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What % of people get their cars detailed?
I`m having a difficult time trying to convince some of the people close to me that I can make money detailing. They know I have great business skills and do great work, but they don`t see anyone paying $125+ "to have their car cleaned". Some of these people get the wash at the local places for $15 and think that`s ok and some even just settle for the $5 gas station wash. How can I convince these people that others do pay to get their cars detailed. And what percent of people do you think get their cars detailed?
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Detail your vehicle and tell them to take theirs to a local carwash and compare in the direct sunlight. If you are doing things correctly, that result should speak for itself.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxima Lover
I`m having a difficult time trying to convince some of the people close to me that I can make money detailing. They know I have great business skills and do great work, but they don`t see anyone paying $125+ "to have their car cleaned". Some of these people get the wash at the local places for $15 and think that`s ok and some even just settle for the $5 gas station wash. How can I convince these people that others do pay to get their cars detailed. And what percent of people do you think get their cars detailed?
Unfortunately a very small percentage. In today`s disposable world, cars are traded in regularly, clearcoats even with minimal maintenence look pretty good for many years with swirl-o-matic care and then half the country is leasing cars and could care less since they will be giving it back in 2-3 years. There is a market and sometimes it`s hard to find it, but with diligence and hard work you can succeed :)
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
I know how you feel. A lot of folks just feel that driving through the automated washes suit there needs and its really a personal choice but I would not spend time trying to convince people that detailing is a valuble service either they take pride in their cars are they don`t. use time on folks who understand the value that detaling brings and market to these folks I think you will be much more satisfied in the end.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
I would say about 1% of people care about how there car "really looks." But of course there is no way of measuring that. I have cleints that just notice every little detail that I perform and I love that. I know that they appreciate every little step and they really enjoy the perfection of a detail.
NOt many people know about swirls but those that do really love it and really are happy to have you do there car, and if you find them, they are the best customers to have. I think that if you can convice someone that is ok with the quicky wash to get a full detail done, they will really appreciate the way there car looks.
Greg
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Its funny when people see me detailing my car and they make the coment "oh when your done with your car I can bring mine over next" well I told a lady last week "I tell you what I will do for you how many cars do you have she said 2 a honda and a land rover I told her I would detail her 2 cars for $300 including a engine detail " well her eyes got as big as the moon and said " oh I wouldn`t pay that much to WASH MY CARS! the point is some people don`t know what we do or how much work is involved but everyone wants a perfect car but they don`t want to pay for it ....
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
This is a good thread, and I am glad it was brought up. It is giving me some ideas for marketing. Now if I can only get them from my head onto some paper.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
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Originally Posted by Maxima Lover
How can I convince these people that others do pay to get their cars detailed. And what percent of people do you think get their cars detailed?
You might not want to show my post to anyone you are trying to convince that people having their cars detailed.
First, I have been around a looong time and know a lot of people.
I don`t know of one person that ever paid to have their personal car detailed.
In fact, the only professional detailing I personally had experience with was the company I worked for and then it was only just prior to selling the vehicle.
I have friends in the used car business and one does his own clean-up which I don`t consider detailing. Another has it done by whoever he can get the cheapest price from. Not the cheapest price for a good job, just the cheapest price, period.
While I love taking care of my own vehicles, it does seem like a tough way to make a good living.
Evidently several have been able to do it, though.
Sorry I couldn`t be more encouraging, but I think it would be a good idea to try it on a part-time basis before I quit a full time job with benefits. Talk to someone in the business about the associated costs that are often overlooked. Even if you are mobil, when you take all your expenses into account, your health insurance, your business insurance, your self employment tax, book-keeping fees, vehicle depreciation, equipment repair/replacement, the extra cost is probably about $25,000 a year. It may sound like a lot, but list it all out and see what you come up with.
Charles
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by CharlesW
You might not want to show my post to anyone you are trying to convince that people having their cars detailed.
First, I have been around a looong time and know a lot of people.
I don`t know of one person that ever paid to have their personal car detailed.
In fact, the only professional detailing I personally had experience with was the company I worked for and then it was only just prior to selling the vehicle.
I have friends in the used car business and one does his own clean-up which I don`t consider detailing. Another has it done by whoever he can get the cheapest price from. Not the cheapest price for a good job, just the cheapest price, period.
