And so it begins....My first customer

[rustytruck]

Alright. Thanks for the input. Money aside I just don't have the time to spend on full correction. I'll send the full correction work your way(if the customer dosent mind driving to Texas lol) Thanks again.

 

[gencoupe3dot8]

Rusty,
It may seem like a matter of focus (low vs high end) but you might want to do some more research... what I mean by that is that there is a high-end market anywhere (esp in MA). It's a matter of finding and attracting that market... (Maybe try talking to Fathers and Sons Porche?) Think about getting a handful of high-end regular clients as a start... first with correction then hit them up for a monthly maintenance plan... As always try to figure out what ALL your costs are... gas, maintenance on vehicle, insurance etc all need factored in. ... then try to figure out what you are paying yourself out of all that... I know for myself I can't even conceive is trying to do a low-end high volume business... nor what my perfectionist nature allow me to....

Good luck no matter what you decide... it seems like there are only a handful of truely high-end retailers.... Cosmin being one here on the boards... I would take his advice pretty seriously...

Happy detailing,
Mike

 

[mwoolfso]

Good point Cosmin,

A detailing buddy of mine, can't remember who or I would give him credit once told me...

It's easier to lower your prices than it is to raise them


What he meant by that is you're better off to start out high and if you have to lower your prices because once you start out low you're customers will expect the low price and it will be hard to raise them later on.

This may explain why some PBMG products are pricy at first glace. I just had to say it Mike; sorry.

 

[Vegas Transplant]

One item missed here is skill level.
Some newbies focus on a particular target market because the lack of detailing skill in the initial set up of their business.
Many of these hands hope to build their market share as their skill level increases.
This comment is not specific to you rustytruck, rather just an observation rendered from my lurking on various forums - though not all detail related.

Good luck and God bless in your new endeavor hand!

 

[rustytruck]

You are right about the skill level. I did go to buffing school and learned wet sanding and compounding but I would not say I'm an expert. I would want to practice more. The point here is I would rather spend 7 hrs doing three express details $110 =$330 While you guys are saying you would rather do a full detail 3 step in the same 7 hrs $400. maybe we each get $20 tips for jobs well done now I have $390 and three happy customers and you have $420 and you have one happy customer. So at the end of a long Saturday afternoon you have $30 dollars more for your high end detailing and I have 2 more customers than you showing everyone how great their cars look. If you guys think the real money is in high end detailing go for it. That's not my business plan.I'll stay the course and I'll be OK. I really do like the discussion though it keeps my mind whirling.

 

[Paul Lonergan]

People tend to charge what they 'feel they are worth'.
I think by charging less, you are subconsciously suggesting that others provide a better service than you. And there's nothing wrong with that.
After you gain a bit of industry experience, knowledge, confidence and have a better understanding of what the customers might get elsewhere its not hard to change your prices up as long as you can prove that what you provide is value for money.


I've put my prices up twice in the last 12 months and never had a complaint about price. Not because i could, but because i feel i am worth it.
Part of the process is educating your market on why they need your service & what makes you better than your competitors?
However the end product is only ONE part of the 'purchasing experience' ... there are many other things that can influence what a product/service is or isn't worth.

Good point Cosmin,

A detailing buddy of mine, can't remember who or I would give him credit once told me...

It's easier to lower your prices than it is to raise them


What he meant by that is you're better off to start out high and if you have to lower your prices because once you start out low you're customers will expect the low price and it will be hard to raise them later on.

 

[Vegas Transplant]

The point here is I would rather spend 7 hrs doing three express details $110 =$330 While you guys are saying you would rather do a full detail 3 step in the same 7 hrs $400. maybe we each get $20 tips for jobs well done now I have $390 and three happy customers and you have $420 and you have one happy customer. So at the end of a long Saturday afternoon you have $30 dollars more for your high end detailing and I have 2 more customers than you showing everyone how great their cars look. If you guys think the real money is in high end detailing go for it. That's not my business plan.I'll stay the course and I'll be OK. I really do like the discussion though it keeps my mind whirling.

You and I have a similar target market - though geographically different.
I developed my market by accident, I was seeking full details originally. With the eventual hope of tapping into the RV side, my specialty.

My customers and their referrals changed the course of my marketing for the better IMO.
The people I market to are loyal to the service provided and gladly pass out business cards and give referrals.

 

[JorgeSFL]

One item missed here is skill level.
Some newbies focus on a particular target market because the lack of detailing skill in the initial set up of their business.
Many of these hands hope to build their market share as their skill level increases.
This comment is not specific to you rustytruck, rather just an observation rendered from my lurking on various forums - though not all detail related.

Good luck and God bless in your new endeavor hand!

This is my same situation. I feel I need more practice and skill before going up to a market geared towards exotics and show cars. Also need to gain credibility, I'm in Miami so there are a plenty of detailers own here. I've seen some interior/wash/clay/wax for about $60, seems kinda low.

Congrats rustytruck, I hope you have continued sucess!