Mobile Detailers: What To Expect From Customers

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Nabors

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What should I expect from a customer after we have agreed on a price, I hook everything up, and start on my work? When a friend of my parents came down, they heard that I was into detailing so I offered to do just a minor hand-polishing on the outside.

Needless to say, the 4 door Mercedes sedan took a decent amount of time doing everything by hand, and I kept getting visits from him. He ended up liking the job so much that he payed me, but is that normal?

Will customers pop in on my work? I don't mind at all, especially if it gives me the chance to explain what I'm doing real time, but is that how it usually goes?
 
Yes, more often than not they will come out to check out what you're doing. You'll get used to it. This is one of the reasons I try to stay organized and keep my supplies clean. I always want to look as professional as possible when the customer is around.
 
I am very anal about being organized. I have a bunch of labelled boxes to show it! What about having headphones in listening to music?
 
Whenever I notice the customer coming over I pop out one of my headphones just in case they want to chat. A lot of times they just want to peek over your shoulder to admire your work.
 
I just don't want to seem too uninviting if they have a question. Do any of them underestimate the time it actually takes? I know my parents did at first, but they have since learned that I'll be outside at 5 hours at a time working on cars and now just accept it! I think detailers see a whole lot more than customers. That's our OCD kicking in!
 
Nabors said:
I just don't want to seem too uninviting if they have a question. Do any of them underestimate the time it actually takes? I know my parents did at first, but they have since learned that I'll be outside at 5 hours at a time working on cars and now just accept it! I think detailers see a whole lot more than customers. That's our OCD kicking in!
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Typically I'll go over the process for the scope of work that we've agreed on and give an estimate for how long it's going to take. If I get on the car and notice something is going to take substantially longer than anticipated I always let them know to make sure I will not be inconveniencing their schedule.
 
I'll do a handful of different packages on cars of friends of my parents so I will be able to better estimate how much time a certain job will take. Once finals finish up this week, I will be sure to be back to update everyone and ask for help!
 
While working you will encounter the following:

Half the time Customer will either stay around or come around from time to time. Other half they go Inside and wait for them to call you when you are done. I noticed that women are usually of the second type and men are usually of the first type ;)

Other thing you will see is neighbours or people passing by coming to ask you some questions. This is why I always keep business cards on me.
 
Calendyr said:
While working you will encounter the following:

Half the time Customer will either stay around or come around from time to time. Other half they go Inside and wait for them to call you when you are done. I noticed that women are usually of the second type and men are usually of the first type ;)

Other thing you will see is neighbours or people passing by coming to ask you some questions. This is why I always keep business cards on me.
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That's a good idea! I'll do that and keep a decent set of glossy, swirl-free flyers with the packages and prices!
 
Nabors said:
What about having headphones in listening to music?
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Music is always a MUST HAVE on any job I do. I just started downloading MP3s to my phone and have a small headset that plugs in. I have non stop continuous music for at least 10 hours. I don't know how I ever did it without it. Because ever since I started listening to music when I work, I work more steadily, my mood improves, and I take more time making sure each job is perfect. Yes, bring your headphones!
 
Buff-N-Glo said:
Music is always a MUST HAVE on any job I do. I just started downloading MP3s to my phone and have a small headset that plugs in. I have non stop continuous music for at least 10 hours. I don't know how I ever did it without it. Because ever since I started listening to music when I work, I work more steadily, my mood improves, and I take more time making sure each job is perfect. Yes, bring your headphones!
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I feel very empty when I'm working on cars without headphones. Whether it is under the hood, or beautifying it. Thanks for all of the responses and I will be posting pictures when I get started!
 
I love the support from this forum! I have yet to see anyone that tries to turn anybody away from trying something or getting a small business going.
 
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