While I love taking care of my own vehicles, it does seem like a tough way to make a good living.
Evidently several have been able to do it, though.
Sorry I couldn`t be more encouraging, but I think it would be a good idea to try it on a part-time basis before I quit a full time job with benefits. Talk to someone in the business about the associated costs that are often overlooked. Even if you are mobil, when you take all your expenses into account, your health insurance, your business insurance, your self employment tax, book-keeping fees, vehicle depreciation, equipment repair/replacement, the extra cost is probably about $25,000 a year. It may sound like a lot, but list it all out and see what you come up with.
Charles
Wow, this thread is making me sad :(. I`m about to be 19, and in college, so it isn`t like I`m going to starve if this doesn`t work out. I have been making pretty good money painting houses the last few summers, so if I`m not going to be able to turn a large enough profit, I`ll probably go back to that instead of detailing. I have most of the stuff I need to get it going though. I`ve picked up about $500 in some other stuff I needed that can still be returned if I back out.
What I still need to get/buy:
-Water tank
-Business insurance
-$200 in chemicals
-Business License ($75 now, and another $150 June 1st)
-Register fictitious business name (not very much)
-About $150 in other misc. stuff
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
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Originally Posted by harry444
Its funny when people see me detailing my car and they make the coment "oh when your done with your car I can bring mine over next" well I told a lady last week "I tell you what I will do for you how many cars do you have she said 2 a honda and a land rover I told her I would detail her 2 cars for $300 including a engine detail " well her eyes got as big as the moon and said " oh I wouldn`t pay that much to WASH MY CARS! the point is some people don`t know what we do or how much work is involved but everyone wants a perfect car but they don`t want to pay for it ....
HAHA, I`ve heard that line before from neighbors. I don`t even bother with them or tell them a price because they`ll probably just laugh and think I`m kidding.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
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Originally Posted by GregCavi
NOt many people know about swirls but those that do really love it and really are happy to have you do there car, and if you find them, they are the best customers to have. I think that if you can convice someone that is ok with the quicky wash to get a full detail done, they will really appreciate the way there car looks.
I know what you mean. I changed a few family members` minds about detailing after I did their cars for birthdays and such. They couldn`t believe the change, but most still couldn`t see paying triple digits even if it did make there car look incredible. These are people with a decent amount of money too.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Hey Maxima, like Charles, I`m a bit of a doubter. But you`ve started well. Unless you have big $$$ and lots of contacts, build a p/t practice. You don`t have to prove anything to anyone, it`s your time and money. By the time you graduate, you`ll know whether you can launch f/t, stay p/t, or sell your customer list for a few dollars and kiss the sky.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
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Originally Posted by Maxima Lover
Wow, this thread is making me sad :(.
Yeah, after I read it, I thought it was pretty negative, but while I`m a hopeless optimist, I`m still a realist.
You may very well be quite successful, but like many other business, "It ain`t alway easy". Part of the rewards can be doing something you enjoy and being your own boss. (Kinda your own boss. Customers sometimes don`t let that happen.:))
If you can build a customer base on a part time basis, you will have a much better idea of what to expect if you go full time.
It isn`t at all based on fact, but I`d bet more mobil detailers are in the $20,000 to $30,000 range annually than in the $50,000+ range. A lot depends on what you want.
"Money isn`t everything", is a phrase most often used by those that have money. While it doesn`t buy happiness, it sure makes the bad times easier to get through.
Charles
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
This is an interesting thread,How many of us look at cars in parking lots or while stopped at the light just to eye them up and realize your looking at this car and telling yourself how you can make it look better.Thats the answer other then a wash i see very few cars that are detailed. people want a clean car and if their cars happens to have a nice shine then this is all they want.If i was to do this part time i would target highend cars because that is who has the cash to throw at a detail think about it the average person gripes about putting gas in their car and their gonna pay $150.00 to $300.00 for a detail. if im wrong please tell me.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Hey folks,
Thought I would weigh in here with a few thoughts. First in answer to your question Maxima Lover, I don`t know the percentage of people who detail their cars, but it is a very low percentage. You can look at this negatively or you can look at it like there is a big untapped market out there. Educating your (potential) customers is the key. The automobile is usualy our second biggest purchase after a house. So it makes sense to spend some money keeping it looking it`s best. One of the things you have to do is sell the benefits of detailing vs the features. We all like cars so it`s easy to talk about waxes, paint protection, dressings and so forth. What matters to the avg (potential) customer is the benefits of regular detailing, such as:
protection from the elements, acid rain, etc.
