Clay bar included?

[Chris Thompson]

When you quote somebody for a "full detail", do you include claying the car or do you charge extra?

[Shawn T.]

Re: Clay bar included?

Include claying. For simple wash and waxes, I would make it separate.

[Murr1525]

Re: Clay bar included?

Some people also charge a flat rate for washing/waxing, but then a "full detail" with the claying, paint correction, etc is by the hour, so it works in that way. Of course being clear about your steps with the customer either way.

[aris]

Re: Clay bar included?

I include it...

[Innovative Detailing]

Re: Clay bar included?

In my full detail packages, Silver, Gold, Platinum...Claying is always provided as one of my prep stages.....on my Mini Detail, I provide only a light skimming of clay over the surfaces....

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Clay bar included?

I would give them the option. Basic package $xx.xx. Premium package $xx.xx.

[BlackScreaminMachine]

Re: Clay bar included?

Well if I am doing any paint correction or at least 2 layer wax jobs I build it into the price. IF they specific want to cheap out on it. I knock a few off. Most times my cars that I see need minimal claying.

[Tuck91]

Re: Clay bar included?

I always clay, even if it is just a basic wash and seal.

And I do not charge seperate for it, thats just stupid IMO.

[Chris Thompson]

Re: Clay bar included?

I appreciate the input. In my detail packages I include it in the charge but a local competitor does not include it. I figured it was strange not to include it and was curious how many of you do or don't.
Once again, it is a testament as to how many "detailers" are simply fancy car washers. (if that) and nothing more.

[Explicit Details]

Re: Clay bar included?

For retail work I include it. For wholesale, it depends on the situation and how much I'm being paid.

[BlackScreaminMachine]

Re: Clay bar included?

I recently did a car this weekend that IMO was VERY neglected in terms of washing/waxing. Not a spot of wax on the car was left. And this thing was a a nice, newer soon to become a trade in POS.

After a wash with Gold Class, still sorta wet, I used some Quick Detailer and started on the hood, honestly did not need it but as I hit the bumper and doors I found that it needed it the most.

The Hood, Fenders, Quarter and hatch were fine. So go fig.

It took me no more then a few minutes and once the clay glided nicely and evenly. I re washed and continued my process.

IMO it is a great step, its proper technique and its going to help the final results.

[Marc08EX]

Re: Clay bar included?

I think claying is a necessity when detailing a car even if it's just a wash/wax...

[FinalTouchDetail]

Re: Clay bar included?

I always clay, even if it is just a basic wash and seal.

And I do not charge seperate for it, thats just stupid IMO.

I agree.

I ALWAYS claybar in any detail.

[HCAD]

Re: Clay bar included?

Some have said, "I ALWAYS clay!" That's what makes them true detailers, plain and simple. If you have a package that doesn't include claying the car, it's a wash and wax much like the corner car wash isn't it? My feeling is, all of the little things we do as detailers is what sets us apart from typical garage jobs. Claying is pretty quick and easy. Include it!

[Shawn T.]

Re: Clay bar included?

For the few cars I do, I explain my process and the importance of the clay and if they choose to get rid of the clay process, I knock it down a few dollars. If they are fine with the established price then I go ahead and clay. That's what I mean by it's not always included. I have done a 2 wash and waxes where the customer chose to get rid of the clay. Their choice.