Pro--vs---Amature Detailers?

Beemerboy

Beemerboy

Just One More Coat
I give this some thoughts every so often, about the difference in those that do this for a living and guys like me that are weekend warriors...I would wonder if one compares with the other...meaning can a weekend detailer produce as good of results as the pro shop?

I have been at this for at least 30 years, I would have to say that my knowledge of paint correction and detailing in general would have to be as good as any pro detailer...It shows in my loyal customer base.

I ask this because I have had talks with some prospects about cleaning their cars, they ask where is your shop....well its in my garage...I do this as a part time biz...to some it really doesn't matter, other just take my card and say....I'll give you a call when I 'm ready...that's the same person that is letting one of the local hack shops destroy his paint, and turn back sub-quality work at the same price I charge.

Not that it bothers me...I just have to wonder if having a fixed location, or mobile with a splashy ad or two, just makes you seem more creditable that will produce better bottom line results.

Is that the presumption of the public?

Thanks
 
While it might not make any difference to your "loyal customer base", I definitely think it would influence a first time customer.

Charles
 
Beemerboy,

I have been detailing part-time for the past 8 years, and in my opinion the quality of ones work (professional & enthusiast) depends on only one thing.

PASSION FOR YOUR WORK.

If you are a detail shop or mobile operation that focuses on volume work with less concern for quality (most carwashes and bodyshops), the quality of your work will be obviously less than a detailer who take pride in each job. Look through your local detailing establishments advertisements. I already know what type of job is being delivered for the "complete detailing package" that charges about 40-50% of what I charge.

Not that these businesses aren't sucessful. There is a large segment of the population who could not tell the difference between the paint of a Concours d' Elegance winner and a 10 year old daily driver that just was just ran through a car wash. For these patrons there chief concern is price and they are less concerned with the quality of the work.

I routinely get calls from this segment of the population, and have to really bite my tongue hard when they call and immediately want to bargain down my price without even being familiar with the quality of my work or what the process entails. I often refer them to a local carwash that offers "detailing".

Unfortunately, if your not advertising or at least have a website that describes your services, people that are not familiar with your work may not have trust in your service. A good way to earn a new customers trust is to tell them the name of another customer who uses your service who you are both familiar with. Once your customers tells your prospective client about the quality of your work and their experience with you, the prospective client should feel comfortable in hiring you for the service.

Beemerboy,

My advice to you would be to get a simple website together that explains in detail your process, and demonstrates through vivid photographs your work. It does not have to be to fancy, but it will help the prospective client sit down at his/her leisure and decide if your services are right for them.

Sorry about the rambling response. Your post talks says a lot about the frustrations most professional and part-time professional detailers share.
 
Clean Dean said:
Beemerboy,

I have been detailing part-time for the past 8 years, and in my opinion the quality of ones work (professional & enthusiast) depends on only one thing.

PASSION FOR YOUR WORK.

If you are a detail shop or mobile operation that focuses on volume work with less concern for quality (most carwashes and bodyshops), the quality of your work will be obviously less than a detailer who take pride in each job. Look through your local detailing establishments advertisements. I already know what type of job is being delivered for the "complete detailing package" that charges about 40-50% of what I charge.

Not that these businesses aren't sucessful. There is a large segment of the population who could not tell the difference between the paint of a Concours d' Elegance winner and a 10 year old daily driver that just was just ran through a car wash. For these patrons there chief concern is price and they are less concerned with the quality of the work.

I routinely get calls from this segment of the population, and have to really bite my tongue hard when they call and immediately want to bargain down my price without even being familiar with the quality of my work or what the process entails. I often refer them to a local carwash that offers "detailing".

Unfortunately, if your not advertising or at least have a website that describes your services, people that are not familiar with your work may not have trust in your service. A good way to earn a new customers trust is to tell them the name of another customer who uses your service who you are both familiar with. Once your customers tells your prospective client about the quality of your work and their experience with you, the prospective client should feel comfortable in hiring you for the service.

Beemerboy,

My advice to you would be to get a simple website together that explains in detail your process, and demonstrates through vivid photographs your work. It does not have to be to fancy, but it will help the prospective client sit down at his/her leisure and decide if your services are right for them.

