Post your Detailing Business Goals for 2008

mirrorfinishman · 12-02-07, 06:13

When it comes to operating a detailing business, sometimes we would just like to continue to do things the way we have always done them. It is easy to understand, almost always fun and the way we know best. Hey, doing things the way we have always done them got us this far. As our detailing businesses continue to grow we need to take time to set realistic goals and find ways of measuring whether or not we are meeting those goals.

Since we are all at different levels in this industry, we will all have different goals. Think about it; some are new to detailing, some weekend driveway detailers, some own detail shops, some do mobile detailing, some do only wholesale dealership work, some do only re-conditioning type detailing, some do car dealer washing and prep, some do recreational vehicles, some do boats, some do power washing of tractor and trailers, some do express detailing, some do extreme detailing, some offer equipment, some offer products, some offer services and information about detailing. Yes, we are all at different levels in this industry and we all come from different backgrounds. So of course, our goals will be different.

What are your detailing business goals for 2008?

Jakerooni · 12-02-07, 09:14

Yet another great post there Frank.

My 08' goals I think are pretty basic. I want 3 full time detailers out in the shop (I have 1 full time and 1 on call detailer right now) getting cars out with 100% customer satisfaction. I've placed well thought out ads in the AT&T phone book and the Yellow Pages (best advertising outside of the word of mouth you can get) to get the name out there As well as the internet. I've created my own business site to reflect the business in service prices and visual aids. I'm seriously looking to expand into another city that is loaded with car lots but no detail shops about 20 miles away from my current location. My goal would be by fall to be in a position to make the expansion.

And of course to keep close eyes on the local compitition to make sure I'm always staying at least two steps ahead of them in terms of service's offered and quality. ( I tend to call most of them about once a month pretending to be a customer to see what their prices are on oddball situations that I come up with)

brwill2005 · 12-02-07, 09:21

Continue to develop efficiencies in my operation and processes. In addition, continue with direct mail marketing, and increase revenue by at least $10,000.

Mr. Vic · 12-02-07, 10:58

learn how to use a rotary.
get better with time efficiency.
earn at least what i am paying for this years tuition.

SShine · 12-02-07, 11:32

I just relocated so my goal is to have a successful 1st year up here :-)

zoomzoom mazda5 · 12-02-07, 11:35

To do learn more about Detailing top cars and to get a rotary for sure!

Phantmsquad · 12-02-07, 12:40

Goals for 2008 - whew ! With just starting your business in a new area - what isn't a goal? I would have to say just about everything! Getting and keeping customers, more advertising, customer service, and trying to one-up the competition. I pretty much have my hands full. Bring on the New Year !!

Gumball · 12-02-07, 06:57

Febuary one will be my one year mark! Its amazing how quickly time flies when your having this much fun.

For 2008 I plan to add an additional detailer so I will have a crew of three, myself included. I am also in the middle of making some of my opening purchases for accessories, car audio and electronics. We are going to be finished with my showroom by mid January 08 and will be ready to load it with product. This will allow us to be capable of detailing, accessories, Mild body and paint (IE, Body kits, wings, and pieces, no complete paintjobs).

I want to be able to offer my customers anything they could want for their cars and more. My biggest influence is Will Castro and his business model with Unique Autosport in New York. I think he has created an amazing business and is doing very well with it. I want my business to resemble his but go even further, eventually having a cafe and bar as well as a day spa (for the ladies)

It will take time to build but the later things I mention are on my list for the next two to three years. I am in a building that is a bit over 10,000 sq. ft. and two levels of which I am currently renting 3000 sq. ft. of on the bottom floor. Once I can arrange for the balance of the square footage, I will move forward with my plans.

WHEW! I know, that was a mouthfull!

...........................................................C

todd@bsaw · 12-02-07, 08:19

Chris, those are great goals. I, too, admire Will Castro and I think that is the way to go with any detail business today by offering many related services in one location. Though, I think the bar & cafe (day spa) idea is excellent.

As another detailer on the move, my goal is to just stabilize a business and clientelle.

MotorCity · 12-02-07, 08:38

Great post... Dove tails perfectly into what I am/will be doing during the slow/down time.

baseballlover1 · 12-02-07, 09:17

Personal goals:
1. Decrease the time i detail a car without sacrificing any quality
2. Become a master of the rotary
3. buy Zymol Vintage
4. become an all around better detailer
5. Perfect Wetsanding
6. learn how to apply clear bras maybe

Business goals:
1. Buy a property im looking at and break ground in building my detailing building and car storage facilities.
2. Be able to rent out a car to customers in need, or be able to contract someone else like the bigger companies.
3.

ajbarnes · 12-03-07, 03:39

Besides the obvious goals of getting more business, improving my image, etc., next year I will be changing my operation around to operate from March - November. This way I will not have to worry about trying to get business during the winter months. By making this change, obviously I'm going to have to make a substantial income during those months. Office parks, boats, trucks, and commercial customer's can definitely make that happen.