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Allied Automotive Brokers & Detailing-Southern Illinois-Murphysboro & Carbondale
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December 2020 Letter/2021 Updates

1/28/2021

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December 2020
Dear Valued Client,
It’s going to take a lot to not give context as to why I’m restructuring my business. To be honest, I’m not sure why that is, knowing how I am in person – short/direct/to the point. Maybe it’s because I like to understand why, therefore, I tend to want someone to understand why I’m doing something.
Enough over-explaining and rambling – let’s get down to business. As some of you know, detailing wasn’t supposed to be my main source of income. Detailing was the get started with what you know business and then transition into what you really want to do. Well, after a few years I did that – somewhat. I sold some used vehicles and realized I HATE inventory and needed to figure out how to “broker” vehicles SOLELY. Selling affordable vehicles, brokering (personal car shopping), and detailing couldn’t all be done by me. Next logical step – hire, hire, hire – numerous detailers and one mechanic later. Hiring and training is freaking exhausting, disappointing and frustrating. There were two-three really good employees but they had to do what was best for them.
Fast forward to the last employee, after three-months pouring into him-he quits. That was my last straw – I was ticked off and severely burnt out. Fast forward once again to 2020, after working completely solo for about three years. We all know what happens in March. Abby wraps up 8th grade and I take some “time off” to think – a lot. Restructuring at Allied is overdue, but change is hard for me and taking care of my clients that have supported my business all these years means so much. I don’t take loyalty and kindness lightly. But, it was time for some overdue adjustments.
Over these next 3 ½ years I will build a more “sustainable” and flexible business. What does that mean – I will start offering “higher-end” and “long-term” services and less standard services. It’s time to put my newly acquired skills learned training for a week in Big Bear, California and another week in New Albany, Ohio to use. With the introduction of these new services, my availability will decrease to ensure I spend as much quality time with Abby & Lilly while preparing Abby for college in 2024.
Without further ado here are some of the changes for 2021:
  1. Gift cards are no longer available effective: January 1, 2021. If you have a gift card please call to get your service scheduled and redeemed. If you have given one please reach out to the recipient to ensure they are redeemed and finally if you have one and would like to re-gift, call me so we can arrange that.
  2. Effective: January 1, 2021 - ALL THREE of my current detailing packages – Wash & Wax Detail, Wash & Wax + Interior Clean & Protect Detail and Complete Interior Detail are ALL DISCONTINUED. Wait – what – that’s all your services. Does that mean Allied is closing – nope – RESTRUCTURING. See point three.
  3. Effective: January 1, 2021 - ALL FOUR of the following detailing packages will become Members Only:
    1. Members Only Wash & Wax Detail
    2. Members Only Wash & Wax Detail + Interior Clean & Protect
    3. Members Only Complete Interior Detail (TBD)
    4. Members Only Maintenance Detail
Why? Because converting to a member-only detail shop provides me with predictable income and I can better serve my loyal and consistent clients. How do I become a member? Commit to at least (4) Wash & Wax Details + Interior Clean & Protect. What if I have two vehicles can I do each twice per year? Yes – you can. What if I can’t commit to (4) details per year? I understand, as a test for 2021. Two times per year – April and October, semi-annual or annual clients can get their vehicles detailed during these two-months. I will give priority to my senior citizens and retirees. If this better suits your needs, please schedule now because these appointments will be limited and first come first served. (Allied will start offering a “6-Month Protection Detail” that can be purchased any time of the year in the coming months)
As a test run ONLY 50 memberships will be available during 2021, if you are interested please contact me ASAP to discuss if this would be a good fit for you (10-12 of these “memberships” are accounted for).
  1. Introducing Paint Correction & Ceramic Coatings – starting Spring 2021 Allied will start offering paint correction & ceramic coating as more “sustainable” services. Paint correction is swirl mark elimination, minor to deep scratch removal, gloss enhancement and restoration of that “showroom new” appearance. Ceramic coating is superior long-lasting paint protection measured in years instead of months, which wax is only able to achieve. With the introduction of paint correction and ceramic coatings, I will take on less standard/Wash & Wax Details due to the extended time required to complete these longer-lasting and extensive details (1-2 days). Paint correction & ceramic coatings aren’t for everyone, but they are for those that want the “best” and protection that can last years.
  2. Blunder Repair will launch in 2021. I’ve gotten to use it on countless vehicles this year with great results and amazing responses. Give the page a like at: facebook.com/blunderrepair
  3. “Clean Cars & Cold Cash” by David Cook – that’s me – coming 2021/2022. I will start writing in January 2021.
  4. Outshine Hunger – After completing my second year helping the Murphysboro Food Pantry as a pick-up person (Abby by my side most trips), I will be doing more to help this much-needed organization (especially this year).
  5. Automotive brokering/personal car shopping service is still coming soon. Carvana© is doing some of the heavy lifting for me, showing car buyers a new way to purchase their next vehicle. The days of going to a dealership are dwindling. The haggling. The back-and-forward. The uncertainty of whether or not you got a good deal is coming to an end.
  6. Detailing Apprentice Wanted – Over the years I’ve been asked if I recommended any other detailers and my answer has always been the same. I can’t recommend this shop/person but you can give them a try to learn and see if they meet your desires. Every detailer is different and every person has different needs when it comes to their vehicle. Which is why I would like to train the next detail shop owner that I can confidently “recommend” to my clients that “can’t” wait weeks for me? Do you know someone that would like to learn from my 14+ year’s experience detailing and operating a detail shop? Includes: 1-2 years detailing training and 1-year of business operations training. I will teach the ideal candidate EVERYTHING. Have serious and hardworking candidates contact me at (618) 687-2886
  7. Allied will be closed January 11th - February 16th, 2021 to update services, website, start writing “Clean Cars & Cold Cash”, work on Blunder Repair, do some interior shop painting & upgrading, 2021 planning and signing up Allied Loyalty Members (current Loyalty Members your service with continue uninterrupted during these dates).
That’s all for now – I am beyond grateful for YOU. Because of YOU, I was able to grow my small business into something that has had an impact on countless people - THANK YOU – from the depths of my heart.

