Considering making big business changes, would appreciate input

[HUMP DIESEL]

Do it all Mark. If you're solo working from home is great.

I will not do a wash and wax on a vehicle I haven't detailed or isn't brand new. My most popular and least expensive exterior services for a Honda Civic is a wash, clay and sealant for $100-125. I explain why the clay bar and decon is the most important part (IMO) to get the smooth feel and gloss back the paint, plus the results are truly feel-able. I rarely have price shoppers and when I do, we are on the phone for 2 minutes or 10+ minutes plus while I explain to them what exact detailing mean to my business, because detailing is VERY broad.

This^^^ I only do maintenance washes on clients who have had other detailing services. I usually will not go lower than a complete detail, which for me is interior complete, exterior is complete with no paint correction. That way, it is worth it for the customer, the car is leaving in much better condition and it has my name on it.

If I do a coating job, I offer to come out for the first maintenance wash on me to explain and show the customer proper methods for caring for their car. I have always offered to maintain it, but not at the residence, only at the shop.

I was mobile long ago, and although it went well, I am much better in a shop environment where I can perform the level of detailing that I prefer to do.

HUMP

 

[jrs1418]

In April you did 300 cars for $18k, so you average job was $60. Which was after you raised your prices.

What kind of packages do you guys offer?

Your able to do 10 cars a day (300 cars over 30 days)? That's pretty damn busy.

Around me its hard to get much more than a wash for $60.

Our basic wash & wax service starts at $30-35 depending on size of car. Our old exterior only wash & wax service started at $20.

Our details start at $150 and go to $600 depending on condition and what we're doing. We have a maintenance detail starting at $95 - only for vehicles that have gotten one of the higher detail packages and who use our services monthly.

On our slowest days we're doing 5-10 cars, and our busiest days around 15-20. I prefer doing less cars a day, and more quality jobs, but our basic services act as a great feeder into our details.

We've been in business almost 4 years and do absolutely NO paid advertising. We have a crew of 6 employees, plus me on a revolving schedule and are open 7 days a week. It was a long road to get where we are now, and it's nice finally seeing some money in my bank account after all expenses are paid. I'm sure a lot of you guys know, running your own business is super tough and I basically worked for free for over 3 years. :buffing::nomore:

Sorry, i dont like the idea of blasting my business name and details on the interwebs. There's a lot of competition out there gunning for us, and smart-wax popup detailers around every corner.. but if there's any pros out there that arent in direct competition with us I'd be more than happy to go over more things via PM, I'm always down to help out anyone who is looking.

 

[TFTADetail]

If you believe in your skills and aren't afraid of charging customers what you're worth then that's the route you should take. I'm unsure as to what your market is like or the income median is in your area, however there is a clientele for every budget.
That being said, hold out for that clientele. It only takes one customer to get the word out and soon after you have the best advertising available bringing new customers to you.

Hold on to the mobile end of things. There will always be a time that it will be handy as a service "to be offered" on a as needed basis.

I have no cheap services and choose not to just to weed out the "bottom feeder" type of customers. I don't want them and don't need them.

Find your sweet spot in the market. The rest will fall in to place.

Feel free to take a look at my services and you'll see what I mean by creating a certain clientele market with your pricing.
Link in signature ......

 

[VP Mark]

Well, it's been almost two months since I made the switch to 90% home shop based. The only mobile work I do is paint correction and coatings.

Most of my clients have been extremely supportive and have had no problem with the switch over. I mostly pick up and deliver vehicle with some client drop offs.

Business has gone up about 30% compared to this month last year, and my average invoice size profit per job has gone up.

My stress has gone down substancially. I can go inside and take breaks when needed, don't have to work in the sun, and can reschedule fairly easy if a cancellation happens. Not to mention the hassle of making sure you have every single thing you need everytime you leave the house is gone.

Next step is raising prices pretty significantly, and phasing out more basic services.

Hit me with questions if desired!

 

[jarred767]

That's awesome to hear that you've gone almost strictly shop based and it's working out for you. Maybe a year from now you'll have to get a shop and/or employee to help you out as the business continues to grow!!

I'm in the process of looking for a shop myself (not really a useable garage at home), and you're transition is inspiring. I saw some pictures of your updated garage on your FB and it looks like a nice place to get some serious detailing done.

Just curious, why are the coatings and paint correction the only thing that you still do mobile? It seems like those would be the most beneficial to have at your location in a controlled environment. Any specific reasoning behind this?

 

[VP Mark]

That's awesome to hear that you've gone almost strictly shop based and it's working out for you. Maybe a year from now you'll have to get a shop and/or employee to help you out as the business continues to grow!!

I'm in the process of looking for a shop myself (not really a useable garage at home), and you're transition is inspiring. I saw some pictures of your updated garage on your FB and it looks like a nice place to get some serious detailing done.

Just curious, why are the coatings and paint correction the only thing that you still do mobile? It seems like those would be the most beneficial to have at your location in a controlled environment. Any specific reasoning behind this?

Oh, I still prefer to do those things in my shop. I live about 1.5 hours from St. Louis, and if someone calls me for Opti-Coat Pro, I will drive to them as long as they are willing to pay travel fees. I also have a bit of a niche polishing classic cars from local owners. Most of them have nice well lit heated garages, so I have no issue coming to them. If it is a local that is outside of those parameters however, it is coming to my shop.

When I get to the point of hiring/expanding to that extent, I will have to get a full on retail shop. I won't have employees working from my garage. Don't know if I want to go down that road yet, its a considerable step.

 

[jarred767]

When I get to the point of hiring/expanding to that extent, I will have to get a full on retail shop. I won't have employees working from my garage. Don't know if I want to go down that road yet, its a considerable step.

Yup, know exactly what you mean, I'll let you know how it goes as I don't really have much of a choice with winter lurking its ugly head just around the corner, it's close to time I get my act together. Glad it's going great for you!