Sorry about the rambling response. Your post talks says a lot about the frustrations most professional and part-time professional detailers share.
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CD

Thanks for the info and I agree with you, we both share in the frustrations of the hack shop, tactics and prices....I do have a web site but I rarely use it, any web site can portray a great job online IMO...the proof is in the pudding, I think that we can both agree with that...I admire your work you have a real good customer base..


Charles....I agree most new prospects that I talk to with higher end cars the ones that I go after, are real particular....that's when I show them my BMW...I have won a lot of jobs because of that....but I agree that trust his huge in this weekend detail biz that I have...Once they hear that I work from my home, they thing car wash guy and expect some cheap price...I'm anything but that (cheap that is)
 
Beemerboy said:
Charles....I agree most new prospects that I talk to with higher end cars the ones that I go after, are real particular....that's when I show them my BMW...I have won a lot of jobs because of that....but I agree that trust his huge in this weekend detail biz that I have...Once they hear that I work from my home, they thing car wash guy and expect some cheap price...I'm anything but that (cheap that is)
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Once you get the chance to show what you can do, your work can sell itself.
Your customer's recommendations will be a big asset, but the new customer that knows nothing about you may be a little hesitant. The appearance of your personal vehicle can make a big impression.
Right or wrong, people do relate a nice place of business with good work. It indicates to them that you are in the business in a serious way. I think a professional looking mobil unit conveys that same appearance of not being a fly by night hack.

Charles
 
im a part time guy but i do the highest quality work around and i get PAID to do it .. when i had my red truck i would just show them the engine interior ect but its gone and i have a orange primered pro street car so i just give them a money back gauranty and i have no problems ,,im new in town in tulare and i havent advertised here yet ..ive been dealing with a back problem but i ordered 1000 new brouchures and when we get back from our honeymoon im gonna plaster this town with them ...:dnaughty:dnaughty
 
Beemerboy said:
I ask this because I have had talks with some prospects about cleaning their cars, they ask where is your shop....well its in my garage...I do this as a part time biz...to some it really doesn't matter, other just take my card and say....I'll give you a call when I 'm ready...that's the same person that is letting one of the local hack shops destroy his paint, and turn back sub-quality work at the same price I charge.

Not that it bothers me...I just have to wonder if having a fixed location, or mobile with a splashy ad or two, just makes you seem more creditable that will produce better bottom line results.

Is that the presumption of the public?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I wondered this myself, and have had similar problems and or lack of work because of it. I wonder if alot of people have a perception that if you don't have a shop how can you have the equipment. I have been teling people I come to you and do the car, that has helped, but not as much as a shop would.

Again I classify myself as a professional enthusiast. Who wishes I had a shop, probably just to be considered in the factor of choosing a detailer.
 
I think stubbornness makes a big difference.
The weekend gal/guy who chooses to spend 7-8 hours on a full detail will probably do better than the pro who does 5-6 full details a day in a big shop. But choosing the right processes for paint care (and to a lesser extent, stain removal), the pros will have the edge more than not.
 
PEI Detail said:
I think stubbornness makes a big difference.
The weekend gal/guy who chooses to spend 7-8 hours on a full detail will probably do better than the pro who does 5-6 full details a day in a big shop. But choosing the right processes for paint care (and to a lesser extent, stain removal), the pros will have the edge more than not.
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All things equal I would say that years of experience in detailing is what makes a good you good at this trade...understanding the process's and developing the techniques is the trick...that said if someone wants to compare my work against the local pro shop, where most of them employ people that come from local newspaper ad's ( I see them all the time in the newspaper here) You can't tell me that these guys have the level of product and skill knowledge that I have...trust me I'm not floating my here, just point out the obvious of what I see in quality of work.
 
Stephan said:
I wondered this myself, and have had similar problems and or lack of work because of it. I wonder if alot of people have a perception that if you don't have a shop how can you have the equipment. I have been teling people I come to you and do the car, that has helped, but not as much as a shop would.

