How many use customers water or electric?

M

Moneyz

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Curious if just starting out I should invest in generator and water tank. I only want to work at customers homes( not office locations) thinking I will buy a portable generator before I get water tank setup but as of now don't have either.

Do customers mind in most cases if I use there water or electric?

How do you word it on website or phone calls that you require water and electric?


Should I consider only offering ONR?

Do you ONR guys get turndowns because your not using pressure washers, or do most customers now prefer the green approach to detailing?

Any feedback would be great. Thanks everyone
 
I mostly do rinse less washes and use customers power when I don't have my trailer. Never had a single problem. Never had a client complain about rinse less washes either, most of them think it is really cool. I do have on my website that water and electricity may have to be provided. Its good to cover all your bases.

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If I were a customer and I was expecting someone to come to my home to work provide me the convenience of not having to drive somewhere and drop my car off, I would have absolutely no issue with them using my water and electricity.

I would put something on your site that says something along the lines of *mobile services available to customers with adequate working space & utilities*

I would expect the customer to have a nice garage and convenient water and electrical services.... this is why I do 99.99% of my work at my own garage and just ask customers to drop their vehicles off with me for the weekend. I am familiar with my own space and I will not have to hunt around for things, so it is just easier and more efficient for me.
 
I know for sure there are several other threads on this topic (because I've replied to them), so definitely search for them; they are full of good information.

My answer is no and always no. We carry our own water and power...and the reasoning for that is that you wouldn't want a painter to show up and ask to borrow your ladders or paint brushes, or want a mechanic to show up and borrow your wrenches, or want a landscaper to show up and borrow your lawnmower.

In my opinion, there's no reason why a detailer should show up at your house and ask to use your water and power.
 
SuperiorAutoLLC said:
I know for sure there are several other threads on this topic (because I've replied to them), so definitely search for them; they are full of good information.

My answer is no and always no. We carry our own water and power...and the reasoning for that is that you wouldn't want a painter to show up and ask to borrow your ladders or paint brushes, or want a mechanic to show up and borrow your wrenches, or want a landscaper to show up and borrow your lawnmower.

In my opinion, there's no reason why a detailer should show up at your house and ask to use your water and power.
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Meh. I would not be upset if the painter plugged his light or sander into my power, or cleaned off his paint brushes with my hose.

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SuperiorAutoLLC said:
I know for sure there are several other threads on this topic (because I've replied to them), so definitely search for them; they are full of good information.

My answer is no and always no. We carry our own water and power...and the reasoning for that is that you wouldn't want a painter to show up and ask to borrow your ladders or paint brushes, or want a mechanic to show up and borrow your wrenches, or want a landscaper to show up and borrow your lawnmower.

In my opinion, there's no reason why a detailer should show up at your house and ask to use your water and power.
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I disagree with that. It isn't like you are borrowing their tools, you are using water and electricity. Two completely different things. Not like you are showing up and asking to use their car wash soap or their wash buckets.
 
I know I express to my customers that I will need to use water and have a power outlet and never once have I had an issue. Most have the hose out waiting.
 
I use rinse-less only. I have an Eco-Pod low pressure washer. I bring my own water and electricity but the first thing new customers always do is show me where the hose and outlet are. I tell them I probably wont need them but I'm not shy about using them if I do. They are really impressed that I am able to complete the job without touching their hose and outlet.
 
Never had a problem pluging in to a customers house.
and they usually offer there water hose, electricity, Drinks from the garage fridge, ect.
Just tell them your situation, ie: "I need power and water" and I'm sure you'll be fine.
But I'd get a water/DI filter or bring your own DI water.
I can't detaile without DI water. It's the best thing ever.
 
Just about every customer has their water hose and an electrical cord set up for me when I show up... have never asked.
 
My clients never have an issue with me using their water or electricity. In my mind if you are thoughtful and explain to them what you are doing and why, they will cater to me and they won't care since they know I do quality work.
 
I follow a simple rule and since I only detail on a part time basis I can afford to. If after explaining that I will require access to water and electric the customer has a problem with that, they will most likely have a problem with my work. Read that as someone that is never satisfied. It's never been an issue for me as I am always willing to go the extra mile but over the years I have learned to identify this type of person and avoid them at all costs. I did have one potential customer take issue with me using his large 6 car driveway and wanted me to work in the street! I declined and a few weeks later ran into someone who previously did a detail for him. This guy does excellent work with 20 years experience and is well respected. Guess what he said to me, customer was less then satisfied with his work! Only reinforced my theory. Glad I dodged a bullet.
 
Detailing by M said:
Never had a problem pluging in to a customers house.
and they usually offer there water hose, electricity, Drinks from the garage fridge, ect.
Just tell them your situation, ie: "I need power and water" and I'm sure you'll be fine.
But I'd get a water/DI filter or bring your own DI water.
I can't detaile without DI water. It's the best thing ever.
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Same here. I don't know what it is but my customers are simply awesome. Sometimes I feel like I'm being waited on with how often they offer me drinks and food while I'm working on their car.

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Nicholas@Autowerx said:
Same here. I don't know what it is but my customers are simply awesome. Sometimes I feel like I'm being waited on with how often they offer me drinks and food while I'm working on their car.

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Same here. I have great customers.
 
Never had a problem plugging in at a customer's location. I would certainly provide services if I couldn't, but it has never been an issue.
 
Nicholas@Autowerx said:
Same here. I don't know what it is but my customers are simply awesome. Sometimes I feel like I'm being waited on with how often they offer me drinks and food while I'm working on their car.

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scrubs147 said:
Same here. I have great customers.
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:iagree: salads, sandwiches, ice lollies, tea, ECT.

The only problem i have with using customers tape/hoses is messing around with fittings

You need all different types on stock if you are using their supply

I have a 200LTR tank on board with hose reel which i prefer using but it is heavy so i try use the customers if i can
 
I let customers know I need their water and power beforehand. I bring my own hoses and extension cords however. Nobody has minded so far. I've also been offered drinks. I was kind of surprised at first with that one, lol.
 
there are many well established (and some "nationally recognized") detailers who use the customers water/electrical source

to be honest, some detailers carry their own water/electric source just to market themselves better (not saying thats bad)
 
Most customers are so thankful they have someone willing to come to their home to detail they provide drinks and even food! I would say build a relationship with your customers and have them go over all their concerns prior to the job. That way you don't rub someone the wrong way.
 
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