How do YOU handle potential clients?

LuxuryMobile

LuxuryMobile

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Thought this would be an interesting topic to cover.

Here is the scenario:

You are getting gas, when a $100,000+ vehicle pulls up beside you to get gas. The vehicle is black and the paint clearly needs some work.

What do you do or say in the short period of time that you are able to interact with that person, in an attempt to have them hire you to detail their car?
 
LuxuryMobile said:
Thought this would be an interesting topic to cover.

Here is the scenario:

You are getting gas, when a $100,000+ vehicle pulls up beside you to get gas. The vehicle is black and the paint clearly needs some work.

What do you do or say in the short period of time that you are able to interact with that person, in an attempt to have them hire you to detail their car?
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Walk up to the individual with business card in hand. Point to the swirly mess and tell them "I can fix that if you'd like" :buffing:
 
Flash Gordon said:
Walk up to the individual with business card in hand. Point to the swirly mess and tell them "I can fix that if you'd like" :buffing:
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:iagree: :iagree: :iagree:

:buffing: Regards, :buffing:

GEWB
 
Always carry a business card and know where it is. Last thing you want to do is fumble around and search for one. Get yourself a business card holder and ALWAYS have it on you.
Just my 2 cents
 
I always have business cards on me, enough to hand out to an entire parking lot if necessary.

I have been lucky enough to get a few random clients in these types of situations. It really seems to come down to how much the person cares about their ride, and the truth is, must don't care much.
 
Never point anything out to him, compliment him on how nice the car looks, and then hand him your card.

He will not buy off you if he does not like you and trust you.

Telling him his car looks like crap and you are the expert is not a good idea. Complimenting his is a sure way to make him feel good, and appreciate your attention.

Nothing personal just a business decision.
 
SATMAN40 said:
Never point anything out to him, compliment him on how nice the car looks, and then hand him your card.

He will not buy off you if he does not like you and trust you.

Telling him his car looks like crap and you are the expert is not a good idea. Complimenting his is a sure way to make him feel good, and appreciate your attention.

Nothing personal just a business decision.
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I have no problem telling a stranger their car looks like #### and that whoevers been detailing it, is a jackass

Nothing personal...
 
I have made up a power point presentation that I burn to a CD. I hand them a jewel case with the CD in it and introduce myself. The CD has been a good tool. Most of my business still comes from referrals however. I think when you do this "on the side", without a legit business, people are going to be more apprehensive than if they have a personal recommendation.
 
I agree. With all the scams and con-artist type deal going on now days, when you get approached at a gas station, your initial thoughts are never good.

Most times, I don't bother even discussing their car with them. Altough I like the CD idea. What is the powerpoint presentation of? (explanation of services, before/afters, etc?)
 
You don't know how many bo jacker card I get when the sun comes out, they all want to detail my car.

Sometimes I do ask them about the products, pads, most of them are lost for answers.

I am not in the business, the comment it is nothing personal it is a business decision, is use to take rejection, a professional salesman often gets rejection, when presenting his product.
 
LuxuryMobile said:
I agree. With all the scams and con-artist type deal going on now days, when you get approached at a gas station, your initial thoughts are never good.

Most times, I don't bother even discussing their car with them. Altough I like the CD idea. What is the powerpoint presentation of? (explanation of services, before/afters, etc?)
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All of the above. It introduces me, explains my background and what makes me qualified to detail cars. I show before and after pics for each area of the vehicle that I concentrate on as well as some of the products I use. I have referrals from several clients as well sharing their story. It is full of pictures and is a very powerful tool. If you PM me your email address, I can send it to you if you wish. I even have videos on there showing the CQ shedding water. I do find it's a helpful tool. I didn't copy this idea from anyone. I came up with it on my own although it's not exactly original. I hadn't heard anyone discuss it on any of the forums I'm on and I've been using it for a few years now. Hope that helps.
 
