Approaching total strangers?

C

clnfrk

New member
I see alot of cars in parking lots and such that I would like to detail and would appreciate some good professional approach methods that I could use with the owners of these vehicles. I would like for it to be very brief and to the point, while at the same time informative and appealling to the potential client. What questions should I ask them and what are some key things that I can emphasize to try and convince them to try my services? Thanks for your help.
 
Just approach them and tell them what you do and offer assistance. Pass them a business card and let them know that your services.
 
Speed6 Guy said:
That is what I do. It is a lot like trying to get laid you just have to sack up and get out there.
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Great analogy! Stupid question... but I have never heard the phrase "sack up" before although it sorta makes sense by seeing it in your post. Anyways, what exactly does it mean? Is it something along the lines of "grow some balls"?
 
clnfrk said:
Great analogy! Stupid question... but I have never heard the phrase "sack up" before although it sorta makes sense by seeing it in your post. Anyways, what exactly does it mean? Is it something along the lines of "grow some balls"?
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Thats EXACTLY what it means.
 
Speed6 Guy said:
That is what I do. It is a lot like trying to get laid you just have to sack up and get out there.
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Probably one of the best quotes I've seen yet on this site!



Anyway, it really helps to be a car enthusiast and know a lot about different makes and models. For example, I approached an older gentleman with a gorgeous red 1988 BMW M6 and just started talking cars with him.



* * * * *



<me> "Wow, that is a rare piece of german engineering!"

<reply> "Yes it is. There were only 1700 delivered to the US. I have no idea how many are still around."

<me> "That has the same motor they put into the M1, right?"

<reply> "Correct. It's a modified M88 motor but you really know your bimmers."

<me> "It looks in excellent shape, are you the original owner?"

<reply> "Nah, I just bought it from the original owner last year."

<me> (noticing a bottle of P21S Wheel Cleaner on the dash) "Well, it looks like it just came off the lot. Do you take care of it yourself?"

<reply> "Yeah, but I've actually been looking for a good detail shop around here. I want to start taking it to shows this summer."



* * * * *



That was too easy, but you get the idea. People that I like to target appreciate the vehicles they drive and understand the value of a good detail. They also love to talk about their own cars! Strike up a conversation, be interested, and know at least a little about what you're talking about. I've talked with guys for over 10 minutes before I even mention what I do for a job and hand them a business card.



Everyone has their own sales tactic; I just love talking about cars.
 
That is great advice Todd! If only there were more enthusiasts around like the one you mentioned in your post. It just seems as if there is an overabundance of peope with really nice cars who purchase them solely as an image and status symbol who run them through automated car washes or take them to full service car washes for a quick wash and vac and feel that is sufficient. Then again, I guess I'll never really know unless I "sack up" and actually interact with these folks.
 
I think Todd's approach is 1 of 2 good ways... while I do love to talk cars and take this approach most of the time, this wouldn't work much on "average" clients



I like to simply inform the person quickly of their car's condition and what can be done... hand out a bus. card and make sure to give a web address or something else showing the dramatic differences of a detailed vs. poorly cared for car... this is the selling point for 99% of details, for me at least... many people that come to me seem like they don't care much for their car, until they see my before/after pics on some other car and wonder to themselves "can my car look that good?"



Of course don't just go and say "hey your car looks horrible, here's my card"... strike up a convo like todd said... it's not that hard
 
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