clean appearence inside and out (women customers more than men appreciate a clean interior
better resell or lease return value
You can come up with more if you think about it. Another way to educate your (potential) customers is to buy a 30x magnifier from a jewelry or detail suplier. Show them the difference between your car which is detailed (clayed, polished, etc.) and their car which has only been thru a carwash. Everyone should get one of these they are not too expensive. A small picture album of your work will also go along way in demonstrating the difference in your work vs a carwash and vacuum. Be sure to include before as well as after pictures. Anyone can show pictures of a nice clean car, it`s the dramatic difference that sells the service.
Second you need to market to the right people. There are plenty of threads about this but the main thing is you have to target your efforts to people who have A.) disposable income and B.) are busy and protective of there limited free time. These are usually highly paid professionals who work long hours and therefore do not want to spend their free time taking care of their cars, they want to enjoy it doing other things.
Third you need to have a range of services so that you offer more than just a $100-200 detail. Most recommed 3-5 service offerings. The lowest being a wash and vacuum and the highest being an ultimate detail with all the trimmings. As you expand you need to add on specialty services. These potentionally have the greatest profit margins. I`m talking about things like:
paint touchup
scratch removal
odor elimination
stain removal
carpet dyeing
windshield repair
Most detailing isa "want to have" service. If you can offer stain or odor removal etc., you will have a "need to have" service. That`s a lot easier to sell for obvious reasons.
Hope this helps,
Frank
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
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Originally Posted by Poorboy
Unfortunately a very small percentage. In today`s disposable world, cars are traded in regularly, clearcoats even with minimal maintenence look pretty good for many years with swirl-o-matic care and then half the country is leasing cars and could care less since they will be giving it back in 2-3 years. There is a market and sometimes it`s hard to find it, but with diligence and hard work you can succeed :)
I would have to agree with that 100%
Richard
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxima Lover
How can I convince these people that others do pay to get their cars detailed. And what percent of people do you think get their cars detailed?
Unless the people you`re trying to convince are the source of capital for your busniess, I wouldn`t spend as much time trying to convince them that people will spend the money as I would seeking out the people who actually do spend the money.
In the area I live, it is mostly middle-class, but there is a community across the bay that is definately upper-class, and now that the weather is warming up and the days are getting longer, I`m starting to get a lot more calls, and most of the ones interested in a full detail are from this part of town. They own expensive cars and want to keep them looking that way.
Like any business venture, you need to target to your intended customer base. LIke it`s already been posted here, that base is small, but the`ve got the money and they`re not afraid to spend it. Another thing I`ve been doing that seems like it is starting to work, is to offer a little bit of a lower price of a simple interior/exterior cleaning. Do a good job on those, and you`ll have an easier time convincing them to move up to the next level, especially if they`re a repeat customer. Sometimes if I have someone who seems like he`s on the fence, I`ll do a little extra cleaning or shining up to show them the potential their vehicle has. It`s starting to work.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by CharlesW
If you can build a customer base on a part time basis, you will have a much better idea of what to expect if you go full time.
It isn`t at all based on fact, but I`d bet more mobil detailers are in the $20,000 to $30,000 range annually than in the $50,000+ range. A lot depends on what you want.
"Money isn`t everything", is a phrase most often used by those that have money. While it doesn`t buy happiness, it sure makes the bad times easier to get through.
Charles
Well the thing is, I want to go full time for the summer since I currently don`t have a job and because of my school schedule when it starts back in the fall, I`ll have 5 days free to do it as well. Then comes winter though. I`m sure I`ll get a lot of wash and vacs, but not detailing. I`m not sure about most of you, but just washing a car in near freezing weather isn`t too much fun.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
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Originally Posted by WindSwords
You can come up with more if you think about it. Another way to educate your (potential) customers is to buy a 30x magnifier from a jewelry or detail suplier. Show them the difference between your car which is detailed (clayed, polished, etc.) and their car which has only been thru a carwash. Everyone should get one of these they are not too expensive. A small picture album of your work will also go along way in demonstrating the difference in your work vs a carwash and vacuum. Be sure to include before as well as after pictures. Anyone can show pictures of a nice clean car, it`s the dramatic difference that sells the service.
