Used cars dealers

[Calendyr]

Today I went to see 3 used cars dealers to offer my services (gotta start somewhere).

First one had cars in really bad shape and could really use a service like mine. When I spoke to him he said it did not matter what condition the car was in, it will sell for the same price. To me that sounds really dumb. As a client I would pay a lot more for a car that runs well and that looks good. He was saying it wasn't the case...
Am I wrong on this, do any of you guys deal with used cars dealerships and if so can they sell the car for more money once you have corrected the paint?

Other 2 were dealerships that also sold used cars. The vehicles were in much better shape but paint was full of swirls on all of the cars I looked at. They did make the effort to get the cars really clean and dress them. So I am thinking they are using people that do a car wash and quick cleaning. I was unable to speak with the guys in charge at either places, left a card... they may or may not call back.

What is your experience with this, am I wasting my time?

[hernandez.art13]

I'll just Subscribe and see what others have to say.

[Flash Gordon]

You're wasting your time IMO

[hernandez.art13]

I agree with Flash Gordon, they just want the car in and out. If they can spend $20 for interior and exterior, including engine and tires then they will take that offer any day.

I've had luck with Car Clubs however

[Calendyr]

Ya car clubs are on my list of places to go to, same thing with car shows.

[Fishincricket]

lol, most customers can't tell the difference between a swirl and a squirrel (to steal a phrase from wiser men)...

Find people who truly love their cars, they are the ONLY ones who will consider paying you (most of) what you're worth.

[rustytruck]

You will make more money building a base of retail customers. I always turn down dealers when they call.

[VP Mark]

Dealerships can be a good thing when you have down time are off season or are still building your clientele. Just DO NOT SPEND MUCH TIME ON THEM. Clean and dress the engine bay, do a quick thorough clean and dress of the interior and one step the exterior. If you spend 8 hours perfecting the paint you really will be wasting your time. I never spend more than 4-6 hours on a dealer car. If they want more work than that done I tell them I can switch them to retail pricing. They amazingly get much happier with the results.

Also if you want to get in the door offer a free detail for them. You have to get your foot in the door somehow.
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[Hazcat]

It's obvious the first guy you visited with looks at the NADA book and that's all that matters to him.

[Calendyr]

Dealerships can be a good thing when you have down time are off season or are still building your clientele. Just DO NOT SPEND MUCH TIME ON THEM. Clean and dress the engine bay, do a quick thorough clean and dress of the interior and one step the exterior. If you spend 8 hours perfecting the paint you really will be wasting your time. I never spend more than 4-6 hours on a dealer car. If they want more work than that done I tell them I can switch them to retail pricing. They amazingly get much happier with the results.

Also if you want to get in the door offer a free detail for them. You have to get your foot in the door somehow.
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I know that is not where the money is. My idea was to get some more experience and fill my Schedule until I have retail clients. I agree that doing full correction with 3 layers of protection is not what they are after ;) I was just surprised that the guy thinks a car that looks like total #### (not even washed) will sell the same price as a car that looks like new.

[CCC4me]

What "level" of used car dealers were you visiting? The lower end dealers and buy here pay here places are in fact going to sell the car for the same price regardless of paint condition (barring major fading, etc). Only in the upper end of used cars will condition enter the price/value equation. So many folks are chasing those dealers that it makes it hard to turn into profitable work. When things do work out right though, they are great accounts to have.

[TheDetailGeeks]

What "level" of used car dealers were you visiting? The lower end dealers and buy here pay here places are in fact going to sell the car for the same price regardless of paint condition (barring major fading, etc). Only in the upper end of used cars will condition enter the price/value equation. So many folks are chasing those dealers that it makes it hard to turn into profitable work. When things do work out right though, they are great accounts to have.

Agreed. Doing a bunch of $20 details will get old real fast. Not to mention they'll probably try to squeeze every last bit of their money's worth out of you.

[T3 AutoDetails]

I didn't read the other replies but here's what I have to say in short.

Way to hard of work and very under paid for trying to make a profit. I don't do dealer work...I tried it and got almost burned on my pay (long story). Aside from that I have a quality of service I feel comfortable doing and for the time they want it done, I'm not putting my name anywhere near it.

[Phathooddetail]

What "level" of used car dealers were you visiting? The lower end dealers and buy here pay here places are in fact going to sell the car for the same price regardless of paint condition (barring major fading, etc). Only in the upper end of used cars will condition enter the price/value equation. So many folks are chasing those dealers that it makes it hard to turn into profitable work. When things do work out right though, they are great accounts to have.

I agree if you find the right ones they come in handy. I got one account that I pretty much charge him half price if he agrees to giver me at least 3 a month if I need it. If a customer cancels I can grab one from him and make 200 to 250 instead of nothing

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[Pureshine]

I pass on dealer work! There is only one dealer I do work for and I do the owners personal cars cause he won't let his guys touch them.