how to ease my nerves

[ShaunD]

Getting organized and staying that way until the customer leaves with the vehicle. This includes, like stated, having checklists, and sticking to the order of steps/procedures you set and outline for yourself with each specific vehicle. Also, doing a thorough walk around with the client and using a VIF will help you to stick to only the issues the client has agreed upon. When you come across unforeseen issues, contact the client to verify if he wants those things tended to. Stay away from stimulants like caffeine and energy drinks l, and remember to breath.

[Mike Phillips]

That`s the best advice here Mike!!!!! I love to use my wife, shes learned from me to be a critic.

It's amazing how the better-half always seems to have the unique super power to find the things you missed.

I always ask my customers to walk around their vehicle and point out anything that catches their eye. IMO, this does 2 things:

1. It saves them and you time in case you forget something and they want it fixed, you do it then.

2. It shows that you really want to ensure that they are happy with your work.

Those two tips are worth their weight in gold and worthy of a dedicated article. If you don't mind I'll write the article but give you due credit.

Getting organized and staying that way until the customer leaves with the vehicle. This includes, like stated, having checklists, and sticking to the order of steps/procedures you set and outline for yourself with each specific vehicle.

Also, doing a thorough walk around with the client and using a VIF will help you to stick to only the issues the client has agreed upon. When you come across unforeseen issues, contact the client to verify if he wants those things tended to.

Stay away from stimulants like caffeine and energy drinks l,

and remember to breath.

Great advice....

[FUNX650]

{Sing-a-long...With this Trini Lopez hit song of yore:
"If You Wanna Be Happy For The Rest Of Your Life,
Don't Make A Pretty Woman Your Wife"...in mind:}

"If you want detailing nerves-of-steel:
The ones that you'll never begrudge.
Marry someone that grew up with a Father,
That was a Concours d'Elegance judge!"

Bob

[Niko Molina]

(post removed- not family friendly )

[CarolinasFinestDetailing]

Thanks Mike!!!! I appreciate that.

[dcjredline]

I thought I was the only nerd that used a checklist. WHEEW!

[FUNX650]

[ame="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t8tdmaEhMHE"]One Toke Over The Line - Lawrence Welk - ###! (1971) - YouTube[/video]

...^^^ ^^^...

Bob

[brondondolon]

Lol i feel the same way after every detail. Here are some things I do that kinda help. Look over the car more then once. Look at the lowest spots of the car for wax residue. Check the creases in the rims for dirt. Check the carpet for crumbs and stuff that you may have missed. I like to move the car around in different angles as well to see if there is any hazy spots on the glass that i missed or on the paint.

I email a receipt to my customers right when i get home. In the email i thank them for the opportunity to detail their vehicle and i also add "if for any reason you are not completely satisfied please contact me as soon as possible so i can address the matter immediately". To me if i missed a spot or over looked something id rather the customer call me so i can fix it then find a spot and think i half azzed the job or something and never return.

Just be confident in your work and so will your customers.

[Niblick]

Get a Fresh Set of Eyes!







How to make sure you haven't missed anything after detailing a car? Like a wax smudge?

Have a fresh set of eyes look over the car.


Important: Move the car into a different light setting, as in move it outside, or turn it around in your garage, etc.



Then have a fresh set of eyes look at it, i.e. your girlfriend, brother, mom, dad, neighbor, good buddy, etc.

Just don't ask the person you're doing the detail for, it looks unprofessional if you say "can you see any bits I've missed" when they turn up to collect it. It may sound obvious, but I had a pro Detailer do exactly that a few years back. It's always stuck in my mind

[Niblick]

I wrote out a check list a few years back. if I can find it, I'll post it