Tips and tricks to a happy customer.

[Concours.John]

Flip the latch mechanism with the door open on auto drop windows. You can then clean this section hidden easily.
When you pull the handle BEFORE closing clean behind handle. Do this even non dropping windows.
Also check for bugs in dome light lenses. Water spots inside exterior lenses if you blow older vehicles down.
In between rubber flaps on doors etc.

Another is antenna masts sometimes debris is to small to see at first.

Backsides of non molded bumpers. A nicely polished vehicle will reveal the mess in the sun in the reflection. Also the undersides of horizontal louvers will reflect missed things.

Spare tire wells and tools.

Seatbelt buttons and any rear a/c vents.

 

[ca.detailchick]

The CV boot tip is great as well as the tire tips.

Thanks Rocket .

A general rule of thumb for me is if I cant feel the tread underneath with my fingers when applying tire dressing usually the tires are low and need to move the vehicle foward or backward some to get the missed spots .

I also always have a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure. I dont have a portable compressor though ,that would be even better.

A couple other unrelated things I watch out for are corrosion on the battery connection and leaks of any kind like brake fluid,coolant, oil or trans fluid leaks.I dont pretend to be a mechanic but these are simple things to look out for for the customer that could be dangerous or leave them stranded .

 

[Blkcherry]

Like I said at my Introduction, 'There are always GREAT Threads with LOTS of good ideas to be shared'. This one is especially appreciated as it gave me some good tips for my small Detailing Business that I am starting this Spring. GREAT STUFF :bigups My thanks to all who responded to it.

 

[Todd@RUPES]

Like I said at my Introduction, 'There are always GREAT Threads with LOTS of good ideas to be shared'. This one is especially appreciated as it gave me some good tips for my small Detailing Business that I am starting this Spring. GREAT STUFF :bigups My thanks to all who responded to it.

This is definitely one of my favorite recent threads as well! :bigups

 

[AndrewBigA]

i used to buy those little tree air freshners by the bulk for .38 cents a piece & hang 1 off the rearview mirror. i used to put them in customers cars for free. some of them smell really bad but customers used to get a kick out of that lil touch. if i got them again i would just get a couple of "flavors" that appeal to my nose & use that.

 

[Addicted2Bling]

Polish the gauge lenses to return clarity to them.

What do you use to polish the lenses with? I'm scared of taking anything to them in case I mess them up.

Vacuum the back part of the car behind the back seats

Clean fuel door

rotate tires after you dress them and put dressing on the part that was on the road

Anytime I get a jeep with that spare wheel in the back, I clean and dress that tire just like it was any other tire on the jeep

 

[mrclean81]

What do you use to polish the lenses with? I'm scared of taking anything to them in case I mess them up.

Vacuum the back part of the car behind the back seats

Clean fuel door

rotate tires after you dress them and put dressing on the part that was on the road

Anytime I get a jeep with that spare wheel in the back, I clean and dress that tire just like it was any other tire on the jeep

Megs PlastX does a really nice job on them

 

[ca.detailchick]

I would be careful about using scents in peoples cars without asking them first .

Some people have allergies or are sensitive to smells.

If I were a customer and some used a scent in my vehicle I wouldnt like it, especially those fake artificial scents like those icky trees!:vomit:

 

[RTexasF]

I would be careful about using scents in peoples cars without asking them first .

Some people have allergies or are sensitive to smells.

If I were a customer and some used a scent in my vehicle I wouldnt like it, especially those fake artificial scents like those icky trees!:vomit:

I agree 100%. I had several customers that were allergic to everything it seemed including fragrance. By not asking first things could really backfire on you.

 

[Merlin]

Clean, polish, and seal the driver's side door handle-

This is one of my favorite little (almost evil) things I do.
I like to use BFWD up inside under neath the door handles.
What is evil about it you ask?
I like to watch their hand slide off when they open their door. :rofl

 

[daves120]

Thanks Rocket .

A general rule of thumb for me is if I cant feel the tread underneath with my fingers when applying tire dressing usually the tires are low and need to move the vehicle foward or backward some to get the missed spots .

To get around moving the car I took an 1X12 and cut four sections about 18 inches long each. Just put them in front of the tires and move the car on them. The 1 inch gives me enough room for cleaning and dressing.

 

[Bunky]

This is definitely one of my favorite recent threads as well! :bigups

Todd, there are often threads like this that people chime it with lots of good tips. It would be nice and easier if somehow these could be compiled and sorted for future reference in say one post.

 

[Todd@RUPES]

Todd, there are often threads like this that people chime it with lots of good tips. It would be nice and easier if somehow these could be compiled and sorted for future reference in say one post.

GREAT idea Bunky, I will start digging through posts and cataloging them as a one stop 'title thread' so they don't get lost.

 

[Todd@RUPES]

Like I said at my Introduction, 'There are always GREAT Threads with LOTS of good ideas to be shared'. This one is especially appreciated as it gave me some good tips for my small Detailing Business that I am starting this Spring. GREAT STUFF :bigups My thanks to all who responded to it.

It's why this community exists, to share information about this crazy passion that we all share. If you infuse your business with the passion to get the job done right you will be successful!

 

[glen e]

Another great plastic cleaner we use in the marine area is PLEXUS - it is different - and like BF Total Polish and Seal, is just that - a plastic polish and sealer.

great stuff....

Introducing Plexus Plastic Cleaner

 

[Old Pirate]

In any business, the customer comes first.

 

[rwright]

Great tips in this thread, thanks Todd and everyone involved. The only things I wish to add:

I check with my customers first to see if they are sensitive to chemical scents. If they are then I inform them that I keep cleaners on hand specifically for customers who may be sensitive to chemical scents, etc. I simply use Griot's Interior Cleaner or Chemical Guys Nonsense and still follow with a wipe down with a damp cloth.

I also ask what area(s) they would like me to focus on. Asking this gets them involved with the detail and in my mind shows you care. Obviously do a stellar job on the entire detail but make certain you spend time on the areas they point out.

This thread has served as a great reminder of the little things that I am guilty of forgetting sometimes. I really liked the checklist and photo cd idea but my biggest problem is forgetting to take pictures. Thanks for all the responses everyone!

 

[Todd@RUPES]

Great tips in this thread, thanks Todd and everyone involved. The only things I wish to add:

I check with my customers first to see if they are sensitive to chemical scents. If they are then I inform them that I keep cleaners on hand specifically for customers who may be sensitive to chemical scents, etc. I simply use Griot's Interior Cleaner or Chemical Guys Nonsense and still follow with a wipe down with a damp cloth.

I also ask what area(s) they would like me to focus on. Asking this gets them involved with the detail and in my mind shows you care. Obviously do a stellar job on the entire detail but make certain you spend time on the areas they point out.

This thread has served as a great reminder of the little things that I am guilty of forgetting sometimes. I really liked the checklist and photo cd idea but my biggest problem is forgetting to take pictures. Thanks for all the responses everyone!

Great point, every customer is different and a great business person knows how to tailor his service to his customer, particularly in a service industry.

 

[rzatch]

Yes that is a very good point. You could bust your butt on something and it may not be the thing that matters most to the owner. And what matters to them is what they are going to focus on.

 

[Todd@RUPES]

This is one of my favorite little (almost evil) things I do.
I like to use BFWD up inside under neath the door handles.
What is evil about it you ask?
I like to watch their hand slide off when they open their door. :rofl

I always treat the underside of door handles. Anything they can touch, see or feel