-
Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
UPDATE - December 10, 2019 - UPDATE
Just to note, there are NEW VIF forms created by Yancy that you can download for FREE.
Here's the link,
Autogeek Vehicle Inspection Forms
Here's what the landing page for the forms looks like.
https://www.autogeekonline.net/galle...m/YancyVIF.jpg
IF YOU STILL WANT THE ORIGINAL FORM I CREATED IN MICROSOFT WORD I'm HAPPY TO SEND IT TO YOU - JUST REPLY TO THIS THREAD.
:)
THE BELOW IS THE OLD BEGINNING OF THIS THREAD. :bolt:
The paper version of the VIF is now available as an App for iphones and ipads
Watch this video to learn what the VIF App can do for you and how to use it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzxgSMGthxk
Click here to download the VIF App
IF you want the paper version - REPLY TO THIS THREAD and I'll e-mail it to you.
Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
I have a lot of people that have e-mailed me and also sent me PM's to get a copy of my VIF form for their detailing business. This form is vitally important and if you're detailing cars for money, either part-time, full-time or as a hobby then you should not touch the car until this form is filled out and signed by your customer.
Due credit where credit is due
I obtained the original version of this form years ago from my long-time friend and professional detailer, Lenny House. I tweaked it with my own customizations to make his form work better for me. I've also asked for input from my good friends and professional detailers, Renny Doyle, Joe Fernandez and Robert DiTerlizzi.
Living Document
This form will be a living document, that is... I expect and encourage all our forum members to get a copy, use it and if you find a way to improve it for the benefit of all of us then your improvements will be added and the official form updated. I consider myself a perpetual student in that I'm always learning and always open to new ideas, technology, pads, products etc. This also means I'm always open to feedback to improve this form to continually make it the best it can be.
Plus, your name will be added as a contributor to the form. Below I will maintain current Screen Shots of the form as it evolves.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...ersion_1_7.jpg
Packages Page
You should have a package for every customer, every car and every budget. Don't spend your customers money for them, let them decide the level of perfection they want for their car. I highly recommend doing your best to educate your customer on the paint on their car and what you can do for it but also, don't oversell customers. By this I mean, don't put a show car finish on a daily driver commuter car. While this might be your passion it's a disservice to both you and your customer. I've included a link to an article I wrote on this topic down the page a ways, if you have not read it yet, take a moment to do so.
On this page you can edit the words Package 1, Package 2 and Package 3 with whatever terms you prefer, for example, Bronze, Silver, Gold. etc. You can and should also insert the hourly charge for what you currently charge in your business.
Products, Pads, Tools and Coatings Tables - Optional
The two tables for information on products, pads, and tools you use can simply be deleted if you don't want to get that deep with your customers. I included this as an option for the purposes of educating your customer to earn their trust, show that you're knowledgeable about your craft and to help you increase your hourly prices. By education your customers you demonstrate you're knowledgeable about your trade while at the same time by default you show-up any competitors that don't want to share what products, pads and tools they use.
Using this type of information is completely up to you.
Quality products, pads and tools all have a cost associated with them that you have to build into your hourly rate. The higher the quality product you use the more you need to charge or the less profit you will make. Most of your customers won't know that a quality foam pad cost more than a cheap, worn out wool pad and here's a way to to educate them. People ask me how I get my prices so high and there's a number of things a person has to do but one of them is to educate your customer how and why the work you do is different than the detailing business down the road that charges $39.99
The third table on this page is to up-sell your customer to a coating. Coatings not only have a higher "cost" price but they also take more and special prep work in order to apply them plus the skill, knowledge and talent to apply them correctly. You need to make sure you're charging for the application of a coating. In the table below you can custom edit it to showcase which coating or coatings you offer and this opens this section of this form opens the door for you to present your customer with this option.
Again, since this is a Microsoft Word Document, you can simply modify or delete the second and third tables and when you do this the "Terms" information will move up under your "packages table".
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...n_Form_002.jpg
Terms and Authorization for work
The below is the section that spells out the agreement for services rendered and the customer's signature of approval to do the work. Do not "touch" anyone's car until the above inspection form is filled out with the customer and the customer signs and dates the form.
Referral Request
At the very bottom of this page is a call-out box asking for referrals to grow your business. I find most people tend to be shy about asking their customers for referrals, so this call-out box is to both remind you and to help you to ask for referrals.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...n_Form_003.jpg
At this point in the form you can choose to only print out the above when selecting how many pages to print from your printer options.
If you like, you can include and print out the below pages and staple and include them with the above pages or staple them as an "Information Packet" to give to your customer.
