How to handle this type of client?!

Kyle@PrecisionPolish

Kyle@PrecisionPolish

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I received a call today from

The Guild Of Automotive Restorers | Restoration Services For Classic And Antique Cars | Bradford, Ontario Canada | National Post Articles by David Grainger

They are an Automotive Restoration Company around me. I have yet to return the call as I became quite intimidated upon viewing their site.

I have not worked with any older vehicles at all let alone ones of this caliber.

How should I handle this client in terms of gaining some business from them? Or should I stay away from this as I am not experienced with ages of these vehicles?

Thank you.
 
Here's my opinion.

They are restored cars...meaning modern paint systems and materials.

Call them up, be honest and work for them by project basis. You'll work in your comfort zone then it will slowly start to expand as you gain more experience.
 
If you are not experienced, I would keep the detail simple. Wash and a good All-in-one product to earn there business.
 
Kyle@PrecisionPolish said:
I received a call today from

The Guild Of Automotive Restorers | Restoration Services For Classic And Antique Cars | Bradford, Ontario Canada | National Post Articles by David Grainger

They are an Automotive Restoration Company around me. I have yet to return the call as I became quite intimidated upon viewing their site.

I have not worked with any older vehicles at all let alone ones of this caliber.

How should I handle this client in terms of gaining some business from them? Or should I stay away from this as I am not experienced with ages of these vehicles?

Thank you.
Click to expand...

I would not be intimidated by their title. More then likely they probably still think rotary & wool is the way to detail
 
If you aren't comfortable do not take the business.

That being said, don't not call because you are afraid of failed expectations. Sink or swim, sometimes you just have to get in the water and try.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using AG Online
 
My approach would be a "reversed interview". I would call and make an appointment to go have a face to face at their shop to inspect, and discuss the tentative work they are looking for you to do. I would not dive into what you do and try to "polish" your resume. There is obviously a reason they contacted you.

The "reverse interview" gives you more control and settles the nerves. You are asking the questions and trying to find their knowledge of what you do. If they are legit and up to par, THEN you can hammer what you are willing to take on and what does not "fit in your schedule" or may "interfere with your regular operation". You are not turning them down and show willingness and may even open the door to "help them out" but.....
 
"If you don't hang your balls out there and just do it, you'll never know what might have happened." -Valentino Rossi
 
Dr_Pain said:
My approach would be a "reversed interview". I would call and make an appointment to go have a face to face at their shop to inspect, and discuss the tentative work they are looking for you to do. I would not dive into what you do and try to "polish" your resume. There is obviously a reason they contacted you.

The "reverse interview" gives you more control and settles the nerves. You are asking the questions and trying to find their knowledge of what you do. If they are legit and up to par, THEN you can hammer what you are willing to take on and what does not "fit in your schedule" or may "interfere with your regular operation". You are not turning them down and show willingness and may even open the door to "help them out" but.....
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Great idea!
 
i personally think its always best to talk face to face. that way there is no misinterpretation of anything

they have questions you have answers and vice versa

take some products and tools

and get it going
 
From viewing your website I see no reason to be intimidated. Looks like you have a lot to offer. If we weren't so far apart I'd help you out with deep paint correction which is the only thing I didn't see on your website.
 
just take care so you don`t end up with a steering wheel or a door handle in your hand :)
old cars tend to do that ....

how to handle an account like that , go there and see what`s all about , what they want , and what you can offer, find a middle based of you capabilities and bank :D
 
Scott@IncrediblyDetailed said:
Here's my opinion.

They are restored cars...meaning modern paint systems and materials.

Call them up, be honest and work for them by project basis. You'll work in your comfort zone then it will slowly start to expand as you gain more experience.
Click to expand...

Yes I agree. Don't oversell what you can do. Be honest and only take on what you know you can handle. Best wishes!
 
I guess why would you handle them any different?

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2
 
Dr_Pain said:
My approach would be a "reversed interview". I would call and make an appointment to go have a face to face at their shop to inspect, and discuss the tentative work they are looking for you to do. I would not dive into what you do and try to "polish" your resume. There is obviously a reason they contacted you.

The "reverse interview" gives you more control and settles the nerves. You are asking the questions and trying to find their knowledge of what you do. If they are legit and up to par, THEN you can hammer what you are willing to take on and what does not "fit in your schedule" or may "interfere with your regular operation". You are not turning them down and show willingness and may even open the door to "help them out" but.....
Click to expand...


Great advice :dblthumb2:
 
OP this is a great opportunity to work on some great cars. Yea I know paint is paint but I'd much rather work on a cool or elite car than just a beater.

See what they have in mind and put a proposal together for them.
 
What are scared of?
It's just paint.
When doing these jobs don't discount your services, they contacted you because they need a "good detailer" that they don't have in there shop.
Also go talk to them face to face to find out exactly what there expectations are.
 
I was in a similar situation to you 3 years ago when i got a call from Oakley sunglasses about polishing there touring trailers. I was quite intimidated by such a huge corporation calling little old me. Looking back on it now i laugh about it . It was also a huge milestone for my business and brought alot of attention to what we do. Just be honest with them and give them your best . You will be fine.
 
Scott@IncrediblyDetailed said:
Here's my opinion.

They are restored cars...meaning modern paint systems and materials.

Call them up, be honest and work for them by project basis. You'll work in your comfort zone then it will slowly start to expand as you gain more experience.
Click to expand...

:iagree:

Dr_Pain said:
My approach would be a "reversed interview". I would call and make an appointment to go have a face to face at their shop to inspect, and discuss the tentative work they are looking for you to do. I would not dive into what you do and try to "polish" your resume. There is obviously a reason they contacted you.

The "reverse interview" gives you more control and settles the nerves. You are asking the questions and trying to find their knowledge of what you do. If they are legit and up to par, THEN you can hammer what you are willing to take on and what does not "fit in your schedule" or may "interfere with your regular operation". You are not turning them down and show willingness and may even open the door to "help them out" but.....
Click to expand...

Great advice:props:

Just remember, there's nothing hum drum or normal about the cars on their site, so don't take the production detailing angle or approach. Working on cars like that "especially in the capacity that they are working on them" is all custom work, so charge your custom detailing rate and as Cosmin noted, these types of vehicles can be delicate so proceed with a soft touch.

I'm sure there will be some original paint (or old paint) antique finishes going through a place like that, but Mike Phillips has written a few articles on these types of paint systems and what to do with them.. Perhaps you'll review some of those articles this weekend before calling these guys back this coming week.

Sounds like a really good opportunity if you can secure some work with them.

Good luck..
 
Thank you for all the replies. I have set up a meeting with them tomorrow on location. I will keep you guys posted!!
 
So I met with the client today. I will be starting with two Lamborghini's not sure on the year but they are quite old. I will post that when I get the info.

Both are in great shape. He wants me to do fine details (engine detailing, leather treatment, chrome polish etc. Basically make it look prestine for the buyer.

Based on my packages I was thinking $285 for each vehicle. Do you think this is appropriate for these specialty exotics? Should I treat them as another or specialty when it comes to pricing?

I will keep you posted as I gain more information.

Thank you.
 
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