Why you don’t need a website or business shirts when you’re starting off

thebamboo23

thebamboo23

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Why you don’t need a website or business shirts when you’re starting off




PM me with your email address to let you know when the blog is up and the full article is written :dblthumb2:
 
Nice write up, but I would partially disagree. Are those things a NEED? No but are they a good thing if done well? YES.

Website: Shows pics of your work...almost everyone has the www available to them 24/7 and what better way to show people your work in an instant?

Shirt: Why not spend $25 on a nice polo with your logo and # on it? I don't see it as "playing business" but it certainly looks more professional than just a regular shirt. 2. Some people DO care what you're wearing, regular Joe that just wants a wash and wipe probably doesn't but others DO. Don't try to kid yourself here. 3. I dont think everyone "uses shirts as an excuse" either. Yer pretty funny with that comment.
 
If your doing part I may agree with you. Once you go full time I do believe you need a website and maybe shirts with logo.
 
Thanks for the comment!

Nice write up, but I would partially disagree. Are those things a NEED? No but are they a good thing if done well? YES.
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Remember.. im talking about start ups

Website: Shows pics of your work...almost everyone has the www available to them 24/7 and what better way to show people your work in an instant?
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you make a valid point, butttt...
1) instagram and facebook can show your work A LOT better compared to a confused layout on a website.. (remember, this is for the ppl who have a sloppy websites)
2) start ups shouldn't focus a lot of time on creating a website.. they need to build momentum and GO GET CUSTOMERS... not spending time creating a site which they have ZERO customers


Shirt: Why not spend $25 on a nice polo with your logo and # on it? I don't see it as "playing business" but it certainly looks more professional than just a regular shirt. 2. Some people DO care what you're wearing, regular Joe that just wants a wash and wipe probably doesn't but others DO. Don't try to kid yourself here. 3. I dont think everyone "uses shirts as an excuse" either. Yer pretty funny with that comment.
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my friend has gone to work at a VERY VERY high end dealership (bugattis, f40, etc..) wearing some jeans with no belt and an old t-mobile shirt.. and guess what... the owners don't care..

because they care about the end result.. if he can deliver what they need... not how he looks...

oh, and he doesn't have a website either

:props:
 
Pureshine said:
If your doing part I may agree with you. Once you go full time I do believe you need a website and maybe shirts with logo.
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oh yeah, once you get your feet off the ground THEN you need a kickas$ site, shirt, cards, etc...

but not starting off
 
I agree! When starting out you don't need a fancy websight and Polo Shirts with a logo to be successful. I wear a Dri-Fit T shirt, Khaki Shorts, and Nike shoes and no one cares. Good quality work is what customers want. I believe that 99% of success is just showing up
 
Real Riders said:
I agree! When starting out you don't need a fancy websight and Polo Shirts with a logo to be successful. I wear a Dri-Fit T shirt, Khaki Shorts, and Nike shoes and no one cares. Good quality work is what customers want. I believe that 99% of success is just showing up
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Very much!

I have black shirt with my logo, number, website.. and i dont even wear em anymore

probably because I AM SOAKED IN SWEAT in Houstons heat lol

so i wear dri-fit clothes :dblthumb2:
 
Great post! This is the real deal advice right here, and I wish you wouldve posted this before I got started with our business.

Nowadays, after a few months, those things we "need" aren't a need anymore. Ex: upgraded vehicle graphics, plastidipped wheels and chrome trim haha, generator, water tank and pressure washer, trailer, rupes or flex polishers (we don't do higher end correction really)

I think a business card is good to start with though so giving your number and fb/Instagram/flickr/youtube to people you meet in person is quick and easy, and it's cheap!

I'm excited to read your blog:xyxthumbs:
 
First day in the upper 80's yesterday. I detailed in a under armor shirt and running shorts!! I think that is what I am wearing the rest of the summer, lol
 
I'm going to have to disagree with MOST of what you said.

But it really depends on your definition of "starting out"

1. High end clientele/businesses appreciate professionalism. Just because you are getting business without a professional image does not mean that it is not important. Besides, I can get 10 moisture wicking shirts with my logo embroidered for less than two brand name under armor shirts. Even though you don't see the instantaneous benefit of having a professional image there is a reason every pepsi worker has a pepsi shirt and every McDonald's worker has a mcdonalds shirt. It is called branding.

2. Not having a website, are you serious about this? Your argument for not having a website is because people will click away because you designed it poorly and have bad grammar? There are tons of free website designers out there where you can make a totally legitimate looking website. Many of the owners on this site have a template based websites and they looks amazing. If you don't have a website, how are people going to find you locally through online searches? You can't just throw away a bears share of the online search business and expect to stay busy, especially if you are wanting to do this full time.

I understand the premise of what you are saying, but branding and website marketing are tried and true business fundamentals that are extremely low cost if you do them correctly. I would urge anyone reading this to not throw the baby out with the bath water.
 
VP Mark said:
I'm going to have to disagree with MOST of what you said.

