Wow Factor
The Professional Car Cleaning franchise offered Scott Mackenzie an excellent opportunity at a price he could afford

Scott Mackenzie was one of the first franchisees to sign up with Professional Car Cleaning (PCC), the fastest growing mobile valeting franchise in Europe, following its launch in 2006. Two years down the line 29- year-old Scott is thoroughly enjoying his continued success, which he puts down to “Professionalism, quality of service and the wow factor”.

A former IT specialist, Scott now describes himself as “An expert in machine polishing and automotive paintwork” and helps run ‘detailing’ training courses at PCC’s head office in the Midlands for his fellow franchisees. He describes his business experience as “fantastic” and says that he’s much more relaxed and self-confident as a result of being his own boss.

Scott previously worked for a large financial services company and explains that he had had enough of corporate culture.“I was fed up of being tied to a desk and dealing with loads of red tape,” he says.“I wanted to work for myself and decided a franchise would be the best route because of the security of an established brand and additional support. Specifically, I was interested in something in the automotive sector - I’ve always liked cars and the PCC franchise offered an excellent opportunity at a price I could afford.”

Experience and expertise

Professional Car Cleaning was the first business that caught Scott’s eye. He recalls that having visited the company’s head office he felt he didn’t need to look any further.“As far as I was concerned, PCC offered everything I wanted,” says Scott.“Experience and expertise, ongoing support and a brand-new successful business in a growing marketplace.” When Scott launched, PCC had lined up a series of initial business contacts for him. PCC general manager, Adrian Stiehl, accompanied him on his first few demonstrations, giving hands-on support, making sure he presented his business correctly and showing him how to turn initial demonstrations into ongoing, repeat business.

“The prospects ranged from computer companies to garden centres,” Scott recalls. “Each was really impressed by the quality of the valet - there is a real wow factor. After that it was up to me to follow up the visit and to keep in contact. Really, the service sells itself, but building up a regular customer base for the business is simply about persistence and being focused.” Today Scott’s regular customers include a driving school and a cleaning company, but he says he prefers the variety of dealing with a large number of different private customers, rather than concentrating on a core of business customers and providing the same service every week.

Says Scott:“I know some PCC franchisees have aimed to build a regular customer base around business fleets; for me my regular business customers are my ‘bread and butter’, but what I really enjoy is delivering specialist services such as ‘detailing’,which is an American concept that involves minute attention to every area of the vehicle to achieve a finish that excels showroom condition. By machine polishing the paintwork you can remove all those fine scratches and achieve a mirror finish with incredible depth and colour.Not only is that deeply satisfying - for me and for my customer - but there is also a premium price to be paid for such service.”

Impressed

According to Scott, potential customers are generally impressed by the professional approach of PCC.“The livery of the vehicle is very striking and the uniform is smart and businesslike,” he says.“People are always intrigued to look inside the van. They particularly appreciate the fact that I can come to their premises when it’s convenient and don’t need to intrude on their time. The alternatives tend either to be a ‘man and a bucket’ or the hassle of having to book their cars into a valeting facility, leave it there and collecting it when ready. Of course, I win every time on both quality and convenience.”

PCC is a sister franchise to the highly successful ChipsAway International. The expanding network of PCC franchisees,which includes people from many different backgrounds, is gaining an excellent reputation within both the franchise and the automotive services industry.

“Of course, you have to put in the effort,” Scott concludes.“What you get out of your business is a reflection of what you put in - my income is continually rising as happy customers spread the word about my services, but best of all I’m thoroughly enjoying my business and get great satisfaction from it too. I wouldn’t change what I do now for the world.”

For more information call 0800 131 3301, email info@procarclean.co.uk or visit www.procarclean.co.uk FREE INFO NO: 4430