my detailing shop is not making money

Ok because I'm apparently the blunt on on this board I'll tell you flat out what I already see as wrong. Don't take offense. This is just striaght up.



You need a way to cut expenses $8000/mth is fine for a shop bringing in $30,000/mth. What's going on here to keep your expenses so high? Re-negotiate your contracts.



If you're already surrounded by glass repair shops why on earth would you want to start offering it? That's stupid and bad business. As a customer looking for that service I would ALWAYS go to a established business long before I checked out the new guy. And the sheer amount of start up money you need to offer new services like that will easily put you out of business if you don't have a lot of bank roll stashed somewhere.



Low prices equals crap work... That's the preception people think. If I really need a wrench and I see a "Made in China" for $.99 or a Snap on for $35 which conveys quality and higher standards to you without knowing anything more about them than what they look like and the price they charge? You're turning people away by lowering your prices. You need to raise them to be just above you're local compitietion and then explain you use better products and better methods than anyone else around so you have to charge a small premium to cover those expenses. (making that a true statement will also help your cause)



And lastly... Remember we are a very uneeded service. No one "NEEDS" their cars detailed. They "Want" them detailed. and in this economy (world wide it seems for the most part) people are severly cutting back on spending any sort of money of "wants" so they have enough to actually cover their needs. everyday businesses go out and close the doors. 99% of those are poorly manages "Wants" type of businesses. Sad as it is those are just the facts of living in the here and now. Hopefully you'll figure it out and survive. But if you don't just remember to learn from it and when things do get better pick yourself back up and try it again.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
C'mon guys, perhaps English is a second language for Vigo, that's not really fair.
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Come on man, I'm just having a little fun.



Seriously though, presentation and perception goes a long way. It's very hard to take him seriously as a businessman when he clearly doesn't have an understanding of second grade English. Step 1 for any struggling business owner in America should be to competently read and write. It will make a much better impression on suppliers, customers, and colleagues. I'm not saying it has to be the King's English, but it's hard to believe that he's committed to running a successful business when he won't even put in the effort for clear and competent communication.



It's already been mentioned that he could have used spell check, or a dictionary, or many other tools that would have helped him convey his message more clearly. If he can't put in the effort to do that, then what makes me think he can put in the effort to run a company.



It's also been mentioned that there are a plethora of other services that could enhance his business much better than windshield repair. Again, the OP did not put in the time or effort to research his options before asking for advice.



So basically, what we have here is someone who has a failing business, and is trying to fix it with an idea that he grabbed out of the air. Now he's on an online forum, using horrid english, expecting people to just hand over the answers he wants. And he won't listen to any other criticism or suggestion. In my opinion that's just lazy and shows an overall lack of commitment to really turning his business around.



Whether English is his second language or not, doesn't really matter. He has not demonstrated to me that he is a motivated and competent businessman. In fact, based on his few posts, I'm inclined to conclude the opposite.



So what if I had a little fun at his expense? He clearly doesn't take himself, his business, or this forum very seriously. Why should I?
 
Jakerooni said:
Ok because I'm apparently the blunt on on this board I'll tell you flat out what I already see as wrong. Don't take offense. This is just striaght up.



You need a way to cut expenses $8000/mth is fine for a shop bringing in $30,000/mth. What's going on here to keep your expenses so high? Re-negotiate your contracts.



If you're already surrounded by glass repair shops why on earth would you want to start offering it? That's stupid and bad business. As a customer looking for that service I would ALWAYS go to a established business long before I checked out the new guy. And the sheer amount of start up money you need to offer new services like that will easily put you out of business if you don't have a lot of bank roll stashed somewhere.



Low prices equals crap work... That's the preception people think. If I really need a wrench and I see a "Made in China" for $.99 or a Snap on for $35 which conveys quality and higher standards to you without knowing anything more about them than what they look like and the price they charge? You're turning people away by lowering your prices. You need to raise them to be just above you're local compitietion and then explain you use better products and better methods than anyone else around so you have to charge a small premium to cover those expenses. (making that a true statement will also help your cause)



And lastly... Remember we are a very uneeded service. No one "NEEDS" their cars detailed. They "Want" them detailed. and in this economy (world wide it seems for the most part) people are severly cutting back on spending any sort of money of "wants" so they have enough to actually cover their needs. everyday businesses go out and close the doors. 99% of those are poorly manages "Wants" type of businesses. Sad as it is those are just the facts of living in the here and now. Hopefully you'll figure it out and survive. But if you don't just remember to learn from it and when things do get better pick yourself back up and try it again.
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Jake - everything you just said is 100% correct.



