maybe I have the wrong thoughts...

toyotaguy · 06-01-06, 02:36

my opinion - a full detail is full swirl removal, and light scratches taken out, carpets cleaned, interior cleaned up, windows spotless...etc

(in general) do people expect brand new paint, or just for it to look better???
seems that I am taking too long on my details trying to get every little swirl and scratch out and removing every single imperfection as much as I can....am I trying for too much without the pay?

what I am doing, is that considered a full show car quality job, or a routine complete detail...I was thinking it was a routine quality detail, but the other day the lady seemed rather upset that it took me 7 hours to clean carpets, wash, clay(very bad), polish, sealant, leather, windows, tires, wheels, trim,....the works minus engine....seemed like she wanted me in and out in 3 hours....but I was trying to get everything I saw wrong out...like how I try to keep my truck looking...am I wrong and using too much energy/spending too much time??? afterall, the lady just paid me without looking at the car when I was done.....!!!!

SkeptiKal · 06-01-06, 03:32

Figure out what what you want to make per hour and charge that.

If people want their car cleaned for 3 hours, then do the best job you can in that time.

I try my hardest to make the paint perfect again but sometimes its not worth it.

Capt. Paintball · 06-01-06, 09:00

I run the detail dept. at my dealership, and when people there (or off the street) want me to a "detail" their vehicle, I immediately know whether or not they have any real idea what they want, or if they realize what a good detail takes.

I ask them what they are expecting and what price they are willing to pay. I hand them a print-out sheet for cars and trucks with each individual job corresponding with a certain price. They check off the box, and if they miss something, or if they pick unnecessary/redundant jobs, I make corrections with their knowledge and consent. For example, If a customer picks "wax" but not "wash" , or vice versa, I explain to them both are needed. Then I tell them how long every specific job takes in total.

In other words, they know how long the detail will take, and that idea will be reinforced because they have checked off up to 10, 20, 30 boxes. The sheer number of choices will likely "overwhelm" the customer--in a harmless, positive way, and may mean you get that extra time you are looking for.

And as far as a full detail goes, that varies from detailer to detailer, and customer to customer. I consider (and if you have your own business, you should too) a full detail consisting of a completely checked off sheet on my (your) list. Be very specific. My client base would consider that more than sufficient, although there are some autopians who may point out I left a few things out if I was to post my list

BigAl3 · 06-01-06, 11:30

it seems like the average joe or jill, would just like a good clean-up with a nice shine these days. but finding out what your client wants/needs is also important, as you may do more than what they want. geez, i would hate to do a complete swirl/scratch removal, only to have them re-installed again by the next car wash they do...

Jimmy Buffit · 06-02-06, 12:53

Everyone has different expectations. 'Most' females are more concerned with the interior, IMHO. They seldom care about the engine, for example.

Having said that, always do your best work. Always.

Jim

ajbarnes · 06-02-06, 02:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy Buffit

Having said that, always do your best work. Always.

Jim

As simple as that sounds, that is the most important thing to remember running a service oriented business.

mirrorfinishman · 06-02-06, 06:27

Find a need and fill it.

Some people need full swirl removal and light scratches taken out, carpets cleaned, interior cleaned up, windows spotless. They expect brand new paint and what would be considered a full show car quality 7 hour job. And they usually expect to pay much more than those people who only want it to look better by doing a routine 3 hour detail.

It is basically up to you to know the difference between what you are offering your clients and what your clients expect from your service.

toyotaguy · 06-03-06, 01:55

so whats the going rate then for details of the different kinds?....

full swirl removal/light scratch removal, inside and outside cleaned = 200+
good one step outside wax, inside cleaned = 130+

??????

magictouch24 · 06-03-06, 03:55

I charge ~$160 for a sedan like a Nissan Maxima. This includes everything except scratch removal, swirl removal, and cloth seat cleaning (you can pay extra to have the seats cleaned 100%, otherwise only stains will be removed). I tell everyone up front what they're getting when I quote them a price, and that this price is a base estimate only. Once I see the vehicle I will know if I will have to charge more for more work. I also ask them about present scratches and swirls, and tell them to remove/take down scratches and/or remove swirls I will have to charge extra. Typically, when I have a car with scratches that don't come out during polishing, I use a base rate of $30-$35 an hour and figure out what to charge based on that and the time I spent working on them. Swirls are usually $40-$75 extra.

All that being said, 95% of the cars I detail are buffed via rotary, which is why I opt to charge a little less normally and add to that price if extra buffing is necessary. I either buff with machine glaze and follow with S100 or Meguiar's Hi-Tech Yellow wax, or I buff at 1000 RPMs with AIO and either stop there, or top with SG, S100 or both.

Scottwax · 06-03-06, 08:15

Go over the car beforehand and find out what the customer expects. Point out the defects, swirls, stains, etc and let them know what is required to correct them. Some will opt for just a 80% solution to their paint and interior problems rather than pay maybe double for as close to perfection as possible. Honestly, most soccer moms aren't interested in anything other than a light polish and seal on the exterior, plus, like Jim pointed out, they are most concerned with the interior anyway-which is kind of funny when you think about how absolutely filthy they let the interior get in the first place! You also have to consider what level of detailing the customer is willing to maintain. No sense in you busting your butt and them being without their car plus paying a for a premium detail if they won't keep the car in that condition when you finish. If you talk to your customers and make sure you give the best possible detail for what they expect, you will have a lot of happy customers.

toyotaguy · 06-03-06, 10:38

shoot, i had it all wrong...I was thinking that it was fully cleaned, polished, sealed paint, and a spotless interior that was necessary - pretty much like brand new....Maybe that is why I dont book many of the people who call....I told a guy for a full black G35 paint polishing, sealed, carnuba on top, interior cleaned with leather that it would run 175 and he all but laughed at me....I thought it was a good deal, but maybe I was going about it all wrong....I will try this other approach and see what it gets me....thanks

magictouch24 · 06-04-06, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyotaguy

shoot, i had it all wrong...I was thinking that it was fully cleaned, polished, sealed paint, and a spotless interior that was necessary - pretty much like brand new....Maybe that is why I dont book many of the people who call....I told a guy for a full black G35 paint polishing, sealed, carnuba on top, interior cleaned with leather that it would run 175 and he all but laughed at me....I thought it was a good deal, but maybe I was going about it all wrong....I will try this other approach and see what it gets me....thanks

I don't really think $175 is all that unreasonable for a black G35...