I have thought about this, but I`m afraid if I show people with a magnifier they`re going to say or think, "If I have to look through a 30X magnifier to see the problems with my car, it`s not going to matter." You know what I mean?
Quote:
Originally Posted by WindSwords
Second you need to market to the right people. There are plenty of threads about this but the main thing is you have to target your efforts to people who have A.) disposable income and B.) are busy and protective of there limited free time. These are usually highly paid professionals who work long hours and therefore do not want to spend their free time taking care of their cars, they want to enjoy it doing other things.
I actually have some contacts that will allow me to get some high end customers, but I`m still afraid (because of pervious experience with people that have money) that just because they have lots of spending cash that they won`t drop it to have their car detailed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by WindSword
Third you need to have a range of services so that you offer more than just a $100-200 detail. Most recommed 3-5 service offerings. The lowest being a wash and vacuum and the highest being an ultimate detail with all the trimmings.
I was planning on doing that, but once again, I`m worried it will turn into just regular washes, which won`t make me much money by time I figure up gas and equipment and truck wear and tear.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
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Originally Posted by Phideaux
Unless the people you`re trying to convince are the source of capital for your busniess, I wouldn`t spend as much time trying to convince them that people will spend the money as I would seeking out the people who actually do spend the money.
In the area I live, it is mostly middle-class, but there is a community across the bay that is definately upper-class, and now that the weather is warming up and the days are getting longer, I`m starting to get a lot more calls, and most of the ones interested in a full detail are from this part of town. They own expensive cars and want to keep them looking that way.
Like any business venture, you need to target to your intended customer base. LIke it`s already been posted here, that base is small, but the`ve got the money and they`re not afraid to spend it. Another thing I`ve been doing that seems like it is starting to work, is to offer a little bit of a lower price of a simple interior/exterior cleaning. Do a good job on those, and you`ll have an easier time convincing them to move up to the next level, especially if they`re a repeat customer. Sometimes if I have someone who seems like he`s on the fence, I`ll do a little extra cleaning or shining up to show them the potential their vehicle has. It`s starting to work.
Thankfully there isn`t much competition around here and only a couple that do mobile detailing that I could find and they are a decent distance away from here. That may be a bad thing though being others couldn`t make it...
Even with a wash n vac type of package, how can I compete with the local full service wash that does it for $15. Sure mine is a hand wash, but once again, to most people clean means, having no visible dirt on the car.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
THIS IS a good thread..........and definately realistic
fact most people defi a a clean car buy washing the outside and vacuuming the interior......and to be honest its not worth my time and energy to do that.
i do alot of business out of my house and drag my stuff outside practically takes the same amount of time to do a wash and vac..JUST NOT WORTH IT and i tell people that, there are tons of places around here that do a wash and vac for 20 bucks
however most people can be talked into a full 100 plus dollar detail like once or twice a year you have to justify the price NOT EVERY WEEK OR ONCE A MONTH (though that would be sweet)
its like buying a car ; imagine what life would be like if automobile companies invested no time and money into advertising and product reasearch.....just pictures no words or descriptions just PRICE car A and car B both cars look good however why is one car $10,000 dollars and why is the other car $70,000, why on earth would spend 70,000 on a car when i can get one for 10g.......thats how people view car detailing........you gotta sell yourself
and your quality job
i have never met a person that would not spend about 100 bucks for car detail.......SELL SELL SELL
iam a sure everyone on here does A++++ WORK........so you have to SELL A PLUS WORK.....if you are not good at sales DONT EXPECT TO MAKE ANY MONEY DETAILING......just work at a car dealership detailing cars getting ten bucks an hour, or whatever
50% is your quality job..........50% is selling the job
YOU HAVE TO SELL YOURSELF LIKE A WHORE.......
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxima Lover
Even with a wash n vac type of package, how can I compete with the local full service wash that does it for $15. Sure mine is a hand wash, but once again, to most people clean means, having no visible dirt on the car.
