People trying to bargain you down

[salty]

It's the nature of the business. Most people think they are giving you 'easy' money to clean their car, just because they are too lazy to do it. Basicly their idea of clean is wax, windows and wipe.



I personally hate being asked to do it 'under the table' -no tax.

 

[imported_ajbarnes]

It's the nature of the business. Most people think they are giving you 'easy' money to clean their car, just because they are too lazy to do it. Basicly their idea of clean is wax, windows and wipe.

Exactly!



My city is full of bargain hunters and badly un-informed car care consumer's and is pretty much the reason why 95% of all of my customer's are in the surrounding counties...even if I have to drive a little out the way.



There are a ton of local car washes and detail shops around here charging $100 for a full detail and lower. As long as they get the outside and the tires shining somewhat and the interior 'appearing' to be clean they get away with calling it a full detail....and the customer falls for it. They become not my competitors on quality workmanship, but my competitor soley on pricing.



Majority of folks are not knowledgeable about what to expect from a detail, the labor involved with a "real" detail and let alone the pricing, and those factors is what makes it real difficult for a new detailing company to establish a customer base in the beginning, and even an established detail company maintaining and growing their companies. Fortunately, I'm finally getting close to having a good established customer base to keep me on my feet, but there is still room for growth. Forget detailing, marketing and advertising is my full time job!

 

[imported_topnotch]

This guy emailed me back with another offer still off the mark with a second car to do so I emailed him and told me to take 10% off my price which is what I do for multi-car details for my customers. Its easier to do them both in 1 day than go back and forth etc. I think I am being nice about this but I feel like he is going to torture me if he agrees to the job. I will keep everyone posted.

 

[imported_mirrorfinishman]

I had an ad for a full detail for $140 this winter only b/c things were slow and it was a seasonal special which the ad specified would last until the end of February.

By offering specials you are actually inviting people to try to bargain with you. That's really not a good idea. It is much better to remain focused on the high level of quality work that you offer rather than offering a lower price because things are slow. Try to stay focused on how your service satisfies your customer. When you remove your prices from all advertisements you will never have to focus on price again.

 

[imported_topnotch]

Frank,



I have moved away from running any specials due to what you said. An update to the story also... he agreed to my price plus he is having me do a second car. I guess I am going to have a really long day. Hopefully all will go well and I will not run into any problems.