But it really depends on your definition of "starting out"

1. High end clientele/businesses appreciate professionalism. Just because you are getting business without a professional image does not mean that it is not important. Besides, I can get 10 moisture wicking shirts with my logo embroidered for less than two brand name under armor shirts. Even though you don't see the instantaneous benefit of having a professional image there is a reason every pepsi worker has a pepsi shirt and every McDonald's worker has a mcdonalds shirt. It is called branding.

2. Not having a website, are you serious about this? Your argument for not having a website is because people will click away because you designed it poorly and have bad grammar? There are tons of free website designers out there where you can make a totally legitimate looking website. Many of the owners on this site have a template based websites and they looks amazing. If you don't have a website, how are people going to find you locally through online searches? You can't just throw away a bears share of the online search business and expect to stay busy, especially if you are wanting to do this full time.

I understand the premise of what you are saying, but branding and website marketing are tried and true business fundamentals that are extremely low cost if you do them correctly. I would urge anyone reading this to not throw the baby out with the bath water.
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I agree. If you are doing part time or don't have the money or skill to create a site then I would agree. If you cant do it right, don't do it. However, part of being in business is looking professional. You get one shot at a first impression. Additionally, having your own website, facebook, instagram etc gets your name in more places.

That is great that your buddy can go into a high end dealer dressed down and still get the business but that is not how it always works. I would venture to say that is the exception not the norm.
 
Many good points and some I don't agree with.

In my area not one single brick and mortar professional detailer has a website. Me being me, working in the tech field and doing most of my shopping online won't buy from a merchant simply because they have no online presence. I spent about $200 on my site, including domain registration and hosting for 3 years. I update my site after each detail, it may not be perfect but I can explain what I do and post pictures and slideshows. I also do the same with my facebook page.

As for what to wear at work, my last consulting job was khaki and polo shirts. After a short time I started slipping jeans in every so often. Eventually the boss was ok with it, why? Because people were paying for my mind not how I looked. Heck most of the time I wore shorts and t-shirts to the office and did all my work remotely. Did the client know, nope, I have even worked from home in my undies!

I do think if you want to get clients and work consistent you need business cards, they are CHEAP, I leave half a dozen in the cup holder for when the client picks up their car. If I get one detail out of 500 cards they have paid for themselves.

BTW, I detail in shorts and a tank top with sneakers!
 
I'm going to have to disagree with MOST of what you said.

But it really depends on your definition of "starting out"

1. High end clientele/businesses appreciate professionalism. Just because you are getting business without a professional image does not mean that it is not important. Besides, I can get 10 moisture wicking shirts with my logo embroidered for less than two brand name under armor shirts. Even though you don't see the instantaneous benefit of having a professional image there is a reason every pepsi worker has a pepsi shirt and every McDonald's worker has a mcdonalds shirt. It is called branding.
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I know a lot of people are going to disagree... But i'm referring to BRAND SPANKIN NEW start ups who have had little to no experience/practice

2. Not having a website, are you serious about this? Your argument for not having a website is because people will click away because you designed it poorly and have bad grammar? There are tons of free website designers out there where you can make a totally legitimate looking website. Many of the owners on this site have a template based websites and they looks amazing. If you don't have a website, how are people going to find you locally through online searches? You can't just throw away a bears share of the online search business and expect to stay busy, especially if you are wanting to do this full time.

I understand the premise of what you are saying, but branding and website marketing are tried and true business fundamentals that are extremely low cost if you do them correctly. I would urge anyone reading this to not throw the baby out with the bath water.
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this is only to do the people who do have unorganized sites... with a lot of different colors, text, pics, etc... if you do it right (which can be done super cheap) then thats's perfect :xyxthumbs:
 
Many good points and some I don't agree with.

In my area not one single brick and mortar professional detailer has a website. Me being me, working in the tech field and doing most of my shopping online won't buy from a merchant simply because they have no online presence. I spent about $200 on my site, including domain registration and hosting for 3 years. I update my site after each detail, it may not be perfect but I can explain what I do and post pictures and slideshows. I also do the same with my facebook page.
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As for what to wear at work, my last consulting job was khaki and polo shirts. After a short time I started slipping jeans in every so often. Eventually the boss was ok with it, why? Because people were paying for my mind not how I looked. Heck most of the time I wore shorts and t-shirts to the office and did all my work remotely. Did the client know, nope, I have even worked from home in my undies!
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lmao... that's awesome!what you wear does not determine anything....at all

Because what the customer wants is RESULTS

I do think if you want to get clients and work consistent you need business cards, they are CHEAP, I leave half a dozen in the cup holder for when the client picks up their car. If I get one detail out of 500 cards they have paid for themselves.

BTW, I detail in shorts and a tank top with sneakers!
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yeah, like i say...this is for START UPS who think "OMG I NEED A BUSINESS CARD SO I CAN PUT FOUNDER"... but if/when done right (on a cheap budget) is very effective!