People should expect you to charge more and you have too b/c it wouldn`t be worth your time to do it for 15$, . Dont worry what their charging, charge enought that makes it worth while for you. I mean you are goin to their home or business right?....They don`t even have to move. You`ll find some people will love this convenience and will pay for it, as long as you do a good job. Bottom line is don`t cut yourself short trying to compete with a local car wash, b/c most likely your work is much better than thiers.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxima Lover
Thankfully there isn`t much competition around here and only a couple that do mobile detailing that I could find and they are a decent distance away from here. That may be a bad thing though being others couldn`t make it...
Not a bad thing, it looks like a great opportunity.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
most of the people who get there car detailed are economicly secure. I find that the majory, but now all detail jobs are on sports cars and high end cars. The people dont want to spend 150k + on a car to have it get wrecked. Also the people who can aford those cars can afford 200+ for a detail. I thik you will have to market to the people with money.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by BLACKWRX
THIS IS a good thread..........and definately realistic
fact most people defi a a clean car buy washing the outside and vacuuming the interior......and to be honest its not worth my time and energy to do that.
i do alot of business out of my house and drag my stuff outside practically takes the same amount of time to do a wash and vac..JUST NOT WORTH IT and i tell people that, there are tons of places around here that do a wash and vac for 20 bucks
however most people can be talked into a full 100 plus dollar detail like once or twice a year you have to justify the price NOT EVERY WEEK OR ONCE A MONTH (though that would be sweet)
its like buying a car ; imagine what life would be like if automobile companies invested no time and money into advertising and product reasearch.....just pictures no words or descriptions just PRICE car A and car B both cars look good however why is one car $10,000 dollars and why is the other car $70,000, why on earth would spend 70,000 on a car when i can get one for 10g.......thats how people view car detailing........you gotta sell yourself
and your quality job
i have never met a person that would not spend about 100 bucks for car detail.......SELL SELL SELL
iam a sure everyone on here does A++++ WORK........so you have to SELL A PLUS WORK.....if you are not good at sales DONT EXPECT TO MAKE ANY MONEY DETAILING......just work at a car dealership detailing cars getting ten bucks an hour, or whatever
50% is your quality job..........50% is selling the job
YOU HAVE TO SELL YOURSELF LIKE A WHORE.......
Well if I could get my detail price down to $100, I think more people would be willing to take the jump, but unfortunately I can`t. That $125+ price point is enough to put it above most people. I don`t want to drop the quality of my service just to get it down to $99 though.
Thankfully I can sell, and I love it. A huge part of selling is confidence. I think a lot of people that try to sell just don`t have it. I love when someone without confidence tries to sell me. I tear them apart until they give up.
BTW, good example using the price of cars. I might use that while selling certain people.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe`s Detail
People should expect you to charge more and you have too b/c it wouldn`t be worth your time to do it for 15$, . Dont worry what their charging, charge enought that makes it worth while for you. I mean you are goin to their home or business right?....They don`t even have to move. You`ll find some people will love this convenience and will pay for it, as long as you do a good job. Bottom line is don`t cut yourself short trying to compete with a local car wash, b/c most likely your work is much better than thiers.
True. On a nice day, the wait to get a wash and vac can be 25 minutes. For some people the extra money would be more than worth it if they could be doing something productive at work or home during that time.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Rich or poor, its always good to have money! - I love that quote.
There are 2 jobs in life, the job you love and the job you have.
Typicallly the job you love doesn`t pay the kind of money that one would want to live on, but there are non monetary rewards. (I, for one, am stressed out of my mind most of the day, that is not a benefit, it is a requirement of the lifestyle I lead.)
You need to figure out what makes you happy. I thought of opening a detail garage recently for a friend, I canned the idea only because I didn`t have the time to reinvent myself, the bills just keep coming.
every job/business has its share of problems.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jsatek
Rich or poor, its always good to have money! - I love that quote.
There are 2 jobs in life, the job you love and the job you have.
Typicallly the job you love doesn`t pay the kind of money that one would want to live on, but there are non monetary rewards. (I, for one, am stressed out of my mind most of the day, that is not a benefit, it is a requirement of the lifestyle I lead.)
