Dealer Etiquette

[jdmser]

As of last week I picked up my 5th dealer. None of them had been sending me more than a couple cars a week until this one which have given me two cars a day since last Friday. Today when I let them know one of their cars was ready I also told them that I wouldn't be able to get any new cars back to them before this coming Friday as I'm booked solid tomorrow. I don't have enough work yet to hire somebody but, I don't want these guys to wait and end up going somewhere else. Also, they've been dropping off cars without calling ahead. I'm fine with that as long as I'm not booked but, what do I tell them if I can't get it back to them for a couple of days?

[Russecu]

I would think if they are dropping them off without notice then they are not in a big hurry to get them back. If they leave keys then tell them that if they do that then you will get to it the day after or two. If they want it done soon and on a schedule then reserve your time.

[Ivan Rajic]

I've never personally done a volume dealer account but I've looked into it quite a bit. From what I hear, the general consensus is that if you want to do dealer work you have to have enough workers to cover whatever they throw at you. Otherwise, they'll go elsewhere.

Obviously, this isn't cast in stone, so I'd suggest simply talking to the manager and figure things out with him. If they plan on giving you a lot of work consistently, then you know to hire someone to help out.

Long story short, unless you have a great relationship with the dealer and they don't need the cars back asap, you might lose the account if you can't cover the demand they provide.

[jdmser]

Funny you mention that because it's exactly what I did. I spoke with the owner and expressed my desire to improve turnaround for him. His response was kind of shocking. He told me he was happy with how things are going and that I'm twice as fast and do more work per car than anybody else he's used around here. I've actually done two of their cars that were "detailed" by the last guy. I'm still looking for a part time employee that can do hand washes when the details aren't here though.

[Ivan Rajic]

Funny you mention that because it's exactly what I did. I spoke with the owner and expressed my desire to improve turnaround for him. His response was kind of shocking. He told me he was happy with how things are going and that I'm twice as fast and do more work per car than anybody else he's used around here. I've actually done two of their cars that were "detailed" by the last guy. I'm still looking for a part time employee that can do hand washes when the details aren't here though.

Your best bet is to find someone that can work on an as-needed basis. There are usually many younger people that are into detailing and might just be starting out on their own, but have no work and would probably pitch in as you need them. Best of luck!

[BigLeegr]

Don't forget about retirees as well. Sometimes they are looking for something to keep busy but aren't looking for a daily job. Plus they may have experience.