New in business-Help needed from Professionals

**pampos** · 03-28-2008, 10:54 PM

I am starting now my own business in Cyprus and i have several questions and if somebody wants really to help me i will appreciate it a lot.... the first question is that i am wondering how the price list have to be.

How much i have to charge in each case?is it possible for you to give me some ideas about your prices in different cases?for example for a work like this http://autopia.org/forum/click-brag/...k-29-pics.html

how much i have to charge?And what about the cars that are need only a paintwork cleaning and waxing? As i understand the are are a lot of different cases but please give me some ideas...

:thx

**Chris@Optimum** · 03-28-2008, 11:01 PM

I have an hourly rate, and experience will tell you what you can do in an hour as well as how long individual cars will take. You should always give estimates and talk about expectations prior to starting the work. I know this is a vague answer, but you will have to judge your own abilities. Nobody could stick to a fixed price list, too many variables.

**pampos** · 03-28-2008, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by integritydetail

I have an hourly rate, and experience will tell you what you can do in an hour as well as how long individual cars will take. You should always give estimates and talk about expectations prior to starting the work. I know this is a vague answer, but you will have to judge your own abilities. Nobody could stick to a fixed price list, too many variables.

I agree with you but the problem is that people here are very suspicious and they think that you are going to be late just for more money : ). How much do you charge by hour If you can tell me?

**imported_PaPaHoFF** · 03-28-2008, 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by pampos

I agree with you but the problem is that people here are very suspicious and they think that you are going to be late just for more money : ). How much do you charge by hour If you can tell me?

Like he said it depends on what you can do an what you value your time as.

I would say start at 25$ per hour and work your way up from there.

**pampos** · 03-28-2008, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by PaPaHoFF

Like he said it depends on what you can do an what you value your time as.

I would say start at 25$ per hour and work your way up from there.

As i told above people here are very suspicious but i will give a try just to see their reaction.i think $25 per hour it is a logical amount if you consider that other detailers are charging about $160 just for polishing and waxing and they have done in 1-2 hours(you can imagine the results i don`t want to be the bad guy here

).

**pampos** · 03-28-2008, 11:51 PM

For example someone told me that his car need only waxing just for protection but the car has come light swirls and it is just 1 year old. i have explained to him that we have to remove them before waxing for better results and when i showed to him the swirls he said OK.If someone in that case say NO because of the money are you going to do this(waxing without claying/polishing) or are you going to refuse?Because i am on the beginning i want to have as more customers as possible but i want to make good work on the right way. i thing waxing without polishing or even claying in that case is not a really good work.So what are you suggesting to do in that cases?Explaining to them and if they just want waxing saying politely NO or get the job??

**Chris@Optimum** · 03-29-2008, 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by pampos

For example someone told me that his car need only waxing just for protection but the car has come light swirls and it is just 1 year old. i have explained to him that we have to remove them before waxing for better results and when i showed to him the swirls he said OK.If someone in that case say NO because of the money are you going to do this(waxing without claying/polishing) or are you going to refuse?Because i am on the beginning i want to have as more customers as possible but i want to make good work on the right way. i thing waxing without polishing or even claying in that case is not a really good work.So what are you suggesting to do in that cases?Explaining to them and if they just want waxing saying politely NO or get the job??

You must give the customer what they want. In the beginning you will need to take these jobs, and after you get a good reputation you can choose your work. No one starts out doing $200 every time. In your example, I would use an AIO instead of just a wax so that my customer got the most for his money, but at the same time I would tell him upfront what to expect from the product I will be using (how much it will remove, how much it will hide, how long it will last). Then when you explain that a AIO will hide and protect for a few weeks, but a full polish and a high quality sealant will last 6 months, he`s actually paying more in the long run for frequent "mini" details. I detect that you need more confidence in yourself as you present your services. If you look like you`re saying: "I charge ??? will you please use me?" they don`t want to pay because you seem unsure of yourself. However, if you can paint a picture with words to make their mouth water just thinking about it, they`ll pay whatever you ask. The only trick with that is that you MUST be able to deliver.