You need to figure out what makes you happy. I thought of opening a detail garage recently for a friend, I canned the idea only because I didn`t have the time to reinvent myself, the bills just keep coming.
every job/business has its share of problems.
That`s a great point and something that I needed to hear. I could probably make more money doing what I was doing last summer, but I really disliked it. If I had a few more hours each day, I would detail for free. Since I won`t be able to have another job and detail at the same time, I want to make enough that makes it worth while.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxima Lover
That`s a great point and something that I needed to hear. I could probably make more money doing what I was doing last summer, but I really disliked it. If I had a few more hours each day, I would detail for free. Since I won`t be able to have another job and detail at the same time, I want to make enough that makes it worth while.
Here is an easy one to relate to:
When I was in high school ,1988,my father made me work in our autobody shop and paid me $100 per day. I loved doing the work, I got to work at 6:30am and left at 5pm. I was the man!
When I graduated college he made me the GM of our Cadillac/GMC Truck dealership. (no longer my job or business) I was getting paid $1000 per day + a portion of the profit + any car(s) I wanted to drive, I didnt really like the day to day job but the money justified the work. I had to pull myself out of bed on Saturday to go in and work.
I may have been happier painting cars and working in the bodyshop, it was a lot of fun. The job earned me instant gratification. A car would come in smashed and I would make it like new in a matter of days. Pride.
But now I am 35 and my body most likely would not have held up to that abuse forever. I didnt think about this type of stuff when I was 20. Without sounding arrogant, having the money makes some things in life easy, leaving you with less to worry about.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
The trade magazines that I receive info from are showing that more people are keeping their cars longer, and spending more time and money on aftermarket items to keep their car nice looking including car care items. Just my .02
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
if interest rates for loans and leases rise, you have a shot.
Watch that $399 per month BMW lease be a thing of the past. People may buy used and have to take care of their cars a little better if they want to make them last.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jsatek
if interest rates for loans and leases rise, you have a shot.
Watch that $399 per month BMW lease be a thing of the past. People may buy used and have to take care of their cars a little better if they want to make them last.
You mean people would start taking care of their cars??? :shock: HAHA That`ll be the day...
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
maybe the detailing industry needs to change. Maybe someone needs to come up with product that can cut detailing time, thus lowering price while increasing volume of sales.
like someone said, today`s cars dont need much babying and people jsut dont care.
gotta change with the times
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
JSATEK,
If you do not have any experience working in a dealership, but would want to what job would you recommend, sales, service advisor, financing dept, body shop etc....? Thanks.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Pad Man
The trade magazines that I receive info from are showing that more people are keeping their cars longer, and spending more time and money on aftermarket items to keep their car nice looking including car care items. Just my .02
I think that is one thing alot of detail business owners may overlook. It`s not just competition that you need to worry about, or people not wanting to spend such and so amount on detailing, you also have to worry about those who decide to do it their selves. Some people could think that simply washing ($5 for soap) their car and applying some Eagle One Wax as u Dry ($5 a bottle) that they`ve just detailed the outside of their car. Then they get some interior foam carpet cleaner ($4) and take care of the interior. Although the results are far from a real detail, the car may actually look somewhat better (in their eyes) and not to mention, they just spent $14 compared to $160 minimum (my starting price) to have someone else do it.
I totally agree that marketing to those with disposable money, busy, etc. is the route to take.
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by CalgaryDetail
most of the people who get there car detailed are economicly secure. I find that the majory, but now all detail jobs are on sports cars and high end cars. The people dont want to spend 150k + on a car to have it get wrecked. Also the people who can aford those cars can afford 200+ for a detail. I thik you will have to market to the people with money.
not sure this is 100% true some people with G35 get their cars detailed... i dont know if this is "high end" but i have also done RAV4s and their not exactly high end eather
sometimes it is worth spending the extra time with someone who doesn`t think their car needs to be detailed. Tell them how detailing is protecting their 30-300G investment. take out a xenon gun and show them what swirl marks are. I find that 20% of the people i talk to will give me a call back
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
the oprative word was most. I know there are people with lower end cars that get them detailed. And just becasue you have money dosen mean you spedn 200k on a car. I think a g35 is out of alot of people price ranege (maybe not in cakgary with the oil boom) but this people who can afford $40k+ cars can afford a detail (most, but not all, of those people are fincial secure or pretendto be) But a peron with a $5k car most likely dosent have the dispoable income to detail there car. You have to remember that detailing is very econmicly driven. It is based on disposable income and those with more money NORMALY have more dispoable income to spend on there cars. I have yet to find a person making 20 bucks and hr living by themselvs paying rent who had 200 bucks to spedn on a car. Your just used to a city that is flowwing with money (which is a really good thing for the small buisiness owner) but im not sure were everyone else is from or the economic situtation of that location.
