Lets talk Questions...

[XxBoostinxX]

And by that I mean, what questions do you make sure are asked to your consumer before your start polishing their car? Questions that could help you understand what the car has been through, or maybe what thy might want.

[MooreImpressive]

Generally, not many. We ask them to point out any specific spots they want fixed, like scratches and stains. If it`s an old car of course we ask if they know what type of paint it has on it. We ask if they want the engine cleaned, some specifically do or don`t. Sometimes might ask if they are OK with the AIO that we typically use or if they would like a separate polish then wax, or even some correction work.

[RaysWay]

I`ve always asked what kind of scent they like in the interior. New car smell, leather, no fragrance, etc.

Also, how they like their tires to look. Glossy, semi glossy, or clean and dark.

[Robert DiTerlizzi]

I`ll always ask if they have any allergies or sicknesses due to cleaners or dressings used, any problem areas to be addressed and if they want tire dressing or not

[XxBoostinxX]

I`ll always ask if they have any allergies or sicknesses due to cleaners or dressings used, any problem areas to be addressed and if they want tire dressing or not

Allergies? I have not thought about that. Anyone ever say yes?

[MooreImpressive]

Some people specifically ask for no air freshener for allergic reasons. We even have customers bring their own cleaner occasionally because it`s allergy free. We also ask about people`s schedule to make sure we not only get the vehicle returned in time, but also so that we know how much time we have to work on it, when to pick up next vehicle, etc. Most people don`t know how long detailing takes.

[Justins00ss]

Usually if the car has had any paint work is a big one.

[The Driver]

Usually if the car has had any paint work is a big one.

I always clock it in front of them, this way they know as well as me... sometimes people have no clue. It`s part of my job as a pro to alert them regardless. This way I can tell if anything has happened or in many cases could happen (Too thin to be polished or heavy cut).

[MooreImpressive]

pros (anyone) should always follow Rule #1: educating the client is a big part of our job, especially upon 1st meeting.

[XxBoostinxX]

I always clock it in front of them, this way they know as well as me... sometimes people have no clue. It`s part of my job as a pro to alert them regardless. This way I can tell if anything has happened or in many cases could happen (Too thin to be polished or heavy cut).

You mean "clock it in" as in checking the paint thickness in front of them? That is a pretty good idea. Helps educate the customer as well as make you look more professional.

My first PTG finally gets here tomorrow. Might have to get you to give me the rundown on how it works.

[allenk4]

How long are you planning on keeping the vehicle? If keeping it for a long time they are usually willing to spend more.

How often are you waxing the vehicle? If they say "Never" up sell them on a coating.

While walking around the car with them, "What made you decide to have the vehicle Detailed?". Helps you focus in on their priorities

How shiny do you want the tires?

How will the car be maintained after I Detail it? Allows you to possibly sell a maintenance wash package if you do them.

What at is your Budget?

Would you mind if I post photos of your beautiful vehicle on my website?

After you blow their socks off, ask if you take a picture of them with the car, "Would you be willing to post the picture on your FaceBook? It would really help build my Family Owned Business"

[RDKC]

How long are you planning on keeping the vehicle? If keeping it for a long time they are usually willing to spend more.

What at is your Budget?

I don`t do this professionally, so I am speaking from a general consumer viewpoint here...

If I was going to someone for a service on my vehicle and they asked how long I`m planning on keeping it, I probably would not be using their services. Either that or it would spawn into a "Why do you need to know that?" Which would probably still wind up with me leaving.

I personally hate that question and have told many salesmen/women that too. My budget is not your concern, don`t sell to my budget, sell to me. My budget is my own private matter. It doesn`t matter if I want to spend $200 if my car needs $500 in work. I want to know that even if I can`t get it done that time, maybe I`ll come back another time for more. Selling to a budget is just making the consumer a dollar sign to me.

Anyway, my rant is over and, again, that`s just my two cents.

[The Driver]

I don`t do this professionally, so I am speaking from a general consumer viewpoint here...

If I was going to someone for a service on my vehicle and they asked how long I`m planning on keeping it, I probably would not be using their services. Either that or it would spawn into a "Why do you need to know that?" Which would probably still wind up with me leaving.

I personally hate that question and have told many salesmen/women that too. My budget is not your concern, don`t sell to my budget, sell to me. My budget is my own private matter. It doesn`t matter if I want to spend $200 if my car needs $500 in work. I want to know that even if I can`t get it done that time, maybe I`ll come back another time for more. Selling to a budget is just making the consumer a dollar sign to me.

Anyway, my rant is over and, again, that`s just my two cents.

That depends on the client and how well you can judge. There are clients who come an just want it cleaned up for a lease turn in. I don`t care to know how much they are willing to spend but my job is to give them the option that suits them best. I know a dealership will see $$$$$$ the second they see a scratch on a lease turn it, thus spending more for a bit better work will save them A TON of money. Dealerships are out to make money and probably charge 5x what I charge for a scratch removal. See it as looking out for a client not trying to take their money. I have enough work as it is, some of us are just trying to help save people save some money... if it`s a win win even better.

[The Driver]

You mean "clock it in" as in checking the paint thickness in front of them? That is a pretty good idea. Helps educate the customer as well as make you look more professional.

My first PTG finally gets here tomorrow. Might have to get you to give me the rundown on how it works.

Anytime man, just shoot me a pm. I`ll be happy to walk you through my full process.