Hi, I have just opened a new business, and i need some advice.?

Question

I have Just opened a Valeting bussiness and I have set my prices to wich i think is the going rate, however I have had people try and knock me down on my prices, saying to me that they can the same service elsewere cheaper, but I take pride in my work and i cant cut corners to do quick job, that is what my bussiness is about, I want to be the best at what i do ,and want to make money doing it.do I give in, for the sake of getting customers or do i stick to my guns. My prices are already discounted. any advice welcome

Answer 1

Stick to your guns and dont give discounts to 'one off customers'. its a word of mouth world in the valeting business so give it time and your efforts will benefit as you dont try ripping people off and take time over what you do

Its hard at first but keep on and you will get there
Just dont let your guard down, its good business sense not to

Answer 2

Negotiating happens everywhere. Firstly dont know if you do it but get yourself some business clients whereby it is either done through the business or is offered to staff. In this instance up your rate by 10% and when they negotiate, if they ask for 10% then think about it and give it the' if we give 10% do we have a deal?'. They will think they have got a discount when infact you had already accounted for it.

Valeting is quite competitive and sometimes especially for the bigger clients will need to show them what you are capable of and if you are a proper valeter they will come back. Too many people think they can valet hence charge half of what a good valet will cost, when in reality they just wash cars. Big difference. If you need any hlep with pitching, let me know. Good luck

Answer 3

It's not the price that matters , It's the service. When I was younger I valeted all sorts. I gave it up because I got too busy. The trouble was , that while I was very good, I could not find people to work to the same standard. I ended up working from 5 am till 10 pm seven days a week. every week. Good money but it was killing me. Stick to your prices if you are pleased with them and the level of service that you provide, You will be able to get customers.

Answer 4

i dont quite understand the question...what kind of valet? i know the parking valet company in downtown minneapolis charges 8 bucks a vehicle, and if someone drives in offering 5 they'll say get the hell out of here i have 15 cars behind you with customers waiting to pay full price that need to be parked...sounds like you clean...if you have enough customers to pay the bills, charge your going rate. new businesses take time to grow, dont let people walk all over you just because you're new. if they dont want to pay the price then tell them to go somewhere else for cheaper...i can guarentee you most of them are lying - they dont know of another place, or much less another place that does it cheaper and does the same quality or better. build up a good clientel and you will have the business and wont have to worry about charging less.

Answer 5

I believe that regardless of the business, people will pay for exceptional service. Perhaps you could establish a loyalty discount, for repeat services. Just make sure that if you are expecting top pay you are willing to go above and beyond the customers expectations. Some people will always try to get a lower price. Even Donald Trump says that he expects a discount and he is a billionaire. Most people just want to see if you are going to accept less and you will be saying to them that maybe you are not worth the price if you cave in. Stand strong and Good luck.

Answer 6

I had a valeting business in the 90's i was doing ok and doing regular work for traders when another company moved into my area and guess what? they quoted cheaper prices and i lost the work....but it depends who you do the work for, some just want a cheap job whilst others prefer quality work and will always return, learn from my experience i dropped my prices to compete and ended up closing cos the price of the cleaning chemicals were going up each year and my profit was going down. Build a reputation on being classy.

Answer 7

I`d offer it at full price the first time, offer your customer the chance to compare with other companies and say "if you prefer mine, and come back, I`ll give you 10% off" or whatever discount you see fit. Give each new client a business card with some kind of stamp on to show that they have used your service.
I think people will come back if the quality is good enough.

Answer 8

STOP, don't lower your prices just yet!!
when in business you need a unique selling point (known as USP) this could be that you'll beat your competitors on price, or it could be that you offer more for the money, or have better customer services etc
i would consider trying increasing your price to attract a better class of customer who are willing to pay that bit more - in return for a better service.
and feel free to keep altering things you do - otherwise you won't find out what works well and what doesn't.
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Answer 9

Claim:
"saying to me that they can the same service elsewere cheaper,"

Answer:
"I'm very surprised you're saying that - and I will pass that on to the owners - because some of the owners were dissatisfied customers from other companies. Our simple goal was to provide 2-3x better service at the same price and if we're not satisfying that I would love to ask that you fill out one of our feedback cards so we can get back on track asap."

Take the knock and ask them to qualify it and help you in the process...be grateful for that feedback...it's an opportunity to plug your commitment.

Answer 10

stick to your guns. if your prices are fair and competitive, then focus on giving the best customer service. some people will do anything to get a cheaper price. once those people realize that your service is better, they will come back to you. build your reputation for being the best, not the cheapest.