How to stay busy detailing cars for profit in bad weather?

[Scottwax]

Anyone have a solution to the rescheduling issues bad weather causes? Specifically, one that makes everyone happy?

[mirrorfinishman]

Originally posted by Scottwax
Anyone have a solution to the rescheduling issues bad weather causes? Specifically, one that makes everyone happy?

Maybe we should just plan on getting out there and wash the customers' car in the rain. Of course, that's only if they're not going to be driving the car and you've got it re-scheduled for the following day.

Hey, the nice part about boat detailing is that you can always wash a boat on a rainy day. Actually, I prefer to wash my customers' boats on rainy days. It keeps me busy when it rains and it's a heck of a lot easier washing since you spend almost no time having to rinse in between cleaning and scrubing. Nothing better than washing a boat on a summers day while it's in the water and hearing those tiny raindrops gently falling into the water. Now that's a weather issue we can all deal with!

[stealth]

I spend rain days doing bug shields,vent shades,performance tuning & interiors on clients who chose to pass on a"complete". I also try to keep my own fleet up to standard,which is usually last on the list. Over the years I've managed to use the bad weather as a selling tool. Show prospective clients how the rain,snow, dust doesn't adhere to your ride.Once they see it, they believe it & buy it!Also you can push windshield treatments as an extra to end the streaky squeeky wipers. E Z $!

[barry]

Thats a great ideal, I can do ventshades and bug sheilds.thanks for the great advice

[Jbirk]

How about adding a service where you change the Windshild Wipers and do a RainX treatment?

I mean sure the Wipers are going to cost at least $10, so charge $20 or so to install them. Then you can also do the whole Rain-X thing after you get a perfect clean glass.

[gb387]

A question on these lines for a pro detailer....

In the climates where you have long winters snow/sleet/salt would it be possible to offer a service to pickup a customers car in a enclosed trailer and then drop off. Not thinking of the daily driver mainly the summer vehicles (typically the ones in storage) and prepare them for the coming summer.

I understand there is the cost of the trailer but could you charge an additional fee for the service?

I don't know maybe the idea is WAY out there.

[vbfd946]

Help with starting a business

I have got a queston for anybody that can help.

I would like to try and start up a detailing business, I just dont know where to start. I made up some business cards and some flyers, but havent gotten very many handed out. I have had some small luck with a couple of used car lots, but nothing to keep me busy. What is the best way to market myself, should I try to focus on car lots, or go for indiviuals? I really enjoy detailing cars, and would love to make a living doing so. I just need some way to get my name out.

Any help would be much helpful.
Thanks Rob

[Five Star]

Re: Help with starting a business

Originally posted by vbfd946
I have got a queston for anybody that can help.

I would like to try and start up a detailing business, I just dont know where to start. I made up some business cards and some flyers, but havent gotten very many handed out. I have had some small luck with a couple of used car lots, but nothing to keep me busy. What is the best way to market myself, should I try to focus on car lots, or go for indiviuals? I really enjoy detailing cars, and would love to make a living doing so. I just need some way to get my name out.

Any help would be much helpful.
Thanks Rob

Car dealers talk to car dealers, do a quality job at a competetive price and you'll have more work than you can handle soon enough.