How to get customers back.

[Sprzout]

Re: How to get customers back.

It's the magical mystical power of MOL!

Maybe I should start a thread on picking the lucky lottery numbers.

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42...Oh, wait. That's bad luck numbers from LOST.

Seriously, though, with a lot of people, they need to see the difference a cheap car wash does and a GOOD car wash does. My mom got annoyed at the local "hand wash" place because they put scratches in her red Toyota Corolla. I tried to tell her that she was going to get that because it's used dirty rags to dry off the cars. You try to tell them what air freshener scent to put in and they put in whatever they feel like. This is what you get for $10, and the difference for $50-$100 for a good detail makes sure those scratches DON'T show up on your car.

She's starting to realize what the difference is, because I've shown her the difference after she's washed her car and then I put tape down and polished one side of her hood with M80. BIG improvements. But sometimes, that's what it takes to show customers.



[Edited for non-family friendly language and inappropriate comments. Please refer to the Forum Rules; Thanks, Tim]

[Tim Lingor]

Re: How to get customers back.

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42...Oh, wait. That's bad luck numbers from LOST.

Seriously, though, with a lot of people, they need to see the difference a cheap car wash does and a GOOD car wash does. My mom got annoyed at the local "hand wash" place because they put scratches in her red Toyota Corolla. I tried to tell her that she was going to get that because it's used dirty rags to dry off the cars. You try to tell them what air freshener scent to put in and they put in whatever they feel like. This is what you get for $10, and the difference for $50-$100 for a good detail makes sure those scratches DON'T show up on your car.

She's starting to realize what the difference is, because I've shown her the difference after she's washed her car and then I put tape down and polished one side of her hood with M80. BIG improvements. But sometimes, that's what it takes to show customers.



[Edited for non-family friendly language and inappropriate comments. Please refer to the Forum Rules; Thanks, Tim]

We have edited your post to remove inappropriate comments and language. Those kinds of comments will not be tolerated on Meguiar's Online.

Thank you,
Tim

[99 softy]

Re: How to get customers back.

As 3 fitty mentioned, some people just see the bottom line. Some don't know any better and some just don't care about the quality like you do.Don't sacrifice your standards or reputation to satisfy these people. I have dealt with these people in the painting world.The last custom bike I quoted was $2300 complete bike . This included frame all the tins body work and a three color scheme. I thought this was cheap and feeling generous because he was a friend. He went some where else because they were $300 cheaper. I was a little peeved ,until I saw quality of the job then I laughed.
So I guess what I am saying is , some of these guys will come around some won't. Stick to your standards and do it right. The world needs more quality not quantity. Just my 2 cents .

[Bunky]

Re: How to get customers back.

There was a man standing there with a arm full of products with a blank look on his face, he ask me how i new what to pick so fast and i told him i had my own detail business.

You see this in any car care section. Some have brand preferences but often they will read the packaging for some time and eventually chose one. It is often is about cost so this is why you see so many promotions at retail level to get people to try their product.

The key is education.

[Heatgain]

Re: How to get customers back.

The key is education.

I agree. I tell them if they just want a wash and wax, go to the car wash.
Then I add the fact that wax evaporates at a certain temperature and doesn't last long in this heat, and they're left with no protection. I tell them I PROTECT with a sealant which lasts way longer than wax. I also point out the swirls, which they've never noticed before.
I stress protection of everything from paint to vinyl, which is what I do.
Not only will they get a car back from me which will make their jaw drop from the shine, but EVERYTHING will be protected from UV fade and the elements.
"After all, if you think about it, your car is your 2nd biggest investment."

[BigLeegr]

Re: How to get customers back.

Make a sign that says "We fix $7.99 wash jobs."

[VoicesInMyHead]

Re: How to get customers back.

Make a sign that says "We fix $7.99 wash jobs."

ROTFLOL! Awesome.. and not a bad idea!

[Bunky]

Re: How to get customers back.

In another non-detailing forum, the topic of Nu Finish always comes up on how great it is. I was thinking about that commercial they used to show. Yeah, it may be clean but if they looked at the paint out in the sun it would tell a different story. It would be an interesting test to take a car, somehow mask off half the paint on the hood, top, and trunk so the car wash brushes could not affect them and then compare the two sides after 50 washes. That would be a nice video to be able to show.

[AeroCleanse]

Re: How to get customers back.

Offer something they don't, like engine detailing.

[Ivan Rajic]

Re: How to get customers back.

In another non-detailing forum, the topic of Nu Finish always comes up on how great it is. I was thinking about that commercial they used to show. Yeah, it may be clean but if they looked at the paint out in the sun it would tell a different story. It would be an interesting test to take a car, somehow mask off half the paint on the hood, top, and trunk so the car wash brushes could not affect them and then compare the two sides after 50 washes. That would be a nice video to be able to show.

Vinyl works great if you want to do a bunch of washes since most tape will wash off or the residue will start slowly washing off and getting on the paint... but yes, it would be nice to show that...

[jpitt1987]

Re: How to get customers back.

It is all about the customer service.

Yes, what you offer is superior, however as many have said, too many people are concerned with the bottom line. But what can really convince some is simple customer service. I worked for Best Buy for awhile and that was the main idea. Our customers could go across the street to Wal-Mart and get the same TV or Camera for cheaper, yet it would have taken them twice as long to find it and it is very unlikely that they would have been adequately helped out. (I am not trying to bash Wal-Mart or anything like that, just an example I heard tons of times).
An even more personal example: there is a clothing store that I frequent simply because of the amazing customer service they offer. When I walk in I am remembered by name, offered refreshments, they already know what size clothes I wear, and even hold things for me that I might like... I could find the same clothes elsewhere for cheaper, but I don't want to.

Like voices said, it is all about the little extra things, trust me!

Good luck and I hope things improve for you!

[JG_Detailing]

Re: How to get customers back.

It seem's like I 'v been getting new customer's this year. And I still have the same one's I been doing. Ofcourse I work with most of them. But that's ok. They like my work. As long as I keep doing a great job the'll keep coming back. My existing customer's refer me to other's and that is how I get my detailing business.

[xjclassic]

Re: How to get customers back.

There is your answer. Denny's doesn't chase customers that are looking for Taco Bell price, and upscale steak place doesn't chase customers that are looking for Denny's price. One of lessons from real life and Advanced Class: "Evaluate your customer" Not everybody has to be your customer.

I don't post much on here, but I saw this and had to add my comment. This is so very true. I have been detailing cars as a side business to my normal job for about 5 years. All of my customers come by word of mouth from referrals. Sometimes when I look at a car and quote a price, I get that "sticker shock" look from the potential customer. Its pretty much at this point that I know this person is not someone for me. There are other indicators to look for, but this is the first red flag. Obviously, my favorite (and best) customers are the ones that say, " I don't care what you charge, just make it look good". I generally get to detail the other cars in their garage. Sometimes "getting customers back" may be as easy as getting the other cars in their household, I can't think of any of my customers that have ONE vehicle.

There is some great information on this forum, very helpful.