Marketing Tips & Ideas

[Five Star]

We all know that word of mouth is the best marketing tool there is.

However maybe you want to offer or push services you have available.


So I had a conversation with a used auto dealer.

All my work is done word of mouth. I had a used car dealer call me up to detail some auction cars.

I told him I dont really do wholesale work, but figured out a price on a per car average. this price was for every single car he has or comes into the lot. If they are bad, he gets a deal. If they are in good shape, then i make up for the bad ones.

So we worked out our deal and then we were discussing marketing. The point i wanted to share with you.

When marketing out to Dealerships, Marina's, Rv Centers,
Use your computer to make up fullsize flyers.

Our discussion went to the fact that business cards are small, easily lost, go into a pile with 500 other business cards.

However with a flyer it goes on their desk ( they hardly clean them), they always come across your flyer when looking through their papers.

So thats my idea and project for today.. make up some flyers.


Your Turn

[rusty bumper]

What kind of software do you recommend?......Powerpoint?

[Five Star]

I'm using Microsoft Word

[Five Star]

This is what i came up with.. it doesnt have the word margins but u get the idea

[stealth]

Good idea & nice flyer. I get 5,000 printed for $99.00 & put them on vehicles all over. Try to get the used car dealer let you put your card & flyer in the glove compartment & console & trunk like I do w/any used car dealer unit you've done. It's not overkill it's results. Good luck w/the flyer. Get your rest you'll be busy. Enjoy!

[oc detailer]

heres what a college friend of mines is doing for me for free, on his own free time, so who knows when it will actually be finished, so i can register my domain name "Classy Car Care" and move the site..but none theless i say its looking awsome so far..

https://www.midwestcarclub.com/detailing

[FromThisSoil]

FiveStar, can I make a suggestion?

Use a larger, sharper, more proffesional looking font like Verdana or Tahoma and search on google images for a real car to use, or take a picture of a really nice car you've detailed.

I used to make flyers for car shows and the like and I've seen in action that people will take the better looking flyer if there's a bunch of different ones laying around to pick...

If anyone out there needs an original flyer, let me know and we'll work something out...

[Five Star]

Originally posted by FromThisSoil
FiveStar, can I make a suggestion?

Use a larger, sharper, more proffesional looking font like Verdana or Tahoma and search on google images for a real car to use, or take a picture of a really nice car you've detailed.

I used to make flyers for car shows and the like and I've seen in action that people will take the better looking flyer if there's a bunch of different ones laying around to pick...

If anyone out there needs an original flyer, let me know and we'll work something out...

Sure always open for suggestions.

I did switch over to Verdana, looks alot cleaner

however I am just printing them on standard paper, so the cartoon car looks better on it

[FromThisSoil]

Here's something I whipped up real quick just as an example.



If you want the full sized one for printing, it's on the house.

[Five Star]

Sure.. I'd love to use it

Thanks

[FromThisSoil]

Private message me an e-mail address that can recieve attachments, I will send a high quality bitmap that's 8.5" x 11"

[mirrorfinishman]

Re: Marketing Tips & Ideas

Originally posted by Five Star
I had a used car dealer call me up to detail some auction cars.

I told him I dont really do wholesale work, but figured out a price on a per car average. this price was for every single car he has or comes into the lot.

If you 'really don't do wholesale work', why would you figure out a price?

When it comes to marketing your detailing business, you are much better off figuring out what market you intend to focus on and then go after that market. It's up to you to 'find a need and fill it'. That's basic marketing.

[Five Star]

Re: Re: Marketing Tips & Ideas

Originally posted by mirrorfinishman
If you 'really don't do wholesale work', why would you figure out a price?

I detail my Mechanic's personal vehicles, the dealer was referred to me by him, word of mouth. That dealer referred another to me

When it comes to marketing your detailing business, you are much better off figuring out what market you intend to focus on and then go after that market. It's up to you to 'find a need and fill it'. That's basic marketing.

I guess there is a need, and find that the dealers are less discriminating than retail clients, so a one step suits them fine.


The only trouble is I just find myself wanting to make them perfect.

however I do offer multiple detailing services, autos, trucks, boats and RV's. I also offer other services in the winter months. Clear Bra's, Clear Headlight Covers, I just finished a course on leather and vinyl seat repair

There are plenty of Detail shops around, My niche is being Mobile.

I am always looking to grow my business, thats why I figured out a price

[mirrorfinishman]

Re: Re: Re: Marketing Tips & Ideas

Originally posted by Five Star
I guess there is a need, and find that the dealers are less discriminating than retail clients, so a one step suits them fine.

The key is to figure out what it is you feel you want your business to become. In other words, try to go after the type of client that you want to work for. The people who will truely appreciate what it is you have to offer.

As you say, the dealers you speak of may be 'less discriminating' for now. However, that can change very quickly.

Just my thoughts...

[mirrorfinishman]

Re: Re: Re: Marketing Tips & Ideas

Originally posted by Five Star
The only trouble is I just find myself wanting to make them perfect.

That is exactly the trouble I see in trying to be all things to all people.

It's not easy when you begin to spend extra time trying to take a 'wholesale vehicle' up to the next level when you're getting paid a wholesale price.

It's much better to charge a 'retail customer' a higher price and then give it everything you've got to make it perfect. And it's a lot more enjoyable too.