Quick Detailing, Wholesale Detailing, Fleet Detailing - Underrepresented Here? - Page 8

weekendwarrior · 05-20-08, 09:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuneBug

You know the biggest problem I have ... besides being overweight, is estimating a detail job. Some times I hit it but others I screw up cause it took way longer than I thought. That is one area that I'm going to fix real quick though, especially after last weekend's marathon.

Well, that comes from experience. It takes a while to be able to nail them...with paints being different from car to car. One thing I'll do sometimes if I'm not sure, is to quote an extra 2 hours. Then, if I don't need them, I can charge less that I originally quoted, and the customer is happy. If you are missing by a lot of hours, that's a different story.

DaGonz · 05-20-08, 09:44

As one of the part time, weekend warrior types (I am a firefighter first and a detailer second, my work schedule allows me the freedom to detail) I see that there is room for both the volume/fleet/express detailing as well as the Bella Machina level of detailing.

It all depends what your market will bear and what your client is willing to spend.

For example.. I raised my prices for the first time in 2 years. I do just one vehicle a day (well today I did 2... I got another layer of Megs #21 on my Mustang!

)... and take my time.

One customer thought that the increase was an outrage and told me that he would be going elsewhere...

Of course, he checked out the shops that do it for a living...

I have his car scheduled for next week

themightytimmah · 05-20-08, 01:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuneBug

You know the biggest problem I have ... besides being overweight, is estimating a detail job. Some times I hit it but others I screw up cause it took way longer than I thought. That is one area that I'm going to fix real quick though, especially after last weekend's marathon.

I'm never low by less than 4 man-hours in my head. My average high-end job is 10+ man hours when I figure 6, and the "favors" for friends and family are usually 5-6 when I figure two.

I try to name a price that sounds unreasonably high in my head...by the time I get done, it's spot on.

joyriiide1113 · 05-21-08, 06:26

I tell people sometimes 3-4 hours but take about 6-7.

I don't charge them anymore than 1-2 hours over what I said it would take. Its my fault if it took longer and didn't quote it.

JuneBug · 05-22-08, 12:17

Thanks guys, I'm getting better, but sometimes I just miss it by a mile, but I figure it will all come back around like "My Name is Earl" says - karma!

Picus · 05-22-08, 12:37

I've found it's best to estimate about 25% more $ and time than you think it will take. In almost all cases it ends up taking that long anyway, and if not you have a surprised and happy customer.

Holden_C04 · 05-22-08, 03:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Picus

I've found it's best to estimate about 25% more $ and time than you think it will take. In almost all cases it ends up taking that long anyway, and if not you have a surprised and happy customer.

Ain't that the truth. I have nailed every single estimate I have ever provided. They're all about 20-30% too low. I am very consistent.

salty · 05-23-08, 12:48

It seems everything takes twice all long as you think unless you are working at 200%. kinda funny but its true.

Got_Leather · 05-25-08, 06:46

Exactly, I always quote them a tad bit higher than what I expect. If it takes that long then fine, but if it's shorter, they are surprised the price is cheaper and usually end up giving the full amount anyways.

DutrowLLC · 05-30-08, 08:59

I had someone PM me about advice creating their own product line. My response was too long for the PM system and I spend enough time on it where it might have value for other people, so I am posting it here:

Hi,

I'd say the bes way to learn about what products professional detailers need would be to put yourself in a situation where you need the products yourself. From my perspective, products are about more than their effectivesness. Price plays a big factor as well as customer service, ease of use, low risk of damaging parts of the car, etc.

The company that I like the best is called Stoners "www.detailingdirect.com" I like them because their products hold their own, but are much cheaper than anything else available. Their customer service is exemplary and they are able to ship me literally hundreds of gallons of product to arrive a day or two after I order it... for free. Stoners themselves have been around since the early part of the century and have developed and manufacture all of their chemicals themseleves, which is probably why their pricing is so competitive. I've had other companies tell me straight up that they can't compete with Stoners.

The other company I like is Zaino. I wish he would sell me stuff at a discount for bulk quantities though, but he won't (then I could use more of his stuff). The thing with Zaino is he's been able to formulate at least his flagship products like the Z-2 Pro himself. Though suspect he might re-package some of the other stuff like leather and clay (don't know for sure). That gives him the edge he needs because no other product performs quite like his flagship products.

To be successeful with a business, they say you have to have something called a Unique Selling Point. I've found this to be true. Althought, I'd say it can be broader than just a "selling point." But I think you really have to have some sort of definiative edge that no one else has. If not, you'll either fail, or even worse, end up treading water for years, being able to pay your bills, but never actually pulling into a position of comfort and success. So I probably wouldn't just go out and find a few products you like, re-package them and then put together some marketing. I think you'll end up just like every other company selling good products but with none of the special "juice." And if you don't have the financial backing, experience, and knowledge of the other comapnies that people talk about on here (what is it? Sonus, Wolfgang, Optimum..?), then you'll be dead in the water.

Chris

Holden_C04 · 05-30-08, 09:01

All patents for clay in the United States are owned by Clay Magic. Whether it's Meguiars, Mothers, or Pinnacle, it's a rebrand of Clay Magic.

DutrowLLC · 05-30-08, 11:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holden_C04

All patents for clay in the United States are owned by Clay Magic. Whether it's Meguiars, Mothers, or Pinnacle, it's a rebrand of Clay Magic.

I was able to use this information to find and negotiate a far better price on my clay. Thanks so much for the time you took to write this post.

Chris