Again I classify myself as a professional enthusiast. Who wishes I had a shop, probably just to be considered in the factor of choosing a detailer.
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Stephan

I am convinced that this is the reason in some cases with the weekend guy...I do a pickup and delivery so they really have to trust me:D....the years in sales that I have helps to clam the prospects with my approach. However they are still some that want to drive to the local shop, only because they think its going to be better work....its like saying the best meals are served in restaurants...totally not true
 
Beemerboy said:
Stephan

I am convinced that this is the reason in some cases with the weekend guy...I do a pickup and delivery so they really have to trust me:D....the years in sales that I have helps to clam the prospects with my approach. However they are still some that want to drive to the local shop, only because they think its going to be better work....its like saying the best meals are served in restaurants...totally not true
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Its very frustrating that I think I loose alot of work because of not having a building that is not at my home to work at. What I have done lately is I almost have to prove to some new customers that I can perform work above and beyond that of any local place. I actually look at their car, tape off a section, wash, clay, polish and then wax that area ...show them the results and by that time most of them are convinced. I have actual looked into renting a place just to get some additional work. Again this is not my primary income, but I really enjoy doing it and would like to be taken into consideration when someone wants to do a detail.
 
Stephan said:
Its very frustrating that I think I loose alot of work because of not having a building that is not at my home to work at. What I have done lately is I almost have to prove to some new customers that I can perform work above and beyond that of any local place. I actually look at their car, tape off a section, wash, clay, polish and then wax that area ...show them the results and by that time most of them are convinced. I have actual looked into renting a place just to get some additional work. Again this is not my primary income, but I really enjoy doing it and would like to be taken into consideration when someone wants to do a detail.
Click to expand...

Don't get hung-up on not having the shop, there are plenty of mobile guys that are real good detailers...I do believe that Clean Dean and Troy are....its perception to the prospect, that wins their confidence..IMO..at one point I use to carry a small pic portfolio with me to show the work...that helped some....its the delivery that makes them listen...I would say that out of every person that I speak to as new job, I win about 50/50 I do think that most of the time its my price and I refuse to budge there
 
Beemerboy said:
Don't get hung-up on not having the shop, there are plenty of mobile guys that are real good detailers...I do believe that Clean Dean and Troy are....its perception to the prospect, that wins their confidence..IMO..at one point I use to carry a small pic portfolio with me to show the work...that helped some....its the delivery that makes them listen...I would say that out of every person that I speak to as new job, I win about 50/50 I do think that most of the time its my price and I refuse to budge there
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I do bring pics of before and afters...and that does help, along with word of mouth, but also I show up in my Murano, and while its always spotless, its not like a company vehicle...

I agree on price, especially on vehicles that give you such a difficult time, you know the minivans that look like three mile island...and you have to charge them more and they don't understand why. Whcih like you ends up putting me at half and half.

It may just be in my mind...it just seems or I just feel like if I had a place, I would generate more work...but because this is a part time thing, it does not make sense for me to find a place to rent.
 
CONFIDENCE is the key when you talk to people ..if you sound unsure of your abilities they will be unsure about you .. also when you walk in my garage you see quite an array of detailing equipment and that stops any doubts . also i tell customers im not a miracle worker but they will be very happy with the result .. example minivan family with 4 kids ...you know what these look like inside .. i promise to get it clean but cant gaurantee all stains will come out ....its not my fault the treat thier vehicle like a dump !!!!!but i get it clean and they are always like the result .. same thing with scratches . i tell them ill do what i can but you have to explain that sometimes theres no miracle fix .. and then they ask if i do touch up work and the answer is NO...they are responsible for the condition of the vehicle .. not us ..confidence and honesty always work for me
 
bigron62 said:
CONFIDENCE is the key when you talk to people ..if you sound unsure of your abilities they will be unsure about you .. also when you walk in my garage you see quite an array of detailing equipment and that stops any doubts . also i tell customers im not a miracle worker but they will be very happy with the result .. example minivan family with 4 kids ...you know what these look like inside .. i promise to get it clean but cant gaurantee all stains will come out ....its not my fault the treat thier vehicle like a dump !!!!!but i get it clean and they are always like the result .. same thing with scratches . i tell them ill do what i can but you have to explain that sometimes theres no miracle fix .. and then they ask if i do touch up work and the answer is NO...they are responsible for the condition of the vehicle .. not us ..confidence and honesty always work for me
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No question about the confidence level you have to instill in them...I to learned the hard way that scratch repair or touch-up is not something that I get involved in...I have out sources for that now coupled with vinyl and leather repair, makes my life easier
 
CharlesW said:
Once you get the chance to show what you can do, your work can sell itself.
Your customer's recommendations will be a big asset, but the new customer that knows nothing about you may be a little hesitant. The appearance of your personal vehicle can make a big impression.
Right or wrong, people do relate a nice place of business with good work. It indicates to them that you are in the business in a serious way. I think a professional looking mobil unit conveys that same appearance of not being a fly by night hack.

