Products for cheap/quick details?

[Quenga]

What's up everyone! So I'm starting a new venture here pretty soon and am looking for suggestions.

What products would be good for a cheap/quick "one hit wonder" detailing job?

The detailing I'll be doing will be quick, cheap and not perfect. I'm not doing "professional" type jobs where 15+ hours need to be taken and yes, all of my "clients" know this. They are mainly friends, friends of friends, family of friends, friends of family. I'm not ripping anyone off as they all know that this isn't that kind of job and they aren't willing to pay for that kind of work either. I'm doing a basic wash/clay/buff/wax/vacuum/spot removal/dressing and that's it. No two bucket methods, no multiple step rotary polishing, I won't be doing multiple passes to get out every swirl/scratch and only my car gets the $50 waxes . These will only take me a couple hours and I'm not looking for a perfect job. My "clients" barely wash their cars as it is, most just use gas station car washes which will ruin everything I'll do for them, but hey...they've asked me to help and I'm willing to take their money.

Here's what I am thinking, but I'm going off the top of my head so I could be missing stuff:

Deep Crystal Car Wash
Smooth Surface Clay
Ultimate Compound for heavy cars
Swirl X for lighter cars
NXT Wax
Quik Interior Detailor
Natural Shine
Folex Carpet Cleaner for spot removal
Purple Power Degreaser (for wheels/engine bays...almost all these cars run stockers/hubcaps, so I'm not worried about "protecting" the wheels with less aggressive approaches...and neither are they apparently. Although I do have better wheel cleaners if they are willing to pay extra)

I'll be using my PC and LC white pads for most of the work, however I will be needing new pads, so if someone wants to recommend the Megs pads I should be using for the above products, let me know.

I'm also looking into PlastX for headlights (haven't used yet, doing research as we speak) and I'll be using some M******'s metal polish because I still have a few bottles laying around from when I needed them. (I lose things frequently and always buy new stuff, thus extra bottles laying around).


Anything else you guys recommend? Again, this is just for quick/cheap details for mainly friends/family friends. They don't expect much, but have seen my "work" and love it. I'm only doing this until school starts up again, this isn't my main job and with summer school, I don't really have the time for full-on details. This just helps me pay for the premium products I use on my cars (hehe) and to pay off the headgasket repair I just got hit with on my wifes car.

Thanks!

[Murr1525]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

My take, and purely my opinion:

1. No cheap detail involves the engine, any more than a wipe.

2. No cheap detail involves the interior, more than wiping down the hard parts, dash. Then maybe a dressing.

3. You would probably want to do interior/exterior glass.

For cheap details, I would look at the #66 Cleaner/Wax, or D151 Paint Reconditioning Cream, then maybe topped with #21 2.0.

Claying would be optional as well, though that is up to you.

I look at it as doing what you are paid for... cant do a $500 worth of work, and be paid $50 bucks. Just set a base price, and if they want more, great. If you do a good job, they probably will want more.

[Quenga]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

My take, and purely my opinion:

1. No cheap detail involves the engine, any more than a wipe.

2. No cheap detail involves the interior, more than wiping down the hard parts, dash. Then maybe a dressing.

3. You would probably want to do interior/exterior glass.

For cheap details, I would look at the #66 Cleaner/Wax, or D151 Paint Reconditioning Cream, then maybe topped with #21 2.0.

Claying would be optional as well, though that is up to you.

I look at it as doing what you are paid for... cant do a $500 worth of work, and be paid $50 bucks. Just set a base price, and if they want more, great. If you do a good job, they probably will want more.

Oh yeah, what I wrote above probably sounds crazier than it really will be. They will be quick jobs and they won't take as that long. I'll repsond to what you said to hopefully clear up how un-OCD these details will be:

1. The engine "detail" is nothing more than a spray with the degreaser and then power washing it off (obviously not hitting sensitive parts with the power). This is mainly for those looking to sell their cars so prospective buyers see something clean and it helps while taking photos. I won't be scrubbing unless they pay extra. Only one person has ever asked for more, most think I did scrub. (Shows how much they clean/the type of "clients" I'm working with).

