Question
When should I take their payment?
Should I require a deposit beforehand?
At which point should I buy materials?
Should I schedule their appointments before or after they pay?
I'm thinking I'll have the customers schedule a drop off time, take cash up front at drop off, buy materials, paint the vehicle, and then schedule a pickup time.
Also I am thinking of a website for the paint shop where customers can select car color to give estimates.
Should I accept online payments or no?
In person cash or credit?
Answer
So many great questions here. Every market is different so the most important thing you can do is research your current marketing. Here's what I would do if I was you.
1. Go online and visit the 5 biggest paint shops in your town. Using the questions you just asked answer each and every one of them.
2. Pick the strengths of each answer and implement that in your own paint shop. Discard what you don't like. Focus on things that will make the customer experience smooth and efficient.
3. Create a website to build your brand but don't worry about taking payments online just yet. You need to prove your business model by face-to-face agreements. Websites are the new business card. You want to get that up asap.
Hope that helps. If you want more business advice I'd love to chat with you.
Mario Ashley
http://ashleyashleydesigngroup.com
