Customer drop off

[Kdubski]

How do you guys convince the customers to drop off their cars at your houses for you stationary detailers? A lot of people seem sketched out when they find out I operate from my house and some even cancel their details That was my biggest problem working summer and fall of 2010, now for the upcoming season I would like to advertise accordingly and maybe a little more professionally as I may not come off as a pro since I`m only 18 but help me out guys!!

[MDerleth]

• No shop means no rent. You have low overhead and more money to spend on training, education and better supplies to give them a better job.
  
• If you have insurance, mention it. Makes you look less fly-by-nite, just like a contractor license/bond for their added peace of mind.
  
• Offer some more local references they can check out.
  
• You`re showing them where you live. If you screw up, they know exactly where to find you, unlike some here-today-gone-tomorrow storefront.

One or more of those ideas might help. Or just keep building a clientele of regulars who focus on the work, not the work-site.

[Poorboy]

First I would probably become mobile, having customer`s cars on your property leaves you (or your parents) liable for peoples cars on the property.
Make sure you get insurance where ever you are working. If you work from home you might need permits, you might piss off neighbors with the flow of cars and noise (been there done that) and then they call the town, since your house is probably not zoned for a business. If you are mobile with insurance, most people will not bother you where ever you are for that day`s work.

Mike`s suggestions are good too. Get a list of previous customers who you can use as references. Being mobile is also a good way to keep overhead low

[Concours.John]

• No shop means no rent. You have low overhead and more money to spend on training, education and better supplies to give them a better job.
  
• If you have insurance, mention it. Makes you look less fly-by-nite, just like a contractor license/bond for their added peace of mind.
  
• Offer some more local references they can check out.
  
• You`re showing them where you live. If you screw up, they know exactly where to find you, unlike some here-today-gone-tomorrow storefront.

One or more of those ideas might help. Or just keep building a clientele of regulars who focus on the work, not the work-site.

I agree. Having been in a shop and now on my own any cars I can`t do on site I do at home. Those new clients are a little sceptical at first even knowing what I work on.

The only other thing I would add is make sure your workplace is clean and organized and well lit. No matter where you are this shows how professional you are.

It can be a great opportunity to narrow down your process and follow your inventory without the worry of overhead. You`ll know your true costs of each type of detail and the best way to get them done in the meantime.

[Tex Star Detail]

In MY opinion, it`s all about how you present yourself and your business. Your house would probably be a factor as well. If you lived in the hood with cars on blocks, I wouldn`t even stop at a house.

I have clients drop their cars off and leave them with me for a week while they are out of town. Bikes and Boats are also frequent at my home. When I get too busy, and it gets dark now about 5:15, I try to book one overnight to fit it in.

I have had insurance work done at my home as well. When the adjusters show up, I have my business info posted, as well as labor and storage charges on the wall for them to see.

Be careful though if working out of your house. It takes one bad neighbor to complain. I detail all my neighbors` vehicles.

[Kdubski]

Haha my neighborhood is the hood but it isn`t THAT hood. Also, everyone around here pretty much minds their own business, it`s a blue collar city so they barely have time to look at what everyone is doing. I have a nice shop setup at home where I did most of my detailing and mobility is a big factor at the moment because I recently got my license suspended. I think since I live in a city with commercial properties scattered I can get away with it. Also, what kind of insurance would I need if I`m working solo?

[Tex Star Detail]

General Liability and/or garage keepers

With no drivers license though...........

[Kdubski]

License will be back in July, prime season so hopefully by then I can have a trailer or something going. But I think I`ll try to get away without insurance for 2-3 months.

[mrclean81]

License will be back in July, prime season so hopefully by then I can have a trailer or something going. But I think I`ll try to get away without insurance for 2-3 months.

I said that once... I had my shop (at that time) broken into and lost a Dewalt rotary, an ozone machine, my extractor, a $4000 vapor steamer that wasnt even paid off yet, and some random things around the shop like the sterio. Thank God there were no cars in there at the time. Accidents DO happen when working as well. Insurance doesnt sound important but I would highly suggest at least looking into it.
Getting started in this business is tough. It takes years to build up a good reputation and client base. Dont get aggravated and give it up if its something your passionate about. Do all the research you can, educate yourself in every aspect of true detailing, and dont be afraid to ask questions. DC is full of knowlege

[Kdubski]

Thanks for the support, I`ve been doing it for about a year now on families, parents, as well as my own car so I feel as if I should step it up to the next level ;] The few towns over are pretty rich and doctors offices are all over the place. In my situation I think starting up and getting advertised is the hardest part, as with any business though. Every time I had a problem I just ran the search and found the answer. I`ll keep everyone informed on how things are going because as of right now you`re all very helpful. Also, I`ll probably be asking a bunch of questions haha thanks!

[C. Charles Hahn]

Well I was going to suggest that what I do is offer pick-up/drop-off service for clients at their homes and offices (most often it`s office buildings though) where I drive the car to my home/shop, do the job, and drive it back.

However seeing as how you have a suspended license, that`s not going to be an option for you and probably won`t be for quite some time even after you get your license back. There are a few people who ask to see a copy of my official driving record before they agree to the pick-up/drop-off, and in your case it would paint a picture of a fairly irresponsible driver. That will only lose you business, not gain it.

[Ronkh]

What town are you in?

[Beemerboy]

I`ve detailed from my home as weekend detailer for over 10 years in northern Cal and for more than 30 years total from my homes. I haven`t had any real issues with anyone coming to me or me picking up their cars (which I do quite a bit)

I really think it boils down to trust and reputation. My business has been built from word of mouth, and that`s probably the reason that most don`t care where the car is detailed at.

As suggested if the obstacle for you is the location then go mobile.

[shuddleston]

I think it depends on where you are. Around here we leave our doors unlocked and keys in the car. I detail cars at peoples house and they leave to run errands and leave the house unlocked, and I have never met them before. I have had a few dropped off at my house with no issue. However, I wouldn`t want to get into a habit of it sometimes it just works out better though.

I`d say if they don`t want to drop off their car then go to them (just saw you had your license suspended so I see your problem). Going mobile is just a easy IMO than detailing at your own house. I literally pack my operation in the trunk of my Acura TL with no problem when I go out.