Low Ballers!!!!!!!!!!

[Todd@RUPES]

We have been "low balled" by several on this forum... Its all good because realistically, if a client doesn't want to pay for our services or cannot wait for them, then we really don't want them. The best bet is treat each client professionally and worry about yourself and how you are precieved.



Though I understand your frustration!

 

[mcc]

I found that same ad on craiglist here in Louisville, KY. Unless that company is all over the U.S., it is probably some sort of spam ad for a product that people can use themselves, or just an outright scam.



Anyone that thinks they can get their vehicle completely detailed for $19 deserves to be scammed.

 

[DaGonz]

Found this on craigslist this evening:







Date: 2008-02-16, 8:34PM CST





Do u have a car that needs detailing? We can provide you with auto detailing for only $19. Please let us be of service to you. Thank you.

What they meant was...



If you ran over a "critter" in the road, they would "de-tail" the car if there was any roadkill left upon it!

:LOLOL :LOLOL :LOLOL

 

[howareb]

Found this on craigslist this evening:



Date: 2008-02-16, 8:34PM CST





Do u have a car that needs detailing? We can provide you with auto detailing for only $19. Please let us be of service to you. Thank you.

You should become an undercover reporter and find out about this scam. Find out what they offer. I think that it would be good for a laugh that we all can enjoy.





Beware: Who knows it may even be this guy.

For those who have not seen it, this is a good laugh. I would never feel bad about this guy low balling me for a detail. :scared:

 

[salty]

There will always be "low ballers" in our business. Thats the nature of it. Everyone knows how to wash a car, whether the right way or the wrong way. People think for a small investment they can make money by becoming a detailer. Come to think of it, I am going to start painting houses.



In my city there is a detailer for every 2000 people, that i know of. A touchless car wash for every 3000 people. And a church for every 850 people. Just through that one in.



You could find out if they are a registered business or operating under the table.

 

[macaddicted]

Though I'm not (and don't want to be) a detailer I do have similar experience. I was a freelance graphic artist, and now run a family owned law enforcement uniform/gear store.



Detailing is much like design: you are selling your experience and your time. That's probably why the CL ads with before and after shots were so successful. But in design, as in my store or any retail style operation, you are going to run into people who want the most for the least they can pay.



As others have suggested maybe you can offer an intro to detailing pack. I can't say what it would cover, perhaps a wash and wax and some light interior cleaning. I would definitely make it clear in any ads that the work shown required extra work. But the pack could work as a sort of "car wash plus" for people who want more than a machine wash but less than a full detail.



Just a suggestion.

 

[JonP]

I've had my share of low ballers, I try to explain my clients what they get from me compared to what they might get from the low ballers and why they are so cheap. Some of the clients don't want to hear it and a few let the cheaper guys do the damage to their cars. I simply tell the cheapskates, come back when they can afford me. Because next time it might cost more.