Name and advertising questions

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suprachica79

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Hey guys. Short version-
I came up with the name DMC detailing and am wondering if anyone can think of any words to go with the initials DMC. Also, any inexpensive ways to get the word out about the small side business I'm trying to start, ie. business cards, flyers, etc.

Long Version -

Hey guys. I've been toying with the idea of starting a small detailing business. I've always loved cleaning auto interiors, and find it very gratifying to make a great paint job pop. After friends at work had seen my car and how clean it was, they asked me if I would do their cars and for how much. This got the ol' brain rolling because I'm a very analytical person, don't want to undercharge or overcharge, and I found AGO.

I read as much as I could, started gathering supplies, testing them out to see what works and how long all of the processes and packages take, and basing my prices off of that. I had to come up with a name quick to put on my initial flyer that I gave to people at work and friends, and came up with DMC Detailing. No, not Run DMC, those are my initials.

Anyways, i've been trying to think up what DMC could stand for. I thought maybe Doing what Makes your Car shine! Detailing, or something of the sort. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I'm not adversed to changing the name, its just easy to remember I think.

Also, I'm having a tough time getting the word out about what I do and what I offer. Alot of friends have said they want me to do work for them, but have not set up appointments yet and I'm getting a bit antsy. Does anyone have any relatively inexpensive ways to get the word out and start building a clientele basis? I went to school for Pharma marketing but alot of that can't be applied here.

Sorry for the lengthy post guys, just looking for some thoughts on the name and advertising. Thanks!
 
Hmm.... I think you've got a pretty good idea, but I'd package it a little differently.

"DMC Detailing - Doing what Makes your Car shine!"

This way you've got a short, easy to remember name in "DMC Detailing" and a tagline that fits what you're doing and plays on your trade name as well. In your marketing materials you can then play on that name/tagline combination with something along the lines of "At DMC Detailing, we're Doing what Makes your Car shine!"

As far as start-up marketing, the question is just how big do you want your operation to be, and how much start-up capital are you comfortable investing in marketing?
 
I think the DMC is fine just representing your name.

As far as cheap advertising is concerned, I would start by making a flyer and posting it on the bulletin board at work. I think it's easier to get work because the people know who you are and are more likely to trust you with their vehicle versus a stranger. You can also post an ad on Craigslist, post flyers around your home town and most importantly talk to EVERYONE and let them know who you and what you do. You would be surprised how many people are interested in having their car detailed.

Once you get the work, a good way to get things moving is obviously do a great job and add in an extra. Some people would say to offer your service at a cheaper rate but i prefer to charge a normal rate but throw in something for free. I would rather get the money and add a car wash as a "surprise" than charge less. In the end, the customer feels appreciated and it shows you love what you do and in turn they will hopefully tell their friends. Word of mouth is the ABSOLUTE best advertisement because if someone hears from a friend that you do good work, they will trust their friends word over yours.

Always have SOMETHING on you whether it be a business card or a flyer to hand someone that you are talking to. Heck it coud be someone in line at the grocery store.... Ya never know when.

Hope this helps some. I am sure others will supply some great suggestions.
 
Those are some grea suggestions guys. As most people, I'm not looking to make this a career as of yet, just looking to make some extra money on the side. For the people at work and friends, I have already told them I will give them a discounted rate, mainly just to get some work in and then they can refer me to their friends and family and I will perform those services at my regular rate.

In terms of marketing, I really don't intend to spend much at all, I am looking into getting some business cards made up and have a very basic flyer that my girlfriend made. I know word of mouth is crucial, but you have to get the clients first to have them spread the word about you, and thats the obstacle I am facing now. I have been somewhat busy lately so I haven't invested a ton of time into growing a client base yet but intend to do so as the summer starts up and I finish up my MBA classes.
 
Where are you from, Danielle? If there's much traffic on Craigslist in your area that might be a good place to start putting up ads since it's free....
 
