i have decided to....

[bacwoodsboy]

try something different, i have come to realize that there are 3 groups of clients out there
1.the i dont care(run it through a auto washer etc.)
2.the i'll pay $40-100 group who just want to maintain what they have.
3.the cash out of my butt group who can pay $100-300 bucks for a detail....

i live in a somewhat rural area where the average income is somewhere around $45k-$75k per year...most my clients just wont pay over a hundred buck for a detail.... not saying i havent tried pushing. so i have decided for my demographic area targeting group #2 is my best bet...it will take me more cars to make the same amount but my clients seem very happy with it just looking shiny... i do have a few high end clients but most my group is middle class america ...i think by focusing on this group and offering a budget friendly service the clients will keep it coming back and on a weekly schedule. what do you guys think?

[GlossyTundra]

That is the exact same situation I am in. I have very few customers willing to pay over $100 for anything. Usually, I will end up taking a couple of $100 details and make the same money as one big detail.

[GearHead_1]

Well... absolutely the first rule of a profitable business is to know your market. That said you have to do what it takes in order to make a buck. It also doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. It just means you can't offer the same level of attention that you would a $300 detail. At the prices you are stating you know that your competitors aren't doing the whole shooting match, find out what they are doing and best them. You can still offer the best $100 detail in town.

[bacwoodsboy]

well the good thing is that there are no other professional detailers in my town they are all carwashers who call buffing and polishing body work.....anyway i have expanded down to Panama City Beach and the prices are about the same as the group #2 but there are alot of #3's so i still a 100-300 group there i just have to start the " i'm a trust worthy detailer" thing again anyway thanks for the info guys and always remember the Florida Gators will be winning another title this year