Have you ever approached somebody about their car?

[tgfhatch]

Have you ever approached, say maybe your boss or upper management, about their swirled or scratched cars, about the option of having them removed? I keep noticing cars at my work in the parking lot that have swirls and some light scratches that I know could be removed with some Scratchx or the DA.

I'm just wondering how to approach somebody in that situation.

[Murr1525]

It can be tough to approach someone in that situation, because the last thing you want to do is criticize in any way, or even give the impression you're doing a side job at work. It would usualy be better to just have a general car conversation with them.... then drifting into what you can do with car detailing of your car, if they kind of need anything done, etc. Almost like you havent seen their car yet.

[tgfhatch]

very true. the last thing I want to do is offend the president of the company i work for! but I agree, it is a difficult situation to be in!!

[davisinla]

Re: Have you ever approached somebody about their car?

Originally posted by tgfhatch
Have you ever approached, say maybe your boss or upper management, about their swirled or scratched cars, about the option of having them removed?

Just my two cents, but I think this could be seen as kind of rude unless you were volunteering to do the work. (Is that what you were suggesting?)

I wouldn't want to tell someone that they should pay to have something done that I think is important. How would it make you feel if someone told you that your house looks lousy and needs painting or that you could get rid of the wrinkles in your clothes if you ironed them?

[Dee]

I agree with Certified Car Crazy... I treat this as a hobby, because I realize that I'm not nearly dedicated enough to start detailing..
Well one day I approached one of the guys at my church about their Lexus.. Its a beautiful car, but it really hasn't been maintained that well... I asked him if it would be ok to detail it, and he got really pissed off at me for asking him that. Every since, I have been reluctant to solicit anyone about detailing their car..

[Murr1525]

You dont want to make someone feel like they are wrong, or not doing enough, etc.

We talk about washing cars, waxing, etc here and work.. and I get the questions about what I do, or use, etc.. but it does no good to say they are wrong. I just say here's what I do when I have time, you can try it if you have time, want to try something.

[ironchef10]

Never.

First, it isn't my business how someone takes care of their car. People are too sensitive these days and the most innocent comments set them off. Second, as Dee said, this is a hobby of mine, so I take care of our cars only (I have on occasion helped a friend restore a finish or showed them how to properly use a product if they asked). Third, I think it would be a waste of time because someone who doesn't take care of their car in the first place is probably going to let it go all over again even after a detailing, so why waste the time?

tgfhatch - I think your sentiment is well intentioned, but I wouldn't go there personally.

[tgfhatch]

agreed with everybody. i didn't plan on approaching anybody. just thought if i ever did, what the best way to do so would be?

so would it be out of line to ask somebody HOW they maintain their car? do they detail it, have a professional detailer do it, drive through, etc?

[Murr1525]

Well, you are probably going to get answers that you wont like.. and then be in a position not to say/do anything anyway..

[SVT Lightning]

Try giving them the option of approaching you instead. Park next to their car if that is an option so they can see your swirl-free finish and then they can compare it to their own. That way the ball is in their court......they can find out who owns the "shiny" car if they want to get their own car looking that good. Just an idea anyway!

[davisinla]

Originally posted by SVT Lightning
Try giving them the option of approaching you instead. Park next to their car if that is an option so they can see your swirl-free finish and then they can compare it to their own. That way the ball is in their court......they can find out who owns the "shiny" car if they want to get their own car looking that good. Just an idea anyway!

Judging by the reaction I've received during my last 20 years of car crazy care, most people do not consider a perfect shine to be a priority. Even the folks that get their cars washed regularly feel that it's enough.

In fact, a number of people seem to insert a subtle but defensive "I don't have as much time as you do" insult in with the compliment they've given me.

Know what I'm talkin' about?

One of the reasons I like to hang out here is that YOU guys understand. Most people in the world would never even THINK about waxing their wheels!

[JG_Detailing]

I give them some advice about thing's about cleaning a car.

1. Protector on vinyl
2. Car wash soap
3. Tire dressing
4. Waxing
5. Waxing and polishing clothe

[RZ Autodetailing]

if i didnt approach people , either at my casino job or anywhere, i would be losing alot of business..between the people that do say yes and their family and friends.My motto is they can only say no..but if they say yes i make money..i once ask a guy in a strip mall if he wanted his porche detailed and i been doin all his cars since then , so thats what i think of askin people..

[Pete-FWA]

When I was in business, the easiest ones to sell were privately owned autos for sale. Even today, many don't think about having their car cleaned thoroughly before selling it.

If I saw one in a store parking lot that had a "For Sale" sign in the window, I'd leave one of my cards on their door or windshield. I'd often scribble a quick note "detailed cars sell faster". This would generate a lot of interest.

If you're going to approach people in person, try something along the lines of, "I really, really like that car/truck. I would really like to detail it for you sometime."

This sounds non-accusatory. You're not pointing out flaws, just showing you appreciate their car. You and the potential customer have a mutual interest.

People put thought into what they drive. Minimally, most people see your invitation as an opportunity to discuss the car. It can lead to a quick sale or plant a seed for later on.

If they're not interested, you'll know in seconds and you can move on.

[CivicEM205]

I've referred a lot of people to Meguiar's products before. I myself are known for having a consistently really clean car and people ask me how I do it - even random people too! I don't really detail other people's cars anymore, but I always refer them to the products I use - especially claybar, haha! Nothing beats a smooth glass finish.