Could this even be some what profitable or just a huge waste... Been having people tell me to try it out?
Give these threads a read: http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/auto-bliss/32869-why-you-dont-use-discount-coupon.htm http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/off-topic/29823-local-detailer-promoting-via-livingsocial.htm
You might make a profit in the end, but you need to ask yourself whether you want to work for people who are looking for the cheapest price possible instead of people who actually value quality work. Most of the detailing deals on these sits are hacks and do nothing but devalue the rest of us.
Groupon, Living socials are for people whose only concern in life is price, quality a distant second. I know some business owners who have used groupon and it was a disaster, horrible service from Groupon, the clients it brought in were bottom of the barrel and even two years later people are calling whining about wanting to use an expired groupon, and this is a high end salon where my wife gets her hair done. She did a groupon thinking it would bring in new business. She already has a huge client list and does very well, but was looking outside the box. People would come in and tip on the discounted amount, ask for free services, and further discounts on products etc that were not covered by the groupon. Basically think "super cuts" crowd in a business that charges $150.00 for a cut and hair coloring. Groupon works for places like Jamba Juice, coffee shops etc, but even those business complain about the customers..... Granted some businesses could use all the help they can get. People are vultures, its rather pathetic how people act when they are looking for a discount.
I have certainly found this to be true, I have run 3 groupons so far for our detailing, but we kept it to a basic detail, something we could do quickly without suffering quality, and capped how much to sell at 150. but now the customers are getting worse, the first two times was great, but people are hurting and running a groupon will hurt if you keep on doing it. It's sad that people abuse it, soooooo cheap. They even try to get other deals not realizing that they already got a HUGE deal!!!! what is wrong with people. JUST BE HAPPY ALREADY!!!
We were left with a horrendous Groupon/Living Social deal after taking over a detail shop and this is a huge waste of time/money/effort/status. Not only is it a great deal to the consumer, but it makes your service seem cheap overall and no longer exclusive. The clients willing to pay actual prices are more then happy to do so without an issue since they know what goes into a detail of our caliper vs. 10 minute carwash and are more likely to be returning clientele.
Had got all the info from them today... They wanted to knock off 50% of price and take 50% profit... I told em not interested anymore and shut the whole thing down... Plus I read all the links, thanks by the way for em!
Yep; I've heard that's their standard rate (50% off). Pfft, yeah right... Remember, unlike many companies on Groupon what we offer is a service, not a product.
Living social has a better deal for the business owner, but IMO its all the same, unless its for a hair cut or cup of coffee its really a joke..........and I would never use it for my business and I wont even buy them. I hear stories from friends "yeah, the service there was great until i pulled out my groupon, then they rushed me out the door, and the service slopped off" I think there is a stigma behind those who use those types of discounts.
What is groupon basing the base prices off of. Do you tell them or are they going off a website search for your business? If they're asking you to set the price, jack it up! If I offer a wash and wax deal for $100 normally, there's no way I would sell the service for $25 (after discounts).
Has any of the detailers here ever tried anything like groupon just for added business during slow times? I do have a buddy who does really good detail work over in Colorado who on occasion does these types of deals with great succes. He's usually never slow but it has worked for him. I myself has thought of it but really never pulled the trigger as i'm a bit worried on what the outcome would be.
Groupon and such are more about exposure and added business after the Groupon deal runs out. The idea is not discounted service as such, but making people aware of your business. It's just many businesses would like to attract new clients with lower pricing... How about offering something extra to Groupon customers on top of the regular price? Something that your customers can and will actually use, yet cheap on your end and in packaging that has your logo/address? Small spray bottle with all purpose cleaner (since it's usually a dilluted mixture, it won't cost much to the detailer?). Offer basic hand car wash and then try to upsell them for an extra service (clean inside of the car, wax, etc.). In the end, I'm not in the detailing business, so it is not my decision to make. Perhaps if you are in a small town, it makes little to no sense; however if you are located in a big city - I can see a clear benefit to trying a Groupon deal (I live in NYC and I won't be surprised if there is a detailer within a few blocks from my house - but unless I just happen to pass by his place and see him working or if he advertises his business somewhere where I look/read/watch, I simply won't know about him). P.S. Remember, regular John Doe from down the street would not be interested in a $50 (or whatever the price is for your hand wash) car wash - he can run down the block or two and have his car washed in auto car wash for $10. People who spend extra money to wash their car can and will return if they like the service.
