Am I close to asking price detailing a firetruck?

[ClearlyCoated]

Agree with the advice already given. For future jobs, charge an hourly rate. You've already made a deal with your buddy, so you really shouldn't change the rate now. But since it's for a volunteer fire station, maybe you could write up the bill based upon the real world numbers established by an hourly rate, then credit the difference as a donation and have a nice little write-off for your taxes.

[FIREdawg]

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Great advice.

FIREdawg, if you have a feel for how long it's going to take to do an entire truck (excluding time for that call or two, of course) then determine what your time is worth per hour and do the simple math.

If he is going to do the diamond plate and chrome work, I don't seem much difference in the extra 2 calls I ran. It's easily a 24-30 hours worth of work. If you are planning paint correction too.

[dixie_boysles]

Thanks for the replies guys! Alright, after talking to the chief and taking a look at the truck, its not too awfully bad, just the diamond plate is the worst part of it. He's not looking for perfection as far as 100% swirl removal and all, basically a good wash, polish and wax. He doesnt even want me to remove all the stuff on the top of the truck (hoses, and what not). problem is he is a truck short so he cant take it out of service like he wants. So he told me to work around it. Ill stick by the $400 for this truck (plus he is buying materials). And on the other one he has me doing, if I think I need to charge more, I will.

I do dread all the diamond plate, that's for sure!!!!!