Do strangers trust you?

6

602rwtq

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Most of us work of referrals, but some customers are complete strangers. I wrote this one myself. How to build trust quickly:



You damage paint, leave carpets wet, and blast the customer's stereo...

These are stereotypes of reconditioners, and things customers ASSUME ABOUT YOU until you gain their trust. But you can build REAL trust and credibility with prospects if you pay attention to a few details. Read on...



Building trust and credibility as a reconditioner. *3 Tips:



1. Add RECOGNIZABLE images to your website and business card.



These include:



1. Home - The International Detailing Association International Detailing Association Logo

2. Napdrt.org -- Reliable Paintless Dent Repair and Hail Damage Repair Information NAPDRT Logo

3. Local Chamber of Commerce Logo

4. Autopia Logo

5. Brands you use: (think Meguiars)



Remember, that the goal is to appear TRUSTWORTHY at a GLANCE; nothing achieves this in an INSTANT like associating yourself with something that is trusted.



2. Add your photo to your business card and website.



Every study confirms it: photos build trust. You're asking a STRANGER to trust you with an appliance that sometimes exceeds $50,000 in value...wouldn't YOU want to see YOUR face? Women in particular are responsive to photos. Nothing makes a personal connection quicker than a photo where you're first discovered (website, business card, or brochure). Get over your vanity and add a headshot to all of your marketing material.



3. Uniforms.



Always, always wear a uniform the first time you meet a customer. Could be a shirt. Could be a hat. Must be clean. Must be tucked in. When you walk toward their home, their office, or their driveway, your prospect must think..."THAT's a PROFESSIONAL."



Original Article: Do Strangers Trust You?
 
Funny you say this. I had a customer go with me solely on how I was dressed when I first met him. When I came to work on his Corvette, with a collared shirt, tucked in, and nice blue jeans...ones without holes. He was impressed. The last detailed he had, showed up with baggy shorts, a large t-shirt not tucked in. Long story short, half way through the detail he told the guy to just leave.
 
The one thing I have been told with my customers is they want to ensure the vehicle wont be used at all. I am sure to tell them I have a personal vehicle to get me where I need to go, that a customers car is to stay in the garage until they come and pick it up. The only time the vehicle is driven is to move in and out of the garage or if it is being picked up or delivered to their location.



Ive had several customers tell me take the car for a spin, to which I tell them, I dont need to create more work for myself by having to wash road grime off.
 
Good info here.



What has worked for me: talking to the customers like they are human beings. IME, customers like to talk to someone who can hold a conversation and not feel like they are being "sold" by the person standing in front of them. For me, it's a combination of being professional (duh) and having a "laid back" attitude that make (my) customers feel comfortable.



If a customer calls you up for the first time and you go to their house to find a collection Lamborghinis, act like you would if it were a minivan. I'm not saying don't be impressed with their cars or compliment the client on them, but don't act like you've never seen that vehicle before (even if you haven't), the customer will just uncomfortable (again, in my experience).



When I first met my best customer he took me to his garage to show me the "toys" and I was floored, but I kept my cool. We ended up just talking about cars for like 2 hours and I've been seeing his vehicles EVERY week since then (almost going on 2 years), not to mention he gave me my own remote to his new man cave where he stores all of his toys. That's when you know the customer trusts you.



I'm getting more and more comfortable as I continue to meet new clients and am able to gain their trust fairly quickly. I still have a long ways to go though, always trying to get better at everything I do.



-Kody-
 
Something that also works really well is immediately getting the person's name and then repeating their name back to them once or twice before you end the conversation. It doesn't really matter how you say it, the single word every person likes to hear more than any other word is their own name. It's surprising how much the person will immediately like you more and have more confidence in you just by saying their own name to them.



I read about this in a book called The Science of Influence. I highly recommend getting a copy, some very simple yet powerful stuff.
 
I've built my rep on trust. I have over 60 home security codes and 20 extra car keys. Since 90% of my business is referred, the trust has already been planted by someone they already trust! This is why referrals are priceless.



I did a home window cleaning job three weeks ago where at an hour into the job, the customer said he and his wife were leaving and to call them when I was close to being done. Made me feel really good.
 
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