I might be able to make a little extra each month doing this...

[Scottwax]

You can too.



I got a call from a customer who wants me to look at a Range Rover he is thinking of buying. Wants me to check for signs of repainting and a basic estimate of what I'd then charge to polish it out. People take used cars to mechanics to get checked, why not have a detailer look at it for the cosmetic issues? Most mechanics really don't know that much about checking the condition of the paint but we do.



I think that including drive time, you could do most inspections in an hour. Charge your hourly rate, give a report to your customer, profit. :xyxthumbs



Maybe you'd only do 2-3 a month but that could easily be another $1000 a year income for not much time.

 

[Holden_C04]

I offer this service but I have not marketed it as such. It's a good idea for a little bit of extra income but I imagine it will be a small difference.

 

[Setec Astronomy]

So how are you going to market this? Put it on your website?

 

[imported_Denzil]

Sounds like a good idea but I'd be curious how to market it.

 

[8Banger]

it sounds like a great idea, but maybe consider offering it free to build customer loyalty?

 

[Scottwax]

So how are you going to market this? Put it on your website?

Yes, plus let my customers know.



8Banger-does your mechanic to used car inspections for free? This is a service that can save someone a lot of money by not buying a car with a poor repaint or with serious paint issues. Honestly, I think this customer called me because he trusts my judgement and he definitely expected to pay me.



I understand what you are saying but there is my time and transportation expense to consider as well. What I do for my regulars is little extras, like going over their interior with Meguiars IQD, or using a QD on the exterior after a wash, etc.

 

[Twista616]

Scott, I like where your going with this...like you said maybe 2 or 3 a month...i dont think there would be a HUGE market for it personally...since the auto industry in going to **** and people aren't buying car like they used too! you need to beat it into their heads that a new car purchase is a big investment, and they should take care of it...

 

[imported_Picus]

I've done this for a few customers. I don't really offer it as a service or market it, but they know I'll do it. Charge is the same as my regularly hourly rate. I even got paid to test drive a car a few weeks ago.



Good call Scott.

 

[imported_JoshVette]

I've done this a few times as well, but don't offer it as a service....



One time I literally had a lady tell me depending on what I say about the BMW will determine whether she buys it or not.....:2thumbs:

 

[Robb]

I've done this a few times as well, but don't offer it as a service....



One time I literally had a lady tell me depending on what I say about the BMW will determine whether she buys it or not.....:2thumbs:

That has to make you feel really good

 

[imported_JoshVette]

That has to make you feel really good

Definately, funny thing is she'd not even used my services up to that point....

 

[Flashtime]

Checking paint condition is one thing but making sure it's mechanically sound,

and looking for major collision repairs would be higher on the list of importance.

Why not work with a local repair shop?



Doesn't have to be limited to repair shops, could be tires, bodyshops, upholstery,

PDR, autoglass, car audio, pinstripers, window tint, clear protective film guys, etc.



When it comes to car stuff, everyone wants to take it to someone they can trust.

So, networking with other specialists with a similar mindset as yours can only help.

 

[Woob]

Even if your eye is good at spotting paint/panel distortions, having a paint thickness meter will GREATLY help with quotes and analysis. Shoot you can run a cheap magnetic pen PTG for $40-80 since they give a straight idea of what film thickness there is.

 

[Scottwax]

Checking paint condition is one thing but making sure it's mechanically sound,

and looking for major collision repairs would be higher on the list of importance.

Why not work with a local repair shop?



Doesn't have to be limited to repair shops, could be tires, bodyshops, upholstery,

PDR, autoglass, car audio, pinstripers, window tint, clear protective film guys, etc.



When it comes to car stuff, everyone wants to take it to someone they can trust.

So, networking with other specialists with a similar mindset as yours can only help.

I know more than a few mechanics, I'll mention it to them as well.

 

[todd@bsaw]

Great idea, Scott, and thanks for bringing it up!

I've done this a few times as well, but mostly for friends and family. There have been multiple occasions where I would mention to a client after a detail, "did you know this panel has been repainted?" and they are completely caught off guard. One woman even told me, "Yeah, we were rear-ended last year and my husband thought they did a poor job with the repair and was going to fight for a refund. I'll have to tell him you noticed it."



One recommendation on marketing:

Offer it as a $50 service (or hourly rate) where that inspection could be a deposit if they decide to book a detail for that vehicle after their purchase. If they decide not to buy the car, you get your $50. If they do buy the car and want to take you up on the offer, you get a new detail customer!

 

[agthing1227]

Great idea, Scott, and thanks for bringing it up!

I've done this a few times as well, but mostly for friends and family. There have been multiple occasions where I would mention to a client after a detail, "did you know this panel has been repainted?" and they are completely caught off guard. One woman even told me, "Yeah, we were rear-ended last year and my husband thought they did a poor job with the repair and was going to fight for a refund. I'll have to tell him you noticed it."



One recommendation on marketing:

Offer it as a $50 service (or hourly rate) where that inspection could be a deposit if they decide to book a detail for that vehicle after their purchase. If they decide not to buy the car, you get your $50. If they do buy the car and want to take you up on the offer, you get a new detail customer!

Awsome Idea!

 

[Flashtime]

Offering a Carfax report with a visual inspection would be good too.

But your client can do that himself.

 

[Flashtime]

Here are a few guys i like to work with in the San Fernando Valley area (LA).



Auto Glass (Allen) - 818.715.1029 *Reliable, fair prices and a stand-up guy.

The Dent Man (Carl) - 661.510.3579 *Never tried anyone else. Don't have too.

Ram Tire (Will) - 818.535.9540 *Been buying tires from them for over 20 years.



Would like to find a good upholstery guy.

 

[David Fermani]

I feel doing a proper, comprehensive inspection requires an in-depth understanding/knowledge of the collison industry. If you're planning on giving someone a guarantee that a vehicle has or has not had ANY paint/body repairs, a paint meter is almost mandatory. There's many shops that do undetectable repairs that only a meter could *maybe* unveil. Car-Fax is nice, but not the Holy Grail for checking losses either.

 

[kaval]

I feel doing a proper, comprehensive inspection requires an in-depth understanding/knowledge of the collison industry. If you're planning on giving someone a guarantee that a vehicle has or has not had ANY paint/body repairs, a paint meter is almost mandatory. There's many shops that do undetectable repairs that only a meter could *maybe* unveil. Car-Fax is nice, but not the Holy Grail for checking losses either.

To add to your post, Car-Fax reports do not necessarily have everything that happened to the car. I had a car before and got into an accident with it. When I had the carfax report done, no signs of any accident.