have you ever asked people

toyotaguy · 02-19-07, 05:54

...their idea of a full detail?

I just posted on a couple message boards and the answers I am getting are not what I expected...

mainly people think that its a wash, wax, (full interior shampoo, all plastics/leather dressed), wheels and tires cleaned and tires dressed

NO ONE, except one person, mentioned anything about clay, and NO ONE mentioned any polishing....

I also talked to a manager at my work, and he was shocked at the 250 price for an expedition...wash, clay, two polish steps, two wax, full interior...he told his wife and she said no and he told her "but its three coats of wax and it will come out looking better than new."

Needless to say i knew they know nothing about detailing and what it really involves.

Next step, how to explain to these people the different aspects of detailing and what they do in a short two minute explanation...seems like most people think they know all about it and wont let me finish my explanation to them without cutting in and interrupting...

Grimm · 02-19-07, 07:12

When dealing with women just use a weight analogy. Tell them your full detail is like going to the gym and working out to lose weight and look great. It involves a lot of work. Where the typical $100 detail is the cheap way out. Instead of working out, you just go buy new closes that fit better and give the "slimming" affect.

whitejavaS500 · 02-19-07, 07:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimm

When dealing with women just use a weight analogy. Tell them your full detail is like going to the gym and working out to lose weight and look great. It involves a lot of work. Where the typical $100 detail is the cheap way out. Instead of working out, you just go buy new closes that fit better and give the "slimming" affect.

Good idea, I might change the easy way out to a diet pill, it really doesnt work, its just trying to take the easy way out.

TexasTB · 02-19-07, 09:10

Never asked, but I know the people around here think it is a full interior, shampoo and such, and on the exterior, wash and a wax, tires dressed, etc. Nothing to do with claying, polishing, swirl and scratch removal etc...

It is sad. All the local fixed locations start full details at $65ish, but that includes what I just stated above. The additional services are shampooing, leather treatment, polishing, claying, etc......

When a possible customers askes a price for a full detail, I give them an estimate and their eyes get big. The next words out of their mouths are..." So and So down the road only charges $65" In which I reply, "Their" full detail IS only MY Wash and Wax package.
I then have to run down my services and explain everything. I usually land the job 75% of the time. More-so when I am face to face with the customer explaining my service.

THEN, you have the customers that are hesitant, but schedule an appointment anyways, only to cancel within an hour before the appointment, or just not be at the place they are suposed to be. It gets annoying. I ALWAYS get a sob story. They wwere GOING to call...blah blah blah..... I have heard it all..... One guy was a no show 3 times..... Next time he calls, I need the money up front, then he can schedule....... Sorry....I kinda took it a little off topic there....lol

toyotaguy · 02-20-07, 03:16

here are the two forums that I posted on...you dont have to be a member to look at them....

iB::Topic:

r detailing and its meaning

car detailing and what it means to you - CustomTacos.com Forum

read through the responses and tell me if you get the same thing from people you talk to

TexasTB · 02-20-07, 04:58

Mind if copy your idea and ask that on another forum I am on???

Here is what I gathered from the responses..
Most think a detail is waxing the exterior, no correction They get the inside down alright, spotless, but nobody mentioned alot about stain removal. Seems like everyone's detail is my wash and wax package...lol

toyotaguy · 02-20-07, 05:20

that is what I am saying...they all ask how much for a full detail quote and i give them my three packages that I offer, and mention that they can add on things (for and additional charge) and I am "too high!" I explain it will take a good 6+ hours to give them a close to new car again, but all they want to pay is 80 bucks...i tell them it will get a wash and wax for that price...lol, i am not working for 12 bucks an hour...

go ahead and copy and paste if you want

Coupe · 02-20-07, 05:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyotaguy

go ahead and copy and paste if you want

Im gonna do the same thing, i will post links to the 2 sites.

whitejavaS500 · 02-20-07, 06:11

Eric,

I was getting kinda pissed at that 00yota guy and had to say somthing. Sorry lol.

Coupe · 02-21-07, 05:07

car detailing and what it means to you - GrandAmGT.com Forum

Coupe · 02-21-07, 05:17

Grand Am Owners Club Forums - car detailing and what it means to you

RAG · 02-21-07, 06:35

Hey bud, you're right - very few people understand what is involved in a proper detail. In my area, claying is mandatory...and when you're claying this much rust off, subsequent polishing is mandatory too. On good conscious, I almost never let custumers get an exterior wax only (even though at $70) it's easy money, rather I emplor them to get a clay, polish, and wax at an absolute minimum; and even though I loose a lot of the cheaper-minded prospective customers, it obviously doesn't hurt me since I have enough work to keep me and a full-time employee booked well in advance (and I've only been in this area for a little less than a year and a half, so I think most customer appreciate the honesty and corresponding results).