Competition Relations in Auto Detailing

There is significant competition in auto detailing and car washing. Even more between types of cleaning businesses, as each company attempts to expand into other services which are the mainstay of similar business models. Many times the line blurs between a car wash, oil change business, truck repair, auto accessories business, electronics installers and auto detailing. What can you do? Well first let's talk about what you should not do. You should not start a war against all your competition. Instead you should maintain good relations with them, even if you find them to be somewhat unethical by nature.

This is similar to the United States Government Strategies in diplomatic relations. Below is an outline, which can help you develop a strategy for dealing in such a hostile business environment. You may wish to modify this outline somewhat and replace a few items or even add in some others. I believe this is a good idea indeed. Once you have printed the outline and modified it then put a couple of paragraphs to each item you will have the beginnings of a comprehensive plan and over all strategy to turn your competition into referral networks. Think on this but act decisively.

COMPETITION RELATIONS

I. KNOW THEM BY NAME

A. People Ask - Say Yes

B. Detailers

C. Mobile Washers

D. Steam Cleaners

E. Who Is Bidding

II. DATA BASES (COMPETITION)

A. Routes

B. Volume

C. Profit

D. Units

E. Employees

F. Types Of Services

G. Phone Numbers

H. Slogans, Company Names

III. ABOUT COMPETITION

A. One Man Operations

B. Competition Is Good

C. Thoughts/Fears/Threats

D. Ego's

E. Future Franchisees

F. Future Word Of Mouth

G. Future Customer Base

H. Manager Employees

IV. AVOID SLANDER TACTICS

A. Don't Participate

B. Structure Sentences Carefully

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

---

Fleet Washing Expansion Considerations

Many times small businesses want to expand their businesses and... Read More

Franchising Pros and Cons

Last week's question from Anthony R. on how to choose... Read More

Encouraging Your Customers to Pay On Time

Nothing can drive a business down faster than customers who... Read More

The Virtual Assistant

As a small business owner, outsourcing work to Virtual Assistants... Read More

Youll See It When You Believe It - Growing Your Business from the Inside Out

What unspoken message are you sending your clients and customers?... Read More

How the Humble Ice Cube Made Business History

Gather round while I tell you the story of Kennebec... Read More

The Truth About Government Grants for Your Business

Free money! Receive up to $25,000 that never has to... Read More

Are You a Small Business Casualty?

When a person knows and knows not that he knows.... Read More

We Know Who THEY Are

Am I the only one that does not have an... Read More

FTC Adding to the Franchise Rule

Last summer the FTC put forth a report and then... Read More

City Wide Garage Sales: Hidden Riches!

Most of us remember going to at least one garage... Read More

Frodos Journey: What It Can Teach You About Marketing Your Small Business

Just recently, I took a break and caught "The Return... Read More

Why is My Restaurant Not Full Every Monday Night?

In a quest for customers and to keep those customers,... Read More

The PR Commitment to Small Business

We're birds of a feather, public relations and small business.... Read More

Hone Your Edge, Stay Focused

A common hazard faced by new entrepreneurs is a lack... Read More

Top Ten Resolves for Building Your Business in 2005

1. Resolve to build a consistent network system.Since referrals are... Read More

Increase Productivity and Business Success - Take Responsibility

Are you responsible for your results?What comes to mind when... Read More

Small Business Franchise Opportunities

Many businesses offer small business franchise opportunities. There are many... Read More

Franchise Buyers from Hell

I ran a franchise company for many years, a car... Read More

Quality Controls for Franchising Companies Sample Outline

Quality control in franchising companies is paramount and all franchising... Read More

There Are No Dumb Business Questions, Not!

Q: I'm curious. What is the dumbest business question you've... Read More

Web Based CRM Systems: Get Mobile; Get Results

Everyday more web based companies enter the business scene. The... Read More

How To Build Business Credit

Having their own business is something many millions of people... Read More

Justice In Action

During the 1980 presidential campaign, candidate Ronald Reagan vowed, if... Read More

11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From The Miracle On Ice

1. Know Where You're Going ? Coach Herb Brooks had... Read More

Deciding Which State To Incorporate Your Small Business In

Once you've decided to incorporate your small business the next... Read More

Winning in Business - Lessons from Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong this week won an unprecedented 7th Tour de... Read More

The Failures Guide to Small Business Success

How many "get rich schemes" have you joined? Or have... Read More

Small Business Success Tip: Learn Something New Everyday

Your grandfather probably told you to "learn something new everyday".... Read More

Small Business Owners - They Owe You The Money Why Dont They Pay?

Doesn't it frustrate you when you've given good service, sometimes... Read More

Cleaning Service Stations with a Pressure Washer

Fuel prices these days are quite high and they take... Read More

Financial Strategies for a Mobile Car Wash Business Plan

Writing a business plan for a mobile car wash is... Read More

So What? How to Elicit Benefits from Features

"So what?" is a lovely question.It can lead to a... Read More