The key to repeat business

[mirrorfinishman]

15 - Always plan to keep in touch with your customers.

For example, sending out reminder post cards will not only help your customers remember that it is time to maintain and protect the appearacnce of their vehicles, it will also help to provide you with a steady schedule of detailing appointments too. It is a good idea to schedule your mailings at least 4 times a year, usually with the change of each season. And it is always better to divide your mailings into groups, so that you do not have everyone responding at the same time. This will help to even out your scheduling.

Mailing out a newsletter is another good way of keeping in touch with your customers. A good newsletter also helps to create a professional image for your business.

You could also start a tradition of sending holiday greeting cards to each customer serviced during the past year. That is always a good way to keep in touch and at the same time, let your customers know that you sincerely appreciate their business.

Whatever you do, it is always a good idea to keep in touch with your customers.

[Scottwax]

In addition to what Frank said, e-mailing a picture of their vehicle or giving them an actual photograph is a neat way to give them a visual reminder of why your services are so important.

[Casebrius]

Originally posted by kompressornsc




*And if anyone wants, I can do a post about getting the most for your money when buying promotional products-from an insider's view

Did you ever do this post, just curious - thanks

[kompressornsc]

Here you go!

[Porschephile924]

Wow. these are some GREAT tips. Good to know this stuff as I just officially opened my business today. Thanks guys!

[mirrorfinishman]

16 - Always display your true passion for detailing.

Let your customers see that you take a great deal of pride in your work. Being in the detailing business is not just about making money. Sure, it's important to earn a profit and stay in business, but it's equally important to take the time necessary to always provide outstanding results. And those results should be a reflection of your true passion for detailing.

[mirrorfinishman]

Originally Posted by mirrorfinishman

14 - Always be completely honest with your customers.

Be truthful. And above all, give your customers every reason why they should put their trust in you when it comes to taking care of detailing their car.

Just thought I would share the following true story.

The other day while I was detailing a customer's car I found a money envelope under the passenger seat. The envelope was folded up and looked like it had been under there for a long time. Inside the envelope were 3 twenty dollar bills. Well, needless to say I stuck the envelope in my pocket and continued to finish the job.

When I was done with the car I told my customer that 'today is your lucky day' and handed her the envelope. I explained how I always look under the seats just to make sure that everything has been cleaned and vacuumed and that's when I found the envelope.

To me, the look on her face was worth a million dollars. Of course, she thanked me, however, after that, she was basically speechless.

[Scottwax]

Frank-this picture might interest you. Found a bundled stack of 20s in a Bentley.

[mirrorfinishman]

Scott - That picture reminds me of the time I discovered a few hundred dollars worth of twenties folded and rubber banded together in a drivers door storage area. That time I asked my customer if there was a special reason why he would keep that much money out in the open in such an unsafe place. He replied that he had been collecting money for a raffle he was in charge of and figured that the door of his truck was as good a place as any to keep the money.

[BigAl3]

Originally Posted by Scottwax

5. Try to top yourself with every detail. Always try to improve.

i couldn't agree more. thanks for sharing your thoughful tips, scott!

[hood rich]

let the final product speak for itself... if you use high quality products and you produce good work you don't need to BS your clients.

[Super]

The secret for repeat buz is more then one factor. Outflow = inflow more you put out more you get in. Personal hygiene to how you confront people, personal ethic’s plays a vary important roll, my Dad has been in buz for over 50 years as a Mechanic, he’s got a vary high ethic’s level pays he’s bill to the penny does honest work. When you have a vary high ethic’s level and you do good work and the more you put out the more “power level” you have, like a lion, bold, strong and clear. But one of the most important factors is knowledge; knowledge is power, and it plays a vary important roll in work ethic’s.

Many of years ago I was falling trees for a living I was 32 years old and my buddy on the next strip next to me a 65 year old man a second generation timber faller. At noon I had 7 thousand BF down working like a dog, I came over to him on the next strip over I was just a huffing & buffing. The 65 year old man was smoking a cig and he had 14 BF down, for every 20 steps I took he took 5.

What is Knowledge? Knowledge is how to apply, having knowledge and clearly understanding how to apply it is having less confusion. Having knowledge beats better then running round with your head cut off like a chicken. The best way to gain knowledge of a field is though schooling and believes me doing it the hard knots way is not all that good. Going to Detailing seminars, Car shows, even this BBS plays a vary important roll. I haven’t been Detailing that long not as long as some Detailers here but I have been in buz for 18 years in Landscape Maint. And some day I hope Detailing will become a full time job, having two occupations just adds to my confusion. Sry for blabbing so long