Most common excuse/problem for mobile guys

[mini1]

I wanted to know how you all deal with this one. On a regular basis I go down my list of regular clients and new ones (people I met somewhere and they gave me their card and said call me, I'm interested) calling people to remind them that it is time to get their car done. They say "I want it done now BUT, I'm too busy and [or] I'm using it all the time. I can't be without my car for 6-8 hours".

I don't have a loaner car (and I'm not going to get one) and I can't give up my car because I need it while I'm working on their car (plus I don't want the excess mileage, possible damage, gas usage, insurance issues). I seem to loose a fair amount of possible work because of this fact.

What do you mobile guys say to sell super busy people on your service and get them to give up their car and get the work done?

[brwill2005]

Well, you could convince them to do regular service (bi-weekly or monthly). In this case it should only take you 2 hour max to do a maintenance type service. You could also do their car while they are at work, if they work. Other than that, not sure what you can do if someone refuses to be without their car.

[Jean-Claude]

Break up the work load between 2 visits.

[Jakerooni]

When you figure out how to tell someone that needs their car that they really don't need it let us all know. IF they need the car then they need the car. That really has nothing to do with mobile work. Set location shops would/and do deal with the exact same thing. But the reality is it takes time. Sometime a considerable amount of time. If they just don't have that kind of time then they really just can't use the service until they figure it out. It's not up to you to figure out their schedules. They have to do it.

[TSC17]

I can't say I have this problem myself. It's not uncommon for me to have somebody's car for the majority of the weekend, and I'm booked for the next two months.

I can see where it would be an issue for some though.

Keep in mind too that sometimes this can be a soft rejection from the customer. If they REALLY want it done, they'll make arrangements and/or book an appointment many weeks in advance.

[mini1]

Originally Posted by TSC17

I can't say I have this problem myself. It's not uncommon for me to have somebody's car for the majority of the weekend, and I'm booked for the next two months.

I can see where it would be an issue for some though.

Keep in mind too that sometimes this can be a soft rejection from the customer. If they REALLY want it done, they'll make arrangements and/or book an appointment many weeks in advance.

Wow, I really, really wish I could say I was booked for the next 2 months. You are doing something right! Location possibly?

I have some customers that really are just too busy (real estate agents come to mind) and I have call them every month for a year before we actually find a time to do their car.

[mini1]

Originally Posted by Jean-Claude

Break up the work load between 2 visits.

I've tried that. Nobody wants to do it. They seem to have the attitude that if they are going to get the car done, it going to be all or nothing.

[Lumadar]

I just schedule around it. Work weekends, or days when the client CAN manage to not have their vehicle. Move your more flexible customers into the times that are harder to fill with working clients.

[Relaited]

Well, you could cut down on your service time. Either figure out a way to cut time, or cut the service level.

Hire a second guy to cut time.

For me, I deliver the benefit of convenience that allows a customer to be shopping, at the movies, at work, golfing, on an airplane ... when they are done, so is the vehicle.

I have targeted a niche of autos and customers that do not require 6-8 hours of reconditioning, but maybe 2 hours with a team of 2.

So, can you change your target?

Also, if they are “regular” customers … I feel compelled to ask what the heck are they doing in between your services that is “hacking” the vehicle? Perhaps there is an opportunity to develop an interim relationship with these customers. What if you offered some Maintenance and Protection Services that can be done in a more timely manner and will prevent the customer from requiring this level of service … I would think for these time starved customers, that would be a tremendous value proposition.

Some well intentioned comments,

-jim

[toyotaguy]

I agree, hire out! if your 8 hour detail can be done in 4-5 hours with a helping hand, you will lose on some money, but not all! you bill 300 for the service, hire someone at 10-15 bucks, pay the help the 60 bucks, minus supplies you are sitting at about 225 -230 instead of "0"....think about it

[mini1]

Originally Posted by Relaited

Well, you could cut down on your service time. Either figure out a way to cut time, or cut the service level.

Hire a second guy to cut time.

For me, I deliver the benefit of convenience that allows a customer to be shopping, at the movies, at work, golfing, on an airplane ... when they are done, so is the vehicle.

I have targeted a niche of autos and customers that do not require 6-8 hours of reconditioning, but maybe 2 hours with a team of 2.

So, can you change your target?

Also, if they are “regular” customers … I feel compelled to ask what the heck are they doing in between your services that is “hacking” the vehicle? Perhaps there is an opportunity to develop an interim relationship with these customers. What if you offered some Maintenance and Protection Services that can be done in a more timely manner and will prevent the customer from requiring this level of service … I would think for these time starved customers, that would be a tremendous value proposition.

Some well intentioned comments,

-jim

I do offer touch up services, but selling customers on them is also hard. Some people say, sure, come clean my car every 2 weeks and do a major paint correction/complete interior twice per year. MOST people won't go for the touch up service, or they will, but only once every 6 months! Then they only get the detail done once per year.

I have thought about hiring someone else part time, but there goes my selling point. Many people hire me for my work, not for someone else. Also, I become liable for that person's damage, should it ever happen.

[mini1]

I work mostly on the weekends, and even on holidays. I just did a car on Easter. Still, finding convincing someone to give up their vehicle on this weekend seems hard!