Do you guys have trouble finding work in the Winter?

I

imported_kgb

New member
We have not had a car come in in a little while. Michigan Winters are bad for detailing, I know, but what can we do to draw customers to us for the Winter? We have a $40 Winter special and all.
 
I had to pick up a part time job at the Benz dealership, the horror of working for someone else :scared.
 
Yeah MI winter is not fun. Right now it is snowing like mad and expecting like 6-8 inches.



2001civicex,



What area do you serve? What prods do you use? I live a warren and detail from Plymouth to Bloomfield Hills and occasionally further. I get my winter work by selling maintenance packages with details.



Eric
 
Eric,



We just started the business up. As of right now we only work out of my garage. Most all of our work is Downriver though. The main line of product we use is Poorboy's. You must be "Motorcity Poorboy's" right?
 
That'd be me :) Still have alot of work on do one the site though. Good Luck with your business. There really is a shortage of enthusiastic detailers around here. I cant count how many times Ive had to explain to people that MOST of the local shops only pay their labor 8 - 10 an hour so their is little motivation to achieve above average results. They don't realize that there is a whole other "world" when it comes to detailing that only a person who loves what they do can achieve. If you like you can drop me an email and we can talk. Oh by the way, Good choice of Prod's :xyxthumbs ;)



Eric
 
I know what you mean Eric. It is hard to try and get people to understand that the $100 full detail job they are getting at the local car wash is B.S. and the $150 job you get with people like us is better.



Our site is coming along as well. It is www.danase.com . I am Bob so you can e-mail me from that site if you wish too.
 
I have the opposite problem. I fold up shop in October and don't start detailing again till March. I have to turn down business in the winter. Most mobile detailers around here are scarce in the winter. Its hard to detail when its 15 degrees outside. With all the competition out of business, people start calling around. I have to turn down 3 or 4 jobs a week sometimes. If its above 40 then I'll brave the elements, but I try not to work when its cold.
 
2001civicex said:
We have not had a car come in in a little while.... but what can we do to draw customers to us for the Winter?
Click to expand...



2001civicex,



Ever hear the expression? 'make hay when the sun shines'



Well it is a good bet that you and other detailers all around the country can't be busy all of the time. It is slow times like this when you have a good chance to get to work on figuring out creative ways of attracting new customers for those sunny springtime days ahead.



Start by taking a good look at your current marketing strategy. And if you don't have one, now's a good time to get it together. It's really not that difficult. It's really common sense.



Just work at ways you think more people could benefit by using your service. I'm talking about doing the thinking and planning now and the detailing later when the weather warms up. Then figure out how to set your marketing ideas in motion.



Remember, once the weather breaks and spring gets here you will be too busy to think about these things. So now is the time. Why not use this time to your best advantage?



Just some thoughts on a cold winters day...
 
I haven't had any problems this winter since it has been reasonably dry and warm (73 and sunny today!).



I offer 10% of details/wax jobs on wet days if the customer has a dry place for me to work. Not much else you can do when the weather is bad.
 
Scottwax said:
I haven't had any problems this winter since it has been reasonably dry and warm (73 and sunny today!).



I offer 10% of details/wax jobs on wet days if the customer has a dry place for me to work. Not much else you can do when the weather is bad.
Click to expand...



:rolleyes:
 
That sound you may hear is me knocking on wood...



I was very slow the week b4 Christmas, but things are steady now. I did have a Ferrari cancel due to freezing rain, but he'll be back soon.



Folks are coming in for a wider variety of reasons this time of year, but they are coming!



Jim
 
If a customer was looking for a "CONCOURS" level detailing, would you be able to provide this service? If so, how long would it take to complete and at what cost? I love detailing my cars but I find that most of the time, I don't have the time/patience and sometimes know how to do it correctly, or the way that I would want it done. I'm looking for someone to take care of my vehicles appearance in pretty much the same way I look for a mechanic. In other words, I would like for you to set up a file on my vehicle and recommend and/or tell me when things need to be done. Just like regular maintenance.



Thanks,
 
Do you truly want to compete in concours events? Or do you simply want immaculate, driveable cars



Three to four days. 800 to 1100, each. Concise direction/precise understanding of expectations.



Oh wait, I'm geographically undesirable. Maybe not.



I'd love to have the opportunity/contract. Contact me if you do not have local success...



Jim
 
I have more trouble getting the motivation to detail in the winter than I do finding the work!! I got 4 new clients today who want details this week. One guy even said for me to come over today (it's pouring rain right now). People want their garage queens to look great, but I just cant work in the rain, sorry.
 
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