imported_drg
New member
Hey guys in order to try to promote, i am offering a free detail. Wash,wax, and light interior (dash and carpets.) Do you guys think this is a good idea? Have any of you had success with this?
Offering a free detail good idea?
- Thread starter imported_drg
- Start date
We.need.more.info.
How many cars will this include?
Will you need a coupon?
How will you follow up?
What will this cost you in products? time?
How long will it take you?
How long will you run it?
Typically, this doesn't work well. You get the "bottom feeders" who like something for nothing. Auto detailing is a niche market and most of the time, people are looking for the cheapest way out. In my experiences, they would get something like you are mentioning done, and either never call you back, or wait a year. The sad truth is that 90% of people really could give 3 sh!ts about their vehicle and if it has wax on the paint.
Looking at this from a positive view, I would attack it like such...
Find your target market - For arguments sake, lets say its business parks (ability to create a large volume of business all in one place).
Go in dressed like a pro (khakis, polo, clean groomed) and ask to speak to a manager/owner of a company. Tell them what you are doing and what kind of business you run, how you run it, use of boutique products, etc. And that for a promo offer (say you are branching your offerings across a larger geographic area), you will perform xyz services for free on his/her vehicle if he/she agrees to leave your cards/brochures/flyers/etc on the receptionist desk of his business and in his/her car at all times.
This is just a very general example. I would stay away from doing everyone's vehicle for free. Stick with the big dogs (owners or execs of companies).
Good Luck.
How many cars will this include?
Will you need a coupon?
How will you follow up?
What will this cost you in products? time?
How long will it take you?
How long will you run it?
Typically, this doesn't work well. You get the "bottom feeders" who like something for nothing. Auto detailing is a niche market and most of the time, people are looking for the cheapest way out. In my experiences, they would get something like you are mentioning done, and either never call you back, or wait a year. The sad truth is that 90% of people really could give 3 sh!ts about their vehicle and if it has wax on the paint.
Looking at this from a positive view, I would attack it like such...
Find your target market - For arguments sake, lets say its business parks (ability to create a large volume of business all in one place).
Go in dressed like a pro (khakis, polo, clean groomed) and ask to speak to a manager/owner of a company. Tell them what you are doing and what kind of business you run, how you run it, use of boutique products, etc. And that for a promo offer (say you are branching your offerings across a larger geographic area), you will perform xyz services for free on his/her vehicle if he/she agrees to leave your cards/brochures/flyers/etc on the receptionist desk of his business and in his/her car at all times.
This is just a very general example. I would stay away from doing everyone's vehicle for free. Stick with the big dogs (owners or execs of companies).
Good Luck.
imported_Reflections
New member
I try not to even do friends + familes cars for free unless I am testing out a new technique or product. I personally recommend steering clear of this idea. Other promotional ideas include offering a discount, a two for one deal, or buy a detail and receive an extra service for free (pay for full exterior detail and get a free vacuum/interior wipedown for example.) Or offer a percentage of your profits to a popular charity.
It has also been mentioned before, and it is true, that detailing is generally considered a luxury service. Each individual has to decide whether they're trying to appeal to a mass audience with their services, or a select few who are willing to pay more. Once you make that decision, and there are reasons to go both ways, it is easier to refine your promotions, if you choose to have any, to attract the desired clientelle.
Good luck!
It has also been mentioned before, and it is true, that detailing is generally considered a luxury service. Each individual has to decide whether they're trying to appeal to a mass audience with their services, or a select few who are willing to pay more. Once you make that decision, and there are reasons to go both ways, it is easier to refine your promotions, if you choose to have any, to attract the desired clientelle.
Good luck!
imported_mirrorfinishman
New member
Yes, depending on the situation, offering a free detailing is a good idea. The key is not to advertise it in print. Just offer it on a very selective basis.
You could always offer close friends and family free detailings and that will help to promote your business and lead to referrals of paying customers.
You could always offer close friends and family free detailings and that will help to promote your business and lead to referrals of paying customers.
imported_drg
New member
I was only going to offer 1 detail, i would say it will probaly take me about 2 1/2 hours. My idea was that this will help spread the word.Thanks for all the info guys.
DaGonz
Autopia fire/rescue.
The only time you should do a "freebie" is as a contribution to a charitable organziation in exchange for a mention in the program. You can write off your expenses and get some feree publicity out of it.
jimmybuffit
That'll buff right out!
I can't do a "detail" in 2 and 1/2 hours...
I wouldn't even give that away.
I do give/donate several $100 Gift Certificates for Silent Auctions...
The winners end up spending more with me, and the charity benefits... Win, Win.
Thanks to Scotty Perkin (Scottshine) for that insight.
Works well for us.
Jim
I wouldn't even give that away.
I do give/donate several $100 Gift Certificates for Silent Auctions...
The winners end up spending more with me, and the charity benefits... Win, Win.
Thanks to Scotty Perkin (Scottshine) for that insight.
Works well for us.
Jim
imported_drg
New member
Jimmy Buffit said:
A wash,wax and light vaccum and dash wiping in my opinion would only take that long.
klnyc
Deep scratch guy.
Meh, you can try it, but limited cars(first 10 cars only). Depend where you live too and there's alot of free loader expect more than just FREE. Good luck.
Our small community has a fire station that is all volunteer based, so this year I donated 2 of my detailing packages to their annual Firemans Banquet. I drew up my own certificates and had exactly what it included it. There were going to be over 150 people there so I'm mostly hoping to get 2 customers out of the deal, I'll let you all know when the time comes..
Dave Pickett
New member
I worked with an old and experienced guy in printing. We were often asked to do some charity work for nothing with a promise of more work to come. This was 35 years ago and I always remember his words of wisdom
" The only thing you get if you do a job for nothing is more jobs to do for nothing"
He was right then and is still right now IMHO - dont do it!!!
" The only thing you get if you do a job for nothing is more jobs to do for nothing"
He was right then and is still right now IMHO - dont do it!!!