Things You'll Need:
- Boat cleaning supplies
- Flyers
- Business cards
- Office phone
- Appointment book
-
Step 1
Create a schedule.Decide what your regular hours will be, keeping in mind that most boaters like to use their boats on weekends and evenings after work. Because you are just starting out, you might need to be very flexible with your hours and adjust them to accommodate customers as needed, but it's always good to have at least a basic schedule.
-
Step 2
Advertise your business.Place an ad in the local newspaper, hand out business cards, post flyers and check into placing advertisements in local outdoor magazines or fishing and boating club newsletters. Don't forget online advertising, much if which can be free on sites like Craigslist and Kijiji. Post flyers at places boaters frequent, like marinas, boat shops, bait shops and outdoor outfitters.
-
Step 3
Offer specials.Word of mouth is often the very best advertisement. Offer specials like a free boat detailing for each friend referred to help drum up business. Work with boat dealers and offer to clean a few boats at a boat show for them in exchange for recommendations and referrals. Offer a discount for first-time customers to encourage them to book an appointment.
-
Step 4
Provide excellent service.To gain both repeat and new customers, provide excellent service each and every time. Make sure you are thorough in your detailing, charge a fair price, don't add on any surprise charges, and reliably show up on time. This is one of the most important things you can do to start a successful boat detailing business.
