Michael Green has been a detailer since August of 1999. With over 20 years of experience, he’s established his mobile detailing business – Ultra Shine Auto Detail – as a high-end detailer in the Dallas area.
Many customers today trust Michael with their Ferraris and Lamborghinis worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. But Michael admits that he made some big mistakes when he first started out as a detailer. He underpriced his services and undervalued himself just to get customers. Over time, however, he’s learned more about solid business practices and how to work smarter.
Mobile Tech RX – Professional Technology for a Professional Business
Michael heard about Mobile Tech RX from a PDR technician. After Michael saw how much the Mobile Tech RX app really helped his friend create estimates, make more money, and organize his business, Michael knew he needed to try it for himself.
Mobile Tech RX helps Michael estimate correctly and look professional while he’s doing it. With the mobile detailing app, he’s not quoting from his head, and he’s not missing things.
It’s common, Michael said, that he discovers new things once he starts working on a car. These surprises can add up to a lot of extra work that he didn’t account for when he was estimating it. When new things come up, it’s hard to get through all of the cars he has lined up. If he detailed 1 car instead of 5 or 6 and he didn’t charge extra for it, he would be leaving a lot of money on the table. Michael calls the new mobile detailing app a “win-win for me and for my customers.”
“If I were to quote a customer before I saw their car, chances are I’m not getting paid what I’m worth. There’s no question for what I charge now, because it’s written out in cold hard letters on the Mobile Tech RX app.”
Not only does Mobile Tech RX’s estimating technology help Michael justify his prices, but it also helps him sell future work. He can quote someone on an add-on service like paint correction for a follow-up. Then he works with his customers to schedule a future appointment to get it done.
He also loves the photo feature, because it helps take liability off of him when a car comes in with prior damage. Once Michael had to pay a customer $1500 for a window that had concrete on it. He never worked with concrete and knew he didn’t cause the damage, but at the time, he didn’t have definitive proof. To protect his reputation, he felt that he had to compensate the customer for it.
Making Decisions to Run a Smarter Business
Michael runs a strictly mobile detailing business, which has worked really well for him. He doesn’t have to pay for a facility, it gives him complete mobility and flexibility, and his customers love it.
One interesting business decision that Michael has made in his later years has been to eliminate some of his customers. While it might seem counterintuitive, his decision to purposefully move to more niche markets has been smart business.
At one time, Ultra Shine Auto Detail was serving 250 to 300 customers every month. Today, he’s moved upmarket and now only serves a fraction of that: about 35-40 customers. His attention is focused on high-end cars that require more expensive services like ceramic coating application and maintenance. He’s only servicing a fraction of the original, and he’s making 3 to 4 times more money than before.
Staying Current with Innovation
Michael’s ability to serve the high end of the market stems from his ability to stay up-to-date with the cutting edge of innovation in detailing. He’s always looking for the new product, technique, and/or technology that will help him deliver higher quality and get more customers. This includes things like new wheel coatings, sealants, pet stones, and new technology like Mobile Tech RX.