The below information shares with your customer, or potential customer some more very basic information to you and I but more than likely some information that is new to most non-detailers. Read through the below and I think you can see where if your customer has any questions at all bout the procedures you personally use in your business, you can use the below to bring them up to speed. Again this will not only educate them but also show them that you truly know what you're doing. This is helps you anytime you want to work on what I call SIV's or Special Interest Vehicles, the first thing you have to do is earn the owners trust and if you don't have a "warm introduction" from someone that can vouch or you then all you have left is yourself to demonstrate that their "baby" is safe in your hands.
The below also "gently" shares that doing more steps requires more time and the price of the packages you offer reflect the time it requires to do more work to create a nicer finish if that's what your customer wants.
Production Detailing - Doing a one-step process with an AIO or Cleaner/Wax
For the majority of your customers, you should only be doing a one-step procedure to the paint after normal washing and decontaminating. What a one-step will do and what it won't do is also included in the sections below. See this article for more information.
A few tips on starting a part-time detailing business
Match your services to your customer
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...n_Form_004.jpg
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...n_Form_005.jpg
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...n_Form_006.jpg
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...n_Form_007.jpg
At the bottom of the last page is a promotion for my book. And of course you are completely free to delete all of this information too.
Consistent Monthly Cash Flow
I highly recommend setting your best customers up on a maintenance program and by doing this you can simply bill them monthly. This provides you with a consistent cash flow at the beginning of each month which makes paying your own bill easier.
For those customers that do not want you to regularly wash and maintain their cars, sharing my how-to book with them will at a minimum provide them with all the information they will need to maintain your hard work. You could also type up your own booklet on how to wash and maintain a freshly detailed car. Keep in mind, most people that hire you to detail their car are doing this because they don't want the hassle or the time investment, so providing them information about how to get my how-to book isn't going to take business away from you.
Again, to remove this portion, simply open this file up in MS Word and delete any and all portions you don't want to use, safe the file and print out your custom forms as you need them.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...n_Form_008.jpg
So thank you for being patient if you've been waiting for this form but I assure you the wait is worth it as you have some of the best detailers in the world working to create a very much needed form in our industry.
Contributing Detailers
Lenny House
Renny Doyle
Joe Fernandez
Robert DiTerlizzi
Suggestions for improvement
If you have suggestions for improvements, please post them to this thread, if they are used I will add you to the list of contributing detailers above.
***Request a form***
If you want a copy of this form, reply to this thread and I'm happy to share it with you.
:)
:dblthumb2:
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Patiently waiting. I definitely need something like this.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Look forward to seeing the final copy!
Thanks Mike!
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Incredible. Looking forward to seeing the finished document.
Will this be made availible on the forum or should we send you a pm for it?
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
It is amazing how your read my mind Mike, I was just about to send you a PM about the VIF.
Thank you for doing the work for us!
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Using a form such as this not only protects YOU the detailer but also provides a perfect time to highlight/review additional damage in order to upsell services to remedy the issues you point out.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
I eager anticipate our meeting Mike! This form is valuable. I do use one similar to it but the collaboration of detailing professionals on this form is going to make this a very powerful business tool.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
I have a similar form that Mike P. sent to me a few months back. Not sure if it's the older one or the newer one, but it won't matter anyway with what these folks are getting ready to do. Can't wait to see the final version and put it to use.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
I got the original.... looking forward to VIF 2.0
Thanks Mike!
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hoytman
I have a similar form that Mike P. sent to me a few months back. Not sure if it's the older one or the newer one, but it won't matter anyway with what these folks are getting ready to do. Can't wait to see the final version and put it to use.
That would be the older one as the newest version has input by both Renny, Joe and Robert and all their suggestions helped to improve the newest version.
For example, Renny had me add these two lines which will save your butt if a customer ever complains they didn't get what they "wanted".
Service Recommended: __________________
Service Accepted: _______________________
And I whole heartedly agree.
:D
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
-
Awesome! I was just looking for one of these!
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Been needing something like this, cant wait for the finished product.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek
For example, Renny had me add these two lines which will save your butt if a customer ever complains they didn't get what they "wanted".
Service Recommended: __________________
Service Accepted: _______________________
And I whole heartedly agree.
:D
Keeping it simple enough to be completeded quickly yet comprehensive enough to be effective is a challenge but the above recommendaation is a very nice addition.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Awesome. Been patiently waiting when you previously stated a couple weeks back! Look forward to seeing the turn out. You guys do a great job Mike. Keep it up!
:xyxthumbs:
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
I agree I can't wait for the new version. I have the old version and it helped me take detail to a new level and more professional. This lets the customer get more involved.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
I have one question in regards to the format. Will the format be a word document, rich text format, or a PDF. If it is a word or rich text document I could have unlimited possibilities to incorporate tables and charts to provide estimates and invoices to potential and existing customers.
