Winter / Inclement Weather & Your Business

J

John_K

New member
Hey all,



For those of us who live in locations with cold to very cold winters and times when weather can be a burden, what do you do to keep your business going, especially if you are a mobile detailer? Do you offer certain specials you think would be attractive for your customer?



Just curious, I am projecting a decent summer when I start advertising, but as I told my fiance: "Winter is the real test for me!"



Thanks for your comments!



John
 
I have a salary job that supplements my income in the winter. The winter months are the only thing that are holding me back from diving in head first like Jaison.
 
todd@bsaw said:
I have a salary job that supplements my income in the winter. The winter months are the only thing that are holding me back from diving in head first like Jaison.
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I'm in a similar situation. I have a full time job at an Architecture firm and I'd like to stay as long as possible to get hours and be able to go for my license exam within a few years. I am going to see with the boss to do part time so I can focus more on detailing, both LUSTR and the new company I'm starting up soon.



From the looks of it though, I have quite a few business opportunities thrown my way so Architecture might take a hike soon.



To answer your question though, winter is extremely slow here. I don't push much detailing sales throughout the winter because I like to relax, work on some articles, test products, etc. I do a wash & wax and an interior here and there but nothing really. Having a constant source of income helps though, so I can't really advise on staying busy in colder climates. Best advice I can give is to get a dealership, rental company or a body shop as a contract and offer services through them, through their shop. You'll have a place to work and many times shops will add on enough to your services that you'll be extremely close to if not at your regular rates.
 
I went out to Phoenix and worked a week in February. Usually doesn't get that bad here but nice that traveling to make money is an option.
 
Here in Northern Virginia, Winter can be a bit harsh; especially last Winter. I have around 15 cars that are on year round maintenance detail schedules. These jobs keep me going throughout the Winter months, when new business slows down. I am currently looking at getting a fixed location, and changing the business model a bit. The issue will still exist even with a fixed location, but at least my employees and I will be comfortable. With a shop, I could also supplement actual details by selling accessories like MF towels, air fresheners, etc.
 
I do mobile detailing in north carolina, we also had a bad winter here i did some interior detailing specials this winter that helped out. We are starting to get busy again with all the tree pollen gone. Eddie Morrison (Morrison's Mobile Detailing)
 
Thanks for the comments everyone. I see winter as the "big test" for our industry, and if you can make it through that then...you should be in good shape.
 
I work full time as a banker in Buffalo, NY. If I had a fixed location I would be alright during the winter. My customers are understanding about the winter months. They go to the local car wash during the winter months, but as soon as spring hits they call me.



You never know what to expect with a Buffalo winter.
 
The key to making it through winter is to work your tail off spring, summer & fall. Weather rules this business so you have to make hay while the sun is shinin!
 
MichaelM said:
The key to making it through winter is to work your tail off spring, summer & fall. Weather rules this business so you have to make hay while the sun is shinin!
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+1



Fixed or mobile- in a region with inclement weather and an actual 'winter' you will experience a slow down in service. From the first to last snowfall in CT I primarily do retail interiors, parking garages, and dealer wholesale work. Rarely does someone care to maintain the exterior of their personal vehicle here from Nov-Feb approximately. This is also why I'm the busiest in Spring with clean ups, the Fall with prep and protection; and why I focus my marketing during those periods on exactly those services.
 
There is a mobile detailing company out here that does snow removal in the winter time. Most of the snow removal work is from his detailing clients.
 
EcoAutoCT said:
+1



Fixed or mobile- in a region with inclement weather and an actual 'winter' you will experience a slow down in service. From the first to last snowfall in CT I primarily do retail interiors, parking garages, and dealer wholesale work. Rarely does someone care to maintain the exterior of their personal vehicle here from Nov-Feb approximately. This is also why I'm the busiest in Spring with clean ups, the Fall with prep and protection; and why I focus my marketing during those periods on exactly those services.
Click to expand...

+1. I'm a fixed location, but when it's -64 degrees F outside, it's tough to be as busy as in the spring and summer.
 
John_K said:
Hey all,



For those of us who live in locations with cold to very cold winters and times when weather can be a burden, what do you do to keep your business going, especially if you are a mobile detailer? Do you offer certain specials you think would be attractive for your customer?



Just curious, I am projecting a decent summer when I start advertising, but as I told my fiance: "Winter is the real test for me!"



Thanks for your comments!



John
Click to expand...



todd@bsaw said:
I have a salary job that supplements my income in the winter. The winter months are the only thing that are holding me back from diving in head first like Jaison.
Click to expand...



I'm going to hone my skills this summer and once I feel savvy enough, i'm going to try and pull some local dealerships and do bulk/express service. Figure if I can land a daily rate of $150-$200/day that would be great. that way work would be consistant, and fairly predictable.
 
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