Autopia Detailer's Directory

Bobby G

New member
Detailers:



If I built you a "Detailer's Directory" (that allowed you to list your business by city/state and potential clients to find you by city and state) would you use it?



If YES, what features would you want it to have?



db
 
Simple customer rating? or allow a link to say Judy's book rating, yahoo rating, city search, or google.

Link to our pages, and allow us the ability to modify it, IE a phone number change ect.
 
Grouse said:
Simple customer rating? or allow a link to say Judy's book rating, yahoo rating, city search, or google.

Link to our pages, and allow us the ability to modify it, IE a phone number change ect.



Good ideas. I'm also looking at a Geo database that would let me automatically show detailers in a person's area by doing a Geo search on their IP address.
 
A rating system would be nice. I have detailed maybe 10-15 vehicles for autopian members. I think it woul dbe nice if they had a place to rate my work.
 
Yes, a pro detailer database would be great. I already have one on another board but if you built up a nice one, I could link it since I get asked all the time "do you know a good detailer in my area?"
 
If customer ratings are listed, it may be a good idea to allow for editing by a moderator to remove negative feedback by competitors or unreasonable/irrational customers. I've read about this being a problem for some pros on other websites.
 
I am not a pro but that would be an AWESOME feature! So many times local guys are looking for details or I refer people to this site that need someone!
 
backwoods_lex said:
If customer ratings are listed, it may be a good idea to allow for editing by a moderator to remove negative feedback by competitors or unreasonable/irrational customers. I've read about this being a problem for some pros on other websites.



I am thinking of ways to avoid this problem.
 
I have a few more questions:



1. Would you want the system to schedule your appointments (no, not version 1, but down the road)?



2. Is it important for customers to be able to find you by zip code (i.e., you list the zip/postal codes you cover)?



3. Do you want an email form interface to you to protect you from spam?



4. How do you want to be classified: Mobile, Detail Shop, Both



db
 
David,



Establishing an Autopia Detailer's Directory would be a good idea. I personally would not need the system to schedule appointments, although some higher volume detailers may benefit from that feature. I like the idea of identifying territory covered by using postal zip codes. The email form sounds good along with the classification of Mobile, Detail Shop or Both.



Since I already maintain a very basic detailer's directory on my website I would be happy to add a link to the Autopia Detailer's Directory when it is up and running.



Regards,
 
David,



I thought about putting a directory together as a project , so I sat down and put some thoughts on paper awhile back. Though I didn't have the programing ability and it seemed like the business model couldn't justify the expense /time for me to create. But I am more than willing to share a few of the ideas.



Doing some research I found a directory that I thought was pretty neat (MX is another hobby and passion of mine) and here is one style that utilizes ruby on rails technology.

http://www.motoxmap.com/map/index



A few thoughts....



I looked at it from the approach of creating a revenue stream. So many of my ideas stem from that.



First an foremost to make the directory good it has to be complete and comprehensive(IF there is not alot of detailers listed, then the directory won't be as relevant when someone is looking for a detailer). To do so, any detailer is able to add a free listing in one category (i.e. detailer, wash service, reconditioning , etc)including name and number.



The directory is search-able by Zip (radius) State , and then further broken down by category.



Upgrades would allow a detailer to add listings to additional categories, logo, website link or display ad on the page for an extra charge. I also thought about for those without a site, to be able to create a micro-site that allowed them to provide more detailed information. (of course for an additional fee).



The directory also provides information on detailing services built in to help those looking for a detailer learn about detailing and how to find a reputable detailer in their area. This info will also allow you to be more easily be spidered by search indexes to help drive traffic.



You have an extensive access to a large list of detailers and I am sure once the directory takes off a minimal fee for add ons can be easily justified. For example a link fee of $15 for the year seems to be a no brainer. One customer gained easily covers the cost.



Display advertising will allow you to prominately place detailers and their message/promotion. A vertical tower ad can be sold on impressions or some sort of action (a click).



I know some may dislike the idea of ad on charges, but if done correctly, the directory is a valuable asset for those looking and for detailers to gain customers/clients. This will help off set any cost /time invested.



Again these are just some thoughts.
 
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