2. The interior for most will just be vacuumed quickly. Carpet spot removal is extra. The dash/etc will be wiped down with a damp cloth and dressing is extra.

3. Oh yeah! Totally forgot about glass, I'm using Invisible Glass for that, and even that's just a quick job. Told you I'd forget something.

I'll look into those products...I don't have much experience with "professional" products, I'll have to look if they carry that at the local auto store. (Trying to avoid shipping costs, I don't order enough for free shipping). Do you think they'll be cheaper in the long run? I mainly like UC/SwirlX because I can just go pick them up at Wal-Mart or something close.

Lastly, clay is optional for most as not everyone wants the buffing. Most do and most just want the clay. I've done a few cars for my dad's friends and most don't care about the swirls, just want smooth paint . They also have been white/gray cars and don't really show swirls much.

Most of the cars I do are pretty beat up and just need a little TLC to make good for photos/selling/ego's. I have done a few intensive details, but aside from my OCD, I have ADD and can't stand doing long details. I constantly get bored and need something else to do, even if it's just doing another car.

Well, time to research that stuff...

[Murr1525]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

2. That would bea good time to use the QID, or at least a litle APC.

As far as product quantities, it depends how many friends there are? You will use less wax, but you might want more of a stronger cleaner/wax, even if it is in bulk. (plus a small dispensing bottle).

Dealing with people is always tough.... We think of swirls as the problem, they think of smooth as the problem. But to us, they both go together. But if yo uca nteach that claying makes the paint smoother, then your cleaner/wax... yo ucan get them to pay for two steps, plus the wax, and be in good shape.

[Quenga]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

Just thought of a good scenario to show you the kind of cheapies I'm dealing with:

I've done a few headlight resto's for some of my friends for like $10 that took me 10-15 minutes (obviously no wetsanding or multiple steps). When I asked them if they wanted me to tape off the lights for an extra $1, they said no.

I don't tape headlights, I dry the cars with squeege's (and waffle weave m/f towels), I don't get most swirls out and I don't cover alternators when engine washing (again, I told people I should but would charge $1 more and no complaints yet).

I am doing a friends vehicle once my new job starts and will post before/after photos and what I charged him and how long it took me. I won't be making a killer profit, but it'll help pay for the products/gas money and maybe pay a few utility bills and his car hasn't been washed since I've known him, so it's going to make for a good promo car now that I'm actually trying to market myself for extra cash. (I've done it for pizza and beer before).

[Murr1525]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

You can do a lot with a good cleaner/wax, esp working by machine... and if your customers are focused on smooth, then plenty of clay and lube....

mmm.. pizza...

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

the first thing that came to mind was using a aio wax. I agree with Matt. Get yourself some #66 or #151. Very good products and I believe they will fit the bill of what your looking to do. Good luck.

[CieraSL]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

Don't forget tire dressing. Wal-Mart usually carries some of the Hot Shine dressing (foam, tire coating, trigger spray, gel).

(I've done it for pizza...before).

[MyFirstES300]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

Personally, I'd stick to the waffle weave MF towels and pitch the water blade squeegee. Those things usually do more harm than good.

[akimel]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

I have never done anybody's car for money, but I have paid for someone else to detail my car. My one suggestion: forget about the clay. Use an AIO (M66?) and be done with it--perhaps top it with M21. Your customer will not notice. He will be delighted that the car shines.

If your client wants to pay for a full detail, then of course include the claybarring; but here we are talking about a bottomline basic detail.

[foilr]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

I am not a professional either - not in detailing at least; but I would focus on the basics.
I think I know the type person you are describing and I think you should save yourself some time and money.

First of the basics would be a good quality wash. Why not use the two bucket wash? You will get better results (especially in the later parts of the wash), a second bucket and clean water doesn't cost much at all, and you will save wear and tear on your wash media by keeping it clean.

