Need advice on how to approach potential customers

[Nick Chapman]

Re: Need advice on how to approach potential customers

What about if you are in a small town and people do their own details but not really the kind you would do? As in they dont do paint correction just wash and wax....how do you approach these people? sorry for the thread jack

Well, in this case, you would just come to Dallas and work for a mobile detailer that is severely behind schedule

[john m.]

Re: Need advice on how to approach potential customers

What about if you are in a small town and people do their own details but not really the kind you would do? As in they dont do paint correction just wash and wax....how do you approach these people? sorry for the thread jack

[DrdetailNashville]

Re: Need advice on how to approach potential customers

Choose a form of advertising and pound away at it. If your going to do flyers, do tons of them and keep doing it. Website? Make it the best one in your area and keep it that way. As a new business its tough to get established, but once you do the work will start coming in. Also be patient, it took me about 2.5 - 3 years of hard work and trial and error before I could say I was operating a good business. Knowing how to detail cars is great, but that's only a small part of having a auto detailing business.

[Cosmin]

Re: Need advice on how to approach potential customers

well ... i plan go mobile on my own by next year, january. so i have time to practice more and get the equipment i need.
like advertise i will wetsand my car and buff it perfect , even if will take me some good days of work. is a luxury sedan so is worth it. on rear window i will have my advertise with paint correction , show car finish. also the fastest i go the more advertise i made )) just kidding.
but that should be one point of advertise, also i will drive it in area where i know are money, park it to be visible and enjoy a tea at starbucks for example. also think about made a visit in office buildings, dealers...
i think good quality business card and web site with before/after pic is a must, plus your car must look decent.
that`s my plan.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Need advice on how to approach potential customers

If you want to work out of your garage, you're really going to limit yourself. People like convenience, and that means you coming to them. If you haven't done so already, check your local zoning ordinances to make sure you can operate a private business from your residence. Note hours of operation allowed, permitted decibel levels, whether or not you need to apply for a small business license, any CC or HOA restrictions if applicable. I made the mistake of trying to run an refillable inkjet business out of my residence a few years back and got bit by multiple fines.

To get the word out or hang your shingle will be the tough part. I get the feeling from other members here that most business is generated word of mouth. I have thought about how I would start a part time detail business if and when I get into it, and my plan would be to start off detailing cars on the weekend. I would target a small pond (my workplace) and tack up a flyer offering a discount to co-workers. Lots of nice cars out in the parking lot, some of which need serious attention.

If I didn't work where I work now or the co-worker pool was too small to make a go of trying to start a detail business, I would find a high end business park and seek the owner's permission to post flyers, distribute business cards, and even offer a discount to tenant employees. Perhaps even give the business park owner a free detail for the consideration. I'm thinking law firms, accounting firms, other high profile professionals that rely on their cars as part of their image.

[Megafast13]

Re: Need advice on how to approach potential customers

Hey, What I would do is make fliers with your packages/rates/contact info/website etc.

When your out and about and see a nice car as you described that's dirty, put a flier on the windshield wiper.

Try to find a large company that has wealthy employees...Get one customer and do a great job, word of mouth will get you many

That's what I did.

[10degreesbtdc]

I plan on detailing and paint correction as a part-time business soon and I'm a little lost as to how to approach potential clients since I don't have a lot of customers under my belt for references. The few I do have are happy, but they are not really the type of clients I want to get. Meaning; I want to do higher end work rather than compete with the mass of detailers on the cheap that will take any car on.
I want to find customers that care about their cars, have the money to maintain them and know and appreciate the value of high quality work when they see it. So I'm thinking BMW, Caddy, Vette, Mercedes, Lexus, etc.
But how do I approach these owners as a startup biz? Where do I canvas?

I've got my company name, domain name, web hosting, business cards, tools, soon to have most Meguiar's products (except 105, 205 backordered and canopies). I'd like to do these cars here at my house if possible, so I need to work that into the sales pitch as well as consider it in the price. Maybe a discount for bringing it to me? I have an air conditioned garage which would make it much nicer for me and for the application of products and quicker turnaround.

I realize I'm not a pro (yet), but I have been turning out some good work and quickly getting better My main priority is top quality work, no cutting corners, no quickies. Main focus on paint correction, polishing, sealant, wax, trim, wheels, tires, engine, interior clean/treatment, but would rather not steam-clean carpets.

Any ideas? Give me your best sales pitch! (sales makes me nervous )

Thanks in advance!
Steve