Dealer call...

Clean Dean · 07-20-07, 08:17

Ever get one of these...

Small used car dealer calls me and asks, "I need a car detailed today or tomorrow, and I heard that your work is real top shelf." After explaining to the dealer that my schedule is booked solid for the next few days, he asks me if I have someone to send out to him.

After I informed him that I would not be able send out someone, or get to him until early next week, he asks me if I would be able to do work on short notice. Answer: Not likely.

Then tells me that if he needs a car detailed on short notice and the car is not ready on the date of the appointment, would I be able to get him in as soon as the car is available. Answer: Again not likely.

As he is asking me these questions, all I could think about is why would I make you a sudden priority over my loyal customers who have patronized my business, for a dealer who I never even detailed for in the past.

I did not even get to the point of discussing price, and my gut feeling is that I would be at war with him over why I charge so much. I informed the dealer that my service would most likely not work well for him, and he should search out a larger detail shop in the area (I'm mobile).

I admit I was bit perturbed by the dealers arrogance, and the fact that he felt that he should be a top priority even though I never did business with him before in the past.

Ever experience these calls ?

Thanks for letting me vent !!!

JoshVette · 07-20-07, 08:29

I've had one similar, and I'll tell you right now, they are looking for the quickest and cheapest shine on their cars and they won't even come close to paying what you would ask.

They don't understand quality work and how we cater more to the enthusiast who can afford us.

jp831 · 07-22-07, 06:31

Dean,

This sounds like the same guy who called me about a week and half ago. As much as I hate to turn down business I knew within 2 minutes of talking to him that I would not want to work with him. He wanted a car detailed, he first was outraged by a $150 estimate for a full interior/exterior/engine bay detail and then told me that taking 3-4 hours to do it was crazy and he wanted all of it done in under 2. I told him pretty much the same thing, that I have steady customers who understand and respect what we do and politely turned him down. I said there were a few other mobile detailers in the county and to try around, looks like he found you lol

PhaRO · 07-22-07, 08:02

I used to hate turning down business but after a while I found I was just trading one customer for another. Finally I just quit taking on any new business. Most people that ask are pretty understanding. They usually say "wow must be nice to be full all the time". A few though just can't seem to grasp the concept that I can't clean their car. If someone has a wide open schedule like M-F 7-4 except for lunch then I will try to work them in. Most though have crazy schedules and I can't be of assistance.

PROServices · 07-22-07, 08:49

It is a sound business practice to learn to evalute and manage your customer base. When i first started out i was givin the sound advice to "never enter a pricing war" decide what you are worth and dont let others dictate your standards. When i quote a price and I get the "the other guy charges half that much" I used to wince. now i smile and encourage them to go after the price. Responding confidently seems to get the message across that there is a difference in what they are getting at the two prices. Also, when dealing with wholesale accounts, It took three or four times of getting burned and losing out on good opportunities before i learned that its ok to fire a lousy customer. It doent pay to kill yourself for that one perpetually cranky customer who always wants more for less when there are plenty more out there who appreciate the value of your services.

Jakerooni · 07-23-07, 06:36

Man it's nice to see you guys sticking your guns on this. Might get the word out to the dealers that detailing isn't easy and deserves more reconigtion. I have a couple dealer accounts now. While not very picky on time (because they are just used car sales and the cars are basically turds they pick up at local auctions) they are picky about pricing. They want my best detail including full paint correction for $80 out the door. Which I oblige them Only for the fact that come winter here in Michigan it get's to be extreamly slim pickins for customer details and those idiot car lots keep me open for now. But it's beyond frusterating.

mirrorfinishman · 07-23-07, 06:58

It is basically the difference between wanting to do retail work and doing wholesale work. For me, I decided a long, long time ago it was going to be 100% retail clients only.

Personally, I am amused when a dealer calls me. I usually play along and let them think they have got me hooked. Then I simply quote them an extremely high price that leaves them thinking that maybe they should get into the detailing business instead of selling cars. It's fun and at the same time, I think it shows them a bit of confidence too. Something they probably did not expect to hear on the other end of the phone.