We want to be better!

Barry

Barry

Paint Fanatic
Staff member
For last two months Andy, James and I have been brainstorming as to what to do this year to make us better, we think customer service is in good shape and we do a pretty good job shipping and considering the volume we ship the 4-5 mistakes we made last year would be considered good but we are going to try for zero mistakes this year.

Now my question to you is what can we do better?
What don't you like, about how we do certain things?
Give me an honest opinion of our pricing structure, as I think we have allowed us to get to cheap and now we get compared to the crap lines, is that hurting us?

I'm not looking for any praise and feel free to hit me square between the eyes, as I may not see the problem that you do and I want to know.
 
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Okay, here's my suggestion: Re-write your product descriptions and brag up each items strong points. Write them so the guys comparing shop line paint can see that SPI is far and away the best choice for their money.
I would almost recommend letting a non-professional painter write them so as nothing is left out. You guys know so much that you take for granted other people know certain things about paint when not all of them do. Give a list of the features that make your paint top of the line, a list of tips for best results, and then the rest of the technical data needed and have someone add the "salesmanship" aspect.
I believe this would boost your sales considerably - but that's just me, a lowly, part time restorer and faithful customer. :)
 
How about some videos of shooting clear and primers? You know, when your spraying some test panels do a short video and post on you website. Maybe that might cut back on some of the phone calls you have to deal with Barry. I know it's a double edged sword though and you should be dealing with a caliber of people that don't need that, but it might might help people starting out.

How about a time lapse where you shoot some primer and then go back and show how easy it is to sand and won't clog your paper?

Or how about showing a glass smooth finish right out of the gun (which you can do with your clears) and then fast forward to show how there is less cutting and buffing, that could be a selling point also.
 
I think everything SPI has and does is great! I wouldn't worry about the pricing level creating a comparative to lower line products-I know the people using the product realize just how good it is regardless of price. I think the only thing that may make people hesitant on trying the products is the size of the company, once they try it they are sold. Has the increased advertising in 2010 increased sales? I always see DuPont, HOK, and PPG at all of the big shows-maybe a good SPI display at these shows would spark enough interest to grow sales? I also think it's probably a lot tougher without a color line to get primers and clears in the collision shop-but once tried they probably sell just fine regardless of what color is being used? Bottom line is the products are great but getting the word out needs to be improved, JMO
 
I think your continued growth ever single year while most other companys are losing sales all day long is testament enough to leave things alone.. I think upping prices more comparable to PPG etc may drive more shops to buy and increase sales, however I think you could lose customers who have used your products because of the affordability as well as the outstanding quality..

It aint broke Bubba.. Dont fix it
 
Ok Barry you asked lol

I like the newer labels in your new products, while your older product labels look well, just old and very generic. The MS is one hell of a nice clear coat and its
current label doesn't do it any justice IMO. It might sound dumb and trivial to us but some fools are all about IMAGE.

I guess having the same newer label design across the board will make SPI look better as a brand.

Some people have hinted at the website, weather a newer modern website would be of any help on sales I have not the slightest clue, but I
think it would make SPI look better for the people that just heard of it and happen to look you up online.

Some people like to look at pictures of shiny cars, I bet you have some awesome pictures of TOP DOLLAR cars in your office wall, well it would be
good for everybody to be able to see them as well, that will make the skeptics look twice.

The current SPI magazine ad is pretty cool, but one time I showed it to someone and the "3 Pebble Beach" cars and the "34 Barret Jackson" little banners
caught his attention, then he asked me where he could see some pictures online of these cars, well I had no answer for him on that, I think people should
be able too see the awesome cars that wear SPI.


While I'm at it, would it be feasible to have a BC/CC blender, even if it's not in a rattle can? I'm too cheap for the Upol can blender lol.

Just my $ .02
 
Jorge M.;4347 said:
Ok Barry you asked lol

Some people like to look at pictures of shiny cars, I bet you have some awesome pictures of TOP DOLLAR cars in your office wall, well it would be
good for everybody to be able to see them as well, that will make the skeptics look twice.

