Mirror Images
New member
Offer super low prices and you use the clients water source and power source? Are people willing to let you use their water and power in exchange for a super deal on washing their vehicles?
Ok, just starting out and low on capital. Has anybody ever done this?
- Thread starter Mirror Images
- Start date
wifehatescar
My L5-S1 is killing me!
I use the clients water and electricity all the time and charge fair prices (NOT super low)
Water/power for a detail costs all of $0.15
Water/power for a detail costs all of $0.15
a.k.a. Patrick
New member
I agree, i really dont think its much of an issue. Im sure they would rather have you use theres, then run a generator for a couple hrs.....
I started out this way and continue to operate by using customers water and electric. Then again I'm a weekend detailer and I do not detail during the day so there could be office park business that I'm missing out on...but for me detailing nights and weekends I rarely run into a situation where using the clients water and electric is an issue.
As for pricing...don't sell yourself short. Pricing too low could bring the misconception of poor quality work rather than just a good deal.
As for pricing...don't sell yourself short. Pricing too low could bring the misconception of poor quality work rather than just a good deal.
Lowejackson
New member
AudiOn19s said:
Completely agree :up
Mirror Images
New member
Thanks guys, that makes me feel better. I just did not know how clients reacted if you use their power and water. Eventually I will branch out.....just need to build more capital.
DO NOT TRY TO COMPETE ON A VERY LOW PRICE!
I did this starting out and I was killing myself for nothing. A couple of customers suggested my prices were way too low and when I raised them, my business increased. My prices were so low, people assumed that I must be using cheap products or using a lot of shortcuts. Also, those interested primarly in a low price usually have the dirtiest vehicles.
You might look into using QEW (Protect All's Quick and Easy Wash) to wash your customer's cars. You only need a gallon per vehicle, and 5 gallon water jugs are readily available. That way, you will only rely on the customer's electricity. I've never had anyone complain that I needed to use their plug to power my vacuum or buffers. Like Patrick said, most people would not be thrilled hearing a generator run for a couple of hours. The only problem may be at office complexes where even if an outlet is available, they may not want cords running through their parking lot due to liability issues (as in someone tripping over the cord). If you work at mostly private homes, then it isn't much of an issue.
I've been in business 12 years (10 1/2 full time) and I've used my customer's electricity the entire time. It has never been an issue. In fact, many times, I'll pull up, and am shown where the plug and hose are (even though I don't need the hose).
I did this starting out and I was killing myself for nothing. A couple of customers suggested my prices were way too low and when I raised them, my business increased. My prices were so low, people assumed that I must be using cheap products or using a lot of shortcuts. Also, those interested primarly in a low price usually have the dirtiest vehicles.
You might look into using QEW (Protect All's Quick and Easy Wash) to wash your customer's cars. You only need a gallon per vehicle, and 5 gallon water jugs are readily available. That way, you will only rely on the customer's electricity. I've never had anyone complain that I needed to use their plug to power my vacuum or buffers. Like Patrick said, most people would not be thrilled hearing a generator run for a couple of hours. The only problem may be at office complexes where even if an outlet is available, they may not want cords running through their parking lot due to liability issues (as in someone tripping over the cord). If you work at mostly private homes, then it isn't much of an issue.
I've been in business 12 years (10 1/2 full time) and I've used my customer's electricity the entire time. It has never been an issue. In fact, many times, I'll pull up, and am shown where the plug and hose are (even though I don't need the hose).