hard (impossible?) to create a business from scratch and expect it to succeed without any prior knowledge of the field or business management.

So, yeah, pick up a few books to start and take it from there.

qbmurderer13 · 01-19-09, 08:39

Will do! Been meaning to do that for a while now. Thanks again.

Holden_C04 · 01-19-09, 09:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by qbmurderer13

Will do! Been meaning to do that for a while now. Thanks again.

Best of luck with your business!

XRL · 01-19-09, 10:32

It sounds like you're not finding the right people. Many people won't spring for it no matter what because they're not programmed for stuff like that. If you're going to do high-end car washing (which is what detailing in essence is), you need to find high end customers. Customers driving a car that is $50k or more will be much more likely to spend a few hundred to have it detailed and be OK with not having it for a day or two than someone who bought a new $15k Camry or whatever.

There are people in Orlando area who will spring for it, you just have to get them to find you.

Justifying paint correction can be a tough thing. Hell my gf wasn't even thrilled about it and she wasn't gonna have to pay for anything, she just didn't want me to have her car for that long and such.

toyotaguy · 01-20-09, 11:00

"this is my price, if you would like cheaper services, I cannot do that as I hold myself and my business to a higher standard than most!"

Holden_C04 · 01-20-09, 11:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyotaguy

"this is my price, if you would like cheaper services, I cannot do that as I hold myself and my business to a higher standard than most!"

I'm not sure if I like that. It sounds a bit confrontational.

Being confrontational won't help and will actually deter business. Sales...it's about service and making your client feel right at home. You have to convince them and going negative is about the worst thing you can do.

eyezack87 · 01-20-09, 11:38

I find I get a steady stream of people by working on one car in a car forum. This is without advertising too

Enthusiasts are the best type of customer

joshs07redss · 01-20-09, 11:42

I've taken a few sales classes already, and the most important thing I've taken from the course is to build relationships. The easiest place to start is with people you already know. Give them your normal wash/wax, but then do a full paint correction on their hood to show them how it "could be." If they agree for a full paint correction, don't charge them the full amount as they are already close to you and are essentially guinea pigs. For new customers, tell them your services up front, and yes, a binder would be a good idea of before/after pictures. Even include some 50/50 shots to show them the true difference. People love seeing results...that's how 90% of sales are made. If the buyer can see results during the initial meeting, your chances of getting their business increased tremendously. Also, you can't charge anyone a full price right now as you are just establishing your business. Experience goes a long way, and if you say something like $400 for a full correction (which is totally acceptable by a pro), and you have little experience, it turns the buyer off. Just build a good relationship with them, and if need be, have some references in the back of your mind to offer (not force on) them. Good luck!

advs1 · 01-20-09, 12:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyezack87

I find I get a steady stream of people by working on one car in a car forum. This is without advertising too

Enthusiasts are the best type of customer

as long as its not the ugo forum LOL