What are the do's and dont's of doing dealer work? Is it wise to target the bigger or smaller lots? How do you approach them, phone, email, walk in? Do some lots have their cars already done when they are bought?
Most dealers have their own detailers and the work is sub par at best. I work for a dealer for 3 days after I found out how they work and what they call detailing I quite. They want a complete detail done in 4.5 hours! They want complete interior cleaning,polish and waxed in that time. If you can get a dealer to use you thats great but they won't pay you much.
In this city, Indianapolis, dealer work is both a boon and a bust for storefront and mobile operators. It is a boon because dealers have plenty of work in the winter and if you are able to get an account, then you can earn revenue. However, the dealers will not pay for your "quality" at the rate you normally demand in the open market. That is the bust aspect of the deal. Increased volume will increase your business expenses and dealer work, in most instances, pays at the cheapest rate. Here the average ranges from 9.00 to 13.00 per labor hour. A typical auto rebrander (used car dealer) wants the interior cleaned, and exterior polished etc., and is willing to pay 40-60.00. Exterior detailing expenses range 5.00 - 11.00 per car, and if you hire someone to assist you then labor expenses range 7.50- 9.00 per hour. My point is that dealers want a lot but their work does not contribute much to the profit margin unless you can get a long term deal that will allow you to spread the cost over a large volume.
Most dealers, atleast in my town have in house guys who use brillo pads and cow piss to wash down the cars prior to sale, trust me thats pushing the envelope for them at that level.
