I initially didn't plan on posting this but then figured that this may be a topic that many detailers just starting out have to deal with. Especially those on a limited budget like we are. We are at a difficult crossroad at the moment. Our money is all but exhausted and therefore must be spent on the most essential final pieces.
On one hand we want an extractor. After further reviewing the steamer we wanted we decided it didn't offer the longevity or customer support that was initially advertised. We have been looking at the Aztec horrid. And muted lite Mini extractor. Both proven to be good machines. These will run around $700 total for the machine and attachment we want.
On the other hand we need our methods of advertising. Business cards. Postcards. Banners. Fliers. My wife has spent alot of time designing these business cards that look simply amazing. The downfall is that they are pricey. $250 for 1500 and then we still have to invest in our other methods. The cards are solid black with chrome engraving. Eye catching. Simplistic. Very professional.
The pros and cons of each are this. Pro for the extractor is that we make short work of interiors. It will be heated for easy removal of ground on stains. Will have an upholstery attachment for seats ect and will have a misting attachment for headliners. The cons are that I will be another piece we have to haul. Get out. Set up. Run. Take apart. Cleanout and put back. Parts may break ect ect. It takes money and we will be without a Machine for a bit in the case that this happens. But it saves time. Time is money. And a well cleaned interior 1. Compliments the exterior and 2. Earns references.
On the other side. Business cards. Well. They get us out there. They get our name and number and website into peoples hands. They can be left anywhere and statistically we will get a response if we pass out enough. The cons are that 1. Statistically only 2-3 people of every card passed out may call and none of those are a gaurenteed client. 2. Let's face it. More will probably end up in the trash than on a fridge or somewhere that it will be used. 3. The most effective form of advertising, hands down, proven without a doubt is word o mouth. Therefore it's possible to get the same response or a greater response from doing good work as opposed to passing out cards all day. Although cards theoretically will generate a geographically wider area of response.
So what should we do. Opinions appreciated. Were just in a bind and looking for input. As much research and comparing and pricing and ordering as I've done in the past few months, I'm exhausted. I just need some level headed Input. Thanks in advance.
And sorry for all the typos and sentences that might not make sense. I do all my posting via iPhone and it's not as quick as I'd like it to be
On one hand we want an extractor. After further reviewing the steamer we wanted we decided it didn't offer the longevity or customer support that was initially advertised. We have been looking at the Aztec horrid. And muted lite Mini extractor. Both proven to be good machines. These will run around $700 total for the machine and attachment we want.
On the other hand we need our methods of advertising. Business cards. Postcards. Banners. Fliers. My wife has spent alot of time designing these business cards that look simply amazing. The downfall is that they are pricey. $250 for 1500 and then we still have to invest in our other methods. The cards are solid black with chrome engraving. Eye catching. Simplistic. Very professional.
The pros and cons of each are this. Pro for the extractor is that we make short work of interiors. It will be heated for easy removal of ground on stains. Will have an upholstery attachment for seats ect and will have a misting attachment for headliners. The cons are that I will be another piece we have to haul. Get out. Set up. Run. Take apart. Cleanout and put back. Parts may break ect ect. It takes money and we will be without a Machine for a bit in the case that this happens. But it saves time. Time is money. And a well cleaned interior 1. Compliments the exterior and 2. Earns references.
On the other side. Business cards. Well. They get us out there. They get our name and number and website into peoples hands. They can be left anywhere and statistically we will get a response if we pass out enough. The cons are that 1. Statistically only 2-3 people of every card passed out may call and none of those are a gaurenteed client. 2. Let's face it. More will probably end up in the trash than on a fridge or somewhere that it will be used. 3. The most effective form of advertising, hands down, proven without a doubt is word o mouth. Therefore it's possible to get the same response or a greater response from doing good work as opposed to passing out cards all day. Although cards theoretically will generate a geographically wider area of response.
So what should we do. Opinions appreciated. Were just in a bind and looking for input. As much research and comparing and pricing and ordering as I've done in the past few months, I'm exhausted. I just need some level headed Input. Thanks in advance.
And sorry for all the typos and sentences that might not make sense. I do all my posting via iPhone and it's not as quick as I'd like it to be
.. but I'm gonna go get a dictionary before i make any response comments to that :huh:
