Vehicle Inspection & Estimate Sheet

Being only a part time - weekend warrior; I sometimes have trouble correctly evaluating the actual condition of a customers vehicle. The vehicles that I usually detail are neglected, and 3-5 years old. My inital inspection is not as thorough as it should be. Especially, when the customer wants to "just clean it up good." It seems like I always discover something after I start which I hadn`t taken into consideration when I priced the job. I always take care of whatever it is, however I do not feel right about asking for additional money.

I believe there was a link posted sometime back to an inspection form by someone here at DC. I apologize that I do not remember who it was so that they can receive the credit do them. I tried searching for this, but came up empty. That was the inspiration for a new - more thorough method of inspection. This afternoon was a computer day for me, so I pieced something together that I believe will help me to more accurately estimate what I am getting into on a detail.

I thought I would share with the fellow part timers and the just starting out guys here. I cannot take credit for this sheet. The idea came from an old post. I have modified it somewhat to fit my needs.

I hope I am not infringing upon or offending anyone by posting this. I`m just trying to be helpful. Sorry...Formatting will need to be corrected. I had to convert the file in order to upload it and I am not a computer guy!

Dave

I have this link from Automotive International saved in my favorites:
Automotive International - Paint Inspection Form

If I recall someone posted this link in one of those threads and I saved it then. That may help you out if you want to change or check anything.

I have one that I printed from somewhere. If I can find the link, which I have been trying to find, I will post it up for you.
If you PM me your mailing address, I will send you a copy of one.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by budman3

I have this link from Automotive International saved in my favorites:
Automotive International - Paint Inspection Form

If I recall someone posted this link in one of those threads and I saved it then. That may help you out if you want to change or check anything.

---

I believe that`s it.:yay Thank you for remembering! Back to the computer.:)

Dave

P.S. now I have it bookmarked

here is a good one I found awhile back you need excel

These are great to have and good to look over as I forget somethings....The one thing that I have started doing when talking to a customer is give them a range in price, and explain that this is incase you run into extra work along the way.

For me I charge $200 on full details but tell people that the range is from $175 to $225 so that I can protect myself, I have not had one person say anything about it, and when I bring the car back and its more than 200 I show them why and where that came in at

Great thread

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Beemerboy

....The one thing that I have started doing when talking to a customer is give them a range in price, and explain that this is incase you run into extra work along the way.

---

After all, we are giving what is called an estimate. I realize that I could really stand to attend a class on - Selling Detailing 101.:)

Thanks for the responses and help.
Dave

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DLR Detailing

After all, we are giving what is called an estimate. I realize that I could really stand to attend a class on - Selling Detailing 101.:)

Thanks for the responses and help.
Dave

---

DLR

Selling is nothing more than understanding why people buy, quality, status, excitement, necessity, gluttony, well maybe not the last one!:cool:

Just have confidence in your work and give them a range and they will be happier as an end result including yourself.

Have a look for a book on the web called "the one minute salesperson" 90 pages very easy reading and will give you some great foundation in selling.

beemerboy has it, just give them a total price, unless something is out of the ordinary