Charles
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I agree 110% Charles :bigups. I have found it a bit challenging to get a clientele base started. However it does seem that once people have observed my work as Charles said your work will sell itself. I'm a armature in persuit of going pro, and I work from home as well.
 
This is another excellant thread - BB. The advice and opinions offered can apply to a new start up or a seasoned pro. I am definitely keeping this one for reference. :bigups

I do believe apppearance, honesty and professionalism play a big part in landing new customers that know nothing of your abilities or passion for perfection.
A slick sign and logo will help get customers in the door so you can sell yourself. Perhaps this is more crucial to full timers than weekenders? However, a fancy building, signs, uniforms and advertising don't mean much if you can't deliver quality, IMO.

About 90% of my small customer base came from word of mouth. I only have a small sign on my shop (at my home) just to help new clients locate me after I have spoken with them. The few people that do blind call are merely price shopping a majority of the time. Please remember that I live in a VERY rural area, and detailing is still considered a "luxury item" instead of a maintenance program to protect an investment. So maybe my 2 cents isn't worth much. I have been able to keep repeat customers happy now for going on 5 years, but I am not able to retire yet. :notme: :rofl

Wow, I'm done now. :passout:
Dave
 
DLR Detailing said:
This is another excellant thread - BB. The advice and opinions offered can apply to a new start up or a seasoned pro. I am definitely keeping this one for reference. :bigups

I do believe apppearance, honesty and professionalism play a big part in landing new customers that know nothing of your abilities or passion for perfection.
A slick sign and logo will help get customers in the door so you can sell yourself. Perhaps this is more crucial to full timers than weekenders? However, a fancy building, signs, uniforms and advertising don't mean much if you can't deliver quality, IMO.

About 90% of my small customer base came from word of mouth. I only have a small sign on my shop (at my home) just to help new clients locate me after I have spoken with them. The few people that do blind call are merely price shopping a majority of the time. Please remember that I live in a VERY rural area, and detailing is still considered a "luxury item" instead of a maintenance program to protect an investment. So maybe my 2 cents isn't worth much. I have been able to keep repeat customers happy now for going on 5 years, but I am not able to retire yet. :notme: :rofl

Wow, I'm done now. :passout:
Dave
Click to expand...

Thanks...all that appears golden not always is...LOL
 
i think a lot of customers think detailing is done at professional location or someone comes to your house ...... i will detail close friends and family members cars at my house, but with random people i generally just go to their house, i just dont think having business out of your house is a good thing for neighborhood or legal wise ....... but this just my opinion you gotta do what works..... most professional jobs are rush production jobs, i always prefer a good word to mouth for any product or service..... but i do think you will attract more business with fancy store front and good location ...... I detail part time and i would rather have 30 good customers than 100 that i have to lore with discounts and arm twisting
 
I agree with DLR Detailing. Excellent discussion Beemerboy !!!

bigron62 has made a great point about confidence in your communication with the customer. Take the time to explain your process without becoming too long winded. Confidently assure the potential customer that they will be very happy with your service, and say it with 100% conviction. Try not to come off as arrogant, and never put down another detailers operation. I will at times refer jobs that I do not want to other operations that I know are priced considerably less than what I charge.However, I never say anything negative about another operation, other than I believe they are priced less.

Professional Appearance and Mobile Detailing

I am rountinely complimented by customers and potential customers by the professional appearance of my operation. Both of my Ford Vans (E150 and E350 extended) are professianally lettered and both have water and quiet Honda generators. These serve as constant advertising, and I keep them clean and wash them each at least once a week.The interior starts clean and organized on day one and by the end of the week the interior looks like Hiroshima.

The EZ-UP Canopy is like a " LOOK OVER HERE" sign !!!

Now this does not mean run out and buy vans and expensive equipment, but some sort of a sign should be visable to those passing by your location to lure them over or at least request a card, or take down your number. Should say company name/phone number (large) and website if you have one.

People walking by are usually inclined to walk over and look at what I am doing and ask questions. This can become annoying at times and may break you out of your zone, but these are potential customers and should be treated accordingly.

Communication is important. I again agree with bigrons62, CONFIDENCE is key !!!
 
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