1 step polish+LSP $$$???

[todd@bsaw]

I have thought about starting a separate business identity for that recon work as well, but I don`t have a large enough client base in the area looking for the full detail work that I normally offer. Whenever I get a new customer asking about detailing I always describe my normal process and try to sell them on that. If I can tell they are not looking for that type of work then I switch over to what I can do for the price they are looking to spend.



For example, I just did a recon job on Wednesday that went like this:

Me: "My exterior price starts at $190 plus interior for $50 so you`re looking at $240 for a 1-step polish plus paint sealant application."

Client: "It doesn`t need to look perfect. I`m just looking to have it presentable for sale and was told by other people a detail would be between $150 and $200."

Me: "Well, if you`d like I can just do a single-step cleaner wax and not the additional stage of polishing. There will be some swirls removed, but it`s not a complete polish step. That will save some time on the detail and I`ll charge you $150 with a quick interior detail."

Client: "Okay, lets set up a date."



The car only had 1800 miles and was fairly clean in the first place so I knew I could have it done in under 3 hours (it actually took me about an hour and a half so I had time to fix some paint transfer spots the client wanted repaired). If I would have stuck to my normal detail price I am positive the client would have gone somewhere else. It all comes down to being able to sell your services and understanding what the customer wants. In this case, it was a clean car for under $200.



Normally for my 1-step I use Polyseal on a Meg`s Solo polishing pad, but for this detail I decided to try out Megs D151 Paint Reconditioning Creme.

[imported_JoshVette]

Todd, good point and that`s the very reason why most of us have a variety of options to choose from, but you`re right it all comes down to understanding the needs and expectation and educating the clients about our services and results.



I had a similar situation with one of my F550 clients who is about to trade in his 7 serioes BMW. He wanted it polished, interior cleaned yadda yadda, I quoted him $400 and told him on a trade in the dealer will prep it anyways so no need to spend that much, he said what about for $150 and I told him what I could do for that price.... as you mentioned a good clean car. I took care of the actual need for the aggree`d price, he`s happy, I`m happy, done deal.:goodjob



Josh

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

Normally for my 1-step I use Polyseal on a Meg`s Solo polishing pad, but for this detail I decided to try out Megs D151 Paint Reconditioning Creme.

....................... way to leave us hanging!



PolySeal vs D151... spill it



haha I`m asking as I`ve basically planned on picking up one or the other and due to my love for Meg`s and hate for Optimum I`m GREATLY leaning toward D151, but I like to keep an open mind.

[todd@bsaw]

haha...



I really liked the D151. I`d have to give it a few more trials to see if I like it better than the Polyseal, but it looks promising. It looked amazing on this particular detail (metallic silver Sebring) and was very WOWO - so to speak. I believe the correction was a little better than I can accomplish with the same pad combo using Polyseal.



The client was nice enough to take a picture for me since my camera battery was dead, but it was just a point and shoot. The metallic really popped in the sun, so it gets two big thumbs up from me in the looks department.

[Scottwax]

There is a market for $150 1-step details and a much larger percentage of the population would fall under that umbrella than your 1% clientele. It`s not exactly a trade secret.

Great market too and with some education, you can turn a few of them into correction customers. I like doing hardcore corrections but the 1 step exterior only/full details are nice too. Fun seeing the reaction of people who formerly were only willing to spend $60 for a detail see what they get for more and it can wet the appetite for even more involved jobs.

[RaskyR1]

I charge $250 for my 1-step jobs (+$50 for larger SUV`s and Trucks) Most jobs take me 5-6 hours.

[sacdetailing]

Todd, good point and that`s the very reason why most of us have a variety of options to choose from, but you`re right it all comes down to understanding the needs and expectation and educating the clients about our services and results.



I had a similar situation with one of my F550 clients who is about to trade in his 7 serioes BMW. He wanted it polished, interior cleaned yadda yadda, I quoted him $400 and told him on a trade in the dealer will prep it anyways so no need to spend that much, he said what about for $150 and I told him what I could do for that price.... as you mentioned a good clean car. I took care of the actual need for the aggree`d price, he`s happy, I`m happy, done deal.:goodjob



Josh

U GOT to be a good salesman to be a good detailer! lol

[imported_JoshVette]

U GOT to be a good salesman to be a good detailer! lol

Seriously? I disagree... your work and results should do the "selling" for you.:waxing:



In this case I purposely lost out on money in order to be up front and honest, I could have sold him on the $400 dollar polishing, but I know it would be wasted efforts on my part as well as wasted money on his part (since he`s trading it and not selling it privately) and I`d rather not do either for me or my client. You never know when or how that will come back around on you later.



Anyone can upsale this or that, but if it comes down to making an extra buck or being completely honest, I`ll choose the latter, that`s what my client`s will remember. :goodjob



Josh

[brwill2005]

OP, what you should charge for a given service depends on your individual situation. What people are charging thousands of miles away in completely different markets should not influence your pricing. The majority are interested in having their paint look good and protected. The market for gazillion dollar correction jobs is limited. If one wants to continue to grow their business, you have to find the right balance between quality and price. In others words, offer something that is of terrific value, and the customers will come. If someone desires to have their car look nearly flawless, I educate them about the importance of proper car care from the time their car is new. I offer my maintenance package to achieve this result.

[todd@bsaw]

U GOT to be a good salesman to be a good detailer! lol

Correction: You have to be a good salesman to be a good business owner.



Also, what Brad said.. Price to your market, not everyone elses.

[Scottwax]

Anyone can upsale this or that, but if it comes down to making an extra buck or being completely honest, I`ll choose the latter, that`s what my client`s will remember. :goodjob



Josh

Agreed.



No point in upselling a correction to someone who won`t do what is necessary to keep the car looking good. I try to find out their current car care habits and if they willing to make needed changes to their routine if necessary when helping them decide what level of detail works best for them.

[sacdetailing]

Seriously? I disagree... your work and results should do the "selling" for you.:waxing:



In this case I purposely lost out on money in order to be up front and honest, I could have sold him on the $400 dollar polishing, but I know it would be wasted efforts on my part as well as wasted money on his part (since he`s trading it and not selling it privately) and I`d rather not do either for me or my client. You never know when or how that will come back around on you later.



Anyone can upsale this or that, but if it comes down to making an extra buck or being completely honest, I`ll choose the latter, that`s what my client`s will remember. :goodjob



Josh

Hey man i completely agree with you, but theres a lot of good detailers that cannot even sell wash and wax for 75 bucks, you have to be good at explaining what is the importance of doing it, and how the customer will benefit from it.

[Envious Eric]

I charge $250 for my 1-step jobs (+$50 for larger SUV`s and Trucks) Most jobs take me 5-6 hours.

exact same here!

[imported_sal329]

I wish I could charge some of the prices discussed here. Almost everyone I speak to wants their paint shiny does not care about a correction.

[Tuck91]

I charge $150 for just a one step cleaner wax and the interior detailed. As well as tires and wheelwells dressed, glass cleaned etc. Takes me close to five hours.