what has been your experience with Paintless Dent Repair?

P

PDR_Guy

New member
Do you network with dent guys, and if you do what has your experience been like? I'm asking because I just went on my own doing PDR after 5 years of working for the company and I want to start networking with detailers.
 
I tried many, many pdr guys before I found one that provides the same level of over the top service that i do. It is important to me that I only do business with the best of the best in the business. That is what i strive to be and to expect anything less from a serviceman in a complimenting industry could potentially have a negative affect on my reputation.



If you do a good job there should be no reason why detailers you network with shouldn't recommend you. Generally it is expected that if they call upon you, you should give them some sort of wholesale price so that they might make a buck on their efforts.



Personally, I charge my clients the exact same price my pdr guy charges me. Above and beyond is how I run my business.
 
:werd: to all that Garry said; I got extremely lucky though and found one of the best PDR guys around on the first try.



I too charge my customers at cost if I have PDR work arranged for them, or just put them in touch with the tech directly to get the job taken care of.
 
How often do you send them business, do you try to sell the dents or only recommend them if the customer asks, do you think you will send more business if you got a 20-30% of the total? BTW I do great work, I get the dents out 100% and I often fix dents after other PDR guys said they're not fixable, and I never get complaints but I want to find out what would be the best way to approach detailers from my area because I'm sure they're sick of all the hacks and will probably think I'm just another hack and won't give me a chance.
 
PDR_Guy said:
How often do you send them business, do you try to sell the dents or only recommend them if the customer asks, do you think you will send more business if you got a 20-30% of the total? BTW I do great work, I get the dents out 100% and I often fix dents after other PDR guys said they're not fixable, and I never get complaints but I want to find out what would be the best way to approach detailers from my area because I'm sure they're sick of all the hacks and will probably think I'm just another hack and won't give me a chance.
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I've had too many whisky and diets to provide an intelligent response tonight... I will respond with quality tomorrow...
 
PDR_Guy said:
How often do you send them business, do you try to sell the dents or only recommend them if the customer asks, do you think you will send more business if you got a 20-30% of the total? BTW I do great work, I get the dents out 100% and I often fix dents after other PDR guys said they're not fixable, and I never get complaints but I want to find out what would be the best way to approach detailers from my area because I'm sure they're sick of all the hacks and will probably think I'm just another hack and won't give me a chance.
Click to expand...



I'm not one to "hard sell" or push extra services, I just make clients aware of what can be done and let the client decide what they do or do not want. In the case of PDR I simply point out any dents/dings I know are repairable and ask if they would like a quote to have them removed (and then usually explain what PDR is/etc.). The take rate has been pretty low for me, honestly -- unless it's an enthusiast or someone preparing to trade or sell a car people don't tend to worry about it.



For detailers who would treat PDR as an extra profit center and do try to hard sell, a "wholesale rate" might make a difference but realistically the quality of your work is going to be the best way to sell yourself. If they know they can trust you not to botch repairs, crack paint, etc. they'll be more likely to keep using your services.



If you want them to give you a chance, I'd suggest maybe offering to take a dent or two out of the shop owner's car or work truck/van for a steep discount (but don't lose money on it) as an audition.



Just a thought.
 
C. Charles Hahn said:
I'm not one to "hard sell" or push extra services, I just make clients aware of what can be done and let the client decide what they do or do not want. In the case of PDR I simply point out any dents/dings I know are repairable and ask if they would like a quote to have them removed (and then usually explain what PDR is/etc.). The take rate has been pretty low for me, honestly -- unless it's an enthusiast or someone preparing to trade or sell a car people don't tend to worry about it.



For detailers who would treat PDR as an extra profit center and do try to hard sell, a "wholesale rate" might make a difference but realistically the quality of your work is going to be the best way to sell yourself. If they know they can trust you not to botch repairs, crack paint, etc. they'll be more likely to keep using your services.



If you want them to give you a chance, I'd suggest maybe offering to take a dent or two out of the shop owner's car or work truck/van for a steep discount (but don't lose money on it) as an audition.



Just a thought.
Click to expand...



I totally agree. There should be no problem taking a small dent or two out at no charge just to show off your skills.



My pdr guy is lightening fast. Seems like pdr is fast money.



Overall I would say that networking with detailers could probably be your best bet for jumping right into work. We are both in a business that can thrive based on referrals. If you are as good as you say it shouldn't take any time at all to make a name for yourself. Good luck!
 
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