The Winter Slowdown.

dlocks

New member
Hey everyone! I hope all is well in your detailing lives :)



Business really slows down for me come the fall/winter seasons, here in good 'ol Washington it seems that people dont realize that their car needs to be cared for YEAR AROUND and not just durring the summer :P but anywho, what have you guys done to beat the winter sludge?



Any help is appreciated, even if it is a link to another thread :) Thanks in advance!



- Derick
 
Offer a winterization detail (Collinite wax etc)and / or an undercarriage corrosion protection package, i.e power wash the undercarriage / wheel wells and than apply a spray coating of Bilt-Hamber Laboratories - Dynax UC or Chemical Guys Bare Bones. It is possible to do this detail with the wheels on and just jacking the car up, but the ideal way is with the wheels off.



Talk with the client and upsell a regular winter maintenance package (interior and exterior) offering not only a clean car but one that is free from corrosive salts
 
Excellent advice there. I would add put a winterization package on a postcard and send it out to your existing clients who already love your work and get them back in the door.







TOGWT said:
Offer a winterization detail (Collinite wax etc)and / or an undercarriage corrosion protection package, i.e power wash the undercarriage / wheel wells and than apply a spray coating of Bilt-Hamber Laboratories - Dynax UC or Chemical Guys Bare Bones. It is possible to do this detail with the wheels on and just jacking the car up, but the ideal way is with the wheels off.



Talk with the client and upsell a regular winter maintenance package (interior and exterior) offering not only a clean car but one that is free from corrosive salts
 
Are you mobile or a fixed location? If you are mobile and are willing to do volume style work you could try get some fleet washing accounts. I just set up a mobile rig to keep my helper busy during the winter...the business is there if you knock on some doors and are willing to work in the rain.
 
you could add an "upgraded sealant" application for an additional charge (think nitroseal - that stuff rocks!) It costs 60 bucks and you only get a few cars from the kit, but if you charged say +$100 for "guaranteed protection to last the winter" then its more money in your pocket! Only downside to nitroseal is it takes longer to apply, but the looks are on par with BFWD, but I have a feeling the protection and durability will be better! Its not going to be opti-coat/Aquartz as its not a coating, but its a much better sealant wax!



Im going to start offering it as an up-charge soon
 
Offer undercarriage sprays if your area has a bad salt problem when the snow flies. They are popular here.
 
Nothing. Ride it out. When it's -48 degrees F, people aren't coming in for details, I could offer the services at 80% off and the shop would still be empty. I've learned to forget about those few months of winter and cold, and focus the marketing budget on the spring and summer seasons.
 
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