Tie-In Programs Help Community and Drive Traffic to Detailer

May 24, 2010 - PRLog -- Winter can be brutal on a car. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and salt can damage the paint and finish.

And because car owners know much of this damage can be repaired with a professional auto detailing, the spring and summer months can be the most lucrative times of the year for auto detailers.

But how can detailers beef up their sales and take advantage of this opportunity?

One of the best ways, according to Charlie Marinella, head of the auto care division at U.S. Products, is a “tie-in” program with a local charity or nonprofit organization.

“This shows that the detailer is a good citizen,” he says.  “The charity wins, and because it can drive more [customer] traffic to the shop, so does the detailer.”

Marinella says the simplest way to conduct a tie-in program is to give a certain percentage or amount such as $15 off each detailing job to the charity or organization selected.

“The detailer can offer the tie-in to just new customers,” he adds, “but the broader the promotional package, the more effective it is likely to be.”

To begin the program, Marinella suggests the following:

•   Select an organization that has wide appeal. A specific church, for instance, may not be as effective as working with the local Boys and Girls Club.

•   Make sure the organization selected approves of the program and how it will work.

•   Promote the program by sending out press releases or contacting the local news media; placing ads is effective as well. If the charity also does this, it will have even greater impact.

“And if the [tie-in] program is successful, send out notices about that as well,” adds Marinella. “Studies prove that people like to do business with companies that give back to their communities.”

About U.S. Products

U.S. Products has been manufacturing carpet, drapery, upholstery, restoration, and ceiling cleaning equipment for more than 25 years. The company is well known for its innovative internal heating systems that deliver 212 degrees at the wand tip, top-quality components, and solid-state circuitry for precise operation and equipment control.

U.S. Products contact information:
181 West Aqua Ave.
Coeur d' Alene, ID 83815
Visit: www.usproducts.com/carcare
Phone: Charlie Marinella
E-mail: cmarinella@usproducts.com
Professional Car Care Products Division
U.S. PRODUCTS
(800) 257-7982 Ext. 121

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