Checking the weather before doing work?

D

dfoxengr

New member
Do you all check the weather and reschedule someone if it's going to rain the day of (after you've finished)? Even guys with shops can chime in.



Thanks
 
IME, weather reports are wrong more of the time than they are right, even the morning of. They just cannot get it right and it's really frustrating when they predict it's going to rain and it never does or it's going to be partly cloudy and it rains. If it's predicted, I will call the customer and let them know it may rain and ask if they would still like to keep the appt. Most of the time I have found they still do. If they are iffy about it, I will offer a free wax upgrade or something to entice them to keep the appt. But I never get pushy about it, if they insist on rescheduling, I understand if they don't want to drive thier freshly detailed car in the rain. But as a business, you need to try to keep that appt as you don't want to lose money for that day or risk them not rescheduling at all. It's not a bad thing to do as long as you aren't pushy and are understanding about if they insist on canceling for the day. They will see your calling and asking as good customer service which will also help your image. Also like I said, the forecasts are hardly ever right these days and if you call and make them reschedule and it never does rain, it may make you look bad, even though you were only trying to be helpful. So always give the customer the choice.
 
I talk to the customer to see what will work best for them. If they are at an office, odds are they will want to reschedule if it might rain that day. If they are at home and the garage is large enough to work in, then its 50/50 that they will want to keep their appointment. Kind of depends on if they have to drive it again before the rain stops.
 
Thanks for the experiences. I like the idea of offering the wax upgrade. Letting them decide is definitely the way I'd do it too.
 
Lately the weather has been really unpredictable. I usually wait until the day before, checking the weather each day/hour until we know its going to rain. I even check to see if it is morning rain or if its later on in the day and judge accordingly. Sometimes it is completely wrong though. A few weeks ago, no rain in the forecast, next thing we know it rains right in the middle of our polishing job.:bawling::wall:yell::angry

Usually the customer understands and I just reschedule the appointment(s). Also I leave a day open each week just in case of weather, that way I can reschedule within the same week. If all goes well, then I have another day to do something else.
 
Here in NC during the summer there is a chance of afternoon thunderstorms most days anyway. As Rich said, it is really frustrating when the weatherman forecasts rain causing a customer to cancel and then it never rains. If it is maintenance detail it is most likely going to get rescheduled. For a full detail I can usually convince them that the car needs the work one way or the other and that the rain is not going to hurt it, but rather make it much easier to clean afterward. A full day of rain is pretty much a day off.
 
I try to avoid exposing a car freshly OC'd into wet elements. I also try giving clients flexible options by offering to keep their vehicle stored until the weather passes (within reason).



Now dealerships are usually a whole nother story. They usually want their vehicles back on their lot no matter the weather unless a huge snow storm is coming and they will need to clear the lot.
 
40 degrees today along with some rain and then sleet. -started 4 day detail on a classic Porsche.



Jean-Claude said:
Weather plays a very small role in scheduling or cancellations.
Click to expand...
 
Remind customers that detailing is like plastic surgery. "it takes away months and years of aging (build up)" After one wash it will appear the way I left it today. This is where a free wash is offered and you only spend about an hour backing up your word. If it is going to rain I do let them know but I hope they offer a garage or carport
 
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