Im the MAN
 
I don't think I would do business with a guy that didn't have a website. I Google everything. I understand you say "just starting up"... But, it's really good to read/see something about the business regarding their philosophy and how they work. I say if you can't be bothered to make a decent website - your an amateur. Also, I don't want to read a dude's blog or looks at his mom's friends on Facebook. I want a website.

As an example, I just found a dude to fix my leather seat through Google. His business name is Seatfixerz. I had no idea who this dude was or if he was legit. But, I figured he had enough gumption to make a decent website so he likely has some idea what he is doing. I was right - dude was a pro.

On the other hand - if I saw an ad on Craig's List or the Penny Pincher that said "I fix seats" - I'd pass for sure. If you put little into to making your business look legit - in my book you probably are an amateur looking to earn spending money. I could be wrong, but that's my perception and I am part of the public.
 
Airline Pilots wear uniforms for a reason. Sure, the same guy wearing gym shorts, a tee shirt, and flip flops can fly the plane... but the uniform helps establish credibility/trust.

I don't disagree with your call to action & the premise that some people think their shirt/card/site is as important as getting the job done, but the detailers who have gotten my business in the past have "looked the part" if you know what I mean.

(Just a lowly wknd warrior's opinion!)
 
I don't think I would do business with a guy that didn't have a website. I Google everything. I understand you say "just starting up"... But, it's really good to read/see something about the business regarding their philosophy and how they work. I say if you can't be bothered to make a decent website - your an amateur. Also, I don't want to read a dude's blog or looks at his mom's friends on Facebook. I want a website.
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facebook pages can rank high in google results
to say someone is an amateur 'cause they don't have a website then that's on you. but there are people who have $1000 web design sites who put our less than crap work quality... in any market

and it's called business page.. not personal page. Huge difference

As an example, I just found a dude to fix my leather seat through Google. His business name is Seatfixerz. I had no idea who this dude was or if he was legit. But, I figured he had enough gumption to make a decent website so he likely has some idea what he is doing. I was right - dude was a pro.
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i wouldn't judge someone on how good they are just cause they have a website... in any market

On the other hand - if I saw an ad on Craig's List or the Penny Pincher that said "I fix seats" - I'd pass for sure. If you put little into to making your business look legit - in my book you probably are an amateur looking to earn spending money. I could be wrong, but that's my perception and I am part of the public.
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craigslist ads can be very effective when done right.. but majority of the time people don't know how to do it right

:dblthumb2:
 
Not everyone has facebook and I'd say the majority of my customers aren't on FB. Is FB one tool that someone starting out can use, you bet but it's limited.

Websites and Business cards are so cheap these days that sometimes getting 1 client from your site or from your business card and it's paid for itself. When I started out, people wanted to see my work, emailing people photos after photos is not professional and it was a pain.. Of course people want to know the process, materials used, how much time etc etc etc..

Is it necessary to have all this stuff starting out? maybe not but why handicap yourself when these things are easily available and cheap?
 
I dont have facebook. Never will.Don't care much what the detailer wears when he is working,but if they want high end work they better present themselves as better dressed than the typical hack. I'm not going to let any of my cars loose with somebody in old shorts abd an ancient T-shirt Sorry
 
thebamboo23 said:
facebook pages can rank high in google results
to say someone is an amateur 'cause they don't have a website then that's on you. but there are people who have $1000 web design sites who put our less than crap work quality... in any market

and it's called business page.. not personal page. Huge difference



i wouldn't judge someone on how good they are just cause they have a website... in any market



craigslist ads can be very effective when done right.. but majority of the time people don't know how to do it right

:dblthumb2:
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I hate Facebook anyway, when I see that stuff, without a regular website - I think "free page". I could be wrong - I have no idea, but my perception is you have to be on Facebook to see someone's complete Facebook page. So, when it comes up in a Google search - I just ignore it. I feel most people who "don't Facebook" will do the same. Only thing CL is good for is getting a chuckle out of the casual encounter ads. I wouldn't hire anyone advertising their labor on there.

Like I said, this is all my opinion and I could be 100% wrong.. But it's my perception... And I'm part of the public and I spend $$$. I see people perusing CL for detailers as likely cheap skates...Someone looking for a $15 car wash. A real customer wants to see your website and see what you have done and if your clever enough to present it in a fashion that is appealing. It's all part of business and marketing.

They may be giving you their $100k car to work on - why would the pick someone who doesn't have what almost all successful business' have - a quality website?

I do understand having a website and a polo shirt with your name on it doesn't make you a pro - but NOT having those things doesn't make you one either. Sure you could be the best detailer in the world and not advertise or wear your logo on a shirt. However, the quality of your work is only 50% of success in my opinion.

The other 50% is how you market and present it. In fact, people spend years of their life studying marketing and can get advanced degrees in it. Public perception is everything for a business. New customers don't know your great, so they have to make a leap of faith based on *something* they can see - a nice website and a nice polo with your logo is just putting your good foot forward IMHO.
 
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