I walk up,introduce myself, tell them it's an amazing car and how do they currently go about maintaining it, if they say it's some detailer and you see swirls in the paint explain how those swirls got put into the paint through poor washing techniques, then let him know that your in the business of bringing back special interest vehicles like theirs to near perfect condition, here's my card if your ever looking to bring it back to it full potential and maintain it that way afterwards. If they detail it don't say they suck, just let them know man I know it's hard work if your ever to busy to maintain it here's my card I'd love to show you what I could do.
 
Perfections said:
then let him know that your in the business of bringing back special interest vehicles like theirs to near perfect condition
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I like this, especially the "special interest vehicles" part.
 
richy said:
All of the above. It introduces me, explains my background and what makes me qualified to detail cars. I show before and after pics for each area of the vehicle that I concentrate on as well as some of the products I use. I have referrals from several clients as well sharing their story. It is full of pictures and is a very powerful tool. If you PM me your email address, I can send it to you if you wish. I even have videos on there showing the CQ shedding water. I do find it's a helpful tool. I didn't copy this idea from anyone. I came up with it on my own although it's not exactly original. I hadn't heard anyone discuss it on any of the forums I'm on and I've been using it for a few years now. Hope that helps.
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Richy, If I may be so bold as to invite myself, I'd love to see a copy of your presentation to gather a few ideas on how to set up one of my own. I sent a PM with my email address. Thanks TD

To answer the OP, I go about it as many have commented here in that I walk up, compliment them on a nice car and introduce myself to them with card in hand. I always have a 3 ring binder with plastic legal size document protectors in it. First page is my proof of liability insurance page then my Department of state documentation with my fictitious name information followed by photos of my detailing tools, products, many before and after photos, a copy of the magazine with my first half page add in it and finally several car care articles that I have written. If they are interested i give them a copy of the articles and a business card. I would love to add the CD presentation to the mix but have never thought of it. Great Idea Richy.
 
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tuscarora dave said:
First page is my proof of liability insurance page then my Department of state documentation with my fictitious name information
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That would impress me a lot. Shows you legit and not some fly by night.

Good thinkin'! :xyxthumbs:

Bill
 
As others have said I always carry around business cards and my brochures.

I will walk up to the potential client, introduce myself, compliment them on their ride, and basically just talk about how they maintain it. Most people don't go to a detailer, (IMO) they either use the automatic car washes or they wash it quickly themselves. I then explain some of the benefits of what I can do for them and leave them with my card or brochure. I'm not a fan of high pressure sales and I never try to push a client to come to me. I will also not try to dishonor the detailer that has been handling the car if that's the case. I just find that it doesn't make me look very professional if I'm telling them that the person they have been going to is a hack (even if they are). This makes the client look at me differently and it the client could also take offense to it. IMO of course. I just put the thought and idea in their head of what I could do for their ride and how I can bring it to the show car level.
 
Dave- Might I ask how you present the opportunity to show them your binder? I love the idea, people seeing credentials would make you memorable because no one else has done it and it shows professionalism (very nice). I am just curious how you incorporate that into a walk up customer that you reached out to.

Example: Something along the idea of: Hi there, I'm so-and-so w/ (insert company name here) *hand card and extend hand shake. I noticed you have a beautiful vehicle that I don't see too many of, bit of a special interest car. I specialize in restoring specialized vehicles outside and interiors close to new through detailing. If you ever don't have the time to work on it, I would love to have the opportunity to keep it looking perfect. If you have the time, would you like to take a look at some of my work?

Is the above too gimicky? Or... does it sound alright? Feed back please
 
Richy smart idea I would also love to check it out if you don't mind.

"You can help create your own luck, you can make things happen through hard work and intelligence."- Donald J. Trump
 
SATMAN40 said:
Never point anything out to him, compliment him on how nice the car looks, and then hand him your card.

He will not buy off you if he does not like you and trust you.

Telling him his car looks like crap and you are the expert is not a good idea. Complimenting his is a sure way to make him feel good, and appreciate your attention.

Nothing personal just a business decision.
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:iagree:

One thing I think no one else has mentioned: IME, You should make sure your own vehicle is in near pristine condition before commenting on another person's vehicle's condition that you feel needs correction/improvement.
 
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