Using Customer Cars for Advertising

A

AutoNova

New member
I want to find a new way to advertise via customers vehicles. I have been thinking of a sticker that would go on the inside of the back windshield that Says:



"My cars are detailed by AutoNova"

"My car is pampered by AutoNova"

"Cars cared for by AutoNova"

"I get my protection from AutoNova, scented and non scented" (just joking):getdown



etc. Wondering what a customer would be good with and that would make them feel special. Also wondering about TYPE of stickers, static cling, etc.
 
I'd say the majority of my customers would not put any sticker on their vehicles - I am the same way, no stickers.



I have actually been thinking of the same type of advertising and have come to the conclusion that the only type of advertisement that the customers I seem to attract may be open to would be a custom license plate frame.
 
I have also thought about the license plate frames. Anyone else ever done this and how was it recieved by customers?
 
You would have to offer me quite a bit of free service to do any sort of on car advertising. I couldn't see any of my customers ever allowing me to do anything like that. Most are just happy to keep a few cards in the glovebox to hand out when people ask. Thats how I've got most of my work.
 
Why dont you start polling your customers as they come in for service? See what options are best received...if any.
 
I'm with the previous poster. I would not advertise anything on my car or let anyone do that. Even around the license plate. I'm sure you can find people that would let you but I suspect most would not. I also leave cards in the cars I do. Got a few referrals from that.



Another thing I do that I learned from an AC guy. Visit the 5 neighbors (left, right, and the 3 across the street) ) around the house you do work in and drop a flyer at their door. My flier says I just detailed a car for one of their neighbors and show my services. Chances are that they have seen you detailing but did not want to ask. If they want a referral their neighbor is right there.
 
You might be able to get away with an 'oil change' type of decal on some people's cars, but some wouldn't like it.

If I was a detailer and know what I know about advertising (15 years in promotional products), one thing I would do is this: Have some plastic (not paper) cards printed. Credit card size. With your contact information, services, location, etc. on one side and on the other, a list of when things should be done such as:



We recommend a wash every 1-2 weeks, more frequently during XXX season.

We recommend wax sealant application once every month.

We recommend polishing every 6 months.

etc.



Put this card in their glove box-do not hand it to them. Or ask if you can put it in their manual in the glove box. That way, it stays with the car and doesn't end up in the trash at home. Also, being plastic, it (a) has more durability and (b) doesn't seem as 'throw away' as a business card.

And if you're high end, have some brass or aluminum cards engraved (same concept) and use them. Shouldn't cost more than $5 each. We do them for lifetime membership library cards even.
 
Don't bother with the license plate rings. No one reads those. I've had one on the back of my vehicle now for a year, and it has brought in zero leads.
 
I know a guy who did those static cling decals for a while... the same kind you get if you have your oil changed and they write the date. His just were a little bigger and said:



My car is cared for by AXION MOBILE DETAILING

and his phone number.



He always asked the customer if he could put one in and if they agreed he'd knock a couple bucks off their detail and all he asked is they leave it on for a couple of weeks. I don't think it netted much business for him... at least not enough to justify the cost of the stickers.
 
Considering all my customers have me remove dealer emblems and the majority have me remove the dealer license plate frame as well, I don't think it would go over good.



Best idea is to to good enough work your customers brag to their friends and neighbors about you.
 
I wouldn't go with a sticker on the back window.

I though, make my own static cling stickers, and yes, they work for me. I actually got a few calls from clients after I detailed their cars. They call saying they seen the clings and thought it was a great idea to remind them to get their vehicle detailed again...



For full details, I use this one....

thcling2-1.jpg




For ones whom do not get a detail, I use one with the logo and my phone number
 
I have a few customers that want a decal. I never suggest it and im always surprised when they bring it up. So I give them like a 9 inch decal of my website. My family has it on their cars as well.
 
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