Know it all customers

[ExpressDetail]

How do you deal with customers that think they know the best products and equipment to use?

[Ted S.]

Ask them what qualities the product has that appeals to them. Then carefully come up with an explanation as to why you use the products you use rather than their favorites. Be gentle with them; everyone has a favorite brand, and most people are very narrow minded. Educate them on the benefits of yours vs. theirs.

[C. Charles Hahn]

I don't mind know-it-all customers unless they're dead wrong.

That said, I agree with Ted.

[buddhadog]

If they want you to use their products ,Im open to it . Its a great way to try out new products for free.

Only a couple times Ive declined because the products were poor quality .

[Phinox]

I have to deal with this problem alot at my collision shop. people ask me what brand paint i use. Then ask why or say i should be using brand x because its the best on the market. I politely point out that the product i use is used by many car makers is just as good in quality and that i have been using this paint brand for years and it is cheaper then brand X. Which means i don't have to charge them as much for supplies so they get a cheaper price.

[sensi09]

I'm not a detailer, but as consumer, I like to be informed before making a purchase of most any product. If someone can help educate me during the buying process, even better.

[MDetail]

They could possibly get in the way, but maybe you could turn it around and educate them on your process and why it is better.

[PAR Detailing]

I havent run into that yet, but I would just explain why I like my products and tell them that I would be happy to try theirs out but because I am comfortable with my products and know how they work I may go back to mine.

A certain wax or paint sealant they like doesnt bother me. If they insist on me using their wax that is fine by me but everything else I will always reserve the right to go back to my own products.

[Flannigan]

I just tell them if they aren't happy with the way it comes out with my products then I will do it again with theirs. I've never had to re-do anything so I guess that’s good.

The only time the know-it-alls get to me is when talking before the detail. They want to layout exactly how I am going to do something. So I just politely tell them that they are paying me for my services, not paying me to be bossed around by them. If I wanted that I would go work at a local car wash.

[land]

I have had customers try that. I have told them the story where i used someone elses stuff and it failed. I will do a test spot theirs and mine.Some of my high end customers have some pretty good stuff so I will want to try.