how to market the better market

[imported_mirrorfinishman]

How did you "busy" detailers start out....just by accepting whatever came your way for whatever amount they wanted to pay and hope they told their friends about you??? That seems like what I am going to have to do with the people who call me up.

In order to operate a successful and profitable detailing business, you will need to have a clear understanding of how your target market customers will measure the value of your service. It is not about accepting whatever comes along for whatever price a person is willing to pay.



Are you providing a convenient, valuable, time saving service? Remember, when your customers measure value, they are looking at the entire experience. Of course they want a good quality job, but they are also interested in other things such as, 1- ease of making an appointment, 2- whether or not the work is done on-time, 3- friendly yet professional explanation of services, etc. These are all factors that play a part in how a customer will measure the value of your service.



In most cases, a good customer is one that is interested in a high level of quality, not necessarily a low price. A customer who will understand the value of your service. Maintain a high level of quality and you will be able to charge a higher more profitable price for your services. Lower your prices and you will begin to lower your standards just to meet operating costs.



The goal is to always provide your customers with a high level of quality that they will not normally get from any other detailing business in your area.



The price you charge should never be based on what the competition charges. It is good to know what they charge, but it is not very smart to base your price on that fact alone. In order to cover expenses and stay in business you should consider pricing your detailing services somewhere between what you want to make and what you actually need to make in order to make a reasonable profit and stay in business.



In many cases, your target market may be much different when compared to those other businesses that appear to be your competition. In other words, your target market may be willing, and able, to pay you much more than the customers of your competitors. Always better to focus on what you do best and create your on pricing strategy.



When you become target market driven you will begin to better understand your actual detailing market. It is very important to understand how your detailing business fits into the marketplace and whether or not there will continue to be a demand for the unique service you are offering.

 

[Heff]

Having just started a full time detail shop myself, I thought I would share what I have learned so far. Since most of us start out as enthusiasts rather than businessmen, I think there is a common but unfortunate choice that we need to make when starting out. That is are you starting A business to make money or to have fun and do the kind of details and cars that you enjoy? I chose to make money, and although I'm doing crappy auction cars for dealerships for not much money per car, I am making money and at the end of the month my expenses are paid. Now alot of people here will say "i wont touch a car for less than 150" , and I only do "high end" cars and clients, and things of that nature, but I would venture to say that they are part timers and aren't making money, with a few exceptions of course. Now once you have a profitable business , in the meantime you can work on building up retail and high end business, while the commercial accounts pay the bills. Hopefully this doesn't start an arguement, I'm just relaying what I have learned so far, and if there are any guys out there doing ferraris and porshes for $300 all week long, then cool, I hope to be there some day myself, but in the meantime i gotta live and do business in the realworld.

Heff

 

[doged]

Having just started a full time detail shop myself, I thought I would share what I have learned so far. Since most of us start out as enthusiasts rather than businessmen, I think there is a common but unfortunate choice that we need to make when starting out. That is are you starting A business to make money or to have fun and do the kind of details and cars that you enjoy? I chose to make money, and although I'm doing crappy auction cars for dealerships for not much money per car, I am making money and at the end of the month my expenses are paid. Now alot of people here will say "i wont touch a car for less than 150" , and I only do "high end" cars and clients, and things of that nature, but I would venture to say that they are part timers and aren't making money, with a few exceptions of course. Now once you have a profitable business , in the meantime you can work on building up retail and high end business, while the commercial accounts pay the bills. Hopefully this doesn't start an arguement, I'm just relaying what I have learned so far, and if there are any guys out there doing ferraris and porshes for $300 all week long, then cool, I hope to be there some day myself, but in the meantime i gotta live and do business in the realworld.

Heff

This is a true assumption!!!

It takes money to make money and acquiring a lucrative detailing customer base is no exception. In general the high end detailing market is difficult to acquire (full time). It takes time, money, marketing know-how and business proust. The rewards (great money, fun work) are commensurate with the investment. Shortcuts do exist for the keen business person!!!