Here's my issue...

[///SLY]

I'd love to start detailing in my area (nothing major, just pocket change), but I can't get over this stigma/block I have that tells me that it's wrong to use someone's water/power for a job that I'M doing. I've been doing cars here and there for friends and friends of friends, but I'd love to branch out via craigslist or something of the sort.

So I guess my question is this:
Does EVERYONE have a mobile rig of some sort? Including generator, water, etc? Doubtful, but a question I have.

If not, how do clients usually take this news? Is it generally expected?

Again, it may just be a weird misconception that I have, or maybe it's the stingy area I live in...

[Jakerooni]

defaintly your misconception. Most mobile guys do not have their own water and power supplies. Some do. But most customers do not want to hear a generator going off next to their window all day long while you work on their cars. It's more convient to them to just let you use their plugs and water. Not always. But more often than not.

[SCoach]

When people have workers in their home, power and water at the home is used. If the gardner comes in, they don't come with their own water. Same with painters, etc.

I find that people are MORE than happy to have you use their water and electricity when you provide a good product, AND you make a point of selling them on the convenience of coming to THEM instead of them having to make their way to you.

But then, I don't make a living at this.

If you used $5 of water and electricity combined for a detail, I'd be shocked.

[DefiningDetails]

Friend, it is all in how you present the service.

For example, you explain to them that your niche is onsite, mobile detailing. "*We at XYZ Detailing can appreciated a busy schedule; XYZ offers full onsite service for our clients when needed. The only requirement is an electrical outlet and a water spiget within 100' of where the work will be performed*" The point is that they know right off the bat, and it is not asked of them - it is a requirement THEY must fit to qualify for YOUR service.

Now, the client should be thinking 'Hey, I fit that profile' instead of you non-confidently asking if you can use their electricity / water. It is all in how you sell it; the client should be thinking "Great, I can have this done right at my home because I have water and power available!"

Good luck!

[lecchilo]

Originally Posted by DefiningDetails

Friend, it is all in how you present the service.

For example, you explain to them that your niche is onsite, mobile detailing. "*We at XYZ Detailing can appreciated a busy schedule; XYZ offers full onsite service for our clients when needed. The only requirement is an electrical outlet and a water spiget within 100' of where the work will be performed*" The point is that they know right off the bat, and it is not asked of them - it is a requirement THEY must fit to qualify for YOUR service.

Now, the client should be thinking 'Hey, I fit that profile' instead of you non-confidently asking if you can use their electricity / water. It is all in how you sell it; the client should be thinking "Great, I can have this done right at my home because I have water and power available!"

Good luck!

exactly 888