Starting off

kdubski

kdubski

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More then likely when most of you started off you accepted cash only payments (most probably still do ;P ) since it's the easiest and most convenient, but where I'm getting at is was there ever a case where the client refused to pay you after because they weren't satisfied or for some other bogus reason? I've been doing mostly family and friend cars up until now and I'm getting friends of friends that want their cars done, but since they're not close to me I'm trying to figure out a fool proof method to make sure people pay each time, no bs. I want to be prepared for ridiculous stuff before it hits me :)

Im the MAN
 
kdubski said:
More then likely when most of you started off you accepted cash only payments (most probably still do ;P ) since it's the easiest and most convenient, but where I'm getting at is was there ever a case where the client refused to pay you after because they weren't satisfied or for some other bogus reason? I've been doing mostly family and friend cars up until now and I'm getting friends of friends that want their cars done, but since they're not close to me I'm trying to figure out a fool proof method to make sure people pay each time, no bs. I want to be prepared for ridiculous stuff before it hits me :)

Im the MAN
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I've Never had an issue with this at all! Granted, that doesn't mean it will never happen - and I pray it doesn't. I do except credit cards (a must for my military fleet that I do) and that can take about a week to get excepted for - they do a rigorous screening and for a good reason. I've accepted checks and again have never had an issue. It is smart going into this business thinking this way, but as long as you are honest with your customer, have a good attitude and do the best job possible there shouldn't be any issues.

For a few of my clients I have specialty "menus" that cater only to them.... they check what they want done and that is what I do and get paid for.... almost like a simple contract. You could always go that route, but once again I think you would be ok sticking with the three steps I mentioned before. Feel free to join the social group I just started called, "Let Us Help Each Other Succeed" - just started it the other day!
 
Even for the clients that are regulars, do you give them a receipt or anything? I'm thinking about doing invoices, that might be too serious for this type of work though. Also I'm confident in my work so before I do any work I'd most likely do a walk around with client point out major defects and show them what I would be working on, so there is no funny business after.



B&B Tennessee said:
I've Never had an issue with this at all! Granted, that doesn't mean it will never happen - and I pray it doesn't. I do except credit cards (a must for my military fleet that I do) and that can take about a week to get excepted for - they do a rigorous screening and for a good reason. I've accepted checks and again have never had an issue. It is smart going into this business thinking this way, but as long as you are honest with your customer, have a good attitude and do the best job possible there shouldn't be any issues.

For a few of my clients I have specialty "menus" that cater only to them.... they check what they want done and that is what I do and get paid for.... almost like a simple contract. You could always go that route, but once again I think you would be ok sticking with the three steps I mentioned before. Feel free to join the social group I just started called, "Let Us Help Each Other Succeed" - just started it the other day!
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kdubski said:
Even for the clients that are regulars, do you give them a receipt or anything? I'm thinking about doing invoices, that might be too serious for this type of work though. Also I'm confident in my work so before I do any work I'd most likely do a walk around with client point out major defects and show them what I would be working on, so there is no funny business after.
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For myself - being 100% Mobile - I only produce a receipt if they request one. I've done work for individuals that will write of their detail because they use their vehicle for work purposes (couriers, taxi's, etc).

I always do a walk around with the client first.

Then I always ask them if there is any problematic area that they want concentration on - this question normally points out why they called you to begin with. Sometimes someone will ask for interior detail and what they were truly wanting was an annoying stain that catches their attention out the corner of their eye. Something maybe you would've missed if you hadn't asked. So I ALWAYS ask that question.

Last - I do a final walk around and ask if their is anything else that they need (in a polite and professional manner of course). Many times - I seriously get tossed extra money....
in fact I went like 5 jobs in a row where they tossed me $20 to $30 dollars more for a job, when it came to that 6th job - I was disappointed when I only got what I asked for LOL!

You should be fine man!
 
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There's where we differ, I'm 100% stationary. Thats a good question to ask because when I first discovered the wash it yourself car wash I always came out disappointed with the bird crap and sap still on the car, until I found AG ;).
Maybe you where too cocky with your work on that 6th job and didn't do as good of a job. Just joking but family and friends where shocked the first few times when they saw their cars done by me, they haven't seen life outside the touch less car washes, so that must be the case with your clients. Thanks for the encouragement bro, I'll keep you and the rest of AG informed!
 
I think this may be a common fear of someone starting out. But, honestly...I've never had a customer refuse to pay. I've never even had someone leave unhappy for that matter. Just state what services they will be getting...you perform them well, and they're always happy. If they are not, drop what you're doing and make them happy.

You'll find that your customers will most likely be surprisingly nice, and a lot of times trust your work and not question you.