With gratitude,
David Cook

PS – If you believe you would be a good fit as an Allied Loyalty Member please call me as soon as possible to discuss. I only have enough time for 50 members.
PPS – If you believe semi-annual or annual detailing better fits your needs (April & October) call me as soon as possible to reserve your spot(s). These standard Wash & Wax Details will fill fast and WON’T be available outside of these two months unless you become an Allied Loyalty Member.
PPPS - Detailing has been therapeutic for so many years, get to the shop and zone-out on the vehicle and just hone my craft. These past few years, it’s been draining and rushed AND I hate that feeling. This 2021 restructure will hopefully re-establish the joy of detailing. “Quality Over Quantity” has to really be what I represent and not just a cute slogan on my t-shirt.
PPPPS – This is the final physical – mail delivered letter I send, from now on I will send 1-2 postcards per year and will post yearly updates on this website: www.alliedautomotive.net
PPPPPS – Can you help me by leaving a short sentence or two review on Google about your experience at Allied? I would be greatly appreciative of you for doing so. Go here: https://g.page/alliedautobd/review?rc
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great”
John D. Rockefeller
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Semi-Retiring-What's Next

12/16/2019

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Dear Valued Client,
Nearly 12-years ago (May 15, 2020), I set out on this journey of starting a business doing something I was really good at, some would say the best. In the beginning, I had huge aspirations for detailing, however, time, detailing, margins and employees made me question those desires. The 25-year old that opened shop May 15, 2008 aged and burnt out and those aspirations changed significantly. 
The past 12+ months made me do some soul searching with the passing of three family members, my uncle, my mother-in-law and my cousin ALL too young, especially my cousin at only 25-years old.
As I read: “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying” by Bronnie Ware one of the regrets that made me ponder the most,  “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard'.' That regret didn’t resonate with me 100%, but struck a chord, mine would be, “I wish I had worked smarter” because working hard isn’t my gripe, it’s doing work that produces minimal rewards. Now, that I know the importance of working smarter, to ensure Allied reaches another 12-years and to make certain I cherish every moment I can with Abby before she graduates in 2024 (oh my goodness that’s around the corner).
Here are some of the things that will change effective January 1, 2020:
New Hours - Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm. Closed all major holidays and for as many of Abbys’ events/games/meets as possible. I will  be closed the last week of each month for other creative endeavors.
Discontinued - “Ultimate Wash Detail”, due to unsustainability I will no longer offer a ‘Wash Only Detail’, our most basic service will become the “Wash & Wax Detail”.
Discontinued - Pick-Up and Delivery will no longer be available - I want to give your vehicle the quality time it deserves.
Coming Soon - I am working on releasing my very own product that you and many of my clients may have benefited from called “Blunder Repair”. Give the page a thumbs up or like or whatever the kids are calling it: www.facebook.com/blunderrepair
Coming Soon...Maybe - I have an idea for a book, that MAY get written to coincide with the launch of my personal car shopping service in 2021 titled “Clean Cars & Cold Cash”.
Outshine Hunger - After, volunteering at the Murphysboro Food Pantry as a pick-up person this past season, I want to do more for this organization that helps so many throughout Jackson County. More details coming Spring 2020.
Paint Correction & Coatings - As an alternative to my most popular service since 2008 “Wash & Wax Detail + Interior Clean & Protect”, I will introduce Paint Correction & Coatings this coming Spring/Summer. These two services have gained a lot of popularity over the years, as longer lasting paint protection options. Why now? Because, I wanted to make sure these weren’t over hyped products like the “stuff” car dealers upsell car buyers and the very “stuff” I use to apply at the two-local dealerships I began my detailing career. Adding paint correction & coatings will also ensure Allied becomes a sustainable business for many years to come and the soon to be $15 per hour minimum wage doesn’t put me out of business.
Warning - As I begin to offer more time consuming details, my popular Wash & Wax + Interior Clean & Protect Detail will become limited, therefore, I ask you to schedule your details in advance. Go ahead and schedule a years worth of detailing - 3-4 times per year (every 3-4 months) like a dozen plus of my other clients. That way you stay clean and protected and don’t have to wait several weeks because of one-off-scheduling.
