Don't you get tired of customers...

If I had 10 bucks for every card that I have handed out, to someone saying I need my car detailed, that I never hear from again....I be making better money that way than cleaning the cars I currently do.


I meet allot of prospects in social events and once they hear that I detail cars as a part time weekend gig. Everyone wants a card and then has a story about there car and claims that they will be calling me to get it done. I hear back from less than 10% of these people.
 
Beemerboy said:
If I had 10 bucks for every card that I have handed out, to someone saying I need my car detailed, that I never hear from again....I be making better money that way than cleaning the cars I currently do.


I meet allot of prospects in social events and once they hear that I detail cars as a part time weekend gig. Everyone wants a card and then has a story about there car and claims that they will be calling me to get it done. I hear back from less than 10% of these people.
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+1. Ridiculous if you ask me. I think the best way is to get their number and actually talk to them, instead of the direct Card handout.
 
The Woob said:
+1. Ridiculous if you ask me. I think the best way is to get their number and actually talk to them, instead of the direct Card handout.
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In this case its at a social event or at a local pub that I hang out at some times....I just give them a card and expect not to hear from them again.
 
LastDetail said:
Other things that bug the crap out of me,
1) when a customer stands there and asks you a million questions about detailing. I learned to do what I do through years of research, practice, and not to mention trial and error as well. Now I don't mind if someone asks me what is the difference between a glaze and polish, or a wax and a sealant. But to sit there, staring over my shoulder while I am trying to work and asking about every motion I make............................................
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I used to like when people would ask me about how I got started in detailing and ask about what I'm doing, but now it's just old and slows me down.
 
Hi I hand out alot of cards at social events too but I always try to get a number and tell them that I will give them a courtesy call within the week if I dont hear from them before that. What I also did was I had a stamp made and stamp the back of some cards and if someone asks me about prices if it is possible I look at the vehicle right there and write the quote on the card along with the vehicles info, year, make, model etc. the catch is on the bottom in big letters it says above price good for 30 days from date given. This has gotten me more responses than my cards w/o an expiration date.
 
karwaxer said:
Hi I hand out alot of cards at social events too but I always try to get a number and tell them that I will give them a courtesy call within the week if I dont hear from them before that. What I also did was I had a stamp made and stamp the back of some cards and if someone asks me about prices if it is possible I look at the vehicle right there and write the quote on the card along with the vehicles info, year, make, model etc. the catch is on the bottom in big letters it says above price good for 30 days from date given. This has gotten me more responses than my cards w/o an expiration date.
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Good thing about getting their numbers and calling them.
You will actually call customers, and you know they DO NOT want a detail, but they CANNOT say no, so they buy one anyways. Happend to some of my customers....I feel kinda bad for putting the pressure on, but hey....gotta pay bills some how.


Things I get tired of customers doing.....

-Looking over my shoulder. I like to detail alone. I get it done faster
-Customers who try to get freebies and/or try to talk you down in price.
-And wanting the IMPOSSIBLE DONE.
 
DLR Detailing said:
Saved the one I just heard for last... "Can I mail you the money, I left my checkbook at home"? :lmfao
Dave
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This is where making customers sign a waiver when they drop off the car is VITAL. All you have to say is, "No money, no car. You signed a release that clearly states your car is authorized to be in my posession, and that I am authorized to retain possession of said vehicle until payment in the full amount listed on the invoice is recieved to cover all services rendered." :boot
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
This is where making customers sign a waiver when they drop off the car is VITAL. All you have to say is, "No money, no car. You signed a release that clearly states your car is authorized to be in my posession, and that I am authorized to retain possession of said vehicle until payment in the full amount listed on the invoice is recieved to cover all services rendered." :boot
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That is an excellant way of handling it in the future, thanks! That leaves no room for any mis-understanding! I usually do a visual inspection-walk around with the customer using an estimate sheet that they sign, especially new customers. It simply states that payment is expected upon completion. This vehicle got dropped off after hours however, so shame on me.

I did get paid this week. This situation was definitely a learning experience for me, but everything worked out fine.
Dave
 
DLR Detailing said:
That is an excellant way of handling it in the future, thanks! That leaves no room for any mis-understanding! I usually do a visual inspection-walk around with the customer using an estimate sheet that they sign, especially new customers. It simply states that payment is expected upon completion. This vehicle got dropped off after hours however, so shame on me.

I did get paid this week. This situation was definitely a learning experience for me, but everything worked out fine.
Dave
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Glad it worked out for you! I've gotten burned a couple times by doing that.... which is why I make them sign that they know they don't get their vehicle back until I have my money (unless of course they're dissatisfied with the results, which if they aren't happy from the second they see the car, I don't charge them. I don't buy in if they change their tune once it's time to pay).

I even go so far as to put a club on the vehicle, and the only key remains in my pocket at all times. That way, they can't just pull out a spare key and drive off. :lmfao (yes, this actually happened once)

As far as your after-hours dropoff customers, do you require that you inspect the vehicle prior to their appointment? If so, just have them sign a waiver ahead of time that states the appointment date and time on it....
 
Beemerboy said:
If I had 10 bucks for every card that I have handed out, to someone saying I need my car detailed, that I never hear from again....I be making better money that way than cleaning the cars I currently do.


I meet allot of prospects in social events and once they hear that I detail cars as a part time weekend gig. Everyone wants a card and then has a story about there car and claims that they will be calling me to get it done. I hear back from less than 10% of these people.
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and I thought that this only happened in Indiana:lmfao I think some people are just looking for free info on removing a stain or a scratch.

How about when a potential customer starts a conversation by asking "What do you use to clean this or repair that"? "Then want you to sell them a little so they can take care of the problem themselves"???

Thanks for your help Shiny Lil Detlr! I'm changing the paperwork and the process now. I may even run it by the lawyer to make sure I have it worded legally.
 
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