Using Craigslist to advertise?

[M_Cook]

I am thinking about starting a side detailing business. I'm 17, and I wouldn't do any paint correction, just the normal wash, wax, interior detail, dress everything that's needed, and just overall, make sure everything is clean.

What's the risk of using craigslist to advertise, I have only done jobs for friends, co-workers, and my dads co-workers so far, but I enjoy detailing, and would like to earn a little extra cash since work has cut back my hours.

Any thoughts?

[JoeDirt]

Re: Using Craigslist to advertise?

I know some people that have done it- it's not bad, just protect yourself as far as people saying that you messed something up on their vehicle when you haven't- like a release of liability after visual inspection when the car is picked up or something.

I know around here, there are an abundance of ads for complete details for about $100 or so.

Make sure you cover the costs of your products and time to make it worthwhile...

[rusty bumper]

Re: Using Craigslist to advertise?

I personally hate Craig's List, but it could be of some value to you.

Have you thought about the local paper, or maybe printing up some flyers and posting them in high traffic areas like Wal-Mart, etc?

[M_Cook]

Re: Using Craigslist to advertise?

I know some people that have done it- it's not bad, just protect yourself as far as people saying that you messed something up on their vehicle when you haven't- like a release of liability after visual inspection when the car is picked up or something.

I know around here, there are an abundance of ads for complete details for about $100 or so.

Make sure you cover the costs of your products and time to make it worthwhile...

That's what im worried about, people saying I messed something up...>.< That's why I have only been dealing with friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

there isn't many detailing ads on CL for my area. I figure if I did a wash/wax/interior cleaning for $50 or so, I would be doing pretty good.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Using Craigslist to advertise?

I myself am not a huge fan of Craigslist. However I know of a couple detailers in my area who advertise there. They have great success.

[rusty bumper]

Re: Using Craigslist to advertise?

That's what im worried about, people saying I messed something up...>.< That's why I have only been dealing with friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

there isn't many detailing ads on CL for my area. I figure if I did a wash/wax/interior cleaning for $50 or so, I would be doing pretty good.

If you're doing all of this by hand, then I doubt you have much to worry about (liability wise). It's when you break out the buffers is when problems could arise.

Sounds like you may be underpricing yourself a bit.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Using Craigslist to advertise?

I find a lot of detailers on CL advertising under the barter/trade section. They offer service for service, detailing cars in exchange for plumbing work, electrical work, construction, website creation, etc.

The gal who cuts my hair wants to make a similar arrangement with me. I've told her that I could detail her car in exchange for a year's worth of free haircuts. One of my co-workers has offered to create my logo + cash in exchange for a detail. As long as you get value for value, trades and barters are not a bad option.

[Calais]

Re: Using Craigslist to advertise?

I find a lot of detailers on CL advertising under the barter/trade section. They offer service for service, detailing cars in exchange for plumbing work, electrical work, construction, website creation, etc.

The gal who cuts my hair wants to make a similar arrangement with me. I've told her that I could detail her car in exchange for a year's worth of free haircuts. One of my co-workers has offered to create my logo + cash in exchange for a detail. As long as you get value for value, trades and barters are not a bad option.

That sounds cool. My boss told his wife that he paid me $100 and two days off for my work on his truck, but he really paid me $175; the former would have been better.

I thought about using Craigslist but I figured the number of whack jobs and tire kickers that I would end up getting called by would offset my gains customer wise. If it works for you, go for it.

[danny325is]

Re: Using Craigslist to advertise?

Being that your 17, I say put an ad on Craigslist. BUT your goal is work on your business skills not your detailing skills.

A craigslist ad will hopefully generate phone calls and emails. Every business person needs work on improving their phone/email skills, improve their selling skills and also figure out what callers are not worth your time and handle them professionally.

I think your goal with a CL ad would NOT be to get as many detail as possible, but to Sell high end services (Full detail in your case) to just a few customers. And also learn how to spot what a good customer is.

In my fleet washing business I quickly learned that I would rather have a Small customer with 10-20 trucks that he loves, than the corporate monster with 100 trucks and just cared about price.