Question for the Pros.. need some advice please.

[35th Anniversary SS]

Originally posted by MandarinaRacing
Hey SS, if you're seriously considering going into this, you may want to switch to the Detailer Line, the cost savings are hard to beat.

Alex

Thanks.. and yep.. I have been eyeballing the Detailer line lately.

My next bulk purchase will be from the Detailer goodies.

[silverline]

Just a couple of things I noticed.

First, be careful quoting specific pricing for different size vehicles. Example: Large SUV- $275.00. Reason being, every vehicle you detail is going to be different regardless of the size. Some vehicles are more "lived in" if you will, and may take much longer to complete than a much cleaner but equal size vehicle. Case in point, I completed an Acura TL recently that took me about 3 hours to complete...it was pretty clean to begin with. Yet, I can remember detailing an Acura last year that took me about 5.5 hours as it was in pretty rough shape. You wouldn't want to charge the same rate for each vehicle. I typically give a price range for each vehicle and tell the customer that the actual price will be determined upon the condition. For example, I might tell a potential client with a Lexus RX330 SUV it will cost anywhere from $200-$250 depending upon the condition and color of the vehicle. Figure out you're expenses and determine an hourly rate to charge. Then simply base your estimates on that hourly wage.

Second, you really don't need all those layers of wax and sealant. If a vehicle is properly prepped and polished, one layer of a quality paint sealant is all that is really needed. Most of the first layer of a carnauba wax will be removed when applying the second layer of wax. A paint sealant will bond to the paint, but may be less effective if applied over a wax. Also, a sealant needs to properly cure for optimum results. Trying to layer a sealant is unnessary and may be counterproductive in many cases. And as someone already pointed out, all those layers are going to take a considerable amount of time to apply. Good luck to you and feel free to email any questions you may have.

Matt Williams
Silver Lining Detail

[35th Anniversary SS]

Thanks Matt.

I will take your suggestions into consideration.

[MandarinaRacing]

Originally posted by silverline
Just a couple of things I noticed.

First, be careful quoting specific pricing for different size vehicles. Example: Large SUV- $275.00. Reason being, every vehicle you detail is going to be different regardless of the size. Some vehicles are more "lived in" if you will, and may take much longer to complete than a much cleaner but equal size vehicle. Case in point, I completed an Acura TL recently that took me about 3 hours to complete...it was pretty clean to begin with. Yet, I can remember detailing an Acura last year that took me about 5.5 hours as it was in pretty rough shape. You wouldn't want to charge the same rate for each vehicle. I typically give a price range for each vehicle and tell the customer that the actual price will be determined upon the condition. For example, I might tell a potential client with a Lexus RX330 SUV it will cost anywhere from $200-$250 depending upon the condition and color of the vehicle. Figure out you're expenses and determine an hourly rate to charge. Then simply base your estimates on that hourly wage.

Matt Williams
Silver Lining Detail

What about some sort of disclaimer?, stating that "X" amount is only a base price, and dependant on size and condition of the vehicle.

Alex

[silverline]

Originally posted by MandarinaRacing
What about some sort of disclaimer?, stating that "X" amount is only a base price, and dependant on size and condition of the vehicle.

Alex

That is certainly an option as well, and is how I have my website pricing set up. However, when quoting a price for a customer via phone or in person I prefer to give a price range. Reason being, the base price and the actual price could be significantly different depending upon the condition. I wouldn't want to give a client a price of $200..."give or take a few dollars depending upon the condition", then hand them a bill for $275. The client's interpretation of a few dollars could be just that...$5-$10 either way. Receiving a bill for $275 in that instance could lead to problems, an uniformed and unhappy client. I don't like for there to be any surprises. Therefore, I ask many questions to get a feel for what kind of condition the vehicle is most likely to be, and give a price range accordingly. This way the client is fully aware of how much the invoice could potentially be...no surprises. I will typically give my base price as the lowest end of the range, then tack on an additional hour or hour-and-a-half's worth of labor for the upper end of the range. Because I have a mobile unit, it would cost me too much money to inspect and quote each individual in person...I would have to increase my pricing to compensate for the additional time and gas involved. Thus, a price range gives me that flexibility for most all vehicle conditions. This is simply my opinion and what works well for me. I'm sure there are many other ways to price vehicles and you just have to find what works best for your business. As always, good luck and happy detailing

[farmboy]

I've planned a little about starting some side work. I was thinking about charging by the hour with no "list" to work from. Since all cars are different, I thought about just making a 2hr. pack, 4hr pack and 8hr pack. In these packs I would clean as much as possible for the time bought. You can examine the car and recommend an hour package to them. In my opinion most people don't know about all the products available and just get confused. ("You rub my car with clay!", "Why are you waxing so many times?", etc.). I would place my attention on the most neglected areas first. Then work accordingly... you know what I mean. IMO, you'll be able to give them an awesome results and work the car they way you think is best, not from a list.

[farmboy]

Just another tought. I know the by the hour may be skeptical, but a good detailer will show by the results. A lot of people now live paycheck to paycheck, so this system would work well for someone not having the money for the full detail. Example: They could pay for the 4hr pack one week, you could focus on the paint and quickies on the rest. Say in a couple weeks they could come back and get a two hour. Since the paint will be in great shape, a wash and quik detailer or spray wax would restore the gloss. Then you could focus on more interior perfection for the remainder of the pack.
It will take repeat business and word of mouth to establish a sucessful business. If you can get everyone to get a four hour pack once a month, not only will your job get easier the more times you work on a single car, you'll make a lot of money!
Good luck on which ever you decide.
P.S. I can tell your a good detailer!