Door to Door?

Irkie500 · 06-04-09, 04:01

How effective is this? a friend suggested we do it and give the customer a quick sales pitch, less than 30 seconds give them a business card and flyer and walk away (answer questions first though). How effective is this vs just passing out the flyers? Im in desperate need of jobs because the bank account is just about dry and with about 2 months before college I need some money.

Also any other ideas to promote a starting business?

toyotaguy · 06-04-09, 04:04

I have passed out over 6000 fliers to cars and door in "pricier areas" - about a .5 % return...net cost of the cards = $150, profits from the cars I detailed = about 700...net profits = $550, minus supplies and walking around time!

its worth it, but it did take me about 2 months to finally get a call back!

Irkie500 · 06-04-09, 04:11

Hmmmm damn, its hard because im not sure if people just are not reading the flyers or the prices are to high...

Whats your take on just doing a standard vacuum/wash+wax and then everything else is a la carte? offer a discount for the more options they add on. This way they have more choice on what they want done.

toyotaguy · 06-04-09, 04:57

with the economy and trying to tap into all markets, you are going to want to offer the basics...wash/wax/interior for around 125 bucks each

if you want strictly high end, then get into magazine coverage, car clubs, exotic shows, etc...350+

it really depends...I want to do both, under one name, but I dont know...yet its still going to be quality over anything else no matter the type of client!

Irkie500 · 06-04-09, 05:05

A wash, interior and wax for 125? damn now I know why california is so expensive...Around here people would shoot you for trying to charge that lol. I figure 35-40 for that package, max of a 25 minute drive, I think its low but right now ill take anything, and the cost of my materials is relatively low so I would take a large chunk of that. The basic should take around 2 hours give or take depending on size and dirtiness. The other services would be offered at 15 each and % discounts for multiple extras. Im working up a new flyer the rough copy should be done soon, when it is ill post it up.

toyotaguy · 06-04-09, 05:23

damn dude, in the end you are making about 10 bucks an hour....minus the supplies and expenses

In that case, it may not be worth it...

I know others who have done the same type of marketing who have better numbers to throw out by the way...those are just my number on some "less than desirable" fliers...

ohiostate · 06-04-09, 05:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irkie500

A wash, interior and wax for 125? damn now I know why california is so expensive...Around here people would shoot you for trying to charge that lol. I figure 35-40 for that package, max of a 25 minute drive, I think its low but right now ill take anything, and the cost of my materials is relatively low so I would take a large chunk of that. The basic should take around 2 hours give or take depending on size and dirtiness. The other services would be offered at 15 each and % discounts for multiple extras. Im working up a new flyer the rough copy should be done soon, when it is ill post it up.

Are you kidding me... I charge around 120 for that package, and im going to be raising my prices soon

I would not even bother going anything for $35-40.... You got to be kidding me to even do any work for that price...

Irkie500 · 06-04-09, 05:33

I know its low but im not really to worried about it THAT much, im only going to be doing this for 2 months or so, and im a good salesman so some of them should be with extras. Vinyl protectant is an easy sell, tell them that if they dont have it done the dashboard will fade and crack from UV rays. Man I would be thrilled if I could make 2 grand by the end of the summer, also I will be offering referral bonuses, refer someone and they get a free a la carte service.

Please dont think im giving detailers a bad name because im charging so low, I do good work and I dont hack vehicles. I take my time and clean everything extensively. $150 might work in your area but trust me, here in upstate NY mobile detailing doesnt exist, so when people see $150 for a wash, wax, and interior they **** their pants because the local car wash does all of it for $40 in under an hour.

ohiostate · 06-04-09, 05:38

Back on topic:

I handed out business cards and the first weekend I started my business and Friday- wash, interior, and wax..
Saturday- an interior detail
Sunday- wash and interior

I plan to create 200 flyers and hand them out when it is nice for couple of days in a row..

I think it is a great idea, got to get your name out there some how!

ohiostate · 06-04-09, 05:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irkie500

I know its low but im not really to worried about it THAT much, im only going to be doing this for 2 months or so, and im a good salesman so some of them should be with extras. Vinyl protectant is an easy sell, tell them that if they dont have it done the dashboard will fade and crack from UV rays. Man I would be thrilled if I could make 2 grand by the end of the summer, also I will be offering referral bonuses, refer someone and they get a free a la carte service.

Please dont think im giving detailers a bad name because im charging so low, I do good work and I dont hack vehicles. I take my time and clean everything extensively. $150 might work in your area but trust me, here in upstate NY mobile detailing doesnt exist, so when people see $150 for a wash, wax, and interior they **** their pants because the local car wash does all of it for $40 in under an hour.

I understand where your coming from,I just could not work for that.. But hey, if your doing a good job, and are happy with the money your making then more power to you!!

Irkie500 · 06-04-09, 05:41

Yea im trying, the first day I passed out flyers the weather turned sour on me as soon as I got home, high winds and rain, I was like you got to be kidding me...

As far as clothing goes when going door to door...I know a tshirt and shorts isnt going to cut it, Hell I was going to go the distance and go with a shirt and tie, is that overboard?

ohiostate · 06-04-09, 06:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irkie500

Yea im trying, the first day I passed out flyers the weather turned sour on me as soon as I got home, high winds and rain, I was like you got to be kidding me...

As far as clothing goes when going door to door...I know a tshirt and shorts isnt going to cut it, Hell I was going to go the distance and go with a shirt and tie, is that overboard?

Before you go hand out flyers, get business cards,and t shirts made... I went and handed them out in black dress pants and a dress shirt...

When I hand out my flyers I plan to wear my right look detailing t shirt, khakis (more of a jean type then a full blown Khakis, but not cheap looking) and sneakers.

I also plan to purchase lawn signs.