What do you pros do in advance to prepare for a customer

Bill1234

Bill1234

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I am kinda confused on what you would be doing to prepare in advance in order for detail work to be done. I would usually plug in extension cords, dilute chemicals,setup buckets, etc. However, is there anything I should be doing about days in hours in advance so detailing a clients car is easier? It might make my life easier but I do not know what I am missing out on.
 
Be comfortable with the area you detail in. Have what you use at the ready. Know where you place each product or tool for efficiency. Have a place for used pads, applicators, microfiber towels and so on. Most of all, have fun drink water and play music if you so chose.
 
When the new customer has made an appointment I take a powerful tranquilizer one hour before they arrive.

Since I'm old school I prefer the old standard, Diazepam (Valium)

That is what I do to prepare for a customer.
 
I have a rolling service cart that I use when detailing, so I usually clear it off and then refill it with what I plan on using on that particular car. I make sure whatever chemicals I need are at the ready and diluted. I also give the garage floor a good sweep to minimize dirt and dust while I'm working.

One of my gym teachers in high school used to yell out constantly pretty much every class "ORGANIZATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS!" I've found that to be pretty universally true.
 
In addition to what you and others have already stated as "prep" and setup, i look at their file in my computer the night before if they are a return customer. I can't remember most of the time some of the specifics of their last visit and i try to document everything.
 
Here's an idea you may not have thought about.

Do you ever find yourself reaching a certain point during a detail where you begin to overthink certain things such as
"what time is it"
"how long am I taking"?
"Did I waste too much time on just cleaning the wheels"?
"Ahh why does it feel like I'm taking forever"
"Man I sure am thirsty or hungry, but I have to continue on the vehicle"

And with all that beating you down mentally, it's sure to result in beating you down physically at the end of the day..

So what's my advice? Have you ever considered taking short scheduled breaks during a detail? Think about it, at your regular job they've at least considered your well being enough to realize everyone deserves a 15min. Break every 2 hrs. and at least a 30min. "Lunch" after 4hrs.. Have you ever worked straight through a detail with what seems like zero breaktime? I know I have.. And how does that turn out? With you reaching the point where you're mentally stressed about time, physically thirsty/hungry, exhausted from being out in the sun too long, etc...

It's not good for you. You need a small break to rest and relax a bit. Clear your head, find out what time it actually is, drink a beverage, get some shade, eat something, unwind, plus you can take a look at what you're currently dealing with and make adjustments to get back on track.

You're organized enough. You just need to be able to relax and do what you're good at. I hope this helps.
 
Eldorado2k said:
Here's an idea you may not have thought about.

Do you ever find yourself reaching a certain point during a detail where you begin to overthink certain things such as
"what time is it"
"how long am I taking"?
"Did I waste too much time on just cleaning the wheels"?
"Ahh why does it feel like I'm taking forever"
"Man I sure am thirsty or hungry, but I have to continue on the vehicle"

And with all that beating you down mentally, it's sure to result in beating you down physically at the end of the day..

So what's my advice? Have you ever considered taking short scheduled breaks during a detail? Think about it, at your regular job they've at least considered your well being enough to realize everyone deserves a 15min. Break every 2 hrs. and at least a 30min. "Lunch" after 4hrs.. Have you ever worked straight through a detail with what seems like zero breaktime? I know I have.. And how does that turn out? With you reaching the point where you're mentally stressed about time, physically thirsty/hungry, exhausted from being out in the sun too long, etc...

It's not good for you. You need a small break to rest and relax a bit. Clear your head, find out what time it actually is, drink a beverage, get some shade, eat something, unwind, plus you can take a look at what you're currently dealing with and make adjustments to get back on track.

You're organized enough. You just need to be able to relax and do what you're good at. I hope this helps.
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Great response. I don't take much breaks but when I do get breaks, I feel a bit energized and plow through the detail without over exhausting myself.
 
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