There-you-have-it. As this year/decade comes to an end, this is the start of a new journey for me and Allied. I could not be more grateful to have you as a client, because of you we will turn 12-years old May 15, 2020. This coming year, I will work smarter not harder because life can be too short to work it away. Keep your eyes open for Abby’s next business venture “The Gratitude Girl” (www.thegratitudegirl.net) (the lemonade stand was officially sold this past Summer), Outshine Hunger, Blunder Repair and “Clean Cars & Cold Cash” (maybe) this coming year.
For some of you this will be the end because of not wanting to schedule in advance, wanting basic washing details, not wanting to wait or “can’t wait”, needing pick-up & delivery or have already found another detailer. Whatever your reason, thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting my local small business. You work hard for your money seek the quality you deserve.
With gratitude,
David Cook
PS:
I am having an end of the decade gift card sale, not really, it’s what I usually do once a year to show you how thankful I am to my loyal clients. Save $75-$120 on your Spring detailing with this offer. Expires: 12/31/2019 (Due to the holidays and time off for our 15-Year marriage anniversary I will be closed several days between December 16th and 31st). Call in advance to reserve gift card(s) or email me at: david.cook@alliedautomotive.net.
I would be forever grateful if you left me/us/Allied a Google review at: https://g.page/alliedautobd

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2019 Gift Card Sale

12/16/2019

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2019 GIFT CARD SALE
SAVE $75 - $115 TODAY
Treat Yourself or Makes A Great Gift!
$10.00 OFF Spring Wash & Wax + Interior Clean & Protect
FREE Undercarriage Cleaning ($40 Value)
FREE Floor Mat Steam Cleaning ($25 Value)
FREE Paint Sealant Upgrade ($25-$40 Value)
(NOTE: Because my math was incorrect (oops), you will now receive ALL THREE of the bonus services above plus $10 OFF)
LIMITED QUANTITIES – ONLY 20 AVAILABLE
**2 (Two) Per Household**
*Gift card must be redeemed before May 1, 2020*
Offer Expires: December 31, 2019
**Call or e-mail in advance and I will make prior to arrival**

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Gift Cards Available

4/19/2018

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We have the perfect gift for that special person or persons in your life. The gift of a detailed vehicle. You may have been asking yourself, "what do I get someone that has everything they need"? You aren't the only one that has asked that same question and the answer is; a gift card to have their vehicle detailed. You would be taking one task, a rather big task off their to-do list...cleaning their vehicle.

Now that you know what the perfect gift is, visit us to pick up your gift card(s). You can do a specific amount or do what almost everyone else does and select one of our popular detailing packages.

Our gift cards make for the perfect gift all year, but, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthdays and Christmas are the most popular time to give the gift of a detailed vehicle.

We look forward to seeing you when you stop by to pick up, "The Gift That's Always Right!".
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How to write a Google review in 5 minutes or less.

12/13/2017

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​1. Go to - www.google.com
 
2. Search business you would like to review:
Example: Allied Automotive Brokers

​On the right hand side of the screen you will see the business and underneath the business address and hours you will see “Reviews”.
 
3. Click - “Write a review”
 
4. Click - “Sign In”
A pop up should appear prompting you to sign in with your email
 
After you sign in you will be greeted with a screen (pop up) instructing you to “Rate and review”.
 
5. Rate your experience at the business (1-5 stars).
 
6. Next please “Share details of your own experience at this place”.
 
Example:
Allied Automotive Brokers & Detailing offers consistent and high quality detailing services. Friendly and honest staff and takes pride in their work. Your expectations will be exceeded.

Step-by-step photos below:
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Auto Detailing Fundraising Card

2/10/2017

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Over the years we’ve encountered numerous individuals, families, schools, groups, teams and organizations that require donations and local support in order to operate. These individuals and organizations go from business to business seeking help, not because they have to, because they NEED to in order to raise much needed funds.
 
