Know it all customers

[ScubaCougr]

"I do not feel comfortable using a product on any customer vehicle that I have never used before. maybe some time I can use it on my own vehicle and see how I like it but because of my time restraints today I can't do that this time around"

Love this answer!

As a marketing tool, I've been telling customers I won't use anything on their car that hasn't passed the test on my personal rig. Your answer is a great follow-on if they aren't convinced. rops:

 

[Flash Gordon]

How do you deal with customers that think they know the best products and equipment to use?

I'm open to new ideas. If someone has a suggestion, and I'm working on their dime, I'm willing to try anything they want me to

The customer is always right


Regards,

Flash

 

[ExpressDetail]

Bob amazing reply! I have done some of the things you mentioned before but did not with this customer. I am awaiting for him to order some touch up paint for some chips. Thank you so much for your in depth post and so to say inspiration!!!

 

[rwright]

@SilverFox - Regarding my situation, if I wish to hire someone but they haven't been taught techniques of wiping the surface to inspect results and their product contains fillers, then they are not truly creating a "show car" or defect free surface. This is where educating that person comes into play. Sometimes the more expensive products are the better products for a reason. This can be applied to a "know it all" customer as well. They prefer you use brand X products on their car but you know it contains fillers and hides defects rather than fully removing them. Time to explain to the customer the difference in products and why your go to products are superior to their products.

 

[ExpressDetail]

I'm open to new ideas. If someone has a suggestion, and I'm working on their dime, I'm willing to try anything they want me to

The customer is always right


Regards,

Flash

Well depending on the products. I have had plenty of customers that spoke of products they use and asked my opinion and if i mind using them. I am always wiling to use what they like on there specific vehicle but if a person is using a brush and wookadoing the paint all to hell. Thats the problem.

I have a few new customers that have gloss it products and are requesting me to use them on their vehicles. I have no problem doing so. But I also offered them Swissvax and I think they are stuck on gloss it.

 

[SATracker]

Many years ago a friend of mine owned a musical instrument repair shop. He had a lot of band directors sitting there, shooting the breeze, and offering opinions. One day a sign appeared in his shop that said something like:
Hourly rate: $10
Hourly rate if you watch: $15
Hourly rate if you offer advice: $25

 

[RaskyR1]

Funny, I can only recall one instance where a customer insisted that I use one of their products to wax with...and that was back in like 1995!


I have no problem using their choice in LSP, but if it's something I really don't like I may try and talk them out of it or even charge more if it makes my job more work.

I will however not deal with people telling me how they think I should do my job...not that it's happened, but if it were I'd question why they were even having me do it in the first place.

 

[ExpressDetail]

Many years ago a friend of mine owned a musical instrument repair shop. He had a lot of band directors sitting there, shooting the breeze, and offering opinions. One day a sign appeared in his shop that said something like:
Hourly rate: $10
Hourly rate if you watch: $15
Hourly rate if you offer advice: $25

HAHA awesome!

Funny, I can only recall one instance where a customer insisted that I use one of their products to wax with...and that was back in like 1995!


I have no problem using their choice in LSP, but if it's something I really don't like I may try and talk them out of it or even charge more if it makes my job more work.

I will however not deal with people telling me how they think I should do my job...not that it's happened, but if it were I'd question why they were even having me do it in the first place.

Yea i kinda feel the same way. The guy was like "I dont trust myself doing it and I just want to maintain it after that". But I have a feeling after I do a paint correction the swirls will be back! Like why call a detailing service if you are going to tell them how to do the job and what to use Before the services are even preformed. I would understand a detailier uses a LSP,Tire shine,leather treatment etc that the customer is not happy with and they recommend something they like after services are preformed.

 

[Flash Gordon]

Well depending on the products. I have had plenty of customers that spoke of products they use and asked my opinion and if i mind using them. I am always wiling to use what they like on there specific vehicle but if a person is using a brush and wookadoing the paint all to hell. Thats the problem.

I have a few new customers that have gloss it products and are requesting me to use them on their vehicles. I have no problem doing so. But I also offered them Swissvax and I think they are stuck on gloss it.

If someone asks my opinion, I have no problem sharing it

Gloss It makes decent products (from what I've tried) if I were you, I would check them out

 

[Dr Oldz]

Fortunately, I really don't run into that. The most I get asked is if I can concentrate on one area or make sure I take care of something specific..... Some also request the shiniest possible tires! Fortunately my clients trust me and the outcome that I provide!

 

[ExpressDetail]

If someone asks my opinion, I have no problem sharing it

Gloss It makes decent products (from what I've tried) if I were you, I would check them out

Yea I plan on trying the gloss it! Excited to see what it has to offer! So you have tried some of thier products I assume.

 

[FUNX650]

Funny, I can only recall one instance where a customer insisted that I use one of their products to wax with...and that was back in like 1995!


I have no problem using their choice in LSP, but if it's something I really don't like I may try and talk them out of it or even charge more if it makes my job more work.

I will however not deal with people telling me how they think I should do my job...not that it's happened, but if it were I'd question why they were even having me do it in the first place.

Rasky (Chad):I would never, ever suggest or think about telling a Professional Detailer such as yourself, {or others (and I won't list them all) like Mike Phillips, David Fermani, Todd Cooperider, Superior Shine, Shiny Lil Dtailr (Charlie), Ivan Rajic, DJ Mayo, Renny Doyle, Todd Helme, Tim @ Performance Auto Spa, etc., etc.} what products, equipment, processes I think you, and the others mentioned, should use.

All I would do, if I may, is inform you Professionals of is:
-What corrections/detailing efforts that had previously been performed; and,
-Who the gentleman/lady was that had performed such deeds

This I believe would be of some benefit to you, The Professional. This sharing of such information on my part would be, IMO, common courtesy.

With that out of the way, then I too would go away to await your call to pick up what I most surely will discover a most perfect of vehicle.

Bob