Non-believers...

lecchilo · 11-06-09, 01:53

How do you guys deal with those clients who simply don't understand the worth of a detail and think it's outrageous when you want to charge $300+ for something they can get for $100-150 at 'another detail shop'?

In my 3 years I've been more than lucky to never come across those who price shop much or those who simply compare me the corner wash places and ask for a detail, but recently had a talk with a friend of a friend and he simply thinks I'm crazy for charging so much.

Just to clarify.. I am not at all intimidated or doubting my skill, prices and services, rather wanted to simply satisfy my curiosity and see how the rest of you react to this.. do you try explaining again or showing the difference, or...?

bert31 · 11-06-09, 01:56

I would give a quick comparison of what you do versus the other guys. If that doesn't work, don't waste your time explaining anymore. Just put your foot down and say "My price is xxx.xx. If you want to go with the other guys OK. If you are unhappy with their service I hope you will consider coming back to me."

yakky · 11-06-09, 01:57

How about offering to polish a 1x1 square for them.

lecchilo · 11-06-09, 02:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by bert31

I would give a quick comparison of what you do versus the other guys. If that doesn't work, don't waste your time explaining anymore. Just put your foot down and say "My price is xxx.xx. If you want to go with the other guys OK. If you are unhappy with their service I hope you will consider coming back to me."

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakky

How about offering to polish a 1x1 square for them.

I guess you guys misunderstood me... I do a test spot always so the person can actually see it takes me like 5 mins to polish a quarter of the hood and also to see what difference it makes... I was asking more in terms of what do you do with the client who simply refuses to believe in quality detailing.. do you simply let it go and let him screw up the car elsewhere or try and explain/show it to him again (and again, and again..)

I personally have no issues with these type of clients and once the test spot is done 99% of them understand and schedule the detail... I was simply wondering what the rest are doing, and if someone does try to educate the non-believer further, how do you do it?

Leadfootluke · 11-06-09, 02:35

Have them get their car detailed by that cheaper person. Then do a 1x1 spot and show them what they missed

David Fermani · 11-06-09, 02:55

Many times the best thing to do when faced with a price minded shopper is to stay firm on your ballpark price range after you've confidently trained them on what you're able to offer in terms of steps/processes/packages/choices. Don't ever talk down on your competition, but describe how your services are the best. One of the most important things to do is to obtain their contact info (phone/e-mail) and make sure you stay in touch with them. Follow up with them the next day by e-mail(send them a link to some of your work) and then a few days after by phone asking if they've made any decisions on moving forward with detailing their vehicle. Many people like doing business with someone who's resiliant and follows through to ask for their business by earning it 1st. Hope this makes sence.....

toyotaguy · 11-06-09, 04:45

"I cant speak for what the other guy can or cannot do, only what I am capable of"

Jakerooni · 11-06-09, 06:03

You can't... Simply put. If they are set in their ways then there's really nothing at all you can tell them or show them that will make them think what you are doing at the price your doing it is a value to them.

Jean-Claude · 11-06-09, 06:07

You get what you pay for.

Got_Leather · 11-06-09, 06:19

The way David put it is good. Be professional and check in with them.

the_invisible · 11-07-09, 12:10

Not everybody appreciates a true, swirl free paint job. To the average person, a couple of swirls on the paint job is not that big of a deal. We should respect other's expectations from a vehicle paint surface.

not everybody feels compelled to have a meticulous lawn and garden, not everybody cares about a couple of swirls as long as the car is clean and scratch free.

Imagine how you would feel if some gardener preaches to you about lawn care and tries to put you down by telling you how bad of a condition your lawn actually is?

Just as not everybody needs an award winning lawn, not everybody needs a show quality automotive finish.

toyotaguy · 11-07-09, 01:52

^^^^^^^ thats why there is a one step, then a full paint correction from me...nothing in between anymore...