Claying is not a basic in this case. The people you describe will not even know what a claybar session is or does; nor do they really care. Save your time and money on this step. Use a bit of SwirlX and/or ScratchX only where needed and move on.

Engine cleaning is a separate job, again not basic.

A quick vacuum and Quick Interior Detailer.

Absolutely clean the windows - inside and out. Don't forget the mirrors!

Clean the wheels and dress the tires.

Wax and apply some Gold Glass Trim Detailer to the exterior black rubber.

Many of the Pros here on MOL will probably cringe at my recommendation, but I have done this routine for several friends and family and they were very pleased with how their car looked. It was the best BASIC cleaning that their car ever had.

Cheers
Richard

[tapp1]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

You also could set up packages or levels for their detail that way they could choose what they want and what price point they feel suits them best. I would create a flyer in word or something to explain the different levels, steps, and prices. Also large cars should obviously cost more than more small.

[Quenga]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

I am not a professional either - not in detailing at least; but I would focus on the basics.
I think I know the type person you are describing and I think you should save yourself some time and money.

First of the basics would be a good quality wash. Why not use the two bucket wash? You will get better results (especially in the later parts of the wash), a second bucket and clean water doesn't cost much at all, and you will save wear and tear on your wash media by keeping it clean.

Claying is not a basic in this case. The people you describe will not even know what a claybar session is or does; nor do they really care. Save your time and money on this step. Use a bit of SwirlX and/or ScratchX only where needed and move on.

Engine cleaning is a separate job, again not basic.

A quick vacuum and Quick Interior Detailer.

Absolutely clean the windows - inside and out. Don't forget the mirrors!

Clean the wheels and dress the tires.

Wax and apply some Gold Glass Trim Detailer to the exterior black rubber.

Many of the Pros here on MOL will probably cringe at my recommendation, but I have done this routine for several friends and family and they were very pleased with how their car looked. It was the best BASIC cleaning that their car ever had.

Cheers
Richard

I get what you're saying about certain things not being "basic", but the level at which they will be scrutinized...it is basic.

To clarify:

I am not worried about making my wash mit last as I use a separate one for my car and others that want a "good" detail. Again, emphasis on being cheap and these people don't care if I washed their car in a car wash before detailing it (which, I have done...$7 at the local tunnel w/ hand dry and free vaccuum...went home and finished the detailing and still made money. Don't worry, he knows I cheated...and I only charged him $7 and a Mt. Dew for the wash )

I use the two bucket on my cars and those that want good detailing (I've only done a few as I'm not really interested in taking on intense details, I leave that up to the real pro's, not my DIY skills). Also, the wash is usually just to get up the major dirt so I can hit it with the PC and some cheap compound I still have. I am looking into all the suggestions however. I use basic stuff as most cars are cheap Nissans/Honda's, etc that either the clear coat is gone or it's just a single stage paint and corrects super easily.

Claying is usually something I never get, but again...I've had a few interested after I let them rub my paint (bumper only!) and then rub theirs. They think it's worth it just to show it off to the ladies... But again, I don't get many of these...but I will do it for extra if needed, but not to the intensity I usually do (I skip bumpers, lower parts of the car and the "hard to get" areas).

The engine cleaning also isn't that big of a deal. I spray it down with the power washer, throw on some degreaser, let it soak, use a brush for the noticeable areas and hose it down. I literally only spend 5-10 minutes, not including the soaking time where I drink a beer as a timing guage haha, and charge $15 to do it. That's technically $90hr labor rate! I don't get down and dirty, I don't double check my work, I don't cover the alternator or anything for that matter, etc, etc, etc. Again, I do-do that for people that want to pay, but the people I'm referring to could care less and just want a QUICK detail taht is cheap, cheap. Also, as most don't really care about their cars, I've only done a handful of these and they have always been for someone trying to sell the car. After it's mostly dry I snap a photo to get that clean "glossy" look without even using a detailer. It's a cheap move...but again, that's my marketing goal...cheap.

