I'm starting up a mobile detailing company in march... I wanted to start advertising now.. I was looking to get some advice on the type of marketing I can try for a new company. Also I was wondering what some of you other mobile guys do aside from just private details... I've heard of people holding "wash days" at local businesses... Anybody had success with this kind of stuff?? What about insurance? Do i need it? Where can I Get it?? Thanks Alan https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34337#msg-34337 Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:40:01 +0000 Phorum 5.2.23 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34851#msg-34851 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34851#msg-34851 You are entitled to your opinion but it doesn't tally with the personal thanks I receive from both pros and enthusiasts who say I've helped them. They know that I
provide not only my ideas but also the compiled wisdom of others and that I do not comment on things I don't know about. Not one person has complained that my work here did him a disservice or misled him. I hope to continue helping to make this the best detailing forum there is.
Doug]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Thu, 21 Jun 2007 05:33:40 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34849#msg-34849 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34849#msg-34849
If you do not own a detail business how then can you give advise to detailers in the busines or especially newbee's who need proven information.

A lot of people fail in business because they listen to "conventional wisdom" rather than experienced wisdom.

Case in point. I have been in the car wash business for nearly 40 years. Selling equipment, developing car washes for others, consulting etc.

My best friend is one of the best operators in the country and I talk with him 2 to 3 times a week about the business.

HOWEVER, with all this background and "experience" it was not until I developed and built and now operate my own conveyorized automatic car wash that I learned how much I did not know.

Point, I thought I knew a lot, but it was not until I was a "true operator" myself that I gained the real life information.

And, today I do not believe that any car wash equipment sales person who has not developed, built and operated their own car wash has any right to sell equipment to a newbee in the industry.

Conversely unless you have owned and operated your own detail business I do not think you have a clue what to tell an existing operator or a new to the business operator.

Just my opinion.

Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Thu, 21 Jun 2007 05:13:26 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34847#msg-34847 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34847#msg-34847 As I explained to Simone awhile back in the "problems for the pros " thread, I tried to get started on the cheap but have since decided that opening a legitimate shop would be a bad risk for me, in my area and climate.
Some of the aches and pains that come with age and motorcycle accident knees, have relegated me to enthusiast status. So, no, I don't detail for money now in any way.
I'm glad I'm able to help everyone here on the forum by compiling the advice of others and by constantly experimenting and thinking. I'm proudest of the big quote post ( 5 pages if you print it out ) on the " glass cleaning thread ".
Have any of my efforts been helpful to you yourself, Bud ?
Doug]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Thu, 21 Jun 2007 04:51:18 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34846#msg-34846 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34846#msg-34846
Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Thu, 21 Jun 2007 04:02:54 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34844#msg-34844 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34844#msg-34844 I own a mobile detailing company as well. When I first started my company I did what Doug said I called everyone I knew, got flyers and business cards made up and flyered every car I seen. Buy flyering every car I mean putting a flyer on everyone’s windshield. People are either going to call and say you can't flyer here or they are going to set up an appointment. flyering also helps with getting your name out there. Some other things that I have done was stopping in every office, lawyer, hospital office handing out my card and offing on the spot car washes. Those are some of the simple and cost effective things that I have done. Hope it helps]]> pokergod10 Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Thu, 21 Jun 2007 01:47:46 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34780#msg-34780 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34780#msg-34780 If your post, referenced above, appeared in the Mobileworks forum for pros that requires registration to access, I never saw it because I never regstered to read that forum. I am unable to locate the thread in question on the other forums at Mobileworks.
BTW- I prefer to say I "visit" forums rather than "lurk". I read and look for ideas we can discuss here. There's nothing sinister about it. I will never intentionally lift an idea, using it without proper credit given.
Doug]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Thu, 24 May 2007 00:51:30 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34779#msg-34779 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34779#msg-34779 If I saw your post, I don't remember reading it and, at any rate, did not conciously steal your ideas or discussion. If I did so unconciously, I apologize.
Doug]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Wed, 23 May 2007 00:33:25 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34778#msg-34778 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34778#msg-34778
Ah, I can see you have been “lurking” reading my post on Mobileworks again!

The issue was brought up to distinguish Pro’s, who own detailing businesses, from Virtual part timers like yourself. I’m glad you recognize the industry needs to differentiate between the two.

