Marketing Strategy - Eco Friendly Detailing?

T

todd@bsaw

New member
With the way the trends and economy have been swinging, "Eco-Friendly" seems like a power term. Hybrids, alternative fuels, water conservation, saving the O-zone... all of this is not only being conscious of our world, but a great marketing tool.



Have any detailers tried marketing toward this demographic? :think2



You could market that the chemicals you use are bio-degradable and safe for the environment (as opposed to those used in high-volume tunnel washes) and an ONR wash as less water use than a couple toilet flushes as opposed to the XXX gallons used in an automatic wash or even your own driveway with a hose.



"Clean the environment while we clean your car!" ?



Ideas? Comments? Suggestions? A song, perhaps?





I had even considered the possibility of driving a Prius for mobile detailing while adding a few extra batteries and turning it into a gigantic inverter for my power tools.
 
Todd,



I started promoting "Green Detailing" this spring. It's easy to do since I use all Optimum products (they are all eco-friendly). Actually, my last newsletter that went out was a "green" version to coincide with Earth Day:



DeM042108.jpg




By the way, this is my wife's creation. She does all my marketing/advertising.
 
You could use Poorboy's products, one day when I was looking at their forum they noted that all the Poorboy's products are green, whatever that means.
 
Personally, I don't think it's a lucrative strategy unless you are in an area with water consumption issues or very strict environmental waste issues. IME, 95% of people who want a detail couldn't care less what products you use as long as it comes out looking good and they feel like they got what they paid for. Consider how many of your clients drive hybrids or cars that are meant to be good, or better, for the environment, then decide if it would be worth it to market the new strategy in your area.
 
BuffMe said:
Personally, I don't think it's a lucrative strategy unless you are in an area with water consumption issues or very strict environmental waste issues. IME, 95% of people who want a detail couldn't care less what products you use as long as it comes out looking good and they feel like they got what they paid for. Consider how many of your clients drive hybrids or cars that are meant to be good, or better, for the environment, then decide if it would be worth it to market the new strategy in your area.
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Indeed...

Portland, OR.

(Need I say more?)

My clients have come to expect it.

:usa



Jimmy Buffit said:
Think about using "Harvested Rainwater, a Sustainable Resource."



(Credit to Steve Okun)
Click to expand...



Ha, out here I'd have to try hard to use the amount of water I'd be collecting.
 
mshu7: Kudos, that looks awesome. My fiancee has been on a huge "green" kick. I have been getting pressure from all sides, but doing my part does feel good.
 
Thanks G35! We've started doing a few green things at home as well. Actually, that is kinda how I got the idea for operating a "green" business. You're right, doing what you can does make you feel better.
 
Here in the Dallas area, aside from a few hippies, there really isn't a "green" trend here. However, occasionally we have drought conditions and when I update my website next, it will make mention of using ONR to conserve water.
 
Todd,



Nice post. I am new to this forum. I have tried to engage in a similar discussion elsewhere, perhaps it is the way I pose the question, but I am surprised at how the industry comes out to challenge the Eco & Green detailing initiatives.



I am in the process of writing an article, How to go Green in the Detailing industry. I have been askign around for what others are doing, with an interest to share.



I have some of the basics, and some advanced tree hugging, etc.



I live in So California, and the industry here is in for a rude awakening, and I do not think they will be ready for it.



Reducing the amount of water, controlling run off, biodegradable products are the easy & first starts ... anything else anyone is doing?



Thanks,



Jim
 
Relaited said:
Todd,



Nice post. I am new to this forum. I have tried to engage in a similar discussion elsewhere, perhaps it is the way I pose the question, but I am surprised at how the industry comes out to challenge the Eco & Green detailing initiatives.



I am in the process of writing an article, How to go Green in the Detailing industry. I have been askign around for what others are doing, with an interest to share.



I have some of the basics, and some advanced tree hugging, etc.



I live in So California, and the industry here is in for a rude awakening, and I do not think they will be ready for it.



Reducing the amount of water, controlling run off, biodegradable products are the easy & first starts ... anything else anyone is doing?



Thanks,



Jim
Click to expand...



Welcome, & good point.



I would assume from what you've stated that it would be difficult for the businesses that are already established, particularly the stationary businesses.



Mobile, and even better, people just starting off from scratch with a new "green" business are much, much better off. As long as they are aware of what you have mentioned.



Thank goodness I'm used to it by now, and thank goodness Oregon has less concern in terms of water conservation.



Steam cleaning is another "green" option, it's much more efficient at certain tasks. I would say the same about a pressure washer, but I don't think it's much better - although more versatile with an attachment like a foam lance. Just the fact that it uses so much energy could nullify the water conservation. I guess that's still up in the air.
 
Sorry I have been absent from my own thread, but great replies so far!

Mike, tell your wife, again, that her creative designs are amazing. You sure are lucky to have her.



I had recently read a statistic in AutoWeek that the 'green' enthusiasts make up about the same percentage of auto owners as the 'performance' enthusiasts... 10% each. I believe I have the latter already nailed, so I was curious what I could do to basically hit the 10% of the market I am leaving out.



IMHO, anything I can do to reach a larger audience in my marketing, even if it is a simple newsletter like Mike has posted, is helpful to my business.



This also came up when I was considering the largest market segment... the baby-boomers. They are reaching (or have reached) retirement age and are not likely to be out in the driveway detailing or washing their own cars. I know a large segment of that generation would be considered a part of the 'back to the land' hippie movement of the 60s-70s.



Any more thoughts?
 
Anyone doing anything with lighting in Eco Detailing?



Anyone introducing natural light, reducing energy yet delivering quality?



Please advise,



jim
 
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