**pampos** · 03-29-2008, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by integritydetail

You must give the customer what they want. In the beginning you will need to take these jobs, and after you get a good reputation you can choose your work. No one starts out doing $200 every time. In your example, I would use an AIO instead of just a wax so that my customer got the most for his money, but at the same time I would tell him upfront what to expect from the product I will be using (how much it will remove, how much it will hide, how long it will last). Then when you explain that a AIO will hide and protect for a few weeks, but a full polish and a high quality sealant will last 6 months, he`s actually paying more in the long run for frequent "mini" details. I detect that you need more confidence in yourself as you present your services. If you look like you`re saying: "I charge ??? will you please use me?" they don`t want to pay because you seem unsure of yourself. However, if you can paint a picture with words to make their mouth water just thinking about it, they`ll pay whatever you ask. The only trick with that is that you MUST be able to deliver.

I already done this.I always have some pictures with me to show them : ). i am also explaining to them what are the differences between of just applying some carnauba wax and of making a complete work (claying/polishing/sealant/waxing).I think that this is a good idea because most of them have no idea about detailing. most of them they know just 3 words: compound-polish-wax without understanding the usage of each product.

**Chris@Optimum** · 03-29-2008, 12:30 AM

Well, just try to have patience. Of course you`d like to do all concourse detailing, but in the end you must do what pays the bills. You will have to be creative and find which products will provide the best results in the least time for these people. Write down your system and stick to it to help with efficientcy and consistency. One thing that I cut out unless people ask for it is dressing the interior and shampooing the interior. I used to do that on every detail and most people prefer the new look to the shiney. You can tell by talking to people where you should spend your time. Maybe a guy doesn`t care about swirls, but appreciates that you cleaned his visor mirrors and inside sunroof glass.

**pampos** · 03-29-2008, 12:37 AM

Originally Posted by integritydetail

Well, just try to have patience. Of course you`d like to do all concourse detailing, but in the end you must do what pays the bills. You will have to be creative and find which products will provide the best results in the least time for these people. Write down your system and stick to it to help with efficientcy and consistency. One thing that I cut out unless people ask for it is dressing the interior and shampooing the interior. I used to do that on every detail and most people prefer the new look to the shiney. You can tell by talking to people where you should spend your time. Maybe a guy doesn`t care about swirls, but appreciates that you cleaned his visor mirrors and inside sunroof glass.

You are right once again... At least at the moment i have to say "yes" just for paying my bills : )

Thanks once again...

**Chris@Optimum** · 03-29-2008, 01:01 AM

Vince Lombardi:

The Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you`re willing to pay the price.

**TTWAGN** · 03-30-2008, 03:14 AM

As integritydetail mentioned. For the customers that only want a wax then give them an all in one product. They`ll be get a better end result and will be happy with your work.

I charge $50 an hour. But that includes my material such as polish and wear on pads etc.

**pampos** · 03-30-2008, 03:32 AM

if i gave them an AIO product i don`t have to clay it before??

**Twista616** · 03-30-2008, 08:10 AM

^^ Ive been wondering that as well...like Poli-Seal or something?

I`m sure everyone is going to say Clay before, just so the pad doesn`t pick up any of the bonded contaminents...but I would like to know the definate answer. I can cut some serious time if I dont have to clay the whole car before an AIO!

I think I answered my own question! Haha

**pampos** · 03-30-2008, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by Twista616

^^ Ive been wondering that as well...like Poli-Seal or something?

I`m sure everyone is going to say Clay before, just so the pad doesn`t pick up any of the bonded contaminents...but I would like to know the definate answer. I can cut some serious time if I dont have to clay the whole car before an AIO!

I think I answered my own question! Haha

i agree with you but as you said i can cut some serious time especially with clients that they don`t want to pay so much money. i also have the same question about claying before using the paintwork clearness for example.do i have too?