Approaching a dealership...

[Guest drew675]

Hey guys, currently i work at a shop that caters to higher end cars and dealers surrounding the area. I live near a bunch of smaller dealerships near the outskirts and think it might be an untapped resource. My question is how do you approach a dealership and convince them that they should sell my service? I can offer tint and paint protection. Also would you guys suggest that i ask for a cheque in hand or collect work orders and submit them to their accounting?

Thanks for you info!

-Andrew

[TintJunkie]

First find out if they are using someone. All you have to do is call the service manager and ask. If he isnt using anyone, ask him if he would be interested. Its that simple. If you get in, buy lots of headache medicine.

[Jayz81]

Small dealers cash only or credit card until you establish the relationship you feel comfortable with , IMHO

[coast2coasttinting]

most my automotive work is for dealerships and yes it can be easy to get in. If they don't have anyone they are using for tint work it's a shoe in. If they are already using someone maybe alittle tougher but car dealers are always looking for ways to save money, so if you can give them quaility work for a better price then they are paying now. Then they should atleast give you a shot. Now once you get in make sure you give them top quaility work and nothing less. The first time a saleman has to explain a bad window to their customer you will never hear from them again. And as for headaches YES car salesman don't really give a dam about you. If you want do dealership work at new car lots you really I mean REALLY better be on your A GAME.

[VIP tint + glass]

easy to get in = easy for your competition to steal it away from you

[Guest Darknesswithin]

don't get your hopes up,,, dealerships are Not loyal and will go with the cheapest guy out there so believe what VIP said ..

otherwise best of luck, I would try to lock them down with a contract of some sort,., I got 2 this month with a few simple set terms

[Guest abc40kids]

Dealerships want someone thats gonna be there to hold their hand 24/7 and if you have the patience and the ability to handle the car when they call you can make some good money.I'm the most exspensive shop around and have lost some work to dealers that try to save a buck but they always come back.If you want to keep a dealership and not worry about some fly-by-night shop taking your business because he's cheaper make sure you do it right the first time,be professional with your billing,don't get upset when the aftermarket girls have you running the lot for a car thats not even there.All my dealers have price sheets,displays,brochures...make it as easy as you can for them.I give my dealers a discounted price and only use lifetime film,I did a car for FREE last month(2010 Challenger)to help the GM out of a bad situation,but it all comes back around.I called the same dealer two days ago and asked them if they wanted a jeep hooked up to put out front before Christmas(lift kit,tint,wheels and tires)he said go for it,just don't bill me till Jan.1,it's gonna be in front of his dealership tomorrow!Like others said just start visiting dealers and make sure your talking to the right person...not a salesperson.I always ask if they have a aftermarket dept. then move to the service dept. and if no luck I go for the GM.Have your price sheet ready,brochure of your film,even a spread sheet of say 1 month doing 10 to 15 cars.Show him what he can make with you doing all the work.Dealers are charging double what you charge and thats what it's all about to them...money.Remember also to be on your game,be confident in what your trying to do,you only have a few minutes to sell them on your shop.If your able to look into some east bolt on accessories(hitches,nerf bars,bug deflectors...)you can make money and save them money because the aftermarket parts are less expensive than their own parts from their parts dept.Good luck and don't give in too early,it may take a few visits to get them on board and for what it's worth the dealerships are'nt for everyone but there is good money in it if you can handle the stress of it.Throw a few Starbucks gift cards around every once in awhile and they will remember you.

[Guest drew675]

Thanks for the info guys!

-Andrew

[stephentheno]

I now agree with everyone, I previously had an account with a local accesory shop who talked me up like I was the greatest guy ever and when I wasn't able to do a car for the THAT SECOND (like the always want) I was the biggest a**hole to ever walk the planet. So if you want to get dealer accounts I suggest that being your only business because if you can't do a vehicle for them due to conflicting appointments they will walk out on you. They have no loyalty or respect. Just my two cents...

[TintWizard]

The best advice I can give is do not paint all dealerships with the same prejudice brush as some previous advice. Fact is there are good ones and bad ones, dead beats, great payers, bottom price ones, pay for quality ones. The trick is to weed out the good ones from he bad ones and bend over backwards with good service to the ones that earn your respect in return. They are not all the same, it won't happen overnight to know the good from the bad, it's a learning curve and will take time to get it down to the good ones.

Edited February 3, 2011 by TintWizard