Throughout, our years in business we’ve helped our community raise money for school events, school supplies, medical bills, sport team expenses, non-profit expenses, community group expenses and much more.
 
Are you a family, individual, school, team, non-profit or kids-group that needs to raise money? Do you know someone or an organization that needs help raising money? Allied Automotive Brokers & Detailing wants to help you raise much needed funds for your cause.
 
What is the best use?
Our fundraising cards have been mostly used for silent auctions individually or you can combine with other donated items to increase value. You could also sell fundraising for $5 and keep entire amount. It’s a win/win. Purchasers save $10 on detailing service and you profit $5.
 
Call or visit us in person to pick up Fundraising Cards.
 
“Local Business Helping Local People”
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12-Months of Gratitude

2/10/2017

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Gratitude...what does the word gratitude mean? 

The word 'gratitude' can mean a lot to many different people. I have this piece of paper in a work binder that defines gratitude and explains what it means to be grateful. These sentences on gratitude can not be better defined if you ask me:


"Gratitude means thankfulness, counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures, and acknowledging everything that you receive. It means learning to live your life as if everything were a miracle, and being aware on a continuous basis of how much you’ve been given. Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is already present. In addition, behavioral and psychological research has shown the surprising life improvements that can stem from the practice of gratitude. Giving thanks makes people happier and more resilient, it strengthens relationships, it improves health, and it reduces stress.

“To say we feel grateful is not to say that everything in our lives is necessarily great. It just means we are aware of our blessings.”


NOTICE AND APPRECIATE EACH DAY’S GIFTS
People tend to take for granted the good that is already present in their lives. There’s a gratitude exercise that instructs that you should imagine losing some of the things that you take for granted, such as your home, your ability to see or hear, your ability to walk, or anything that currently gives you comfort. Then imagine getting each of these things back, one by one, and consider how grateful you would be for each and every one. In addition, you need to start finding joy in the small things instead of holding out for big achievements—such as getting the promotion, having a comfortable nest egg saved up, getting married, having the baby, and so on–before allowing yourself to feel gratitude and joy.


Another way to use giving thanks to appreciate life more fully is to use gratitude to help you put things in their proper perspective. When things don’t go your way, remember that every difficulty carries within it the seeds of an equal or greater benefit. In the face of adversity ask yourself: “What’s good about this?”, “What can I learn from this?”, and “How can I benefit from this?”"

Original blog post available here: www.thechangeblog.com/gratitude/

Thank you Marelisa Fabrega of daringtolivefully.com/ for such a beautiful article.


Now that you know how I feel about gratitude, I would like to show you how grateful I am to you for being such an AMAZING client. Over the course of 12-months March 15, 2017 - March 15, 2018, leading up to our 10-year anniversary May 15, 2018, I will randomly select ONE (1) of my clients (that have come in within the past 12-months) and present him or her with a FREE Deluxe Wash & Wax Detail.

Giveaway Schedule:
March 15 (March 22) - Wednesday
April 15 - Saturday
May 15 -  Monday
June 15 - Thursday
July 15 - Saturday
August 15 - Tuesday
September 15 - Friday
October 15 - Sunday
November 15 - Wednesday 
December 15 - Friday
January 15 - Monday
February 15 - Thursday
March 15 - Thursday

Allied Automotive Brokers & Detailing has grown because of YOU, our fantastic clients, and I am forever grateful.

With gratitude,
David Cook-Owner/Operator
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PRICE FREEZE 2017-2018

2/10/2017

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Effective January 31, 2017

Allied Automotive Brokers & Detailing made its' last price, services offered and package adjustment for the next two-years. We normally adjust our services offered, packages and prices at the beginning of each year to eliminate, consolidate or adjust. This yearly adjustment ensures we offer you, our clients, the best services, packages and prices throughout our area (Southern Illinois-Jackson County).

When it was time to adjust prices, services and packages for the 2017 year, we decided to rewards our loyal clients by freezing prices for the next two-years. We have also settled on three main packages, which, have proven to be our most popular packages for the past few years. We have also eliminated a few services that were no longer requested on a regular basis. 

Thank you so much for being a loyal client.

With gratitude,
David Cook-Owner/Operator

Visit our Services page for 2017-2018 prices.
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Allied Automotive Brokers & Detailing

1/12/2017

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Welcome to the newly updated online home of Allied Automotive Brokers & Detailing. Go ahead and look around. Read our "About" page to learn about our history and our principles. For a list of our detail packages click over to our "Services" page.

Stay tuned as we add for content to our site.

With gratitude,
​David
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    ABOUT

    Allied Automotive Brokers & Detailing
    2040 Walnut Street
    Murphysboro, IL 62966

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Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Telephone

618-687-2886
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