I have different levels of vaccuming too. They range from Lazy, Regular and OCD. I don't use any detailer, just a damp cloth. If they want something, it's Quick Detailer for a normal look and Natural Shine for those that like their dash glarring at them in the windows. A wipe down is $10, $15 with QD and $20 with Natural Shine. Probably charge more than most would to just wipe stuff down, but I try to avoid using that stuff since it means I have to clean the towels. When it's just water, I just rinse it.

For exterior black trim.........I use peanut butter.


I know a lot of you guys think I'm doing too much or thinking I should be using better methods/products...but the market I'm in, doesn't care. They all know what I can do...they've seen my cars. From my black Nissan I posted here months ago that I fully corrected, ripped out the seats and Rug Doctor'd everything, ripped of the seat covers and washed them, took off the rims and scrubbed everything, painted the calipers and wheels (another service I've been offering), pulled parts apart to clean them, etc, etc...to my new M3 that came clean and I made sparkle.

All of my "clients" are usually friends or friends of friends that want to sell their car on Craigslist and just want it to look better than a basic wash. I fully disclose just how cheap I am being and offer a better job, but 99 times out of 100...they DO NOT CARE. I reuse towels after just rinsing them out...they don't care...I use an old mit and one bucket, they think it's great that it's a microfiber mit and that I don't use dish washing liquid...I vaccuum the mats good and QUICKLY run over the carpet below...and they think that's such a neat trick (that's the Lazy level).

All of these guys know how cheap I am being and usually don't even want to wait the 2 hours I usually spend on their car...if that.

When I start my new position I will be "in business" and already have a few people from work lined up. These cars are usually beat up, need paint more than a detail and smell horrible. I'm basically just making the car decent looking enough to sell, or slightly better than others on CL. I will post photos soon, just too busy with summer school and work to start now.

[Quenga]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

You also could set up packages or levels for their detail that way they could choose what they want and what price point they feel suits them best. I would create a flyer in word or something to explain the different levels, steps, and prices. Also large cars should obviously cost more than more small.

I'm actually doing this right now. Until now, most of the cheap details I've done have just been one or two things. I cleaned this guys engine bay and then he ran over to the tunnel car wash and used a coupon he had for a free wasy. Took photos and sold the car within a few days. My dad's friends have too much money and no understanding of true details. I've clayed their cars for $40-$60 (depending on how detailed they wanted it and how big their cars were) and they don't even want wax afterwards . I've done almost all my friends headlights, I waxed a hood only, removed waterspots on windows, taken off tint, cleaned just floor mats...etc, etc. I'm now just trying to get more of a package going to get a few extra bucks. Again, this isn't going to be some start of a future business. I'm just looking to cover my costs, give me something to do and help pay for pizza, beer, bbq's and REAL detailing products for my car .

Right now I've got a few people lined up for my most basic "Detail":

Basic one bucket old mitt wash
Vacuum mats and carpet that shows (yeah, I know...)
Windows (I don't "detail" the outside, they get squeeged and the inside gets "spot removal")
Damp cloth wipe down
1 QUICK pass with ScratchX and white LC pad (until I use my extra bottles, I won't be using other products I mentioned above)
Gold class wax applied with the PC

That's $50 right there and takes me about an hour and a half I'm guessing. I've kinda timed myself before, but I took a break. I am using a few cars as a practical standard and will then adjust pricing if I feel the need to. However, I'm not using much product (windows are also damp cloth, no cleaner) and this easily buys me a large Pizza and 2 liter bottle of Mt. Dew. Maybe even a microfiber towel for my car .


Oh, for the other guy who posted about the squeege...I know most cringe at those things and I don't use it on my own car, but it's quick and saves me from having to dry multiple towels. I also use the AutoZone waffle weave MF towels to dry. I've been using two before and got tired of having excess towels drying. With the squeege, I could probably use 1 towel for 2-3 cars, more since they'd be air drying inbetween washes...

[Erik Mejia]

Re: Products for cheap/quick details?

What's up everyone! So I'm starting a new venture here pretty soon and am looking for suggestions.

