Local Competition??

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imported_TouchofClass

New member
Hello all!! Its been awhile since I've posted. Just a quick question.. I'm in the middle of revising my business plan, and i have been trying to get ahold local mobile detailers in my area so that i can get some prices. My problem is that out of the 12 numbers that i got from searching my area on google and the yellow pages i only got ahold of 3 of them..? I tried calling some back, and some of the numbers were diconnected..... i was just wondering if there are any other ways that i can search for people in the mobile detail business in my area.. so that i can get a good idea of what people offer, and prices. I also would really just like to know about my competition. Any input would be appreciated! thanks

Brett
 
when I started 2 years ago, i did the same thing, then priced myself about 10% above the highest quote. I figured customers would associat high price with high quality. Since then I've raised my prices a few more percents LOL. But ya, i was surprised to find how many companies were simply out of business.
 
It never hurts to do some competitive analysis!

You already know something important -- your locals either don't exist anymore or don't return calls. Complete lack of customer service. You can capitalize on this by focusing on providing exceptional customer service and being reachable, responsive and available.
 
animes2k said:
It never hurts to do some competitive analysis!

You already know something important -- your locals either don't exist anymore or don't return calls. Complete lack of customer service. You can capitalize on this by focusing on providing exceptional customer service and being reachable, responsive and available.
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I have to agree, doing research is never a bad thing. As well, it lets you know where pricing stands in your market area. If you want to make $400 on a 2-step correction job, but the going rate from EVERYONE else is $150, you're just not going to get any business. I understand the whole concept of charging a premium and offering better service blah blah blah, but the reality is that there's a limit to what someone will pay above the average. It's like saying a Lexus costs $40,000 at one dealership, and the exact same cost $60,000 at another dealership, because the other dealership offers you a free loaner car when yours comes in for service. Sure that's a nice customer service offering, but are you going to pay an extra $20,000 on your vehicle price for it ? Market research is NEVER a bad thing to do.
 
Barry Theal said:
My word of advice would be to forgot your competion. Do what you do best and worry about your business not theres.
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I agree. 99% of the detailers in FL are hacks and run their business by low balling and doing wash & waxes. You need to differentiate yourself from the crowd or you'll eventually have a disconnected number like the others.



Plus, I also don't see the need to revise a business plan either. Brainstorm and think up strategies for change/growth to avoid wasting time.
 
TouchofClass said:
Hello all!! Its been awhile since I've posted. Just a quick question.. I'm in the middle of revising my business plan, and i have been trying to get ahold local mobile detailers in my area so that i can get some prices. My problem is that out of the 12 numbers that i got from searching my area on google and the yellow pages i only got ahold of 3 of them..? I tried calling some back, and some of the numbers were diconnected..... i was just wondering if there are any other ways that i can search for people in the mobile detail business in my area.. so that i can get a good idea of what people offer, and prices. I also would really just like to know about my competition. Any input would be appreciated! thanks

Brett
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Some good advise has been given.



What I would add is that what other's charge is not relevant to you until you know what you want to make a month out of the business, including benefits (what you would get if you worked for someone, ie - health insurance; vacation, etc) plus at least 10% profit and all your fixed and variable expenses. Then calculate an hourly rate for your service. Only then can you look at the market pricing. It may be that your hourly rate is low enough that you can charge more, if the market will allow you to charge more.



Speaking of disconnected phone numbers of "out of business detail operations." How about contacting the telephone company and make a deal to get that number forwarded to your active detail business phone number, then you get calls for every detail business in the area that still has a listing.



Great way to get more and more business for pennies. Check it out. Learned that from a very smart detailer (member of the IDA) a few months back. Some benefit from being a member of an industry association.



He gave that free of charge as I am giving the idea to you free of charge.



Regards

Bud Abraham

DETAIL PLUS SYSTEMS
 
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