Hey guys, been detailing for a couple years on and off and recently have gone mobile to attempt full time now. My current marketing consists of walking parking lots handing out flyers on cars and the return im getting is very slow but does return. Im thinking of going into businesses now and offering my services at their offices while they work. Any idea on how to approach these potential clients? I figure some people that have been doing this for awhile would have some pointers when first approaching these people besides simply walking in and asking if they would like a detail. Any opinions and ideas are helpful. Thanks in advance!
Marketing? Sales Pitch?
- Thread starter AutoGuru
- Start date
I agree with Danase. Also another thing you might want to think about is if you are walking into businesses to ask for business, you might want to make sure it is ok with upper management to infringe on his employees time.
It can be disruptive. Occassionally you might get a manager from a business that is cool, but as a former manager, I can tell you - Ask for permission to infringe upon his time and the productivity of HIS or HER employees. Make sure that you keep it short & to the point.:wavey
It can be disruptive. Occassionally you might get a manager from a business that is cool, but as a former manager, I can tell you - Ask for permission to infringe upon his time and the productivity of HIS or HER employees. Make sure that you keep it short & to the point.:wavey
imported_blackfire1
New member
I am the site manager for a professional office complex. There is a No Soliciting rule in effect on the premises. That means, I'm busy calling vendors who choose to ignore the signs at the entrance to the parking lot and the building. From pizza shops to car washes, I get several complaints daily and have to act on them. A lot with a 1,000 cars is very enticing, but rules are rules.
Before you solicit in my city, you must first obtain a permit from the city. If you are reported for soliciting in a no soliciting area, the permit is usually recalled within 24 hours.
I am a hobby detailer. I wouldn't dare solicit one of my tenants. It's against the rules. If they ask me, that's different. We do business on their terms, not mine.
My advice is, if you're not invited there, stay away. It could do more harm than good.
Before you solicit in my city, you must first obtain a permit from the city. If you are reported for soliciting in a no soliciting area, the permit is usually recalled within 24 hours.
I am a hobby detailer. I wouldn't dare solicit one of my tenants. It's against the rules. If they ask me, that's different. We do business on their terms, not mine.
My advice is, if you're not invited there, stay away. It could do more harm than good.
I was planing on going to a local boat show to chat with folks and hand out some business cards and discount cards. I arrived too early, and ended up chatting with an employee. I asked her if it would be alright for me to hand out my cards, and she said that soliciting was not allowed and that I should register as a vendor. I hadn't really thought of it like that, but she was right. I need to think bigger. I will be registering as a vendor for the upcoming car shows. I think it will be worth the investment.
Slik560
New member
Have you reached out to the local car clubs? About once or twice a year we have local detail shops come to our MB Club breakfast meetings and present their business, do a little demo, etc. Not sure where you live, but even in Kansas City, we have active clubs for almost everyting: Benz, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Porsche, Vette, Mustang, Mini, etc. Sometimes you can find them in the local newspaper in the section for announcements: monthly meetings, car shows, etc. You can send me a PM and I'll send you info on the nearest chapter of the Mercedes Benz Club of America. Good luck!!
Slik560
New member
PS: Most car clubs put out a newsletter or have a website. Advertising there is usually pretty reasonable. Might be another venue for you without breaking the bank. With car clubs, word of mouth is the best advertising, so if you can get your foot in the door and dazzle someone, it can lead to more business. 
imported_Mobile Shine
New member
Hey when you want business you do what you have to do, I have been doing mobile detailing for 5 years now and i have been in a lot of business etc. offering my services i have never been told not to come back or i can not be there. I had a printing shop make me some nice colored flyers with all my services and prices, and i just go in and give one out if you come in with a business card thers not to much to look at and most of the time it is thrown in the trash. A lot of the time it's all about getting your foot in the door whatever it takes, This is my full time job and my passion i dont do this as a weekend thing. So my opinion is when you want something you go get it whatever it takes.