Do you guys suggest ...

I

imported_SouthernZ71

New member
.... stopping people in parking lots and such? Reason I ask is, the gym I go to has a lot of expensive neglected vehicles and I see these people walking to a from them all the time. I figured to walk up to them and throw them my "pitch" and see where it goes..... I mean, aside from word of mouth, that's really the only way to get your name out...





On a side note, at the same gym there are 2 guys that advertise prices like:

1st guy,

CHEAP detailing $10 an hour, I come to you, destination charges apply...



2nd guy,

$15 wash cars/small trucks/SUVs $25 wash/wax for listed

$25 wash trucks/large SUVs $35 wash/wax for listed



Anyhow, thanks for the time and help
 
I'm not sure the "stopping people in parking lots" idea is a good one, what with how people are concerned with their personal safety. Maybe leave a biz card or flyer on their windshield.



If you want to get known locally, you've got to be more visible. The two guys advertising at the gym are doing what it takes. Find other ways to promote yourself in your area (flyers/cards in office buildings, apt complexes, condos or townhouse communities, things like that). There are plenty of ways to get your name out there but you've got to be more creative than the next guy to stand out. Good luck!!
 
bretfraz said:
I'm not sure the "stopping people in parking lots" idea is a good one, what with how people are concerned with their personal safety. Maybe leave a biz card or flyer on their windshield.



If you want to get known locally, you've got to be more visible. The two guys advertising at the gym are doing what it takes. Find other ways to promote yourself in your area (flyers/cards in office buildings, apt complexes, condos or townhouse communities, things like that). There are plenty of ways to get your name out there but you've got to be more creative than the next guy to stand out. Good luck!!
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However, I know how I feel when I get in my car and see something on the window. It really, burns my as$..... I'm going to go ahead and start sticking cards up as I have a lot of "friendly" locations......
 
I'd be the third guy at the gym...

With higher pricing, and, of course, better delivered quality.



My two cents.



Jim
 
You could park your immaculately detailed car next to a really dirty one with an advertisement on YOURS as an example of what you can do.
 
im no marketing expert... but if those guys have been advertising at the gym for a while, they must be doing well. I think you should advertise there too. Just prove to your potential customers that you can do a higher quality job than those other guys.





I haven't done this either, but people have mentioned sticking a business card or something in the window seal right above the drivers door handle. That seems like a good location to me.
 
an idea is to post in the same gym but you post a before and after pic and mention that you "specialize" in bmw, porsche, infiniti, whatever...;)
 
Didn't know you were getting into doing this commercially?



I agree w/ leaving a flyer or business card on the car. It might help if you leave a brief hand written message on the back of the card about that particular car. like "Your Maserati, would really look great with my professional detailing services, give me a call"
 
I have customers that I put business cards on their cars 8-10 years ago and they are still customers.



Try it on a few of the nicer cars and see what happens.
 
dcswd said:


I haven't done this either, but people have mentioned sticking a business card or something in the window seal right above the drivers door handle. That seems like a good location to me.
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I've tried it recently and it works like a charm!:up
 
~One man’s opinion / observations ~



I’m not a professional detailer but I’ve given out flyers at car shows (or left a card if the owner was not there, with a hand written note: “I specialize in ‘car name’ and I think I could get you extra points�, I used to ask the gym owner if I could post on their notice board and have often got referrals from the gym owner as well as details from the notice board

Is it just me or are the prices quoted on the low side $15 for a car wash (it costs more than that here (FL) for an auto car wash.

Anyway good luck in your new venture



~Hope this helps~



Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/



justadumbarchitect *so I question everything*
 
Is it just me or are the prices quoted on the low side $15 for a car wash (it costs more than that here (FL) for an auto car wash.
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I'm thinking this may be a little "bait and switch" in action. When you request the $15 wash, they probably say "Oh, well, that is for Miatas."



You could park your immaculately detailed car next to a really dirty one with an advertisement on YOURS as an example of what you can do.
Click to expand...



I like this the most. Especially if you have a simple website built up with a few pictures and contact info. We go nuts when we see a car detailed well, but most people notice and can appreciate it. I get daily questions at work just from simple maintenance steps on the daily driver. If it is a gym of higher socio-economic means, this strategy would pay off much better than the "Say, Mister" strategy! Good luck. Howmuchabench:D
 
Thanks for the help guys. I called the "other" places listed and talked to them about their process. Seem halfway decent, but super low prices. The prices listed are NOT bait, that is what both charge across the board. However, the 1 with destination fees listed, said he charges .50 cents a mile.



I really like the idea of putting a card with details in the driverside window seal. Very noticible and easy to grab.



Also, the gym in question is going to let me post flyers and such and they will refer customers for a nominal fee. Looks like things are taking off.
 
Promote from 4pm to 8pm in front of the gym. That is their busiest time. Detail a MUSCLE CAR and use that theme throught the promotion. "You in shape, is your vehicle??"



Work a deal with the gym managment and have them give out 10% off a detail when new members sign up.
 
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