Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

[CumminsCrazed]

Hey guys, i was just browsing through craigslist and clicked on automotive services. Saw tons of detailing ads but nothing very impressive/professional.

Would it be worth my time right now to type out a professional detailing ad with my logo and pictures from previous details that ive done to advertise my business on there or would that be a waste of time?

Just looking to find ways to get my name out and get started as ive not done many vehicles yet.

[Megafast13]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

You sure do get some "interesting" customers off of it. The only advantage is that when someone googles your business name it will come up with the Craiglist add. In case you didn't want to pay for the google search.

[CumminsCrazed]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

have you done it matt?

[Megafast13]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

Used to.

[CumminsCrazed]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

hmmm, would it be ok to start off with that until i get a customer base and referrals then stop doing it?

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

Doesn't hurt. I'm sure a lot of folks here scare up plenty of business through CL. The problem is that now you're competing with every yahoo with a DA out there (and this would likely include me ) and folks will use competing CL detailing ads to undercut you on price.

I still think the best way is to build a client base is to form a conduit of trust among a pool of people who can identify with you through a common denominator. Maybe putting up a flyer at work, your local gym, even buying an ad on the back of your church bulletin. One thing I have discovered (at work) is that a lot of people toy with the idea of having their cars detailed, but put it off because they want to find someone they can trust, and they place that trust over experience. One co-worker asked to detail his car over someone with 10 years of experience simply because he knew me.

CL has a nebulous reputation, and you might want to consider how that could affect your reputation over the long run. For example, you probably wouldn't look for a dentist, doctor, or even a mechanic on Craigslist. Consider how you would choose a professional like that, and what resources you would use to find a competent and trustworthy pro, then use that as a blueprint for getting your own name out there.

[BPS1984]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

I put an ad up on Craigs list. It doesnt hurt I get a few people here and there. Plus all it takes is a couple people to find you on there and then tell there friends and family and before you know if you have steady people.

[CumminsCrazed]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

hmmm ok, i mean, i know youll probably get some pretty crazy goofballs but if i can help them out regardless, then ill do what i can

[BPS1984]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

since I do this on the side craigslist is the only advertising I do. I have not had any problems or goofballs. I have gotten some nice cars and people from there with lots of money. One is a business owner (greenhouse builder) do there company and personal vehicles. Then 2 other business owners from referrals. Then a couple weeks ago I got a call from a guy to do there 4 vehicles, he is the chief financial officer for Kelloggs if you do not know what that is cereal and such. Then from him I got some of there friends and neighbors. Just talk to them on the phone for a few min and you can tell if they are decent people. I did have one guy wanting me to do a staion wagon becuase he is in a wheelchair and cant anymore and he just got out of prison he told me this over the phone so I just kinda blew him off so I guess I had 1 goofball. Other than that its turned out pretty good.

[CumminsCrazed]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

well i threw it up there, let me know what ya guys think.

https://post.craigslist.org/msc/B/aos/none/x/UvolphTgOJBnQjso/0lRzJ

[boiler7904]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

Your ad comes up as a screen telling me to create a posting. Try logging out of your account and then posting the link.

[CumminsCrazed]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

i was one step ahead of myself there guys, thi is the ad i made. Tell me how you thin k it sounds.

http://masoncity.craigslist.org/aos/1746543179.html

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

Would not hurt. Premium down in Tampa regularly advertises on Craigslist. He is happy with his results.

[Sal329]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

Last yr I had good results with CL this year nothin but scaming emails

[CumminsCrazed]

Re: Craigslist for detailing advertisment???

hopefully i get a few quality people to call that actually want a good service