Question for those who detail for $$$

bluzman

bluzman

New member
Joined
May 17, 2006
Messages
200
Reaction score
0
Im thinking of doing a little detailing on the side. What is the best way to approach someone and offer your services without insulying them? Is there a subtle way to tell them there paint could look better?? Thanks
 
Good Question

Bluzman,

I don't do this for $$$ but have had the same thoughts.

A picture says a thousand words. An example says more. Detail a car and then go park it at a local hangout, stripmall, etc. and put up a sign. I would target upscale areas if you can. With some exception, people just making ends meet are not going to care much about detailing.

If you approach people, don't tell them how their paint looks now, show them how it will look when you are done.

People buy things because of the feeling they get. If you make them feel good, then selling your service is easy.

You'll get more work than you can do, so remember this.
 
Only my own, sorry.

I paid for college by contracting house painting and other construction work. When you don't have a local reputation, you learn to sell or starve.
 
danjosborn said:
Bluzman,

I don't do this for $$$ but have had the same thoughts.

A picture says a thousand words. An example says more. Detail a car and then go park it at a local hangout, stripmall, etc. and put up a sign. I would target upscale areas if you can. With some exception, people just making ends meet are not going to care much about detailing.

If you approach people, don't tell them how their paint looks now, show them how it will look when you are done.

People buy things because of the feeling they get. If you make them feel good, then selling your service is easy.

You'll get more work than you can do, so remember this.
Click to expand...

great answer danjos. Exactly the kind of advice I was looking for!!
 
$$$

I do know some people who detail on the side. They can make a killing over the weekend if they stay at it. An ad in the local paper does well. Advertisements on the bulletin board at Wal-Mart also work and they're free. Going to upscale neighborhoods and distributing flyers has also brought success. Remember to dress in khaki shorts and a polo shirt. If you know local small business owners, give them a call or drop by their businesses. They are usually very busy but like to have good looking cars.
 
The good thing about detailing is that you always have repeat business after it rains. I would seek out as many good customers as you can handle and focus on the repeat business. This will make scheduling your work much easier.
 
First, you need to focus on what type of client to go after.
Real esate offices and banks are my main staples of business. Most want weekly washes and monthly waxes. They really care about the interiors since they have clients with them alot.
Retirement communities are awesome too.
If you have a marina, go there. You can do a boat and usually get their autos too!
This is a great business. The money is in the wash/vacs though. I can do 5-6 by 1:00pm and make 300.00 (50X6) or I can do a full detail by 3:00 and make only 200.00 by doing 1 car. It's alot easier to sell 6, 50.00 washes than 1 200.00 job.
Agree?
My goal is 6 wash/vacs per day for Monday-Thursday. This will make me 1200.00 per week just in washes. I will then reserve Friday and maybe Saturday for the full details at 1 per day at 200.00. That would be another 400.00 making a total of 1600.00 per week. Sound unreal? This is my sixth month and I'm steadily doing 1000.00-1200.00 per week now.

You have to be a salesperson. You HAVE TO SELL YOURSELF!
Smile and dress nice. Do a good job and you have not one but 4-6 more customers!

As you can tell, I'm passionate about my job. PM me if you need anything else or just keep it here.

Justin
 
Last edited:
Good

Justin,

Sounds like you have a great thing going. Its good to see...
 
I just did my first two jobs yeaterday, did what I am marketing as a std detail. Did my uncle's Altima and my Aunt's Camry, was happy with the results on both. Took just about 3 hours each. Charged $80 each and they were ok with that. Have 1 or 2 more lined up for next week, will help out with expenses each month. Hoping for good word of mouth. Give it a try.
 
Justin does darn good work too (evidenced by photos on this forum). Before reading his reponse I was thinking that Realtors would be a good source of customers. Another idea might be to check with local car clubs like the Jaguar club. I belong to a Jag club and all of them like to keep their cars clean and most do not do it themselves.
 
Good idea, Reddwarf. A lot of people appreciate nice things and are in such clubs, but don't have the time or ability to perform detail work.
 
jforget1, that Ridgeline looks sharp! What did you use?
 
danjosborn said:
jforget1, that Ridgeline looks sharp! What did you use?
Click to expand...

Thanks, that was a while ago and I think I used Meg's gold class. I have some shots from a recent detail and will post them soon. LOVE the truck.
 
I've had excellent results with the local Porsche club. I did a member's black 996 that was swirl heaven and it's gotten me great business. Best of all, the owner's aren't "rushed" to get the car done correctly. If I was doing this as a sole business, I would concentrate on the washes too. I typically do 1-2 cars per weekend for paint correction and that's where I want to be.

Another avenue that's been successful is my service manager at the dealership where I bought the Mach 1. I ended up doing his Mustang drag car (pics in the gallery) and he is bringing me business which are high-end customers that want a great polish and wax.

I enjoy doing what I do and that's the most important thing. You can try your own ideas, but the above 2 will give you some more.

Totoland Mach
 
That's what I'm aiming for next...car clubs.
I was just actually contacted today by a motorcycle club. Pretty loyal people that usually own 2 or more vehicles.
jforget1, I love the Ridgeline. I worked for Honda for 3 years and have owned 7. I can't wait till they make a V-8 and put it in the truck....and the NSX!

This is why this is #1 on my forum list now. Good people and good info.

Thanks guys
 
you must be respectful and look respectable, which has kind of been touched on. take the polo shirt one step further to a personalized polo with your name and your business name written on it. i think this is around 50 bucks but you will look professional and make more money. getting customers to look at a detailed vehicle is a good sales tactic and then have them see theyre own and feel there own. feeling the gritty paint that hasnt been clayed or waxed in who knows how long(if ever) is something that should make them realize they need the work done.

justin whats included in your 50 dollar wash/vac ?
 
bluzman said:
Im thinking of doing a little detailing on the side. What is the best way to approach someone and offer your services without insulying them? Is there a subtle way to tell them there paint could look better?? Thanks
Click to expand...
I've been steadily trying to start my own business, its been tough, but I have begun to get a far amount clients, I have another job for know to hold me over till I finish college and help me get some start up money. I do pretty well, I focus more on full detail jobs anywhere from 100-300, I can only do one a day, but sometimes I do wash/vacs, but I'd rather do the big stuff. I make around 500-700 a week, I only do cars on T,TH, and Sat, I work the other days, its not much but its a start.
 
I will also warn that your billboard is your own vehicle. Pull up with a car/truck/van full of stickers, dirty, and tires unkept and your not ever getting to the keys. Its like a fine suit, it might seem stuffy, but you know class and wealth likely come from it. A good detailer should have his rolling billboard bling-blinged to the max.

--------------- BANK SIDE COIN ---------------

If you want to work for yourself, please start to consider a couple of items now.

Taxes --- America was built on it, pay them. Claim your true income, stop pocketing your dollars. Just wait till you need a loan and you bring me those tiny tax returns showing 20k a year. Stated income, and no income verification cost you monthly in higher payments due to higher income and likely more fee's to the broker up front.

Social Security --- its based upon what you put into it. Yeah, yeah it might not be there. Gambling man ....huh. Dont coming crying to your banker when your fingers/knees cannot work and your living on your small fixed income based on what you put into the system. Inflation and prices go up much quicker than SSI or disability. (might not even get that no trail of work and income)

Retirement Planning --- there are alot of plans (Roth, Ira, Annuities, SEP) that need to be started early. No pension and no 401-k coming your way from your employer (remember thats you). Money runs out quickly when you decide to no longer work, and that nest egg, well it usually does not happen. Cars need replacing and/or repairs. Homes need renovation and upkeep. Food needs to be kept on the table.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top