Doug Delmont Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gentlemen-
> My limited market research indicates that many
> people don't know what the word " detailing "
> means. Some confuse it with customizing,
> pinstriping, painting, graphics etc.
> Instead of trying to educate the population,
> consider naming your business something like "
> Car-Clean " or " Auto Wash and Wax ". Put the
> word "detailing " in smaller letters on the sign.
>
> Doug]]> Simone Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sun, 20 May 2007 15:12:06 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34776#msg-34776 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34776#msg-34776
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sat, 19 May 2007 21:39:41 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34775#msg-34775 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34775#msg-34775 As Martin Agronsky used to say, " You got the last word. "
Doug]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sat, 19 May 2007 15:08:02 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34774#msg-34774 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34774#msg-34774 It clearly states what i do.
Bud is right on the money here .....]]> Pro Mobile Details Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sat, 19 May 2007 10:51:26 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34773#msg-34773 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34773#msg-34773
Keep in mind the customers who buy detailing know what AUTO DETAILING means and these are the ones you want to chase after. NOT the ones that don't know what detailing is. A small detail business simply does not have the money to educate the public about what you do. They car barely afford to go after the target market.]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sat, 19 May 2007 04:00:19 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34770#msg-34770 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34770#msg-34770 I didn't suggest dropping the term "detailing" from use. My idea was to have the best of both worlds, a company name that everyone would understand and the word "detailing" in smaller letters. Example #1 :

CAR-CLEEN & SHINE
automobile wash, wax, carpet cleaning and complete detail service

Compare that to the sign below, Example #2 :

JOE'S DETAILING
Finest Automotive Detailing Service Anywhere-Trucks Too !

I think it is clear that more people would understand example #1, especially the people I've surveyed.
Doug]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 18 May 2007 03:27:48 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34764#msg-34764 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34764#msg-34764
If they ask around that someone is going to say, "Go to a detail shop."

We looked at this issue in 1980 when the retail boom in detailing began and we discussed a number of different names and decided that since so many people, the entire automotive industry, knew the term detailing we needed to stay with it.

To try and re-educate those who already knew the term was idiotic.

Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Thu, 17 May 2007 02:59:22 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34762#msg-34762 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34762#msg-34762 I wasn't talking about the people who already use detailers. I was referring to people in general, who might patronize a detail shop if they had any idea what such a business does.
No matter what you name your business, you can still list it in the yellow pages under Detail Shops.
( JOKE ALERT ) The yellow pages can be confusing. If you look up "Doctors", it says, " see Physicians ". If you look up "Attorneys", it says "see Lawyers".
I tried to look up "Dresses" and it said, "see lingerie". ( In Fun )
Doug]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Thu, 17 May 2007 02:32:51 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34739#msg-34739 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34739#msg-34739
Check out the Yellow Pages. You want to find a detail shop you look under Auto Detailing.

You are way off the mark on this one Doug.

Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Thu, 10 May 2007 02:48:45 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34738#msg-34738 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34738#msg-34738 My limited market research indicates that many people don't know what the word " detailing " means. Some confuse it with customizing, pinstriping, painting, graphics etc.
Instead of trying to educate the population, consider naming your business something like " Car-Clean " or " Auto Wash and Wax ". Put the word "detailing " in smaller letters on the sign.

Doug]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Thu, 10 May 2007 02:22:06 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34527#msg-34527 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34527#msg-34527 A guy on the Detail City forum said he places ads on Craigslist. He also gives his customers vinyl decals to put on their cars' windows to advertise his web address.
Others said they do free details for charities, which leads to referrals.
Some of the participants warned that when you advertise, you must be prepared to handle all of the business the ads generate.

With tongue firmly in cheek, I'll give Bud the courtesy of identifying people who are NOT part of our target market : 1) Junkyard owners 2) Pedestrians 3) Skateboarders 4) Homeless people 5) Anybody you meet on a bus... (LOL)

Doug]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 09 Mar 2007 06:17:49 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34476#msg-34476 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34476#msg-34476 Some areas have public access cable T.V. You can produce your own show free.

I'm told that MySpace is not just for kids. You can set up a MySpace page as a way to keep in touch with customers, etc. Some people have had success with a mature, professional approach.

Doug]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:26:42 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34398#msg-34398 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34398#msg-34398
From what I know about the units we build the output would be greater than gravity flow could handle.

But it is best to contact the manufacturer of the unit and ask them their opinion.

Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:48:37 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34397#msg-34397 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34397#msg-34397
ps. Thanks for all your replies!]]> aga5024 Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:41:13 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34388#msg-34388 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34388#msg-34388
So, the key for anyone looking to buy a pressure washer to insure the sales person/company can tell them whether to use a pump or gravity flow. That way they have some recourse if the pump burns out.

Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sun, 28 Jan 2007 06:55:20 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34387#msg-34387 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34387#msg-34387 Pro Mobile Details Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sun, 28 Jan 2007 04:41:00 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34376#msg-34376 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34376#msg-34376 Perhaps you should think about what is good for this forum. Many people have left the forum over the years. Some have said they were fed up with bickering, salesmen attempting to use it to sell stuff and knock whatever their competitors sold and many have not stated a reason. Newcomers and newbies have been given bogus advice or told to take a hike and most did.

I want to make this the best forum on the Internet. To me, that means providing solid information and welcoming everyone who wishes to contribute.
There seem to be a lot of visitors reading the posts, who are reluctant to post. That may be because they don't wish to be cross-examined, belittled, see their statements distorted and be talked down to. They may have noticed the unfair and inaccurate statements against products such as Zaino. One member objected to information from private emails being mentioned on the forum.

Of course you will likely try to attack my statements by requesting specific examples of everything and so on. We've been down this road enough. When I rejoined the forum, it was pretty much the private domain of the "tag team ", everyone else having 'thrown in the microfiber towel'. Now, at least, people like Alan are asking questions again.
So if I'm posting to myself, as you put it, I'm not to blame.
Doug]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sat, 27 Jan 2007 12:47:16 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34375#msg-34375 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34375#msg-34375 buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sat, 27 Jan 2007 06:15:30 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34374#msg-34374 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34374#msg-34374 Here's a link to a good article dealing with marketing :
[www.autocareforum.com]]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sat, 27 Jan 2007 04:41:39 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34373#msg-34373 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34373#msg-34373
Simple things like the use of fragrance... or, if you're mobile, how much attention you really pay to IMAGE. "-Steve Okun-

Now there's a constructive quote for Alan to think over.
Doug]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sat, 27 Jan 2007 03:58:12 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34372#msg-34372 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34372#msg-34372
You may be right that I was alittle harsh in my comnments about your advise.

Let me recant my comment that your advise was a waste of time and say that doing anything is a waste of time until you have done your marketing homework and know what you are trying to sell to whom and why they would buy.

Every marketing and advertising manual or book tells you that the worst kind of advertising is "shot-gun" which is what you are advising this man to do.

The point is that not everyone is a detail customer, in fact only about 20%, maybe 25% of the motorists in any market would buy a detail, and many of them have to be educated as to why.

A small one or two many business does not have time nor even small amounts of money to waste on shotgun approaches to marketing and advertising they need to maximize everything they do to be profitable and successful.

Personally, I think it is a waste of time to market and advertise in this way when taking a little time to figure how a more targeted approach.

Again, the questions that need to be answered before starting anything are:

a. What am I selling? It is not just detailing. It could be protection of investment; more money when selling the car; ego gratification, etc.

2. Who will buy? What customers will buy the service?

3. Why do they buy? Need to know this for your message to be on target

4. Where are they? You need to know how to reach them.

5. What media do I use to most effectively deliver the message in terms of my budget.

6. What do I say to motivate them to come in?

Taking the shot gun approach you are suggesting does not take into account any of these things and therefore will be less than successful.

Detailing is a service purchase by only a selected market, not all the market and your suggested approaches do not result in the best return for the effort.

Remember Doug, this is a democracy that we live in where we have freedom of speech. You have your opinion and I have mine. And, having worked in the past as an Marketing and Advertising Manager for a large corporation working with some of the top marketing and advertising agencies in the world I am confident that my opinions might have just a little more experience behind them than yours.

But as a famous French political philospher once said:

"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death, your right to say it."

Regards
BudAbraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 26 Jan 2007 23:32:23 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34371#msg-34371 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34371#msg-34371
Re: Good bye to everyone...
Posted by: wayne (IP Logged)
Date: March 25, 2003 06:43PM


Thanks for the kind words, my friends

However, I think it is time either the salesman or myself goes out..., so I am walking away and believe it must be this way in order to keep peace on the forum. If I stay, Bud only seems to "attack" my suggestions or products I recommend using, (even though Bud never used any of those I had mentioned..., another Miss Cleo???)]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 26 Jan 2007 22:50:08 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34365#msg-34365 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,34337,34365#msg-34365
How many gallons per minute is your pressure washer?

Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 26 Jan 2007 05:56:33 +0000