Who here is a Member of IDA

**DSPlati** · 03-22-2011, 11:35 PM

I was just curious to see if anyone here has heard or is part of the IDA (International Detailers Assosiation)? Is it worth it to join?

**C. Charles Hahn** · 03-23-2011, 12:50 AM

I`ve thought about it.... but I really don`t think it would be all that worthwhile.

I`d rather just get a SEMA membership.

**SeaJays** · 03-23-2011, 06:38 AM

I`ve never even heard of the IDA...I may look into it. But if it`s an out of pocket expense I may pass.

**Concours.John** · 03-23-2011, 08:29 AM

I`m not a member but the dues are as follows
$50. Detail business operator
$100 Distributor member
$250. Manufacturing/supplier
$500 Consultant member

They have a code of ethics, Professionalism, Customer, Compliance( having correct permits licenses, insurance), Contributing and participating in the association, Environmental compliance(reducing waste/water, hazardous chemicals, Clean Water Act abidance.

It may not be bad if starting out. If someone who is familiar with environmental issues is a potential customer. You could show them the Code of Ethics to show more professionalism.
I was asked by the city what I do on all of the above to get my Occupancy Permit.
Having gone through environmental training for my "educated" proffesion I try to do these things anyways.

Just a thought.

**DSPlati** · 03-23-2011, 06:18 PM

Never heard of SEMA, I will look into that. When I started out almost a year ago I was thinking of joining but couldnt afford to join at the time, all my money went out to equipment ha. Now that Im well off I figured I would ask about it and see if it is really worth it. I just cant see what it can really offer me besides the logo that I can put on my web page.
I do have one more question for y`all and wanted to see if you could give me an idea on your thoughts... How do you know its time to bring on help? Im busy through the day by myself but now I have no time to go out and Market anymore.

**Concours.John** · 03-23-2011, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by DSPlati

Never heard of SEMA, I will look into that. When I started out almost a year ago I was thinking of joining but couldnt afford to join at the time, all my money went out to equipment ha. Now that Im well off I figured I would ask about it and see if it is really worth it. I just cant see what it can really offer me besides the logo that I can put on my web page.
I do have one more question for y`all and wanted to see if you could give me an idea on your thoughts... How do you know its time to bring on help? Im busy through the day by myself but now I have no time to go out and Market anymore.

Bringing on help is tricky. If you have an established customer base they expect what you always give them. Finding someone to do it to your standards is the key to success. It will cost you though. You can bring someone in and have them do the basic tasks and give you time to do the more specialized work.

Not to be negative......

I have been involved with people who do cars for SEMA it didn`t bring in any business on the detail end, you need to be a full out restoration outfit, or supplier to make the expense worth the time. You also need customers willing to drop 200k on a car, minimum, to make an impression and know who you are already.
You could get a detail for the show but understand there are people known already in place by word of mouth in that circle.

I never will discount someones drive though if that`s what you want to do.
Go after it! I was just listing the challenges.

Hope that helps.

**DSPlati** · 03-23-2011, 10:32 PM

Thank you for your advice concours.john, your right, I have had clients tell me that when I hire help that they only want me to work on there vehicles, they dont want anyone else touching them. PLUS, I wouldnt want my helper to steal/tap in to my area cause Im the only Mobile Detailing service in my area and that is why I`ve been able to aquire the business I have today. Im going to check out this SEMA right now cause I have no clue what it is...

**mrclean81** · 03-23-2011, 11:32 PM

After dealing with 3 ends of the business (volume shop with employees, dealerships, and higher end mobile work) I can tell you that if you want it done right, do it yourself. Unless you can find a clone of you somewhere or find someone with honesty and an incredible work eithic, its not worth the risk or the legal bs that comes with hired help. Not only do you have to pay them, they have to be insured in case they get hurt on the job or damage a clients car, you have the nightmare of taxes and payroll deductions and keeping track of all that mess, unemployment during slow times, etc. If you have the amount of work that would justify bringing in help because you can`t get to them all, yes. I would say its better to get help than loose clients. Just make sure they are trained well and are mature enough to do the job right. Good luck

**DSPlati** · 03-24-2011, 12:10 AM

Very true Mr.Clean, I really dont feel like having to mess with all the leagal issues, extra insurance and workers comp. I think I may start to raise my prices up a tad though, I was kinda low to get my name and work out, now that everything is going good I figure I can start to raise little by little. But, only to my new clients for now.
How would you go about raising prices? my website is D&S Platinum Detailing - Quality Mobile Detailing look at my service menu and maintenence package and see where I can go from there.
Sorry about all these questions but I want to know I`m on the right track from people that have been in my shoes.

**mrclean81** · 03-24-2011, 01:07 AM

You have a really nice page and from the pics you do good work. Im having problems with my pc and registery errors at the monent (nothing related to your site lol) and cant load certain things..one of those being your prices. Ill check it out tomorrow on my phone but Im sure someone will chime in before then with some good input.

**Concours.John** · 03-24-2011, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by DSPlati

Very true Mr.Clean, I really dont feel like having to mess with all the leagal issues, extra insurance and workers comp. I think I may start to raise my prices up a tad though, I was kinda low to get my name and work out, now that everything is going good I figure I can start to raise little by little. But, only to my new clients for now.
How would you go about raising prices? my website is D&S Platinum Detailing - Quality Mobile Detailing look at my service menu and maintenence package and see where I can go from there.
Sorry about all these questions but I want to know I`m on the right track from people that have been in my shoes.

Your site is simple, easy to read and navigate even from my I-phone. Once I expand it. That`s good. One thing you might consider is having it smart phone compatible. That way if someone sees you out while it`s still in their head they can look you up. People use their phone for everything now.

On your prices they do seem low, at least for my market.
Maybe you can check around. Make sure your not charging less than the drive through wash on your packages. You don`t want to be too low because when you offer discounts your not making much. You don`t want to be too high either. This is always the hardest part.

You are offering a convenience with at your door service.
You take your clients seriously and the job you do.
You have established a name for yourself and are a legitimate business.
This does come at a cost. Don`t sell yourself short.

Do you have a SCORE adviser around you? If your unsure Google it you will at least get a number that can direct you to one. It`s free business counseling by retired and active business owners near you. Phone mentoring can also be set up. They are there to help you become as successfully as you want to be.
Best of luck.

**mrclean81** · 03-24-2011, 09:57 PM

Does anyone know if the IDA dues are a one time thing or an annual charge? If its a one time fee I would be interested in it. 100 bucks a year seems like alot for something that will most likely not make me a dime.

**doctordon** · 03-25-2011, 06:37 AM

Originally Posted by mrclean81

does anyone know if the ida dues are a one time thing or an annual charge?

Annual

**DSPlati** · 03-25-2011, 05:41 PM

Thank for your input John, I actually have quite a few SCORE advisors around my area. I will get in contact with with of them when I get some free time. I appriciate all your help.