may be starting a small detail business,need suggestions!

C

CARWAX

New member
I have been detailing in a auto dealership on my own for twenty+years.I guess things are pretty tough here in Michigan for the retail auto business.As we have slowed way down,I am considering when spring comes, starting small,by myself a little detailing business.



I have a 1 1/2 car garage,and a Thermax extractor and plenty of supplies.My question for you guys is this,what would be the most effective way of drumming up some business?



I am eagerly awaiting your replys,Rick.
 
I would look closely at the fact that other retail auto businesses are having a tough time in your area. Getting customers takes some time, unless you have a large marketing budget. You could try flyers/door hangers, newspaper ads, etc. These types of advertising are cheap, but the return is not that great. Of course the best form of advertising and possibly the cheapest is word of mouth. This takes time of course, because you have to do some details and impress your customers, who will hopefully spread the word.
 
CARWAX said:
My question for you guys is this, what would be the most effective way of drumming up some business?
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Rick,



Before you go out there and try to figure out the most effective ways to drum up new customers, you should really think about the actual mission and purpose of your new business.



Here are a few things to consider;



1) Who is the customer?



2) Where is the customer?



3) What does the customer value?



4) What are the realities of the customer?



Once your business mission is thoughtfully defined, you will then be able to begin to establish meaningful objectives and set realistic goals in regards to advertising and marketing your new business.



By understanding the actual mission and purpose of your new business and the type of clientele you are trying to attract, you will be better prepared to create the foundation that will help you segment and position your detailing business in the marketplace. In the long term, that is one of the best ways to get positive results for your advertising and marketing efforts.



Just my thoughts on the subject.
 
GREAT advice MFM! :wow:



I detail on the side, and have already found this out the hard way. Listen to MFM!









-Nick :spot

5-Star Auto Detailing
 
i am in southgate michigan.no, i really am not set up to be a moblile detailer.i really am interested in supplementing my wifes income as she is a nurse.i think it will be working out as i will be home with my two boys, i really just want to do some details here and there.not a big volume thing.



thanks for all the replys, keep`em coming!
 
CARWAX said:
i am in southgate michigan.no, i really am not set up to be a moblile detailer.i really am interested in supplementing my wifes income as she is a nurse.i think it will be working out as i will be home with my two boys, i really just want to do some details here and there.not a big volume thing.



thanks for all the replys, keep`em coming!
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No kidding? Wyandotte here, you are my neightbor! LOL If you are just looking to do some here and there I recommend working this winter on some flyers and business cards and start handing them out whenever you can. Word of mouth is the best in our area I think. Another good idea is to have a simple but professional looking website so people can go to it and see your past work, prices and all of that jazz.



If you don't mind me asking...what dealership did you work for?
 
No problem,it was Ray Whitfield Ford in Taylor ,Michigan.It now is Taylor Ford.



The new car manager from what was Jerome Duncan Ford bought the store two years ago.



Where are you located in Wyandotte?
 
CARWAX said:
No problem,it was Ray Whitfield Ford in Taylor ,Michigan.It now is Taylor Ford.



The new car manager from what was Jerome Duncan Ford bought the store two years ago.



Where are you located in Wyandotte?
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I'm between Eureka and Pennsylvania near Fort.



I didn't even realize Ray Whitfield changed ownership. lol



You might want to try advertising your business in local papers like The News Herald or even the smaller advertising papers like CoffeeNews or through ValPak. ValPak is a great deal. It is like $260 and they send your ads to 10,000 homes. It is just a matter if people read them or not.
 
Marketing is as easy as doing a better job than anyone else around you, and letting people know it.



Go into service shops, mechanics, autobody shops, aftermarket part shops, basically anywhere that someone will have a car they are proud of. Chrome wheels, lowered, anything.



The place doesn't even need to deal with autos, but the people that work there drive them, and thats all that matters.



Get business cards that look professional, and hand them out for a week solid.



I visited 3 shops in April of last year, and it kept me busy until November when it got cold.



One customer can lead you to 100 more. You just need to find the right people!
 
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