However, it is pretty basic economics, and if Mr. Vigo doesn't already know that, I worry that it will take a lot more than Windshield repair to fix his business.
 
Less said:
Come on man, I'm just having a little fun.



Seriously though, presentation and perception goes a long way. It's very hard to take him seriously as a businessman when he clearly doesn't have an understanding of second grade English. Step 1 for any struggling business owner in America should be to competently read and write.
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What makes you think he's in America? You're being a little closed minded if you think that this board doesn't have international reach. We have plenty of French Canadians on this board as well as people from around the world. Perhaps he speaks/writes French fluently, but mispells a few English words? How is your French, BTW?



There was a time on Autopia where you would get a bad-boy timeout or at least a warning for attacking someone's spelling or grammar, FWIW.
 
My suggestion would be to reach for the next level of customers with high end cars. Do super good work and use quality products. Also raise your prices a litttle. Advertise for the higher level of customers.
 
SA -



If someone posts a competent, respectful, clearly communicated question on this board, then they certainly an equally competent and respectful answer.



But then why does someone who posts a lazy, incompetent, and self-indulgent question deserve the same respect?



Like I said, it's not JUST the language in his post that invites ridicule. So don't try to turn this into a race or political issue.



Mr Vigo made himself into a joke with his half-assed attempt at improving his business. I just joined in the fun. I'm certainly not sorry.
 
I hate when people rag on other for spelling and grammar mistakes like we're all supposed to be english teachers or something.



I understood him perfectly. I didn't have any trouble reading it.



Anyways, vigo, I think you need to figure out what you want to do with your business. You put yourself in a bad position when you priced your services to undercut the competition. Now your customers will be in a predicament if you do raise prices. They'll have to decide whether your work is worth it or not.



If you do suck it up and raise your prices I think you should just focus on one area of expertise. Me personally, I would rather go to a shop that specializes in an area than an "all in one, one stop shop". Once you become established, then that's when you should start thinking of expanding.



Have you cut all uneeded expenses allready? Maybe shop around for lower priced products. Cheap does not necessarily mean bad. Do you have to many employees? Have you thought about going rinseless? The savings on a water bill might be substantial for a volume shop.
 
Less said:
Like I said, it's not JUST the language in his post that deserves ridicule. So don't try to turn this into a race or political issue.



Mr Vigo made himself into a joke with his half-assed attempt at improving his business. I just joined in the fun. I'm certainly not sorry.
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I hope you didn't come to this forum thinking that some people deserve respect and some ridicule.



If you don't like what he posted, don't respond. No one should be ridiculed. :mad:
 
Alfisti said:
I hope you didn't come to this forum thinking that some people deserve respect and some ridicule.



If you don't like what he posted, don't respond. No one should be ridiculed. :mad:
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What he said. Sounds about right. Thanks Alfisti perfectly said.
 
vigo said:
I have a steady stream of customers coming in but I'm also charging less to keep the customers coming in. My expenses are around 8 thousand dollars a month and I'm making enough money to covering that. I'm located in a very busy area, there are three other detailing shops on the same rode I'm in, two windshield repair shops just next to me, and many car paint shops, and electric repair shops. believe it or not I offer the best paint polish and inside cleaning jobs in my region. my shop has the best reputation. I will post some pics. There were many reasons why the shop was loosing before I took over and it will take too much time for me to explain all of them. I will wright a new post in the mane page and give a full explanation of every thing and including why I think windshield repair is a good start to boost up my business. it will be long but organized.
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Hi Vigo,



I'm much closer to the level of a clueless customer. Nowhere near the pro level :)



As a customer when I research for detailers, price is not that important. Reputation is more important. If I know I am getting quality work, that's what I want.

How I measure reputation is from word of mouth from neutral parties and lack of bad experience being shared by customers. How did you measure your reputation?

Also seeing that the shop is dedicated and specialized at doing a few things is more important to me than finding a shop that does a lot of things.



I think: Do I want a jack of all trades but master of non or am I looking for someone who is a master at a craft?



Also offering more and more options could increase costs. Same is true for many other industries not just detailing.