What products would be good for a cheap/quick "one hit wonder" detailing job?

The detailing I'll be doing will be quick, cheap and not perfect. I'm not doing "professional" type jobs where 15+ hours need to be taken and yes, all of my "clients" know this. They are mainly friends, friends of friends, family of friends, friends of family. I'm not ripping anyone off as they all know that this isn't that kind of job and they aren't willing to pay for that kind of work either. I'm doing a basic wash/clay/buff/wax/vacuum/spot removal/dressing and that's it. No two bucket methods, no multiple step rotary polishing, I won't be doing multiple passes to get out every swirl/scratch and only my car gets the $50 waxes . These will only take me a couple hours and I'm not looking for a perfect job. My "clients" barely wash their cars as it is, most just use gas station car washes which will ruin everything I'll do for them, but hey...they've asked me to help and I'm willing to take their money.

Here's what I am thinking, but I'm going off the top of my head so I could be missing stuff:

Deep Crystal Car Wash
Smooth Surface Clay
Ultimate Compound for heavy cars
Swirl X for lighter cars
NXT Wax
Quik Interior Detailor
Natural Shine
Folex Carpet Cleaner for spot removal
Purple Power Degreaser (for wheels/engine bays...almost all these cars run stockers/hubcaps, so I'm not worried about "protecting" the wheels with less aggressive approaches...and neither are they apparently. Although I do have better wheel cleaners if they are willing to pay extra)

I'll be using my PC and LC white pads for most of the work, however I will be needing new pads, so if someone wants to recommend the Megs pads I should be using for the above products, let me know.

I'm also looking into PlastX for headlights (haven't used yet, doing research as we speak) and I'll be using some M******'s metal polish because I still have a few bottles laying around from when I needed them. (I lose things frequently and always buy new stuff, thus extra bottles laying around).


Anything else you guys recommend? Again, this is just for quick/cheap details for mainly friends/family friends. They don't expect much, but have seen my "work" and love it. I'm only doing this until school starts up again, this isn't my main job and with summer school, I don't really have the time for full-on details. This just helps me pay for the premium products I use on my cars (hehe) and to pay off the headgasket repair I just got hit with on my wifes car.

Thanks!

If I wanted to do "one hit wonder" details I would definitely want to maximize my profits. Here are my product suggestions:

Wash: Meguiar's Hyper Wash (Dilutes 400:1; or Five gallons of water to one ounce wash solution.)

Contaminant Removal: Get the Last Touch QD (dilutes 1:1 as a clay lube.) Also get some Meguiar's Mild Professional Blue Clay (more bang for the buck, and it's going to be slightly more effective than the Smooth Surface Clay.)

Defect Removal: If you're looking for a one step product Meguiar's M66 Quick Detailer, or D151 Paint Reconditioning Cream are both excellent choices. D151 will remove more imperfections.

Swirl X and Ultimate Compound are also excellent choices, especially since you'll be working by PC. The two should yield better results than D151, or M66 by PC, but you can't get them in gallon sizes.

Protection: Get Meguiar's M21 Synthetic Sealant. It's very similar to NXT, but IMHO it's easier to work with. A plus is you can get it in a larger quantity (64oz.)

Interior: QuiK Interior Detailer is a must have. At this time Meg's does not make a larger size.

Meguiar's Hyper Dressing is also a must have. It's dilutable up to 4:1 and works great on interiors as well as a tire and engine dressing.

Degreaser: Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner (D101) is an excellent degreaser, and cleaner. It dilutes 4:1 for heavey jobs like engine bays, wheels, and tires, and 10:1 for light jobs like interiors.

Folex is a good product for spot removal, especially since it doesn't really foam and you would be using the blot method for stain removal.

The products I listed above in my opinion are what you would want to purchase for what you've explained you will be setting out to do. Most will dilute allowing you to maximize your profit. Hope this helps, and maybe more members will chime in with their recommendations.

Don't forget Meguiar's Professional Glass Cleaner Concentrate... It's the best there is!