The current SPI magazine ad is pretty cool, but one time I showed it to someone and the "3 Pebble Beach" cars and the "34 Barret Jackson" little banners
caught his attention, then he asked me where he could see some pictures online of these cars, well I had no answer for him on that, I think people should
be able too see the awesome cars that wear SPI.
Click to expand...

There are pictures on the web site:

http://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/Photos - clears.htm
 
[QUOTE='68 Coronet R/T;4337]OK, here's my suggestion: Re-write your product descriptions and brag up each items strong points. Write them so the guys comparing shop line paint can see that SPI is far and away the best choice for their money.
I would almost recommend letting a non-professional painter write them so as nothing is left out. You guys know so much that you take for granted other people know certain things about paint when not all of them do. Give a list of the features that make your paint top of the line, a list of tips for best results, and then the rest of the technical data needed and have someone add the "salesmanship" aspect.
I believe this would boost your sales considerably - but that's just me, a lowly, part time restorer and faithful customer. :)[/QUOTE]

This is a brilliant Idea and will be done with in 6 months, I'm the worlds worst at writing something and assuming the guy knows something..
 
Arrowhead;4339 said:
How about some videos of shooting clear and primers? You know, when your spraying some test panels do a short video and post on you website. Maybe that might cut back on some of the phone calls you have to deal with Barry. I know it's a double edged sword though and you should be dealing with a caliber of people that don't need that, but it might might help people starting out.

How about a time lapse where you shoot some primer and then go back and show how easy it is to sand and won't clog your paper?

Or how about showing a glass smooth finish right out of the gun (which you can do with your clears) and then fast forward to show how there is less cutting and buffing, that could be a selling point also.
Click to expand...

I had thought about this yesterday as I was prepping the door on the vette to paint a result of first road trip to restaurant. This deserves consideration, would not have to be real elaborate either.
 
#4 Bob Hollinshead
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Join Date:Aug 2010
Posts:184I think everything SPI has and does is great! I wouldn't worry about the pricing level creating a comparative to lower line products-I know the people using the product realize just how good it is regardless of price. I think the only thing that may make people hesitant on trying the products is the size of the company, once they try it they are sold. Has the increased advertising in 2010 increased sales? I always see DuPont, HOK, and PPG at all of the big shows-maybe a good SPI display at these shows would spark enough interest to grow sales? I also think it's probably a lot tougher without a color line to get primers and clears in the collision shop-but once tried they probably sell just fine regardless of what color is being used? Bottom line is the products are great but getting the word out needs to be improved, JMO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Those adds in 2010 in ABRN and Bodyshop business paid big dividends, we are going to do instead of a full add this year for six months run 2 half page adds in both magazines for six months- April-October.
One ad will be for the restro and the other ad for the insurance shop (someone we have not paid attention to.)
 
Bondoking;4342 said:
I think your continued growth ever single year while most other companys are losing sales all day long is testament enough to leave things alone.. I think upping prices more comparable to PPG etc may drive more shops to buy and increase sales, however I think you could lose customers who have used your products because of the affordability as well as the outstanding quality..

It aint broke Bubba.. Dont fix it
Click to expand...

I like a good YES man! LOL
 
Jorge M.;4347 said:
OK Barry you asked lol

I like the newer labels in your new products, while your older product labels look well, just old and very generic. The MS is one hell of a nice clear coat and its
current label doesn't do it any justice IMO. It might sound dumb and trivial to us but some fools are all about IMAGE.

I guess having the same newer label design across the board will make SPI look better as a brand.

Some people have hinted at the website, weather a newer modern website would be of any help on sales I have not the slightest clue, but I
think it would make SPI look better for the people that just heard of it and happen to look you up online.

Some people like to look at pictures of shiny cars, I bet you have some awesome pictures of TOP DOLLAR cars in your office wall, well it would be
good for everybody to be able to see them as well, that will make the skeptics look twice.

The current SPI magazine ad is pretty cool, but one time I showed it to someone and the "3 Pebble Beach" cars and the "34 Barret Jackson" little banners
caught his attention, then he asked me where he could see some pictures online of these cars, well I had no answer for him on that, I think people should
be able too see the awesome cars that wear SPI.


While I'm at it, would it be feasible to have a BC/CC blender, even if it's not in a rattle can? I'm too cheap for the Upol can blender lol.

