Packages or A La Carte?

Irkie500 · 09-07-09, 09:03

What do you guys think works the best? I feel that with packages customers can get stuck choosing what one works for them and may not be confortable with what they chose. Thats why I feel having a basic wash/wax package with a quick vacuumm and the rest of the services should be chosen at the customers discression. What are your thoughts?

toyotaguy · 09-07-09, 09:40

keep it simple!

are you going to allow the customer to dress the tire, but not wash the wheel?
how about clay but no wax?
what about compound and polish but no window cleaning?

YOU know what the car needs more so than the client, so I would make up a couple of packages for them to choose!

I am setting mine up with 3 packages...wash and wax, wash clay one step, full paint reconditioning. They can also add interior to it or not, but that is it!

Irkie500 · 09-07-09, 09:53

Ok thanks for the input.

Jakerooni · 09-07-09, 10:46

All my packages are just starting points. I think in this business you need to be flexable. My customers know that. I know that. And it works great. I can (and do) deviate at anytime if I or the customer want something different that's not listed. I think the package really gives the customer a great idea of what your going to do. And I encourage them to tell me anything else they may need or want that's not listed. (i.e. stone chip repair, deep scratch removal, etc etc etc..)

JimmyCutlass · 09-07-09, 12:54

When a customer is interested in my services the first words out of my mouth are "what is it that you want?" Some customers just want their car to shine, some want it to be perfect. You should tailor-fit a package for each customer based on their needs and their price range. Work out an estimate based on their needs and what you want to charge.

Some customers get their estimates based on who they are and what I stand to gain from their business. Don't underestimate word-of-mouth advertising, sometimes it is worth giving up a few dollars. Just make sure you make it clear that is a discount and that your actual prices are slightly higher.

Irkie500 · 09-07-09, 12:59

So just set up some baseline type packages but at the same time custom tailor them to the customer, got it.

WAS · 09-07-09, 06:37

I'm a fan of packages. Customers like a "set price" and they like to see what they are getting for that price. Sure there are circumstances where more time will be required to complete packages, and additional shop-hours will have to be billed. That expectation can be made when you do the initial "once-over" when the vehicle is dropped off. I've been doing it this way since ever and have never had any real issues.