Suggestions for more business?

pontman43

pontman43

New member
I have a moble detailing business and I haven't gotten a lot of business. Currently I go by word of mouth of friends and family and also a sheet for pricing, etc and business cards on a wall at my other work (quick lube place). And a useless cardomain. What do you guys do to get business? PS I'm 17, so I dont wanna spend too much and I go to school full time so its just something on the side. How does most of you guys' business come to be? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
Always carry some of your business cards with you and don't be afraid to talk to people. If you talk to at least twenty people, you'll probably get one new customer. Of course, 19 of those people will turn you down, but that's to be expected. Don't be discouraged, it's all about getting that one new customer.
 
Scottwax said:
Offer a free exterior detail as a door prize at school functions. Gets your name out pretty quickly.
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Scott's got some good advice there. This approach also works well with local charities too. Anytime you get involved on a local level, it's a good thing.
 
ScubaStevo said:
I'm currently booked up to my ears in details.



Try finding some location based car forums. I get over 75% of my business from www.winnipegheights.com and www.route204.com . Both are Winnipeg specific, and allow for nice cars, and car loving people to have their cars detailed.
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Yep, Im doing a person from a local pontiac club forum on the 24th, hopefully that will be my in to that club. They are mostly older guys with nice pontiacs, so that is a perfect croud.
 
mirrorfinishman said:
Always carry some of your business cards with you and don't be afraid to talk to people. If you talk to at least twenty people, you'll probably get one new customer. Of course, 19 of those people will turn you down, but that's to be expected. Don't be discouraged, it's all about getting that one new customer.
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I kinda do this now, but I'll start being more outgoing. Thanks
 
I was talking to my dad to and he had a few good ones, I made a brochure and will make a bunch of copies tomorrow to put on doors around my niegborhood and on cars for sale. My boss (at my quick lube, other job) also said I should start putting my cards in cars that look well maintained and put price and whats included on the back. I hope this gets more business.

Thanks again for all the advise and if anyone has any more to add that would be appreciated. :)
 
What is everyone's opinion about placing business cards on parked cars? Is this rude? Or even more...is it legal?



Also, where do you all put up flyers and such?



I have a few cars around town that have For Sale signs on them and could use a detail but I'm not sure if placing a card under the wiper is acceptable.



Chris
 
williams22 said:
What is everyone's opinion about placing business cards on parked cars? Is this rude? Or even more...is it legal?



Also, where do you all put up flyers and such?



I have a few cars around town that have For Sale signs on them and could use a detail but I'm not sure if placing a card under the wiper is acceptable.



Chris
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I have a customer who I have had 10 years now by simply putting a business card on his car. I addition, I have a 4 more regular customers whose vehicles I clean weekly (and have for many years) directly because of referrals from the first person. I'd estimate over 10 years, that one card has made me at least $50,000 in business.
 
Offer an introductory free service.





"For the month of August, mention this ad and recieve a free engine detail, headliner cleaning, or rain repellent treatment"





Just an example, but something to that extent.
 
Target private sellers of used cars in your neighborhood. Explain to them that a freshly cleaned car will not only attract potential buyers but will also have the possibility of having a better profit. I explain to them that spending $150-$200 on my services can ultimately bring in more money than what they originally are asking for. It has worked for both me and the seller many times.
 
Scottwax said:
I have a customer who I have had 10 years now by simply putting a business card on his car. I addition, I have a 4 more regular customers whose vehicles I clean weekly (and have for many years) directly because of referrals from the first person. I'd estimate over 10 years, that one card has made me at least $50,000 in business.
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Scott-



How did you do this? Do you put a card on every car in a parking lot? Or do you pick the more expensive cars to drop a card on? Also, do you ask the permission of whoever owns the parking lot first?



Chris
 
GSRstilez said:
Offer an introductory free service.





"For the month of August, mention this ad and recieve a free engine detail, headliner cleaning, or rain repellent treatment"





Just an example, but something to that extent.
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Good idea, I'll try that. Right now I have a 20% off summer special, so I'll try this in the coming months.
 
Good idea, I'll try that. Right now I have a 20% off summer special, so I'll try this in the coming months.
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Be careful with discounts. You train your customers that your prices aren't solid.



Also notice that on a $100 detail, a 20% discount costs you $20. Giving away a free Rain-X treatment costs you pennies. And the person who's willing to spend $80 on a detail is also willing to spend $100 if the work is right.
 
A very good way to get some cheap advertising is get yourself A decent website and then advertise with google adwords. It only costs me a couple $$ for advertising with google, if I could spend more there I definatly would.
 
joburnet said:
A very good way to get some cheap advertising is get yourself A decent website and then advertise with google adwords. It only costs me a couple $$ for advertising with google, if I could spend more there I definatly would.
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Agreed.



I've received a good amount of business from the internet.
 
williams22 said:
Scott-



How did you do this? Do you put a card on every car in a parking lot? Or do you pick the more expensive cars to drop a card on? Also, do you ask the permission of whoever owns the parking lot first?



Chris
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That night, I put a card on 3 cars up at my kid's school.



Normally, I may just put a card on an expensive car every once in a while. I am usually booked up a week in advance now anyway.
 
I have been wanting a website, but just dont know if it is worth it quite yet. Word of mouth has really come around! I have gotten a lot of interest from friends and friends of friends and two more bookings from word of mouth.

JamesLA you are very right! I guess free services is a lot better, I kinda do hate to loose that money and it usually sounds bad if you over quote to make it up. I'll have to stop that soon. Good thing it was only printed on a couple of cards and flyers, one of which I got a call on. Think I'll do a free upgraded wax or something. I'll figure it out.

Thanks again guys!
 
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