Holding clinics for customers

M

mose

New member
I was contacted by a local car club about putting on a clinic for their club. I have never done this so I am looking for some direction. They are asking if I could do something in my shop and I don't have one. I work only on weekends and I work out my home. My concerns are as follows:



1. I am worried about now knowing the answer to some questions. I know what I am doing and why I am doing it but I don't know all the technical things that surround the products I use.



2. Will I be expected to show people how to detail? Will they want to use my equipment to practice on the car we are working on?



I don't have a problem selling myself or my services. I am just worried about what to expect.



Any thoughts or information would be greatly appreciated!!
 
1) Just take what you know, and your detailing techniques, and break them up into sections.



Washing

-show proper tools

-techniques

-explain why you should use proper tools and techniques



Clay

-what it is and what it does

-showcase how to use it properly



Polish

-define what a polish is, how it works, and the tools required.

-explain difference b/w hand and machine polishing

-showcase your polishing technique



waxing, wheel cleaning, etc



youd be surprised how much information you know when you break it up, Remember these arent paul daltons, majority of people who attend are joe shmo who think Turtle wax is the end all car care product



2) well yes, thats what a clinic is, although if they are gonna be using your products you should be compensated accordingly.
 
A clinic can be hands-on or just a presentation (think powerpoint) of how you do the different steps of a detail. It really depends on what the club is looking for. Either way, be sure to print enough "instruction sheets" to go around with your info very prominent. You should also get contact info for all participants.

Answer to question #1 - You're the teacher. You know more than the students. If there's a question you can't answer, write it down and get back to all participants with the correct answer within 24 hours. EX; At last night's clinic Jack Frost asked "How do I build a snowman?". After doing some research I found that so-and-so recommends the following - insert correct answer here.

Answer to question #2 - If it's a hands-on clinic, I would keep audience participation to a minimum with the possible exception being the owner of the car that's being detailed. Otherwise you may end up with alot of correction to do after the class gets done swirling the car. Just my 2 cents.
 
Added tip: Be confident in what you know and what you teach. No one knows "everything": PTRon said it best...get everyone info and get back to them with an answer asap. You will generate alot of business that way. Other things...don't teach them all the tricks...its hard enough for all of us to get past the phrase "I'll just do it myself": so teach them basics so you way generate some business out of it! Goodlukc and let us know if you do it!
 
I know Im not a master detailer but on my local forum that is what im known for. When they had a national meet this year they asked if i could host a detailing seminar and I did. I started with showing them different quality microfibers from the cheap club mart micros to some megs SS towels and showed how they felt different and how the cheap ones scratched a cd. I went through the basics, basic wash techniques (top to bottom, back and forth washing no circles, cleaners for wheels tires arches), basic drying techniques with waffle weave and microfiber. Then i showed what could be done with a porter cable as most people are just weekend warriors. I also showed what different waxes looked like. Other then that, enjoy it and be open minded. Talk with confidence in what you know and trust, but listen to what others might have to offer. When i did my little seminar, some people mentioned other techniques they used which could engage the group even more. Just dont give away all your secrets and most likely you will get work from people who dont want to take all the time out of their day for such a task.
 
I would be kinda scared about holding a clinic for clients as if you show them how to do it they might go get their own stuff and start doing their own cars... thats my only concern but aside from that sounds like a good time.
 
I don't think that should be a concern. They will more than likely not even buy the stuff and just have more appreciation for what goes into a detail. This will definately not hurt your business.
 
NCZ13, said it best. Break it down into sections. You probably do know a lot more

than you realize. I think proper wash techniques will be a of most help to them.

you may want to choose a members ride to show the process (engine bay too).



Where you might drum up business for yourself is in correction work. Your enthusiasm

and professionalism will do a lot for you. Giving out information freely wont hinder

a thing; just the opposite really. And i'd choose the best car to show your technique...



Sounds fun!
 
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