Has anyone thought about doing a LivingSocial Deal??

[rustytruck]

Originally Posted by ProDetail

I don't comment on post like this without either experience or research which is why I commented. I agree with Rusty, unfortunately I bought Renny's book too late. I did it in 2011 in Amesbury, MA and it was an absolute nightmare for me. I didn't realize that they took 50% when I started the deal so that was a shock. But I didn't let that compromise my quality, but the complaints because they wanted more for less are what really soured me. I actually ended up losing $1900 between loss supplies and my hours and the percentage they took. I did retain a few customers but neither of them ever purchased a complete detail and I don't know if they referred me to anyone so it's hard to say if I even recovered my losses in the long run.

ProDetail thanks for sharing your BAD experience. The auto detail forums are full of experiences just like this. If I saw one of my friends go touch a wire and get electrocuted, then another friend touch the same wire and also be electrocuted then a 3rd fiend be electrocuted by that same wire guess what I would NOT walk over and touch?

Yet we still have guys asking if they should run Groupon and living Social deals. GUYS STOP TOUCHING THAT WIRE, IT HURTS EVERY TIME.

[topshelf1042]

Originally Posted by VP Mark

Every marketing technique should fit every business. As long as you are comfortable with the numbers, are confident you can handle the business and not compromise quality you should go for it.

A lot of people (like rustytruck) say steer clear of coupon sites, others say go for it. It is really up to you. You can use this to make your business better by adding a new customer base, branding, and filling your schedule. You can also hurt your business by taking on too much low paying work, rushing through it and getting poor reviews, and not having the time to focus on your full paying customers.

Just some things to think about. I definitely want to hear your results if you go through with this or not. Keep us updated!

Thanks everyone...I am slated to run in March for my Columbia,SC market. I definately will keep you updated on the results and or problems that I am facing.

Since I have exp in these deals I think I am truly ready for anything that this deal will throw my way. I have a good support chain in place to help me with any issues I may face...To include you AUTOGEEKS. This forum ROCKS!!!! glad I found it!!!

RLC Mobile Auto Detailing - Augusta GA car wash and detail, car detail and auto detailing ,mobile detailing

Top Shelf Auto Detailing - Top Shelf Auto Detailing Columbia, SC-car wash in Columbia,SC that offers auto detailing and car detailing services at your location.

Happy Detailing!!!

[jrs1418]

Originally Posted by Pureshine

The only thing you will get out LivingSocail and groupon is no repeat customers and people only looking the todays hot deal. You will just be giving your hard work away to someone who doesn't care.

thhis x 2.

This was my experience with groupon. Coupon clippers only clip coupons. Out of 75 groupons sold I had ONE repeat customer who comes in once every 2-3 mos for a car wash. I did get 1 good yelp review from a groupon customer so that was nice.

But in general they didn't tip, were very difficult to upsell, were very needy ie: calling all the time asking questions like how to redeem even though they get the instructions straight from groupon. They ALL want to come on your busiest days (sat & sun).

My groupon experience was a nightmare, but other detailers only survive off groupons. They hike their prices up so the end cut is do-ablle.

[VP Mark]

Originally Posted by jrs1418

My groupon experience was a nightmare, but other detailers only survive off groupons. They hike their prices up so the end cut is do-ablle.

This is an important point. If you know what you are doing, are prepared to possibly get ran over, and are used to doing volume jobs, this might work for you.

On the other hand, if you are used to being able to spend hours on even basic services, this whole setup is going to rub you the wrong way quickly, and lowering your standards for minimal return will make this a bad strategy for you.

Anyone who does this needs to get very well educated, weigh the risks, then make the decision... as well as making sure you have the financial backbone to deal with the repercussions if the deal goes sour.

[FUNX725]

IMHO:
By participating in these: "Car-wash-guy"...schemes...

You sure haven't helped members of the Detailing Community...including yourself...
in the struggle to erase the black-eyes Detailers receive from being perceived as:
"Glorified Shoe-Shine Boys".

Thanks a bunch.



Bob

[arjo.reich]

Here's my take on Groupon & LivingSocial deals, purely on the consumer level...

I do not buy from service-based businesses anymore. If it's a deal off admission to a venue or a restaurant, I'm fine with it. But after several experiences with service based deals (including a car detailing service) I quickly learned that ultimately I'm just getting what I paid for not what the normal price would have gotten me in terms of quality/pride of service.

It's hard, or at least time consuming, to put it to words from my phone by in a nutshell I paid $50 for a $115 detailing package but when they were done I could tell they shortcutted as many steps as possible so that they would at least break even on time-spent & cost of materials. So I paid $50 for a detailing package and got exactly what you'd expect for $50. Do I blame the guy, no, he was just trying to do what he could to survive the experience until the redemption period expired.

Think about it this way, the clients you attract will likely never be willing to pay the 100% increase and as such will also not likely car enough about their rides to be willing to ala carte premium ad-ons. They will own the dirtiest, most scandalous daily drivers with the most atrocious "problems" to clean and the frequency they're willing to have that level of clean done will perfectly match the frequency you're willing to offer that some deal.

And whatever you do, don't buy a chiropractor's package, that one really was a pain in my...



Lucky Joe,
Wannabe Detailer

Sent from my HTC DNA

[arjo.reich]

...after reading everyone else's posts, I should have just +1'd it since I didn't really add much except slightly different spin on the same msg.

Lucky Joe,
Wannabe Detailer

Sent from my HTC DNA

[umana2482]

I worked out a deal with my local paper in OC, CA a year and half ago. It did not make me a lot of money but it surely got me some quick needed cash.

Most customers were very easy to deal with. Some did expect a higher level of service. 70% of the cars were easy to work with, the other 30% were a mess. The average tip I got was $10, some tipped about $20 and others nothing.

It got me about 5 regular customers. It got me an office where I go to once week to detail cars. I get there at 8am and leave by 12 or 1pm with about $250 in my pocket, sometimes more, sometimes less. Then to my next stop.

Run a deal that works for you. Be ready to be swamped with calls when the deal runs. Also be ready for the long days and hard labor.

Run a deal with your local newspaper better. Most subscribers are folks over the age of 40, home owners and retirees.

Good luck.

William Umana

Sent from my HTC EVO using AG Online

[rustytruck]

If you need a quick infusion of cash that means your business is underfunded. That is a sign you are in trouble. You need to address that problem not run a coupon deal and add another problem.

[rwright]

I don't understand why you want to do 4 cars for $150 when you can just schedule one for that price? If you need busy work then create some wash 'n Vac package for $50. Use a rinseless wash, dry wipe wheels, apply tire dressing, quick Vac and you're done. If the vehicle is really dirty then hit it with a pressure washer first. From this service you can up sell add ons. Plus you can advertise being Eco friendly.