Fessing Up.

[8Banger]

Whenever you're finishing a customer's vehicle and you mess something up; lets say you burn through the clear on a side skirt while polishing, how do you tell your customer about what you did to their precious car? I've never done anything harmful to a customer's vehicle *yet* (lets hope i dont), but one day if the time does come I'd like to know how I should share this info with them.

Have you guys ever been in this situation, if so, how did you handle it? I'm sure it's different for those of you who do and those of you who don't have insurance.

[BigAl3]

Originally Posted by 8Banger

do you tell your customer about what you did to their precious car?

yes, and explain to them what happen. sometimes mistakes are going to happen to anyone, and honesty is the best policy...

[SpoiledMan]

I thought I had gone through on the bumper of a Miata once. I got the owner to look at it and he didn't care. Once the lighting was changed I could see that I hadn't gone through at all. He was happy to know that I hadn't but it still didn't seem to matter to him.

[Austin M detail]

YES, and if someone is offering Detailing Services, they should seriously think about getting insurance. It's not that expensive. I paid $731 ($100 of this was the agent fee), for a $1 million dollar policy. Does the average Mobile Detailing company need $1 million, NO, but if you go down to ANY Marina to do a Boat, you need $1 million!!

So...

If you mess up someones vehicle, you tell them, and assure them that you will have it fixed ASAP!!

JJH
ATX-M.D.

[baseballlover1]

I CANT IMAGINE burning through! I would be SOOOOO scared. I have butterflys in my somache even thinking about it!

You said you pay 731... is this monthly?

My fathers old insurance agent has just become a tenant of my fathers building and im hoping maybe he would give me a good deal!

[8Banger]

my question wasn't weather to tell them or not, but how to tell them, and i was also wondering if any of you guys have dealt with this before. thanks

[Austin M detail]

Originally Posted by baseballlover1

You said you pay 731... is this monthly?

This is for the whole year! for a $1 million policy w/ $250 deductibles

[baseballlover1]

Originally Posted by Austin M detail

This is for the whole year! for a $1 million policy w/ $250 deductibles

SWEEET!!!!! I will Def be getting it come next month! Would it be more if you were fixed?

[SpoiledMan]

Originally Posted by Austin M detail

This is for the whole year! for a $1 million policy w/ $250 deductibles

What company?

[baseballlover1]

Originally Posted by Austin M detail

This is for the whole year! for a $1 million policy w/ $250 deductibles

And is this uncommon?

[Austin M detail]

Originally Posted by 8Banger

my question wasn't weather to tell them or not, but how to tell them

This has never happened to me personally. But, if it did, I would be very honest with the Customer as soon as it happened, I wouldn't finish the job and then tell them. Reason: If he/she asks you when it happened and you tell him/her that it happened 2 hours ago, they may get upset, and not want to pay you because you didn't tell them when it happened.

You would be surprised to see / know how many customers respect the idea of being in the loop of things (I know from experience).

Ultimately, they have some trust in you already because they're allowing you to use a machine on their vehicle. You must have convinced with your knowledge of Detailing, this is where trust comes into play.

Just be honest with them when it happens, and again, assure them that you will have it fixed asap.

Now, keep in mind, depending on the extent of the damage, you may not get paid for your work. But, this does depend on the customer, and how bad the damage is....

JJH
ATX-M.D.

[Austin M detail]

Originally Posted by SpoiledMan

What company?

Safeco

JJH
ATX-M.D.