Express Exteriors With Drip-Dry Cars

Are there any exterior operators who get complaints about residual water after the air dryer? Are you tired of relying on the spot-free rinse defense?

You probably have 3 options:
1. Lock yourself into costly exit-end labor... that won't go away easily. It will only expand.
2. Say "NO" to labor, and ignore the customer complaints. They may go elsewhere, and you risk losing them.
3. Upgrade to AFTERCARE and offer choices.

Exterior operators frequently ask how they can eliminate hand-wiping at the end of their conveyor... and still keep their customers happy? Here's how.

Flex-Serve recommends exterior washing to be done automatically with no exit-end labor after the air dryer. If your cars come out wetter than your customers like, you might correct the problem with a better air dryer? Maybe, maybe not.

In Flex-Serve, all hands-on stuff is done in AFTERCARE, where centralized "teams of two" cross-trained detailers are marshaled in production cells. It only takes two!

Upgrade to Flex-Serve, and provide a quick money-making alternative to drip-dry cars.

TURN LEMONS... INTO SWEET LEMONADE!
Offer a Final-Finish Lusterizing option in the aftercare component. It provides a final wipe-down with the added advantage of a spray-on, wipe-off product (Final Inspection, Quick Detailer, etc.) that enhances the finish and enables you to quickly process the vehicle... and generate a profit. (Many get $5-10 extra) I suggest using an air-gun to apply the lusterizing mist. A pump-sprayer lacks the high-profile presentation of the product & process. It can be quick... and spectacular, too.

Plus, your Service Advisor can easily recommend that... combined with our interior Extreme-Clean (air-purge & vacuum, windows, interior wipe-down, and door jambs) and you're in clover! ($10-15 extra) If you rely on a video presentation, recommend it right at the automated cashier.

AFTERCARE provides rapid-delivery detailing services... which are ANY SERVICES REQUIRING HANDS-ON LABOR!. Two very quick extra-services (between 4-7 total minutes) ... and a $20+ sale!

A number of operators offer Final-Finish Lusterizing as a supplemental service in-between express waxing visits.

No gimmicks or sales pressure required. Simply a sensible choice for customers who seek a bit more "extra attention". And, by offering it, you eliminate complaints by providing a high-value upgrade option.

It's time for Express Exteriors to seriously consider upgrading to Flex-Serve... as a logical means of survival. It's easy and painless... and can be achieved with a minimum of 2 people — People who generate huge profit!

FREE ADVICE... that can make you millions!

-Steve

Steve,
I'm interested in the lusterizing mist you mention as I am considering going to flex serve from full serve. Where would I buy the lusterizer, how much is it approx., etc. I noted that a wash did this in Ohio. They used a air paint spray gun. The mist was very fine, they did'nt use much and it looked great! Resembled a mini detail.

Thanks for your advice.

Joe

Glad to help, Joe. There are a number of spray & wipe products out there. They are positioned as quick detailer spray-on products that offer a quick kick shine.

Meguiar's, Mothers, 3M, and just about every detail products company. Try them and see which one you like best. Since I was involved in the development of the Meguiar's product called Final Inspection, I like it very much. But there are plenty of others. One very important feature, along with the shine lusterizing performance, is the fragrance. If the product being applied to the customers car smells like an upscale formulation, subliminally it will seem to work better.

I strongly recommend the air sprayer. Using a pump-sprayer seems to devalue the process. If you have compressed air, use a paint gun to mist it on. If not, use an airless electric paint sprayer. You only need a little bit. Oh, the Final Inspection product doesn't smear up windows either, A simple buff-wipe with a microfiber cloth or soft cotton towel and ... voila!

Many of my clients easily get an extra $15... with less than a few minutes work! It shines paint, glass, chrome, etc. Be sure to use plenty of showmanship when applying and removing it. Sort of like the flamboyant tip-generating theatrics done by the old boot-black as part of a shoeshine. Remember... IT'S SHOWTIME!

-Steve