I need some help guys, please...

W

wicho661

New member
I just started up my mobile detailing operation... problem is, I dont have many clients. What I am asking for are proven methods to market on your feet. Any ideas, analysis or whatever else is greatly appreciated.
 
Word of mouth is going to get you the most business. Try and find someone that can get the word out and do their vehicle for maybe half off. Do a few of these and let people talk. It will take a little time but that is the best method I have came across so far. I keep track of how all of my customers got my information. I would say 95% is by word of mouth.



There are a bunch of other small marketing strategies to try also. When you detail someones car, (and do a good job) they are more than likely going to talk. Business cards are almost essential. You need to have something to give to potential customers so they can remember you. You will need to be patient though. It takes time for the word to get around. Just do great work at good value and things should fall into place.
 
Thank you. Im just freaking out because im getting no callbacks. But like you said, youre only good as your last job. Let word of mouth take its course.



How long did it take the professionals on this forum to really get up to speed?
 
You say you just started up your mobile detailing business.



1) How much do you know about the type of clients that will make up your target market?



2) Who is the customer?



3) What need have you found out there in the marketplace for the service you intend to offer?
 
wicho661 said:
Thank you. Im just freaking out because im getting no callbacks. But like you said, youre only good as your last job. Let word of mouth take its course.



How long did it take the professionals on this forum to really get up to speed?
Click to expand...





Dont worry, you will get used to that. I found out real quick that many people dont do what they say. Or sometimes its will just take them a while. I am kind of in the same boat as you. Im still not quite up to speed yet but im slowly getting more business. It just takes some time. Hang in there! :xyxthumbs
 
What are you doing right now? Kind of hard to make suggestions without knowing what you are currently doing. One thing I can tell you, treat every day you don't have cars to detail as a full marketing day.



One very easy suggestion-when you meet new people, work into the conversation what you do for a living. You'd be suprised at the interest and conversation that generates.
 
I purchased a detailing trailer and went to a training course. I offer complete details, minor scratch removal, odor removal and paint sealants. Its slowly coming together but like anyone else, I've got bills to pay. My target market are business professionals. Ive researched and spyed on the competition and it seems like I am a couple skill levels above them.



Need for the service? Santa Clarita is a social network of suburban living. Higher income brackets. The detailers that I have called were all swamped with work. One had a waiting period of 2 weeks. Im sure that I could do the same with proper marketing, problem is I dont know where to start.
 
It sounds like you have gained some knowledge about the technical side of starting a detailing business. However, that only accounts for about 20% of the education needed. The other 80% of the equation includes everything you need to know about what it takes to actually own and operate a successful business.



Have you given any thought to writing a business plan?



1) Have you identified the type of market and customers you intend to service? Where they live? Where they work? What businesses they frequent? What restaurants they eat in?



2) How much do you really know about your target market? How do you intend to reach this market?



3) Have you identified why you think your business will be profitable? Do you have a pricing strategy?



4) Have you identified how the business will be affected by seasonal changes?



5) Do you have specific business objectives and goals?



6) Have you listed your five nearest competitors?



7) Have you identified how your business will be better than that of the competition? What will make your detailing business different and unique?



8) Have you identified your experience and knowledge of this type of business?



9) Have you identified your abilities, interests and reasons for going into this business?



10) Have you identified why you think you will be successful in this business venture?
 
make friends with car/truck shops, body shops, dealerships, etc....



the best advice i could give anyone to get business is just start talkin to people and explain what you do. Get over feeling stupid and getting rejected cuz lots of people will say NO!.....go to the malls, business parks, anywhere really and just talk to people...its a numbers game really, for as many no's as you'll get, you will ge that one YES and hopefully they will spread a good word for you..



become a staple in your local area that you want business...everyday that you are not busy go and park your rig (if u have on with your anme on it) and just sit there for an hour or two....people will begin to notice......
 
Just a sign on your vehicle helps. One person saw the sign on the Celica I used to have in early January 1994. Just today, and I mean just today I made $205 because that one person led to many. Breaks down like this:



1 wash because the person works for the guy who saw my sign

2 washes because a person saw me working on a car in the neighborhood of the guy who saw my sign and told his friend.

2 washes from the son-in-law of the other guy whose 2 cars I washed today.



1 sign, $35 and 12 years and 9 months later, it still pays off. :)
 
mirrorfinishman said:
It sounds like you have gained some knowledge about the technical side of starting a detailing business. However, that only accounts for about 20% of the education needed. The other 80% of the equation includes everything you need to know about what it takes to actually own and operate a successful business.



Have you given any thought to writing a business plan?



1) Have you identified the type of market and customers you intend to service? Where they live? Where they work? What businesses they frequent? What restaurants they eat in?



2) How much do you really know about your target market? How do you intend to reach this market?



3) Have you identified why you think your business will be profitable? Do you have a pricing strategy?



4) Have you identified how the business will be affected by seasonal changes?



5) Do you have specific business objectives and goals?



6) Have you listed your five nearest competitors?



7) Have you identified how your business will be better than that of the competition? What will make your detailing business different and unique?



8) Have you identified your experience and knowledge of this type of business?



9) Have you identified your abilities, interests and reasons for going into this business?



10) Have you identified why you think you will be successful in this business venture?
Click to expand...





Thanks to this post, I realized how amature my business plan really was. I am currently doing primary and secondary market research and I also have a trained professional (CPA) helping me with my complete outlook. The new business plan is almost 32 :eek: pages long now with maticulous research.





Thank you Mirror Finish Man.
 
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