Demo work

I

imported_edschwab1

New member
I have potential client who wants his car detailed, but does not want to pay what the job is worth.



The problem:

The potential client's son cleans and waxes the family's (including relatives) cars with Meg's cleaner wax for money. The potential is looking for shine and depth. The potential has seen me work, my results and is impressed with what he sees and felt. When I was talking to the potential he asked me if I use professional products? I told him I use professional products from 3M, Meguiars and other professional companies to gett the best results. I think he wanted me to give him the secret recipe or tell him which one product to use.



The car:

1992 Saab convertible which is starting to fade, mildly scratched and shows consisent wear for a car of this age.



The Idea:

I would like the work, because I think this could lead to more work. Should I offer the potential a demo of my work on half hood or a small section?

or

Do I wait for them to came to me or do I keep telling them when ever their ready I am ready?



Eric
 
I say wait.



If you are confdent of your work, then you should expect fair compensation.



Sounds like this guy is reluctant to part with his money. Hey, he drives an 11 year old car...



Jim
 
He is already sounding you out for what you use for products., so he can tell his kid what to buy.



His kid cleans cars for money.



He doesn't want to pay you a fair price for your time and materials.



He is looking for a Freebie.



This is the type of customer who will come back to haunt you!



Just say



:nono [size=huge]NO![/size] :nono
 
I would not waste my time and effort on someone like that!



Have confidence in your work and its quality. He will realize that he can not get the finish you are able to achieve with or without the products because he does not have the know how or experience!



If you decide to do the car, I would INSIST on NO SPECTATORS!! This guy will annoy you to no end asking questions and trying to get information if you let him hang around to watch!



Personally, I would forget him and move on to other clients!!



Tim
 
There was an old labor sign at our garage. I am unable to clearly remember the dollar values but you get the idea. We have insurance regs now so customers are now allowed in the bay/work area's.



Hourly Labor

$35.00 Drop off Car

$70.00 If Customer Waits

$100.00 If Customer Watches

$150.00 If Customer Helps
 
I agree with the others. This guy wants you to cut him (because in his mind, he is special) a deal and then find out what you use and pass the information on to his son.



Stick with what you consider fair compensation for your work and if you do work for this guy, I'd put everything in generic containers so he won't know exactly what you are using.
 
yup agreed, use "brand x" containers that don't give away your products, and insist that he's not to watch you work directly or try to ask any questions.
 
edschwab1 said:
I have potential client who wants his car detailed, but does not want to pay what the job is worth.



The problem:

The potential client's son cleans and waxes the family's (including relatives) cars with Meg's cleaner wax for money. The potential is looking for shine and depth. The potential has seen me work, my results and is impressed with what he sees and felt. When I was talking to the potential he asked me if I use professional products? I told him I use professional products from 3M, Meguiars and other professional companies to gett the best results. I think he wanted me to give him the secret recipe or tell him which one product to use.



The car:

1992 Saab convertible which is starting to fade, mildly scratched and shows consisant wear for a car of this age.



The Idea:

I would like the work, because I think this could lead to more work. Should I offer the potential a demo of my work on half hood or a small section?

or

Do I wait for them to came to me or do I keep telling them when ever their ready I am ready?



Eric
Click to expand...



Run. Run away as fast as you can.
 
Thank you for advice everyone.



jimamary

I am confident in my work. The Saab is his "weekend car",so he has others in the driveway.



2hotford,

I would not work with him looking over my shoulder. Other people who I have detailed for have left me with their cars, he would be no different.



Scottwax and SLD,

I would use generic containers if doing work for him. I should start using ketchup bottles so I have one small box to carry around.



I will not be working on his car. 1. I do not think he will appreciated the work. 2. I am not willing to cut my price below half price. The only way I would do that is to cut corners and I am not about to cut corners.



In my area there is a couple of car wash chains with detail centers which advertise a low price. I think part of the problem is we live in a nation, where people will drive a mile to save a penny.
 
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