3 Reconditioning Trends Worth Following

1.  PayPal’s “PayPal Here” card swiper:  perfect for the mobile tech.

Get your money NOW.

If taking a $500 check from a new customer makes you nervous, look into this new credit card swiper that attaches to your cell phone. It’s called PayPal’s “PayPal Here.” The software and card reader are free. There’s a few reasons it makes a lot of sense for you:

1. No monthly fees.  Banks want $30-$50 a month just to keep your processing account open.  PayPal has no monthly fee or contract.
2. Access your funds today.  Checks take days to clear and cause havoc with your cash flow.
3. Trust and credibility.  People are familiar with and trust PayPal.
4. Speed.  It can be awkward “keying” in your customer’s credit card.  A swipe is fast, and there’s no chance of a misplaced digit.
5. 2.7% fee.  Not bad for an account with no set up or monthly fees.

Learn more about PayPal Here at their site.

2. “Waterless” car washing has arrived.

Wash customers' cars...ANYWHERE.

If you’re not familiar with waterless car washing, it’s a new way of washing a car which requires only 2 gallons of water. You add a solution (like Optimum No Rinse) to a bucket of water, wash the car with a traditional sponge or mitt, then dry with a microfiber towel. Doesn’t scratch the car…even black. Great news for mobile detailers because:

1. No need for a water outlet.  For most cars (NOT mud-covered Baja trucks), you can wash/claybar without running water.  Big time and weight savings.
2. Wash in commercial parks.  I got kicked out of Intel for starting up my pressure washer…they objected to the water runoff reaching their drains.  Waterless gives you access to even the strictest parking lots.
3. Start a mobile wash route.  If hauling around a water tank has been holding you back from mobile washing, the 2 gallon system is a great solution.

3.  Headlight restoration.

There’s been a big marketing push by 3m, Meguiars, and some new-comers to sell headlight restoration kits to pros and hobbyists. Although prices have come down on headlight restoration, there’s one bright spot: the public knows what headlight restoration is…and they want it.  It’s easier to sell than ever.  5 years ago, it took a lot of effort to convince customers that you could truly restore headlight lenses, but this has changed.  It’s a good time to add headlight restoration, and the kit we recommend is the 3M 02516 Headlight Lens Restoration System.