Craigslist Marketing

jdoria · 01-04-08, 06:03

A recent post fueled the idea to investigate the potential of Craigslist and the Auto Detailing community. I live 25 miles North of NYC, certainly not an under-populated nor under-financed area. I searched for AUTO DETAILING first. here were the results.

This one I know, he is a retired cop in Mt.Sinai, NY. Nice guy, I spoke with him last year.
mobile auto body and detailing service

Dont miss this one...
Armor All 9 Piece Ultimate Detailing Car or Truck Care Kit - Sealed

A classic for sure...
Heavy Duty Auto Buffer/Polisher

Total BS, a failure in the making. A semi-successful car wash in NYC sells for a minimum of $1,000,000 with out the property.
GREAT FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY. WON'T LAST!!!

Here is an example of why the above post is a scam. Suffolk County is 50 miles from NYC. I still cant imagine why someone would sell a cash cow that generates 410k of positive income per year? Bad partners?
High Exposure Car Wash- Great Location!

Thoughts?
I dont think Craigslist is much of a marketing tool for strictly auto detailers in the NY/NJ area. Maybe its seasonal in the northeast, maybe a completely un-tapped outlet. Maybe I give people too much credit?

jdoria · 01-04-08, 06:10

oops, here is one that I missed, and its a good one.

Reply to: ineedmycarclean@assholesonline.com
Date: 2007-12-29, 6:36PM EST

I have been dubbed the winter detailer. Its still warm enough to have the car polished and waxed. I can guarantee no swirl marks or machine marks after my service is complete. Even after the polish and wax washes off there will be no swirl or machine marks if I Wheel your car out. Ive had several responses to my ads with satisfied results! The rain and morning dew just slides off when you drive. You'll notice the vehicles stays cleaner longer. I also offer once a week or twice a week washings during the winter months. As long as the temperature is 32degrees or above I can clean your vehicle. I can get most scrathes out of clearcoat except for heavy key marks and scratches, Yet I can make them look less keyed.

I havent heard the expression "wheel your car out" in 20 years. My most favorite marketing tactic of the above business is the comment about the polish and wax washing off.

Where is Envious Detail? See why you need to proof read your ads? Just by my reading of this ad, I have formed an opinion and made a decision about this guy. Even if he was selling the $85.00 detail, do I want to give someone that presents himself in this way the opportunity to earn money? No way.

Showroom Shine · 01-04-08, 07:38

Craig's List is a free service. They will list anything for 45 days. You can't beat FREE!

jdoria · 01-04-08, 07:49

Its free, but does it do anything for this particuar service in your area?

If you have consistant luck, post. If it was a bust, post.
Thats the goal of this post.

Stephenwz968 · 01-04-08, 08:45

I've posted my services several times on craigslist in the NY and Philly areas....never got any responses from the ads.

Steve

az57chevy · 01-06-08, 09:19

Gotta love a guy that sells the Armor All Kit after it was on sale for 75% off after Christmas. I picked it up for $6.24 and he sells it above the retail price of $25!!!!!

toyotaguy · 01-06-08, 10:50

i have posted probably 5 times now in the past year...received 5 phone calls, netted myself about 1200 from it.

another one is myspace...that is free as well. I have profits of about 1000 from myspace off a few cars.

slicknickis3 · 01-07-08, 11:28

Craigslist is full of bargain shoppers and some of the cheapest people you'll meet. Not the best place for a detailer to advertise.

P1et · 01-09-08, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by slicknickis3

Craigslist is full of bargain shoppers and some of the cheapest people you'll meet. Not the best place for a detailer to advertise.

Amen, but I'm addicted to it. Just sold my TV on there today, it sold in less than 5 minutes for full asking price. Perfect!

slicknickis3 · 01-10-08, 10:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

Amen, but I'm addicted to it. Just sold my TV on there today, it sold in less than 5 minutes for full asking price. Perfect!

I don't disagree with you there, if you're an average person cleaning out your house etc., Craigslist is the way to go. You can't beat free! But for someone selling their professional services, I'd look elsewhere!

WSUcommuter · 01-15-08, 06:51

I had all kinds of off the wall offers from Craigslist when I sold a car last year. Finally I had to put in bold letters disclaimers such as:

"No trades. I do not accept payments. I can not finance it for you. No low-ball offers. I will not drive the car to you for a test drive."

When I did sell the car I asked the buyer how he came into contact with me and the car. He said he saw where I had the car parked outside in front of my residence and was impressed with how clean and well maintained it appeared.