A hard lesson learned...

[imported_ajbarnes]

Stephen-I make it a policy that I won`t touch a car for a new client without them being there. I don`t know them, they don`t know me and I`d rather we meet so I know their expecations and can explain to them what I can do with their vehicle.

I make the above point one of the most important aspects of providing service.



If the customer is a regular customer, then it should definitely be fine if they happen to not be home when you arrive to do service.

[Stephenwz968]

I actually have a check in sheet I usually use, and I attach that with the invoice, I didn`t do that this time around, and as they say hindsight is 20/20. I don`t use them with my regulars (which is who I`ve been dealing with the most since it`s winter), but I really should have this time around. Oh well, I`m glad I learned this lesson, and it will stay with me.



I was telling a friend of mine that I`ve gotten to be a very proficient detailer, but I`m still working on being a good businessman.



Steve

[Junebug]

It`s a shame that everybody can`t be true to their word, it`s becoming a CYA society and maybe you won`t get rich being that way, but you won`t go broke either.

[Austin M detail]

I have had this happen to as well, about 2 or 3 times and each time I tell mysslf, I need to do this or that with a job, but sometimes, you get in such a rush to do the job, you forget some of the little things that can really cost you in the end.



I`m currently working on a 3 vehicles for a couple that just moved to texas from chicago (I think), and the wife was is a Realtor there, but not here in Texas.



Anyhow, they wanted complete Details, inside/out a small Jeep, Subaru, and a 20 ft e350 ford box truck. Plus they wanted all of the business graphics removed from the truck, and they had a few graphices on the vehicles as well.....



I quoted them $550.00 for everything....



Well.....let me just say, I have bitten off more than I can chew on this one!



I had to hire a helper for the truck ($170 for 17 hours of work) and I still have the other vehicles to do....



I might break even in the end on this one!!



But.....this is another lesson learned!



JaY

ATX.MD

[imported_JoshVette]

THat`s why you should always ask what the clients "expectations" are before you ever think about touching there vehicles.



Sorry to hear about the situation.

[Envious Eric]

WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM THIS DETAIL:



answers I get:



for it to look shiny again

full scratch removal

remove the swirl marks

spotless interior

better than new condition

and my favorite: I dont know, I`ve never had a detail before!



with that last one, the results are always flawless to a 95% level. This way I can show them what a REAL detail is all about, and they will keep wanting to have their car DETAILED instead of just washed...