I must say though...I've heard stories from my customers who may have had an issue with a previous detailer. So it does happen...but, if you perform a job well done. You've got nothing to worry about. Just respect their expectations. Customer is always right! :props:
 
I've dealt with this before (customer that cannot be pleased) If they refuse to pay me, I refuse to give them there keys :laughing:
 
I've never had a customer refuse to pay me and I always collect payment after I'm done and I've done my final walk through with the customer. I want to ensure they are happy with my work before they pay me.

I also always try to do a little extra if I have time. For example checking their tires for proper inflation. Or if they are only paying for an interior detail, I'll give the car a quick wash too, or if I'm doing the interior and I notice a small stain on the carpet or something that I know I can take care of quickly with little effort to myself, I'll remove it for them. Then I make sure I point it out that I did it when I do my final walk through. It only adds a little bit of time to the detail and it's the little extras that my customers seem to really appreciate.
 
SeaJay's said:
I've never had a customer refuse to pay me and I always collect payment after I'm done and I've done my final walk through with the customer. I want to ensure they are happy with my work before they pay me.

I also always try to do a little extra if I have time. For example checking their tires for proper inflation. Or if they are only paying for an interior detail, I'll give the car a quick wash too, or if I'm doing the interior and I notice a small stain on the carpet or something that I know I can take care of quickly with little effort to myself, I'll remove it for them. Then I make sure I point it out that I did it when I do my final walk through. It only adds a little bit of time to the detail and it's the little extras that my customers seem to really appreciate.
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:iagree: I second that. :dblthumb2:
 
SeaJay's said:
I've never had a customer refuse to pay me and I always collect payment after I'm done and I've done my final walk through with the customer. I want to ensure they are happy with my work before they pay me.

I also always try to do a little extra if I have time. For example checking their tires for proper inflation. Or if they are only paying for an interior detail, I'll give the car a quick wash too, or if I'm doing the interior and I notice a small stain on the carpet or something that I know I can take care of quickly with little effort to myself, I'll remove it for them. Then I make sure I point it out that I did it when I do my final walk through. It only adds a little bit of time to the detail and it's the little extras that my customers seem to really appreciate.
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Good Customer Relations Jason! :props:
 
Those little extras pay off in the long run. I do provide my customers with a receipt of sorts. I actually print out a word doc that details how the car was presented, the processes I used, products, etc. This way they can get a good sense of how intensive a correction is. Also, if they ever move and go to another detailer, that guy can get an idea of what the paint has been through. If I knew how to post a document here I would throw it up.
 
The one thing we have learned and have discussed with other detailers in the area is if a customer wants a two vehicle discount don't give the discount until the second vehicle is done. You possibly will not see the second vehicle and you got screwed. A lot of folks want everything for minimal charge and don't realize the time and materials involved in the detail. One more thing we actually had someone call and wanted to know if we give a rain guarantee "a free wash for 48 hrs after the detail". We live in Florida it can rain at any time lol.We told her we are not the local drive thru car wash and no warranties for rain........
 
Redneckmafia said:
The one thing we have learned and have discussed with other detailers in the area is if a customer wants a two vehicle discount don't give the discount until the second vehicle is done. You possibly will not see the second vehicle and you got screwed. A lot of folks want everything for minimal charge and don't realize the time and materials involved in the detail. One more thing we actually had someone call and wanted to know if we give a rain guarantee "a free wash for 48 hrs after the detail". We live in Florida it can rain at any time lol.We told her we are not the local drive thru car wash and no warranties for rain........
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This reminded me of the time I detailed a customers vehicle, then they had a soda pop inside and got all over the interior. They thought, that I for some reason had to clean that for free, haha. People are funny. I didn't put that soda in there!
 
Yeah I've seen it happen before in other small business' that I've worked for and I'm not trying to deal with that stuff on my own time. People do try to get the most out of their money too, but thankfully with detailing you deal with more down to earth people.
 
If you want to accept credit cards I would use Suared Up you can use it on Iphone and Droid phones. They take 3% but there is no monthly few like paypal, quickbooks, peachtree ect. The first $1000 you charge goes into your bank acount within a day and anything after that take a week to 30 days
 
Wow did technology come a long way!! I thought accepting credits cards was some really complicated system/process. It's becoming easier and easier to become a business now I see. Thanks for sharing.

sullysdetailing said:
If you want to accept credit cards I would use Suared Up you can use it on Iphone and Droid phones. They take 3% but there is no monthly few like paypal, quickbooks, peachtree ect. The first $1000 you charge goes into your bank acount within a day and anything after that take a week to 30 days
Click to expand...
 
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