The key to repeat business

[davekt]

I agree with Superior Fine 100%
Dave

[fergnation]

I offer a late night drop off. As long as they get it to me by 8PM, it will be stting there for them to pick up in the morning. I charge an extra fee and it makes for some long nites but it has done wonders for getting my business started. I called my company "My Personal Auto Detailer". Customers really feel like they have there own personal detailer. I will also pack up my stuff and come to them (not something I enjoy doing but I feel that every little bit extra I do helps. Two months into having this company I gave this gentleman my card and he asked me to come over and do one of his cars. Little did I know HE HAD 65 Cars!!! 45 of them parked in his two story garage. I now do them all. Also I offer 10% discount for multi-cars.

When starting out don't be afraid to go the extra mile. Once established then you can come up with your rules.

[integritydetail]

Treat people the way you'd like to be treated and know that the surest way to lower yourself to mediocrity is to perform only the work for which you are paid. Gimmicks never work long. Consistency and friendliness are the keys to repeat business.

[TaylorMade]

Originally Posted by ScubaStevo

The thing is with repeat customers:

-When you get their car spotless, many expect them to stay that way for the next 10 years, and when they start to looking bad again after a couple months, they get upset, and call you a cheat.
-What can you do when something like happens, as sometimes they like to open their mouths and start making false aqusations.

EDUCATE!!!!!!!!!! YOUR CUSTOMERS!!! It is our duty as PROFESSIONAL detailers, to explain to the consumer the process in which we plain to execute either for total paint decontamination or removal of seating to gain total access of interior. WE do a in-depth consultation with our customers and a print (out) of what was discuss, and what services are expected for the customer knowledge and our protection.

[ajnavo61490]

Originally Posted by fergnation

I offer a late night drop off. As long as they get it to me by 8PM, it will be stting there for them to pick up in the morning. I charge an extra fee and it makes for some long nites but it has done wonders for getting my business started. I called my company "My Personal Auto Detailer". Customers really feel like they have there own personal detailer. I will also pack up my stuff and come to them (not something I enjoy doing but I feel that every little bit extra I do helps. Two months into having this company I gave this gentleman my card and he asked me to come over and do one of his cars. Little did I know HE HAD 65 Cars!!! 45 of them parked in his two story garage. I now do them all. Also I offer 10% discount for multi-cars.

When starting out don't be afraid to go the extra mile. Once established then you can come up with your rules.

whoa! man, that guy himself will give you enough business to keep you busy!

---

man, i LOVE this thread! i got so much new info to get my business really up and going... im going to start a notebook of my clients,their car(s),when i detail them, and which detail package they choose.

another way to get repeated business is in this case. i have a client who has had me do 2 of his cars (his Durango and his wife's 528i). The day after i detailed his Durango he called me after school to tell me how great of a job i did and how he thought it was time to do a wash/wax job on his wife's 528i again in the near future. it has been a week and a half since then and no phone call yet. i am off of school all next week due to mardi gras and will have lots of free time on my hands. one of the reasons people get others to do their cars for them at their locations is because they are too busy with their work and family matters to remember to do little things like maintaining their cars. since he said he would like me to do his wife's car, i think it is appropriate when i have free to time to "remind" him. i give him a quick and informative call telling him that i remember him asking about a detail on his wife's car and that i can schedule him in this time and that time. he agrees, he is happy with the detail and that the job is done, you get paid

also, i was reading the thread and came along about putting ur business name on business cards, Pens, calendars, ect. and leaving them in your clients cupholder or somewhere they find it. I already do this with my clients; i leave a business card in the cupholder so it is easy for them to contact me again when they need my services. i was wondering where i could order some pens or little trash bags to hang on the steering column that has my name on them. i think this will be another good way of advertisement the next time they need a pen or to throw trash away, it reminds them.

just MY .02 cents

[ajnavo61490]

Originally Posted by VaSuperShine

I've been writing a pretty involved piece on how to sell the sizzle in this industry, many of the topics are no brainers to many of you most likely, but I think it might help some of you make more money, I'm no aspiring writer but I think it can help. I've spent hundreds of hours on it and it should help.

I will post one section at a time on this post as it's prepared and I hope someone can take anything from it and use it to their advantage.

THANKS! LOOKING FOWARD TO IT!!!

[Got_Leather]

I agree. Chances are for most customers, if they don't know about it, they wont ask about it. Most of the time I can tell if someone will want an extra service such as wheels sealed and etc. But you gotta put it out there to reap the benefits.

[White lexus 23]

very awesome and informative advise scott. And everyone elese thank you very much.

[ajnavo61490]

Love It!!! Need Moreeee

[mrfjsw294]

Wow, I just spent a fair amount of time reading this thread, lots of great info here!! Im just getting started so this has helped me a good bit.

[ajnavo61490]

Anyone Got Anything Else? Can Always Learn More!!! :d

[Missdetail]

Great info Scott, thanks for the post!!