How would you approach a dealer?

[THE BIG BUFFER]

I went for drive today and stopeed at several local car dealers. There is one place in town that is an "all makes" kinda place. The owner of this dealership owns four dealerships in town. He well know and usally carrys A1 type vehicles. BUT I have been noticing lately that whoever is polishing his inventory is doing a horrible, horrible job. Check out these pics from today from just one of his lots: Can you say Dealer Installed Swirls!!!









So my question is how should I approch the owner of the dealership in such a way as not to offend him or his staff? I know I can do a better job that what he's getting.I believe he has a reconcitioning department on site). He advertises that his dearship has a "state of the art" detailing proseess! Any suggestions on how I might be able to secure his bussness?

Thanks

[BrianPow84]

Re: How would you approach a dealer?

set up a meeting with him, and show him in the light all the things you see, and ask if he would let you do a panel for him and take it from there

[Tuck91]

Re: How would you approach a dealer?

Looks to me like he has some "state of the art hacks" on site. I do not mind hacks since they do make me money occassionally.

The black Suburban looks pretty bad. I would show these pictures to him and offer to polish out a test spot for free.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: How would you approach a dealer?

Set up the meet. Have your vehicle looking great. Kindly show him the difference. Offer to do a test spot. See were that leads. Good luck. Hope you get the business.

[THE BIG BUFFER]

Re: How would you approach a dealer?

The test spot/panel is a great idea. I have lured a dealer or two with "let me do one for free and see what you think" and ended up with some of their vehicles (usally the dark ones). I know I will need to show him that what I'm offering (in this case a swirl/hologram free finish) is worth the investment. I think the panel idea is a good one and I don't end up doing the worst vehicle on his lot for free. I also have a portfolio that I carry with to show what I have done and can do. (check out my gallery) Thanks for the input guys. I'm going to go see him tomorrow! Shine on!

[Clutch34]

Re: How would you approach a dealer?

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

[fullbirdmusic]

Re: How would you approach a dealer?

Yeah, good luck! That Suburban looks horrible.

[RedSoxRacer]

Re: How would you approach a dealer?

The problem is the dealer is employing a teen / early 20's buffer jockey and paying him maybe $10 an hour to put those swirls into the vehicles. They are probably putting about an hour or 2 at most into each vehicle...can you undercut that rate?

[fullbirdmusic]

Re: How would you approach a dealer?

The problem is the dealer is employing a teen / early 20's buffer jockey and paying him maybe $10 an hour to put those swirls into the vehicles. They are probably putting about an hour or 2 at most into each vehicle...can you undercut that rate?

This is a good point. I wonder if this is true (or how close it may be). Some social engineering with a secretary would definitely be worthwhile in finding out how much they're paid and who is doing the work. They most likely will not be volunteering that information, but it could be acquired!

In any case, the point is valid. Undercutting that rate/timeframe will be very difficult.

[Calais]

Re: How would you approach a dealer?

The problem is the dealer is employing a teen / early 20's buffer jockey and paying him maybe $10 an hour to put those swirls into the vehicles. They are probably putting about an hour or 2 at most into each vehicle...can you undercut that rate?

This is true, that is why I would try to stick to high-end dealerships like Jaguar, Benz or BMW. I think I may approach a few this summer. What's the deal with insurance on these kinds of jobs? Are you covered under your insurance or theirs?

[Tuck91]

Re: How would you approach a dealer?

This is true, that is why I would try to stick to high-end dealerships like Jaguar, Benz or BMW. I think I may approach a few this summer. What's the deal with insurance on these kinds of jobs? Are you covered under your insurance or theirs?

High end dealerships have just as much talent when it comes to hacking up cars

Ive seen it.

[THE BIG BUFFER]

Re: How would you approach a dealer?

Well did'nt get a hold of anyone today but I did leave a short note with the stock #'s of the trucks in bad shape. I also left my card with an offer to repair the damage done by their polisher. I'll let you know what happens.

As far as undercutting the cost he has now with polishing my goal is to show the value in hiring a detailer that can make his inventory look great. Whats it costing the dealership to have these trucks sitting there looking like that? I know I would never even consider looking at a truck that was in the condition of the above pics. I'm sure most of you would feel the same way. I'm pretty sure the owner has not seen these trucks. His dealerships are one of, if not the best in town for quality vehicles. I feel I just have to show him the value in a good polish.

[fullbirdmusic]

Re: How would you approach a dealer?

I feel I just have to show him the value in a good polish.

You're right. He doesn't know what it's costing him - more than money if too many people catch sight of those damages.

There are too few people like you around anymore