December 2020 Letter/2021 Updates

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