Can I Get a Salesman....Anybody?!?

[max080]

I know I`m probably not alone in this so I thought I`d throw it out there. I`ve long desired to do detailing on the side.....well because I just like doing it, and the thought of getting paid for doing something I like has a nice ring to it. I`ve done a few details here and there for friends, family, and co workers and know that there is more business where that came from but there is one major problem.....I`m a terrible salesman. I have had a few folks come up to me and say hey come look at my car, how much would you charge. I just don`t handle being put on the spot too well and always feel like the price I give will result in the "Are you crazy" look, because most people don`t appreciate how labor intensive "Detailing" actually is. I was driving down the road and saw a sign "Detailing starting at $25," which started a heated rant in the car to my girlfriend....nevermind that`s another topic for another day. Anyway, this is the main reason I think I have such a hard time giving what I feel is a fair price. I don`t want anyone to think I`m cheating them, so I`d rather not do it so I don`t have to deal with it. So.......does anyone have this problem?!? If so, how have you addressed it? I`m sure having the natural ability to sell yourself and your service is a great feeling, but what about us that weren`t born with that gift?

[Poorboy]

you have to charge what you feel your time and talent are worth ..also taking into account your demographics and competitors to some degree.
If you can`t make what you want then it`s just not worth doing it at all

[Jngrbrdman]

This article might have some tips that will help. Really it just comes down to knowing what you are talking about and being able to tie it to a need your customers have. I have a lot of success this time of year talking about what happens to their cars in the summer and winter and how now is a good time to restore and protect.

I`ve done a bit of research around my area and $40/hr is a fair price for the speed that I go. The way I came to that number is by the average price for the service. To get a full detail on a sedan done around here could run you $160 at any detail shop that is more than just a car wash. A full detail on a sedan will take me between 3 and 4 hours, so that means I`m making about $40/hr. So if I am looking at a job and I know how long it takes me to wash, clay, polish, wax, and do the interior and all the final detail, then it is easy to quote a price that I know is competitive. The trick is accuracy. It sucks to assume the job will take you four hours and then seven hours later you are driving away from the job.

[Troy@Protekt]

Seeing the dirt cheap ads for detailing used to bug me and I would think to myself, "Those guys are ruining the market!". Now it doesn`t bother me at all.

I like analogies so here is one I use to explain to people who want to know why my prices are what they are.

The restaurant industry is the best comparison I can make to help people see my value. Tunnel car washes are like fast food restaurants. Your car will get clean just like a ff restaurant will fill your stomach. The consequences of a tunnel car wash are poor quality, harsh ingredients/chemicals causing damage either right away or over time. The consequences of a fast food joint are pretty much the same. Anytime detailers price themselves cheap they are trying to be a "fast food restaurant".

Do they have their place? Yes. Are they the best for the health of you car? Certainly not.

I don`t try to be a ff restaurant anymore. To most of my customers I try to be an Outback or Chilis. Good food with friendly service at a reasonable price. That`s my target customer although I can be a five star restaurant for those who want the best work possible but that`s not my bread and butter.

[tmacsad]

The restaurant industry is the best comparison I can make to help people see my value. Tunnel car washes are like fast food restaurants. Your car will get clean just like a ff restaurant will fill your stomach. The consequences of a tunnel car wash are poor quality, harsh ingredients/chemicals causing damage either right away or over time. The consequences of a fast food joint are pretty much the same. Anytime detailers price themselves cheap they are trying to be a "fast food restaurant"

I like that analogy Troy.

[Smokin' Mark]

you have to charge what you feel your time and talent are worth ..also taking into account your demographics and competitors to some degree.

This is 100% true. If you let others define your worth then that`s all you`ll ever be worth. Look at Detail Magic in the UK. Is he really that good, or does he just believe he is?