I was wondering, what do you mobile, or even shop guys, consider to be professional/unprofessional, as far as appearance? Would/do you show up to work in shorts and sandals? Or do some of you consider that a no-no? Obviously, your vehicle you arrive in should be in pretty good condition, and organized. Anything else you guys make sure is in order?What are your views on showing up as a self-contained guy, using gas-engine generators to run your equipment? They are loud and annoying to the customer as well as their neighbors, but are there really any good alternatives? Yeah, power inverters run off your truck, but then you are still running your truck...
I do not do mobile, but I would show up in a clean uniform, or atleast "work attire" you represent yourself and your company, I dont care how good you are..... you roll up in flip flops and shorts you look like a low rent slob to me.
Professional Working Attire Distinguish yourself from the competition; always ensure you look more like a "business" than just someone who cleans cars. Selling your service to an audience - it follows then, that if the salesman doesn't look the part, he can expect the door to be slammed in his face. Perception is reality from the customer's point of view. A clean and well presented work vehicle, wearing a polo shirt and dark colour khaki pants or shorts; gives people confidence in you and your business; which is the main reason most people choose to purchase your services. Jeans and / or t-shirts present the wrong image. For a few extra dollars you can get a few polo shirts embroidered with your company name / logo instead. And ensure their work attire is maintained in as clean a condition as possible. Dark gray, dark blue and black of course work the best. It goes without saying quality is of paramount importance. If you do not put out a quality product, no amount of professional image will make you successful. Work Vehicle Make sure to keep your work vehicle clean and scratch free as your work vehicle speaks to your work, and that’s going to the first vehicle they look at
I personally wear either black jeans or dark pants if I am doing a mobile detail. At my shop, it's always black or blue jeans. My shirt is always either my black "owner" shirt or one of my black "employee" polos with my logo printed on it. Well groomed and beard never too long. Clean hands when meeting and greeting clients is a must.
haha this is not against you, but I always think..."who wants to look like a slob when meeting a customer...really, who wants to look like a slob, anytime?" seems pretty simple...clean clothes, clean hands, some sort of put together uniform... I am fully mobile. Summer = Merrel water shoes, darker grey shorts, short sleeve shirt with my logo. I don't wear polos while working b/c they get uncomfortable so I have moisture wicking type material t shirt...like the climacool material. I do have embroidered polos if I am meeting with a new customer to give an estimate. Make sure your van looks good inside as well. I have all my stuff organized nicely with drawers labeled for specific towels, products, etc and I have had customers make comments on how neat it was. doesn't mean i got the work specifically bc of that but it leaves a good impression. Winter = Brown work boots, dickie work pants, under armor with short sleeve shirt with logo, or long sleeve shirt with logo. Sweatshirt with logo. I have a generator but if a customer can provide electricity I will ask to use that to cut down on noise. most are fine with it.
I couldn't have said this better myself. I don't care how good you are, or think you are, if you want people to treat you as a professional, act like one. This means showing up in proper attire with a well organized vehicle or shop. I prefer clothing from Arcteryx, North Face and Columbia as it stands up well, is super comfortable and dries quickly when wet. I picked up a couple North Face Polos this year made from water wicking material. They look great and are comfortable, even on hot days because of the material. For what it's worth, my Arcteryx pants were $140 ( stupid money for work pants, I know ) but I beat the crap out of one pair over three years, sent them in for a broken zipper and they sent me a new pair. I immediately ruined that pair with a wheel acid we were testing and they replaced that pair as well, even though it was obviously my fault. Expensive? Yes. But worth it.
Oh, believe me, I would NEVER show up to a job looking like a slob, I was just asking in case some may have higher standards than I. Personally, I agree with everything I am hearing, and would be that way anyways.
During the summer, when people drop their car off at my house for me to detail, I: - shower beforehand - trim the beard (not shave, I look 12 when that happens) - greet them with a firm hand shake - smile - nice clean clothes (polo/jeans) - make friendly small talk (if they want to) - then give them an estimate on how long it will take Once the leave... T-SHIRT, SHORTS, AND TENNIS SHOES!!! Its waaaaaaay too humid in STL some days... and I am over weight... and no one wants the big boy sweat on their leather.
Wheelz25, what kind of merrell shoes do you have? Would you recommend them? I've been looking for shoes that waterproof or at least water resistant.
Sorry just noticed your question... I have these WaterPro Manistee Mens Sandals - Merrell.com. I would definitely recommend them. Very comfortable, lightweight, and dry out relatively quick. During the winter I wear these. Rocky Ranger Steel Toe Waterproof Insulated Boot, 0006247 , Rocky - Rocky Outdoor Gear
I'm mobile and I have both polos and t-shirt like shirts for the hot months. The t-shirt like shirts are more like a dri-fit polo but without the collar. They are lighter than the polos and are great for the hot weather. But they are also professional looking. If the weather isn't too hot I always go with the polo just because it's more professional looking.
I know most professional detailers wear really nice and comfortable outfits ... I really like the outfit Dave, Bob, and TimAD wear during their detail sessions.
Dave wrote a really good and thorough thread about this awhile back, might be worth reading over in addition to the contributions made to this thread. http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/off-topic/13730-tips-mobile-detailer-dsms.htm