Hope that helps and gives you a customer's perspective. Note: This is just one customer perspective.
 
corrswitch said:
Hi Vigo,



I'm much closer to the level of a clueless customer.
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I think you're a lot less clueless than you think. You followed that line by saying how you research someone's reputation through neutral parties. You also mention how you look for someone who is a "master at his craft".



the fact that you consider detailing a "craft" and acknowledge that there are various levels of talent shows that you are much more informed than you give yourself credit for.
 
There are a few things you can probably do right away to increase your profit. Cut your expenses in areas that will not effect quality. Where are you getting your chemicals and supplies? Are there sources that are less expensive given the same quality products. What about your power bill. I am sure you can cut a good amount off of that expense. Same goes for water. These are just some obvious areas where you can reduce expenses. Depending on the specifics of your business, I am sure you can improve on other aspects as well.
 
JohnKleven said:
If you're losing that kind of money, I hate to say it, but you might want to go after some wholesale stealership work.





John
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Excellent advice. Probably the best way to make butt loads of money in this business. It's also the easiest and fastest way when you need to make an immediate financial turn around like the OP needs to.
 
vigo said:
this forum is a wast of time.
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I've found a ton of useful information here. However, I have seen a few guys become crucified because of their comments, work, questions, or whatever. I admit I'm at fault for some of that. I hope that some of the guys are just kidding....I am. Anyway, I hope your perception changes. If you don't find your information here, send me a PM and I will point you to a forum that will help you.



:dig
 
vigo said:
this forum is a wast of time.
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I think with some of the responses you are getting, you are correct.







David Fermani said:
Excellent advice. Probably the best way to make butt loads of money in this business. It's also the easiest and fastest way when you need to make an immediate financial turn around like the OP needs to.
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I think wholesale is even tough these days. Even the the prime of the market, wholesale sucked the big one. He'd need to do a lot of "whore-sale" cars to pick up the $2k+/- per month he is off. (expenses would increase also)





Too much work for zero capital. I remember slamming my clean-up guy with no remorse anytime they asked to get paid..



"This one came out really good".

Ah yeah zero boy, that's why I bought it.



"This one I need extra...".

Great, this is our last car, next.





Think of the *** holes you will be dealing with!



Its tough to get ahead, if you can take the abuse, jump on the wholesale business for some needed cash.
 
jdoria said:
I think wholesale is even tough these days. Even the the prime of the market, wholesale sucked the big one. He'd need to do a lot of "whore-sale" cars to pick up the $2k+/- per month he is off. (expenses would increase also)



Too much work for zero capital.
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Your right, dealer sales are drastically down even more the last few dozen months(big surprise right), but as long as they’re still in business, they’re still be tons of them sending cars out from Used Cars, New Cars, Body Shop & the Service Department . As far as business “sucking� during the “prime of the market� (i.e. 90’s or prior to leasing), I disagree. Every dealer I know was sending cars out like crazy. Almost every Used Car Dept in my area was selling 150-200 units per month (my business rocked.) Now, these same dealers are lucky to break 75 units. Still that’s 75 cars @ ~$90 each which is pretty decent for 1 department at 1 dealer. Imagine doing 5, 10 or 20 of them? The person I sold my shop to is still pumping out lots of work and is barely working 30 hours per week and at worst makes $100K profit in his pocket. It takes very little effort to increase *profit* $2000 each month. It also requires barely no additional capital to do it either as long as the business operation is already in place.



jdoria said:
I remember slamming my clean-up guy with no remorse anytime they asked to get paid..



"This one came out really good".

Ah yeah zero boy, that's why I bought it.



"This one I need extra...".

Great, this is our last car, next.





Think of the *** holes you will be dealing with!
Click to expand...





WTF? Did/does this make you feel good about yourself? Pretty pathetic IMHO. Maybe they do things differently in NY, but I’d never put up with that crap. My business ran like clock work and my dealers never took advantage of me EVER! Doing freebies is the cost of doing business for anyone that’s successful in this field. Telling your customer “no� won’t get you very far, especially when they send out work every day, all day, rain or snow. Picking your battles is one thing, dealing with this type of abuse is ridiculous in any profession.
 
I can atest to what Dave is saying. When I was actually in a high volume shop with 7 full time detailers it was nothing to pull $30,000 - $50,000 a month into the shop. And then when I had mine for the last couple of years my summer deposits we're usually over $10,000/ mth with just me and sometime one other guy working out of 1 bay. The dealers can seriously put a lot of cash in the pockets as long as you treat them right and they respect what you do. You'll always find shady detailers and shady dealerships. It's a blast when those 2 meet. But when you get a good vibe going you can really make alot of money even in bad times.
 
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