I'm in CT, Hartford County to be exact. I'm going to consider craigslist ads but because I work out of my house (my parent's house) I am skeptical of putting up ads like that, not sure who I want knowing where I live, you know what I mean? That's why I want to start with folks I know and branch out. I think I need to figure out how to nail down some intiial cleints (friends)
 
:iagree:Have you followed up with your friends that said they wanted work done? I would say don't wait on them to set up an appointment, call 'em and set up a date- without sounding pushy....

Maybe tell them also your trying to get this gig going and you need their help.....?
 
Good tip EPro, I am going to be talking to people at work tomorrow, I'll ask those interested when they want to set up appointments, or what packages they think they want. I think the toughest part is dropping the car off and having someone come with you and find something to do for a few hours. I work about half an hour from where I live, so alot of the people from work don't live close by
 
suprachica79 said:
I'm in CT, Hartford County to be exact. I'm going to consider craigslist ads but because I work out of my house (my parent's house) I am skeptical of putting up ads like that, not sure who I want knowing where I live, you know what I mean? That's why I want to start with folks I know and branch out. I think I need to figure out how to nail down some intiial cleints (friends)
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Understandable... I work out of my home as well and I've honestly never had a problem, but I also don't put my address on any of my ads, just my email and phone number. If I talk to someone on the phone or via email and get the impression that they're not crazy, then I tell them where I'm located.

Not a bad strategy to start with friends and family though -- that's how I got started as well.
 
I would start with your college professors/admin. Either go see them in person or shoot them an email explaining what your trying to do

Cleaning friends and neighbors cars has always backfired on me personally. I end up either working for nothing or breaking something

Good luck,

Flash

PS...What is it holding you back from becoming a Pharmacist? Thats a great field to be in now
 
I think your onto something with your name. It's simple and easy to remember.

As far as cheap advertising, I have brochures and business cards made up. I leave them in all the local shops and stores that will allow me.

I also have signed up for every free site I can find, to name a few ad up on craigslist, then signed up for google places, bing, yahoo, yp.com, thumbtack.com, etc.

The more you can get your name out there the better.
 
Flash Gordon said:
I would start with your college professors/admin. Either go see them in person or shoot them an email explaining what your trying to do

Cleaning friends and neighbors cars has always backfired on me personally. I end up either working for nothing or breaking something

Good luck,

Flash

PS...What is it holding you back from becoming a Pharmacist? Thats a great field to be in now
Click to expand...

Maybe we got another coca-cola invention lol

"You can help create your own luck, you can make things happen through hard work and intelligence."- Donald J. Trump
 
dmc_logo.jpg


delorean.jpg
 
Flash - I initially went to school to be a Doctor of Pharmacy and then slacked off and if you do not study literally 12hours a day, everyday, you don't make it. At the time, I didn't want it enough, and I was lazy and didn't do the work. It's by the far the biggest regret I've ever had and will probably ever have. Once I was pushed out of the program, I had to switch majors and chose pharma marketing and management because my school was very specific and didn't have much to pick from. I love pharma business, but I just can't find a job. I also know that now being more mature and knowing what I want, I could make it through school, but I've missed my chance. No school will take me, and the pharmacist jobs are drying up as schools like mine are pushing out far rmore pharmacists than new jobs are opening up, especially in the Northeast where all the schools are.

Back on topic - I have read those articles Mike and they were very helpful, but I'm always looking for personal opinions from forum members. Thanks for all the responses guys, I appreciate it
 
suprachica79 said:
Flash - I initially went to school to be a Doctor of Pharmacy and then slacked off and if you do not study literally 12hours a day, everyday, you don't make it. At the time, I didn't want it enough, and I was lazy and didn't do the work. It's by the far the biggest regret I've ever had and will probably ever have. Once I was pushed out of the program, I had to switch majors and chose pharma marketing and management because my school was very specific and didn't have much to pick from. I love pharma business, but I just can't find a job. I also know that now being more mature and knowing what I want, I could make it through school, but I've missed my chance. No school will take me, and the pharmacist jobs are drying up as schools like mine are pushing out far rmore pharmacists than new jobs are opening up, especially in the Northeast where all the schools are.
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I didn't do so well in school either, so I'm not going to berate you for that. I still would never say never though, if thats what you truly want to do. The baby boomers are just now hitting the right age to need meds. This profession will be in demand for at least another 20 years if not forever

