Sign of the times .........

[Joe's detailing]

Found out today another detail shop (competition) closed it's doors...
The high cost of fuel, materials and the sluggish economy put him under, the shop was well respected and offered great results, the owner has decided to go detail at local Ford dealership. I'm now the only ''REAL'' detail shop in 30 mile range of big cities..

[Sal329]

Re: Sign of the times .........

Good news for you

[Heatgain]

Re: Sign of the times .........

But a little bit scary.

[OhioCarBuff]

Re: Sign of the times .........

I'd say it's primarily due to the economy. Everybody that owns a business has been saying things have been down this last couple of years.

[jpitt1987]

Re: Sign of the times .........

I know for my parents car business, it has been rather slow. Especially at the car auctions, the prices have really "bottomed out", as my dad likes to describe it....

Hopefully you can benefit greatly from being the only detailer though.

[Sydster]

Re: Sign of the times .........

Good news for you

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Sign of the times .........

Sad for the other guy, You said he did great work. But it is good for you. Good luck.

[roushstage2]

Re: Sign of the times .........

Bummer he closed up. Hopefully he still posts on occasion...

[mcox]

Re: Sign of the times .........

Hey Joe,

Did he go to Holland, South Haven or there in Allegan? Just curious.

[mcox]

Re: Sign of the times .........

Oh yeah, I forgot. Are there any "big" cities anywhere near you and M89. LOL

[RacerX88]

Re: Sign of the times .........

It is a shame to hear of a competitor quitting the business. In fact, competitors help each other by creating more awareness for a product/service. Any advertising (up to a point) helps create demand for the service.
Does he have a customer list it might let you look at?

I thought this was an interesting point of view (linky)

Marketing dollars spent during a down economy are far more powerful than similar dollars spent during good times, because each dollar represents a greater percentage of the overall marketing expenditure in your industry. While other companies drastically cut their expenditures, your consistency means that you stand out more in the minds of your target audiences. While other companies hack-and-slash their advertising budgets, you continue to show up in relevant media. This projects strength and stability in a way that supports any brand strategy. It provides valuable differentiation that will contribute to increasing sales more rapidly in the short term, and toward building your long-term branding success.

Rob

[Joe's detailing]

Re: Sign of the times .........

Hey Joe,

Did he go to Holland, South Haven or there in Allegan? Just curious.

Plainwell.

Oh yeah, I forgot. Are there any "big" cities anywhere near you and M89. LOL

Grand Rapids, K-zoo, Holland thats about it ...