Ed
:autowash: :buffing:
-
What about something for interiors?
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Mike,
Thank you tons for posting up a form like this for everyone to use! Very helpful and I will most definitely put it to use! Only thing I see that would be beneficial is a "Mileage In/Out" and "Fuel Level" type area that can be recorded for each vehicle upon arrival! Let me know what you think about that. Thanks again!
-Beach
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Take pictures before and after for your files. Let the cleint see them, so he know that you have them available. Check with attorney to make sure that the form offers you the protection you want. And most improtant -GET INSURANCE.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Thanks Mike. Your form is much better than the one I'm currently using. Looking forward to downloading the new VIF version.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
thanks Mike and everyone that cooperated together to finalize it.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
That's awesome! I appreciate you sharing this!
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Mike I had more time to go back to the original form and have a recommendation. Include an email address and or a cell phone number. I like to send an original picture "the before" when I start the job then "an after" when done. I usually just send a text with picture attachment.
It also serves to document the original condition in a polite unobtrusive way. It's funny how owners know about blemishes on their cars, scratches, dents etc. Most cell phone pics are pretty high resolution. Not a substitution for DSLR pics but a quick way to communicate.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
This form is worth it's weight and more in gold. :) Eagerly waiting for it to go live.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Subscribed. Eagerly awaiting the outcome. Thanks for the effort.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Still haven’t seen anyone comment on the point I made earlier. If you are only using this to protect yourself from being blamed for existing damage you are only partially using this template (in my opinion of course).
The other half is then taking advantage of the existing issues you point out and turning these issues into opportunities to help your customer out by offering them a service that will remedy the issues you point out.
When showing these issues to a true car lover for the first time on their personal vehicle it can get a little depressing for the owner if you cant offer a remedy... bank on this!
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Deep Gloss Auto Salon
Still haven’t seen anyone comment on the point I made earlier. If you are only using this to protect yourself from being blamed for existing damage you are only partially using this template (in my opinion of course).
The other half is then taking advantage of the existing issues you point out and turning these issues into opportunities to help your customer out by offering them a service that will remedy the issues you point out.
When showing these issues to a true car lover for the first time on their personal vehicle it can get a little depressing for the owner if you cant offer a remedy... bank on this!
:iagree:
Great for upselling services and if time permits correct a blemish to demonstrate a solution. Also insurance was mentioned previously and this is key IMO for protection.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Deep Gloss Auto Salon
Still haven’t seen anyone comment on the point I made earlier. If you are only using this to protect yourself from being blamed for existing damage you are only partially using this template (in my opinion of course).
The other half is then taking advantage of the existing issues you point out and turning these issues into opportunities to help your customer out by offering them a service that will remedy the issues you point out.
When showing these issues to a true car lover for the first time on their personal vehicle it can get a little depressing for the owner if you cant offer a remedy... bank on this!
This is a great opportunity to attach other files to allow the detailer not only rouse this form to document damage but to also use it to assist in providing estimates, invoices, and potential future business by marketing a preventative maintenance solution.
With laptops and tablets the detailer can literally have a vast resource that help keep track of appointments, estimates and invoices all with the same interface.
Ed
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
When it's available i will try to translate it in German.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Subscribed! Any idea approximately when the form will be available?
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Alek@DeepClean
Subscribed! Any idea approximately when the form will be available?
I'll be ready to make it available tomorrow. Spent most of today cleaning up and re-organizing the studio after Detail Fest.
I want everyone to get a copy and then add their suggestions to make it better. And of course, being a Microsoft Word Document you can and should tweak it to fit your specific needs.
For example, I include a place to list the products you use. Some people don't want to use this portion for a couple of reason, for example they don't want to get that "deep" with the customer. I completely understand but I'd rather leave the content on the page and let "you" decide. If you don't want it you can delete it. If you like it you have it and don't have to "create" it.
Make sense?
I'd also highly recommend getting as many other Vehicle Inspection Forms and take the best from each form to create the best form for you.
I really want this to be a "living document" that is continually tweaked and improved for the benefit of everyone that detailers cars either as a hobby, part-time or full-time.
:)
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Great news, Mike! Definitely wasn't expecting it to be ready SO soon, especially right after DetailFest. Thanks for all you do for the AG community!
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
That's a great idea! I'm subscribing for sure, can't wait to see it!
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
You are the man Mike! As well as the entire AG community.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Cant wait for the updated version.
-
Re: Mike Phillips VIF or Vehicle Inspection Form
Very nice of you to do this.
I use the from Joe (I stoled it! Now my conscious is clear) on my receipts that documents everything I find while working on a car.
It makes you look more professional and customers love that.
I'm changing my buss. name and need new receipts so I'll use yours and I won't have to steal it, lol.