I used to say "Thank you."

[WhyteWizard]

When clients complimented my work. It used to go like this: Client, "You did a very nice job on my car." Me, "Thank you." and that was the end of it.

Now, when they compliment the job I say, "I'm really glad you like my work. Can I give you a couple of my business cards?"

They take the cards and give them to their friends. When they refer someone, that's when I call and tell them thank you, then, before I do the car for the person they've sent, I let that person know how much I appreciate the referral and how seriously I take it.

Then, when I do their car and they say, "Great job." You know the rest.

Since I stopped saying thank you to compliments and started saying thank you for referrals I've been busier than ever.


Robert

[JohnKleven]

Originally Posted by WhyteWizard

When clients complimented my work. It used to go like this: Client, "You did a very nice job on my car." Me, "Thank you." and that was the end of it.

Now, when they compliment the job I say, "I'm really glad you like my work. Can I give you a couple of my business cards?"

They take the cards and give them to their friends. When they refer someone, that's when I call and tell them thank you, then, before I do the car for the person they've sent, I let that person know how much I appreciate the referral and how seriously I take it.

Then, when I do their car and they say, "Great job." You know the rest.

Since I stopped saying thank you to compliments and started saying thank you for referrals I've been busier than ever.


Robert

I send out "Thank you cards". I personalize every card, and the cards have something printed on them regarding "we appreciate your referrals".


John

[Jakerooni]

I always make sure business cards are handed out with the invoices. makes for good business

[kb2ehj]

Originally Posted by JohnKleven

I send out "Thank you cards". I personalize every card, and the cards have something printed on them regarding "we appreciate your referrals".


John

With the abundance of different database/desktop publishing programs on the market, you could create a custom 'Thank You' card with a picture of their freshly detailed car.

I use an application called Qimage. I can tell it I'll be printing on 8x10 paper and I'd like to print x by x size photo. It will arrange the picture. I then save it as a jpeg take it to walmart have them print it for 25 cents, cut the picts out and include them with the note.

Just an idea with not that much expense.

[vtec92civic]

what do you folks use as far as invoicing? Do you write them from the office max type carbon copy receipts or do you use a program such as quickbooks?

[gone postal]

Do anyone of you do (or have tried) a referral discount program of some sort? Like sign the back of your card or put the customer's name on the back and if another customer comes in w/ it being referred by them you give the new customer a slight discount - 5%, $10, $15, whatever? OR, you could tell original customer, that for everyone he/she refers, you'll give them $5/10 off their next detail? Ideally though, it would be best to discount the original and new person - give an incentive to both. Maybe $10 each. Sure, it costs you $20, BUT it's over the course of two details - two details that MIGHT not happen if not for the discount. VERY small price to pay.

The only real difficulty is keeping track of the referral discounts from the original customers, but hell, a simple notepad or Excel spreadsheet can solve that easily. You can obviously include disclaimers such as maximum discount amounts, etc - always "some exclusions may apply" - but it might be an inexpensive way to grab an extra customer or two. We all know the best advertisement is word of mouth.

[WhyteWizard]

I personally don't discount. I try very hard to give good value for money which as far as I'm concerned doesn't leave room for discounting.

Robert