Take eastern and western canada. In calgary the average house price is one of the highest in canada, meaning we have a booming ecnomy and lots of disposable income and a result. If you compare this to Newfound land you may be supprised. They are a have not provinve to the chances of having a lucrative market is smaller
p.s its fincial secure meaning they make enough to support and average life, im not talking about indepently wealthy thats a whole nother issue
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jsatek
Here is an easy one to relate to:
When I was in high school ,1988,my father made me work in our autobody shop and paid me $100 per day. I loved doing the work, I got to work at 6:30am and left at 5pm. I was the man!
When I graduated college he made me the GM of our Cadillac/GMC Truck dealership. (no longer my job or business) I was getting paid $1000 per day + a portion of the profit + any car(s) I wanted to drive, I didnt really like the day to day job but the money justified the work. I had to pull myself out of bed on Saturday to go in and work.
I may have been happier painting cars and working in the bodyshop, it was a lot of fun. The job earned me instant gratification. A car would come in smashed and I would make it like new in a matter of days. Pride.
But now I am 35 and my body most likely would not have held up to that abuse forever. I didnt think about this type of stuff when I was 20. Without sounding arrogant, having the money makes some things in life easy, leaving you with less to worry about.
You make some good point`s! Out of curiosity what was your major in College?
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by CalgaryDetail
the oprative word was most. I know there are people with lower end cars that get them detailed. And just becasue you have money dosen mean you spedn 200k on a car. I think a g35 is out of alot of people price ranege (maybe not in cakgary with the oil boom) but this people who can afford $40k+ cars can afford a detail (most, but not all, of those people are fincial secure or pretendto be) But a peron with a $5k car most likely dosent have the dispoable income to detail there car. You have to remember that detailing is very econmicly driven. It is based on disposable income and those with more money NORMALY have more dispoable income to spend on there cars. I have yet to find a person making 20 bucks and hr living by themselvs paying rent who had 200 bucks to spedn on a car. Your just used to a city that is flowwing with money (which is a really good thing for the small buisiness owner) but im not sure were everyone else is from or the economic situtation of that location.
Take eastern and western canada. In calgary the average house price is one of the highest in canada, meaning we have a booming ecnomy and lots of disposable income and a result. If you compare this to Newfound land you may be supprised. They are a have not provinve to the chances of having a lucrative market is smaller
p.s its fincial secure meaning they make enough to support and average life, im not talking about indepently wealthy thats a whole nother issue
You’re right people that don’t make a lot of money USUALLY don’t get their cars detailed, but people that you meet at car shows 95% of the time aren’t extremely affluent they just love cars and the way they look. Also Calgary is an easy place to find people that want their cars detailed, I am just 17 and I have detailed about 25 cars for money including a silver SL500. I don’t consider it a business because it’s more or less a hobby that gives me a little bit of extra spending money from time to time. When I was referring to educating the un-educated (in detailing) customer I was referring to people at car shows mostly because they usually don’t know that there is something wrong with their paint. Just tell the people about the 3P’s, as Mike Phillips calls them, Paint, Products & Procedures.
Moreover the on the first part of the post, I would say that there is a large group of "Financially Secure" people in Calgary. People with tons of money are everywhere. An example of this was when I when to the Calgary International Car Show and I saw a guy just bought a Rolls!! he literally wrote a check for over 300g and bought the car on the spot!!
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Re: What % of people get their cars detailed?
lol that`s Calgary for you 300g is alot but I know a few people who could afford cars like that. I totally agree it`s only a hobby at this point but I`m sure at least for myself that will change. I`m not disagreeing with you however Calgary is a very different market than most. Which is great for detailers but in other makets it`s not so easy so I would personally cater to the people with more money