Oh, so you're a Detailer? You work for a dealership? - Page 2

yakky · 09-23-09, 01:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by todd@bsaw

I'm getting more and more jaded trying to sell detail services and getting my business to be more than the hobby it has recently turned into. I feel like I'm walking around the carnival trying to sell steaks to people that are only looking for the 99¢ popcorn cart, wondering why my steak is more than popcorn. If I open a steak house, people tell me they can cook it better themselves or just keep going to Ponderosa to buy their steak. I'm getting sick of eating all this leftover steak.

How funny would it be to have two separate business entities, one your premium, and another your quick detailer. Anyone that says you cost too much, you give them "the other guy's" card. Show up the next day, don't even wash the car, just go to town with a wool pad, vac'n'spray the interior. When they complain they don't like the $79 job, give them "the other guy's" card.

gofastman · 09-23-09, 01:32

My God, people in Wisconsin are stupid!

MuttGrunt · 09-23-09, 01:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakky

How funny would it be to have two separate business entities, one your premium, and another your quick detailer. Anyone that says you cost too much, you give them "the other guy's" card. Show up the next day, don't even wash the car, just go to town with a wool pad, vac'n'spray the interior. When they complain they don't like the $79 job, give them "the other guy's" card.

LMAO Epic Win if you do this...

i feel you guys though. Most of our customers totally understand they're getting what they pay for. To those that think "naw man, my buddy can 'wheel out' my car for $90 bones" - g/l to them. And they wonder how my OEM paint looks so great after 72k miles.

I just talked to a guy that works for a local "detailing shop" in which they regularly hose down cars with paint thinner - dude even told me I should try it as it works really well and makes the paint look great after.
I didn't know how to tell him about the dangers of that hitting trim, seals, plastic, etc.

todd@bsaw · 09-23-09, 01:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakky

How funny would it be to have two separate business entities, one your premium, and another your quick detailer. Anyone that says you cost too much, you give them "the other guy's" card. Show up the next day, don't even wash the car, just go to town with a wool pad, vac'n'spray the interior. When they complain they don't like the $79 job, give them "the other guy's" card.

You have me seriously thinking of a new marketing campaign...

Jakerooni · 09-23-09, 01:43

LOL it's bascially how I had mine set up. If people called for B&D detailing they were talking with the high volume in and out shop that I did my dealer accounts through. If they Called and asked for Bright Dynamics I knew they wanted some real detailing done. Sad thing is by the sounds of it I'm getting myself into a similar mess when I get down to SC next week. I have a guy that wants me to run his shop for him (he has 3 of them) But then I have my own clientel I will be dealing with as well. But being in a new area with nothing but my good looks and winning charm I need to play it safe at first and garuntee me a paycheck and then build back up the local reputation... Should be interesting to say the least.

RaskyR1 · 09-23-09, 02:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by gofastman

My God, people in Wisconsin are stupid!

I concur!

todd@bsaw · 09-23-09, 02:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaskyR1

I concur!

Hey now!

kaotikdt · 09-23-09, 02:31

I dont know about all of you, but man, that made me mad and i wasn't even there. Like David said, I would've thrown the wrench lol

longdx · 09-23-09, 02:49

I also work p/t for my father-in-law who is a licenced Locksmith. the majority of our work comes from import car dealerships (theft jobs, master keying new dealerships, etc) and I would point out to him that the "detailers" at these businesses use inexpensive, bulk products to achieve a quick turnaround. In a dealership, time is money and vehicle prep is based on how quickly the car washers can prepare the vehicle for the buyer. (I really do not fault the dealership on this practice) However, it starts sometimes an uphill battle to explain how a proper detail can transform a paintjob. Again, some people are fine with the swirl-o-matic at the corner and their detailers ( it's almost pointless to try to change their minds). For those who want to take it to the next level, I'll be there.

Scottwax · 09-23-09, 03:32

Quote:

The dealership doesn't use the best chemicals and equipment out there. They use what is the cheapest to get the work done in the fastest amount of time.

So true! The place I buy 3M Ultrafina from also sells to the local BMW/Cadillac dealer. The dealership has seen a demonstration of UF and agrees it works...but they don't want to spend the money. Ugh.

This is typical dealership detailing that I have fixed over the last few months...

Guess which side I polished?

This one got signed off on!

Sudz On The Run · 09-23-09, 03:44

Good talk and it is so true , the only thing i disagree on is not throwing the wrench. Should of belted him with it

Scottwax · 09-23-09, 03:52

If anyone is ripping people off, it is that guy because it is going to cost $500+ to fix the mess he makes of cars.