Effects of the economy on detaling

[Dr. Jones]

I'm curious as to what the pro's thoughts are on this. I am not a pro so i can only speculate. Right now the economy is in a low point... but that doesn't mean everything is sucky. There are some businesses that proffit from a low economy. Anyone that sells inferior goods (goods that you buy less of as your income increases) does better when the economy is in a slump. I bet you that the the people who make Hamburger aren't hurting right now as the people who make Steak (probalby the same company but you get the point).

Here's my thoughts. Detailing is something that people with more money like to do. It's something extra and not a necessity. Therefore people are less likely to spend money detailing their car when the economy is bad.

Or...

Detailing takes your car and keeps it looking it's best, which is far less expensive than having to buy a new one. Therefore detailing demand goes up in a slump.

Those are obviously contradictory thoughts (nothing in the real world can be modeled simply). I have a feeling that the first is greater than the second, and people aren't seeing as much business right now. But i'm not positive. That's why i'm asking the pros. If detailing does good in a bad economy it might be worth investing in for people. A small detailing job to help you in the lows, while your main job pulls in the income during the highs.

[Scottwax]

Detailing is pretty much recession proof. Either people are buying new cars and wanting them detailed or keeping their old cars longer and having them detailed.

I was up in 2002 over 2001 and this January was the best January I've ever had.

[ShineShop]

Originally posted by Scottwax
Detailing is pretty much recession proof. Either people are buying new cars and wanting them detailed or keeping their old cars longer and having them detailed.

I was up in 2002 over 2001 and this January was the best January I've ever had.

Agreed. This has been my best winter ever and the weather here has been the worst since I opened in 1993!

[Jimmy Buffit]

I'm so pleased to read/hear your responses! I'll do my first detail Thursday (well, 1st in the Shop). Ready or not, I'll do a three year old minivan/grocerygetter...

The plumbing, painting is done. Now I'm assembling various tables, workbenches, etc. Moving in supplies and mor equipment tomorrow....

Pics and details to follow within the week...

Jim

[Clinton]

I agree with Scottwax and Shineshop. Alot of my business come from contracts I have with dealers. When they are selling a pre-owned vehicle they want it to looks it's best so they can justify the price they are asking and customers feel that a nice clean car will run better. With the economy being slow alot of dealers are selling more used vehicles, so that means more business for me.

............Clint.