Ethicly questionable? Or pure genius?

[thomasfl]

I agree that saying you are coming to see the car is deceptive. I see no problem in calling and explaining your services, think of it this way you are helping this person get more money for the car. We all know a detailed car sells for a few more bucks than a non-detailed car. The ad in autotrader is brilliant, the people who are reading that are either selling their car or just bought a car. No need to complain if an ad gives you too much work, why not get an assistant (young, eager, low money) so you can finish faster which means handling more volume. Another thing if you are getting too much work raise your prices and weed out some of the work and make more money. Having a portfolio of beautiful cars and good references seems like the key to getting high end clients.

[Iconoclast]

I'd say give it a try. You would be no worse than a telemarketer. If you can live with possibly being associated with those types, then go for it. It will probably net you some business.

Some will surely sign on, some may have a rule like me. "I never buy something from someone who asks me if I want to buy something" If that makes any sense.

[StyleTEG]

Personally sounds like a win win situation to me, as long as you are honest about your intentions. I wouldn't pretend to go out and look at it interested, then say

"Hey, I don't want to buy your car but do you want to buy my services?"

I wouldn't be offended if someone asked to detail a car I was selling for half price, because they wanted to put that specific car on there "history" so to speak. You get more customers, and get to detail some sweet cars and get referals, and they get a good detail job to help sell the car with out having to pay full price.