Just my $ .02
Click to expand...

What we are doing is as we run out of labels and reprint we are going to more colors and block letters, does like you say make it look a lot better.
MS I'm going to start Monday on that because I agree and that label has been the same of 11 years.

RE blender can, we are trying but not having success on the can packaging part.
 
I have no idea of cost/dividend but your website sucks. I try and refer anyone and everyone to it and some cannot even find the pricing page!
The web is becoming a larger part of everyday, it's time to get your site upgraded to equal your product IMHO.
 
a couple good points have been brought up and are the 2 biggest things i have noticed over the years. i dont know how much these are going to increase sales but they are definately not on par with the product you are selling. #1 the labels (new labels are great) #2 the website and spi logo. dont get me wrong, they work but as said very generic. its like when someone hands me a business card, if its an old plain white or one they the person has printed from home or anything like that my first impression is that i'm not dealing with a professional or if i am, he is to lazy to have a professional design and print some cards so what does that say about his work. now all of us know the product is fantastic and we dont give a second thought to the website or labels but to those who dont know the product its a bit different. the labels can come over time as you run out of each one. the website you need to start by having a new spi logo designed up and then the website can be redone. the white circle with plain black text in it just doesn't cut it. product is great, presentation is lacking which in my opinion when you are dealing with professionals you need to look professional. unfortunately in this world no matter what you are selling its not the quality, its the presentation and marketing that sells a product. how many things have you seen out there thats the hot new thing that everyone is buying or has and its made like junk or crap....probably 50% of the stuff out there. your current site has more info and pics on it but if i remember right the site you had originally, 6-7 years ago i think with a 350z at the top had a more professional feel to it than the current one. wayne, the guy who built my bike has a nice, clean and simple but very professional looking site.....http://www.ransombikes.com. i believe han said his sister is a web designer. i've never seen any of her work but maybe he can give you some links to sites she has done. being a web designer doesn't mean you get a professional site either. there are alot of really bad professional sites out there. same with restoring cars, you need to hunt down talent. same goes for the logo. once you get the website in place you can start adding videos, user galleries and tons of other stuff. this forum can then be incorporated right into the site....food for thought.
 
I agree with the labels and the website. Doesn't have to be something you dump a ton of money into. The site above jim referenced, something like that is perfect. Very simple but clean and professional. I love the newer style labels like the euro clear and universal clear labels. We all know this a professional crowd here and a professional business...but to those on the outside looking in, like others have said, image is everything to them. I guess it's just society today...kinda like walking up to an old beaten and battered barn with a rough concrete floor, opening up the door and BAM there's a knock your eyeballs out hotrod sitting there that was done completely in that barn...no one would have ever known and alot wouldn't believe it. happens all the time! Product can only sell itself for so long before you have to invite those "lurkers" in, and i use that term in a good way. Before i used spi, i was on the fence for a while. I saw all those guys at different forums putting it down, but realized they had no info to back it up...then i started browsing the website and i gotta tell ya..i was kinda put off a little because i knew NOTHING about spi. Maybe if you could incorporate in the website how SPI got up and running..just a little background info. Of course, after using the uv clear for the first time, i was sold!!
 
I agree with the labels big time.. Especially the old ones. Very generic. And from what I remember pretty much the same as the old u-tech labels.

If you are looking for website designer.. Look up graphicdisorder.com. He's pretty good.

Last year I would have suggested another clear, but you nailed that with the euro.

Don't think it would help sales at all, but what about a few pages in the back with a article about soda blasting, and maybe one about etch primer,, may save a lot of people some grief.. If they don't log online and research it they may never see the negatives. If anything it may help from loosing sales. If a guy sprays over etch and has problems he's going to blame the products on top of it. Which if spi could cause some negative feedback.
 
web easy pro7 is a great software to build your own. i'm using it but i'm slow as molasses on it.
 
I agree that a marketing professional should examine every way that SPI presents itself, from PDS sheets to can labels.

As far as products go, there isn't any liquid paint material I use a lot of that SPI doesn't supply, except color.

Can a paint company ever really be a player without color? I believe there was more prestige associated with being able to produce a job that really is "all SPI."
 
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