Do you let customers know your products?

[salty]

Just wondering if you guys let your customers know the product names and what is your system to keep track of what you did to their cars.



Personally, i usually write the steps on the bill and use code or abbreviate the product names.

 

[a.k.a. Patrick]

With a few clients in particular who are always asking what I used, I will share that info with them. Very often what was used during the previous detail, may not be used at the current moment. Im the QB, and I call the plays as the "field determines".......

There clueless as to what it actually is anyway, nor do they have any idea where i got it from......I go on to explain its a polymer product, superior durability to carnauba waxes. Then go on to explain my rational for using them. I also let them know how many steps of polishing/cleaning were required to get it, to where it is, now. It doesnt hurt to explain to the client, that that shine and depth didnt come from any TW or Kit wax buddy !! Make them understand how there money has been well spent.....

 

[brwill2005]

I think a description of the steps is all that is necessary on the bill. If you want to disclose your products to them, I dont think you are making a huge mistake. The average person , knowing your products, will not be able to duplicate your efforts. More importantly, it is techniques and experience, more than products that produce superior results.

 

[Scottwax]

Most customers really don't care what I use so long as their car looks terrific and the shine lasts. I do outline the steps I will take and if they are interested, I will let them know what I will be using on their car.

 

[salty]

I usually don't care and will tell them if asked, but in the last couple weeks i have phoned 2 different people for a sealant renewal and maybe some interior work and after talking for awhile found out they ordered for themselves.

One was for Zaino and the other was Klasse. The Zaino was full swirl polish on black and the Klasse was minor polish on electric blue.



It bothers me a little but i think they will be back if they need other work and the Klasse guy might find it to be a little hard to work with.

 

[JustinR32]

I usually don't care and will tell them if asked, but in the last couple weeks i have phoned 2 different people for a sealant renewal and maybe some interior work and after talking for awhile found out they ordered for themselves.

One was for Zaino and the other was Klasse. The Zaino was full swirl polish on black and the Klasse was minor polish on electric blue.



It bothers me a little but i think they will be back if they need other work and the Klasse guy might find it to be a little hard to work with.

There will ALWAYS be more people interested in going golfing rather than doing it themselves. I can paint my living room, but I'd rather pay someone else to. Turn these customers into friends. They might call for advice some time. Direct them to Autopia, BCC, MOL, DC, etc. They'll probably wind up giving you referrals that will MORE than replace the business that "graduated".





Tom

 

[doublel]

I always provide a detailed invoice listing products and procedures. To me it adds a touch of professionalism and aids in recordkeeping.



The database provides a record of what I did, and what I used and when. I refer to these records for future details on the vehicles and also for mailing annual recall/reminders. Here's a sample of my invoice the customer sees ...

 

[Flexin]

When asked I tell them what products I use. If they ask at the shop I will take them into the bay and show them some of my products. Some of my products are bulk products. Only some can be picked up locally. And the way I see it is if they really want to start doing it on their own they can and will do it with or without me telling them the products I use. If I treat them good maybe they will send their friends or there own car if they get to busy to do it some day.



James

 

[Flexin]

I was just thing about this the other day. I wouldn't mind having some products for sale in my showroom. Then maybe I can make a buck or two off the people that want to do it themselfs.



James

 

[kustomsol]

Suggestion from a do-it-yourself person:stock and make available a top of the line carwash, a qd product, a wool washmit, and some MF's. Most folks who use your services will probably wash and qd a couple of times, then decide they'd rather "play golf" and come back for the full detail. It takes a special breed of cat to be an Autopian and fanatically keep their car detailed. It will also give them a taste of how much effort you put into a detail.

 

[magictouch24]

Most people who have asked me what products I used have done so before scheduling an appointment. It's funny, because even though I'm sure some of these people actually know the difference between different products, I think sometimes they're just asking for the heck of it and don't know what's good and what's not.



Anyway, I think giving a general idea of products used is a good thing because it shows that you are open about your work and willing to educate the consumer, but I don't think individual steps need to be outlined with products - to me it is just overkill. Usually I just say that I use a lot of professional supplies that can't be purchased by consumers except for a few select products (I mention Invisible Glass, Meguiar's waxes and , Klasse SG, etc).

 

[imported_mirrorfinishman]

Yes, I let my customers know about the products I use. Over the years, my customers have put their trust in knowing that I continue to use Meguiar's products exclusively, just as I have always done since I started my detailing business almost twenty years.

 

[Porschephile924]

I did a 996 TT cab the other day, and the guy told me before I even showed up at his place that he wanted to know the products I was using, NOT because he wanted to buy some for himself, but because he wanted to know if I was using quality products that he would allow on his car. I told him everything, and understandably, he watched me like a hawk as I detailed away. I wouldn't trust some guy detailing my 996 TT if I'd only done it myself before... As I applied a step, I pulled out what I was using, showed the guy what it was, and told him how I was going to apply it.



He liked the job I did so much, I got a $50.00 tip.



Also, How's that for a first customer? He liked it so much, he took a couple business cards and is gonna distribute them to all of his buddies with ferrarris and the like.

 

[MichaelM]

Over the years, my customers have put their trust in knowing that I continue to use Meguiar's products exclusively, just as I have always done since I started my detailing business almost twenty years.

I would hope my customers put their trust in knowing that the car will look good no matter what chemical or tool I, the trained professional, use.



Obvioiusly I don't feel the need to tell my customers what I use. I don't ask the cook at my favorite restaurant where he got his ingredients from or my barber where he got his scissors. I go to them because I know i'll get what I came for.