Selling actual products at car shows?

PerfectFinish1 · 03-21-05, 09:40

Does anyone here set up booths at car shows to sell products? I was just considering doing this as it would probably be pretty profitable, and it would also draw a lot of attention to some freshly detailed cars in order to gain detailing business.

I'm not sure how hard it would be to buy direct from companies like Meguiars, but I do have connections to buy any Malco, 303, or other products at cost. I'm sure there would be a lot of customers on various car message boards as well (NOT autopia as I wouldn't want to start any trouble!)

boom-boom · 03-21-05, 03:42

I have been to show where the local detailers had cars and products in their booth on display and for sale. Be prepared to answer alot of questions.

Scottwax · 03-21-05, 09:29

I know Everett Glass of Clearkote tours car shows. Apparently he does very well because he has been doing it for years.

Bill D · 03-21-05, 09:41

I was at the Daytona show last Friday. In addition, it was a huge flea market. I saw a few "snake oil booths" but I also saw a Mother's booth a detail store had set up. There was a booth selling KanoLabs' Kroil (like WD-40 on steroids): first time I ever saw that sold in person. There was also a Heavy Metal Polish mini booth.

It looked like all were doing well and that was only the first day of the show.

PerfectFinish1 · 03-21-05, 09:56

Thanks for the posts! I know there would be a lot of questions... that shouldn't be any big deal. It'd only be making maybe $3-4 a product, but with the right crowd, and for just hanging out at a car show, that might not be bad. (Online sales would be even easier) Plus if it gets me even one detailing customer I guess it wouldn't be a waste.

BigLeegr · 03-21-05, 10:50

Just a point on online sales, you need to have some way to get the "customer to your store." And there are a lot of stores for them to choose from. I don't know how easy it would actually be.

Bill D · 03-22-05, 07:36

The Mother's booth had Mother's brochures ( although they were last year's) with the store's site in a box on the back. I don't know how many customers would pick up the brochure and/or see the site though.

jetskie · 03-22-05, 12:19

In LA there are lots of shows and sweap meets that have people selling waxes. They usually are obscure products that you won't see in the local PepBoys. Given that you are trying to sell professional stuff the main thing is selling the product. You need to have a car there and show them why 303 is better than armor all. Why Malco polish will remove scratches better than Mothers. Its about the salemanship. Yes you can actually do well. I know the Pomona Porsche/Corvette swapmeet cost about $50 to set up a booth and you can easily sell enough products to make $200 profit.

PerfectFinish1 · 03-22-05, 09:51

Cool, thanks for the info. I was thinking more along the lines of message board for sale sections... I've had 4 different brands of cars so far, so I'm kind of active on 10+ car related message boards... and am an ebay powerseller so can be trusted.