Have you ever considered being a pharmacutical rep? Those folks make big money too

Good luck and keep me posted how it all works out,

Flash :)
 
I'm trying to find a job as a pharma rep, every single one I have applied for or interviewed for, they found someone with experience or didn't take me because I had no experience. I work in a pharmacy and it is a small world. I know where the jobs are, and where they are going. This profession will not be as easy to find a job in as a pharmacist within the next couple of years. The baby boomers are getting older, but the insurance they have is getting worse and the cost of drugs is going up. There are a select number of schools pushing out PharmD's, and 95% of them are in MA, CT, NY, NJ, PA, and RI. Sure, Missouri and North Dakota will always be in need of pharmacists, but the 13 original colonies will not always have a need. I see the jobs drying up first hand.

And I know you can never say never, but I had my shot, I failed out of it (failed out being under a 2.5), no pharma school will take a bachelors degree kid who failed out of a PharmD program when there are 100 people with an udnergrad 3.5GPA applying and only 10 spots. Its just simple math. That, and any accelerated PharmD program costs about $120k to complete and I already have 120k in loans.

And yes, people do bad in school all the time, but don't make 120k bad decision like I did. Kids getting 2.5's in pharmacy school could get a 3.7 in grad school, like I am doing right now. Any kind of school is a joke in terms of difficulty compared to any type of med school. People dont give pharmacists enough respect. They have to learn more in 6 years than a doctor does, its insane. It's the hardest thing I have ever tried to do, and I'm almsot certain the hardest thing I will ever try to do. Unfortunately, I didn't try very hard, and thus I am where I am now, trying to make extra money detailing because I can't find a job with my expensive-a$$, useless degree.

End rant, thx for listening kids lol
 
suprachica79 said:
I'm trying to find a job as a pharma rep, every single one I have applied for or interviewed for, they found someone with experience or didn't take me because I had no experience. I work in a pharmacy and it is a small world. I know where the jobs are, and where they are going. This profession will not be as easy to find a job in as a pharmacist within the next couple of years. The baby boomers are getting older, but the insurance they have is getting worse and the cost of drugs is going up. There are a select number of schools pushing out PharmD's, and 95% of them are in MA, CT, NY, NJ, PA, and RI. Sure, Missouri and North Dakota will always be in need of pharmacists, but the 13 original colonies will not always have a need. I see the jobs drying up first hand.

And I know you can never say never, but I had my shot, I failed out of it (failed out being under a 2.5), no pharma school will take a bachelors degree kid who failed out of a PharmD program when there are 100 people with an udnergrad 3.5GPA applying and only 10 spots. Its just simple math. That, and any accelerated PharmD program costs about $120k to complete and I already have 120k in loans.

And yes, people do bad in school all the time, but don't make 120k bad decision like I did. Kids getting 2.5's in pharmacy school could get a 3.7 in grad school, like I am doing right now. Any kind of school is a joke in terms of difficulty compared to any type of med school. People dont give pharmacists enough respect. They have to learn more in 6 years than a doctor does, its insane. It's the hardest thing I have ever tried to do, and I'm almsot certain the hardest thing I will ever try to do. Unfortunately, I didn't try very hard, and thus I am where I am now, trying to make extra money detailing because I can't find a job with my expensive-a$$, useless degree.

End rant, thx for listening kids lol
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Glad you got that off your chest :applause: I still wouldn't complety give up though

I also agree Pharacist don't get the respect they deserve. They go through more rigorious schooling then most doctors do. Most ppl don't realize this

Being a Pharmacutical rep is not so bad either (money wise)

Good luck kid, I'm pullin for you,

Flash :)
 
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