How to Price for Dealerships

I agree with David. There is the Autopian way, which makes up about 5% of the population, then there is the dealer way, the other 10% and the other 85% flat out just dont care...
 
Here is my advice. Take it, apply it, and make money.



Do whatever you possibly can to get that dealership contract.



Hire an assistant that you can pay a fairly low wage.



Train the hell out of him.



Have him do most of the work, and do it well.



Make sure you find the right person though.



I've found in detailing, if you don't want to do the job, there is somebody that will...so find them and hire them.
 
MaksimumAuto said:
Hire an assistant that you can pay a fairly low wage.



Train the hell out of him.



Have him do most of the work, and do it well.
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Ding, Ding, Ding............Give that man a cigar. Even if you paid someone 50% as a subcontractor, you'd still be ahead of the curve at the end of the day, month, year. It opens up huge potential for growth, profits & success.
 
David - I was waiting on you to chime in today. Pretty much exactly what I thought you'd say :) . Sounds like the guy can make an easy buck with that dealer not wanting any of the stuff that takes the most time and effort.
 
mshu7 said:
David - I was waiting on you to chime in today. Pretty much exactly what I thought you'd say :) . Sounds like the guy can make an easy buck with that dealer not wanting any of the stuff that takes the most time and effort.
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The problem with that. And anyone that has ever worked for a dealerships knows flat out it's the gospel, that sure you give them what they pay for then they turn around and ask..."Why dosen't it look better? I thought the wax would cover up all the scratches and oxidation blah blah blah..I thought THAT was what I was paying for.. not this half a$$ed sh*t" So you toss out "Ala' carte'" stuff and they quickly turn it down saying it should've been included.... There are very very very few exceptions to that rule.
 
Jakerooni said:
The problem with that. And anyone that has ever worked for a dealerships knows flat out it's the gospel, that sure you give them what they pay for then they turn around and ask..."Why dosen't it look better? I thought the wax would cover up all the scratches and oxidation blah blah blah..I thought THAT was what I was paying for.. not this half a$ sh*t" So you toss out "Ala' carte'" stuff and they quickly turn it down saying it should've been included.... There are very very very few exceptions to that rule.
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Exactly. Used dealers want a very clean looking car for basically nothing.
 
Jakerooni said:
The problem with that. And anyone that has ever worked for a dealerships knows flat out it's the gospel, that sure you give them what they pay for then they turn around and ask..."Why dosen't it look better? I thought the wax would cover up all the scratches and oxidation blah blah blah..I thought THAT was what I was paying for.. not this half a$ sh*t" So you toss out "Ala' carte'" stuff and they quickly turn it down saying it should've been included.... There are very very very few exceptions to that rule.
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I've worked for a few dealers in my time and can't imagine this happening if you build a strong relationship/understanding with them. It helps by trying not to think of them as the enemy, but as your counterpart. They're your customer after all and you should be in the business of exceeding their expectations. I had no problem letting them know what the fair parameters of a basic detail were and never had any real knock down, drag out battles in respect to upsells. I certainly wouldn't let it jeopardize the account. Many people can't take the good with the bad. I had 100's of cars sent over that were 95% cleaned already and only needed 45 minutes worth of work and got charged full price. I took that into consideration when a rat came over that needed a little more love. The heavy stuff is what usually qualified for a couple more bucks.



In the case of the OP, the variables are taken out of the mix. There's no buffing and/or shampooing required. It doesn't get much easier than that.



Maybe its just the optimist in me that's attracted to these scenarios. I tend to look at the big picture($$$) and avoid sweating spliting hairs over the little stuff.
 
David Fermani said:
I've worked for a few dealers in my time and can't imagine this happening if you build a strong relationship/understanding with them. It helps by trying not to think of them as the enemy, but as your counterpart. They're your customer after all and you should be in the business of exceeding their expectations. I had no problem letting them know what the fair parameters of a basic detail were and never had any real knock down, drag out battles in respect to upsells. I certainly wouldn't let it jeopardize the account. Many people can't take the good with the bad. I had 100's of cars sent over that were 95% cleaned already and only needed 45 minutes worth of work and got charged full price. I took that into consideration when a rat came over that needed a little more love. The heavy stuff is what usually qualified for a couple more bucks.



In the case of the OP, the variables are taken out of the mix. There's no buffing and/or shampooing required. It doesn't get much easier than that.



Maybe its just the optimist in me that's attracted to these scenarios. I tend to look at the big picture($$$) and avoid sweating spliting hairs over the little stuff.
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Very good points David. If they have the volume and all they want is a wash and vac, give them a wash and vac. The time will come when you can up sell your services and show your skills. It can be good stable money.



Make a relationship with one person and comment on any up sell services or deal breaker problems that you could fix for a fee.
 
DT08 said:
@ David Fermani: The guy contacted me and the following day I went to his lot to discuss a few things and to see what he really needed. Pretty much he just wanted the cars cleaned and not detailed. In our general discussion I was suggesting a carpet shampoo and before I could get anything else out of my mouth he says he just wants to keep it simple. That should have been a red flag right there.



@ Toyotaguy: Next time I will do a demonstration. Most ppl have to see it to believe it.
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$55 would of been a good deal man. You'd honestly probably spend an hour a car if that. The trouble with these forums, not really trouble but, is that everyone wants to do a 3 step polish and they snub their noses at express details. It's a business. Do what you have to do to make money. If the client wants a cheap interior vacuum and a quick wash and wax for $55 you should be able to do that in an hour no problem.



But that is just my opinion.
 
A wash, wax, and vacuum is about as simple as it gets....lol. This guy turns his cars around quick. Each week he is taking in at least 10-12 cars. The income would be great!!! Also, it would keep me busy during the winter months. Aww, wth.....lets see what happens.
 
As I'm sure someone has posted and said, make sure you lay down EXACTLY what you are going to be doing for that price... Nothing more (without added charges) and nothing less then that...



Personally, I'd start high... and tell him your sort of negotiable... That way you might be able to get a great price you know?
 
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