An unusual phone call...

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OnTheSpotMobile

New member
I got an unusual phone call from a guy the other day. He called and said he got my number from a friend of mine who owns a detailing product supply business (who keeps my cards handy for referrals ). He was trying to buff his boat on his own and had tried using a product that my friend the supplier had told him that I use.



To sum it up I spent about twenty minutes on the phone with this complete stranger while he tried to basically get me to describe the exact products, process and equipment he should use to buff his boat and bring the shine back. I felt pretty awkward giving this guy information and I tried to convince him that he should just have me come out and do it for him, (because it would actually be cheaper than for him to buy the proper products and a new rotary buffer and pads). It is not for beginners to go buy a rotary buffer, and try it for the first time with an aggressive wool compounding pad, and spend 12 plus hours grinding away at his boat with it! He took all my warnings and I wished him luck and we said our goodbyes. I would not have been so helpful had he not been a friend of a friend.



Are others getting phone calls like this and how do you handle them?
 
I'll teach anyone that asks. Knowing what to use and how to do it does not mean it will turn out as if you yourself had done the job. Often, when customers understand the lengths we go to properly detail, and try it themselves, they will leave it to the pros.
 
I think that's a lot of time to spend with someone for free, but it could certainly lead to business down the road.
 
I look at that no differently than posting on the forums... I don't mind helping someone out, but if they're inexperienced I'll make it clear to them that if aggressive techniques are required they'd be best to leave it to a professional. Too much chance of causing damage if they don't know what they're doing.
 
I have given help via phone...and the most common question I get is...How to remove tar?...lol. anyway, I also try to help others out, even if it means I will not get the job to do the questioned task...but do caution that it may not come out the way they expect because evnthough I may offer advice on doing things one way, detailer x may have a differwnt technique that works for him and detailer y may have yet another technique that works for him. Two people can achieve the same resukts using two different techniques, its just what you are comfortable with. Using that explanation, I have had some say, can u just do it for me, and others say "thank you" and hang up. Its a double edged sword...and then you wonder if some question you like that just to see if you know what you are doing????
 
I usually try to keep it to email, but I do it quite often actually. I've thought about using Skype a few times but usually email is sufficient.



Whenever possible I'll try and link them to an existing article though....I don't always have the time to get real in depth.
 
I try to keep that type of stuff to a minimum, I don't want to open myself up to liability because someone does what I tell them to and screws up their car because they either didn't listen properly or tried to do something well out of their competence level.
 
Scottwax said:
I try to keep that type of stuff to a minimum, I don't want to open myself up to liability because someone does what I tell them to and screws up their car because they either didn't listen properly or tried to do something well out of their competence level.
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Good point...never thought of this.
 
I do enjoy helping people out and I give my customers advice every day on how to care for their vehicles or boats. But having a stranger call me and want a huge level of detail was a bit off for me. I could see my competitors calling me "undercover" and trying to find out my processes, since I handle 90% of the marine detailing in my area. Maybe I'm just being paranoid.:nixweiss
 
I've helped give hand on experience, and Ive explained in detail over the phone...spent over an hour with a guy one time...waste of time, maybe. Helping someone out, definitely. Karma, absolutely!!!!! Think of all the favors you have been given in your life...not everything has to be paid for! Heck, my friend tried to pay me to go over to his place and watch the house while the carpets were cleaned...I left the money he left out for me and received a text from him "you bastarrd! you didnt take the money, youre good people! Thanks". that was about two hours of my time. Granted it was for a friend, a little bit of time to help someone out isnt the end of the world if you dont get paid for it! A stranger, well you can/should/might do a little and it may or may not benefit you in the end, but knowing you did something good for someone else, that should be worth it!



And I agree, add up all the time you spend on the forums and you will quickly see its FAR more time invested than the 20 min convo you just had!
 
Scottwax said:
I try to keep that type of stuff to a minimum, I don't want to open myself up to liability because someone does what I tell them to and screws up their car because they either didn't listen properly or tried to do something well out of their competence level.
Click to expand...

Eh, I think someone would be hard pressed to file suit in court and actually win based on your verbal advice. Otherwise, places like Rona or Lowes would be out of business (think of how many people screwed up wall painting jobs, or deck building).



I'd give the info if it happened to me. I wouldn't spend hours on the phone, but a little bit of time isn't a bad thing. I could rewrite exactly what Eric said, but I'll just second his words.
 
Scottwax said:
I try to keep that type of stuff to a minimum, I don't want to open myself up to liability because someone does what I tell them to and screws up their car because they either didn't listen properly or tried to do something well out of their competence level.
Click to expand...



This ^ :nod:
 
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