Full Detail = How Many Coats of Wax

I don't know how some of you guys make money. I really don't. I did a "full detail" with some corrective paint work over the long weekend. It was a $200 job at LEAST. I have a Porsche coming up for exterior only with a minor correction of a light scratch on the fender. I quoted $200, but I am taking my time on this one. I want it perfect, or at least as close as I can get.

I'm doing a cheapo for a neighbor this weekend. Wash, dry, wheel cleanup (they're bad), and maybe some clay and compound on the front bumper and hood. If I had a spray wax, that's what I'd do.

Since I get to pick my clients, I get to charge what I want. If I was in business doing this, it would be quite different I think. But for those of you doing 8 hours of work for $150, how do you justify it? How can you pay your insurance, capital costs, consumables, etc., and have any profit at all?
 
PerroneFord said:
But for those of you doing 8 hours of work for $150, how do you justify it? How can you pay your insurance, capital costs, consumables, etc., and have any profit at all?
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That's $18.75 an hour. In this area, that's a pretty decent paying job. Factor in some folks probably do this "under the table" and it looks pretty good.
 
JaredPointer said:
That's $18.75 an hour. In this area, that's a pretty decent paying job. Factor in some folks probably do this "under the table" and it looks pretty good.
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I agree that on paper $18.75/hr looks pretty good. Until you start looking at medical insurance, dental, SS, detailing insurance, consumables (these wash, polish, and wax supplies aren't cheap!), fuel costs, etc. I'd have to think that by the time all that is factored in, you're looking at about $6-$8/hr.

Fortunately, this is just a hobby for me and won't be profitable, but for those trying to earn a living at it, it's got to be tough. You'd probably need to turn $200-$250/day for 5-6 days a week just to really make it worthwhile in most areas.

More power to you guys.
 
I sometimes do my buddy's cars for well below what I should get paid. I guess I get paid the difference in ego stroking and word of mouth. From the last two buddy's cars I've done for $150 for 7 hours of work, I've gotten 4 other jobs from it that paid much better. Sometimes you take a hit to get some back later on, especially if it's a side gig.
 
CARTfan said:
Sometimes you take a hit to get some back later on, especially if it's a side gig.
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Exactly. Or if I have a buddy who's in a tight spot, I'll hook them up. It always comes back to you in the long run.

I have a couple "clients" that let me test out new products and techniques on their cars. So I charge them enough to pay for my supplies and let it go at that. They usually get a wash/dry, and whatever it is I'm doing.

You'd be amazed how many willing folks there are to get a wash/dry and carpet shampoo, or trim restore, or fresh sealant for $25.
 
as it stands now im doing similar pricing ..

for me a whole interior shampoo detail, exterior wash, clay, polish, wax, windows full premium package im offering for $165.00 for roughly an up to 8-9 hour job. and with a polish i generally only apply one coat of wax. ***this most likely will be increased to $175.00 soon as i get a few more buff jobs under my belt*** and 175 is still cheaper than most shops in this area to my knowledge.

this to me is more than enough in my earnings as i base everthing on between $20-$25 hourly labour for my time.

and if i was only to do exterior with clay i charge around $90.00 without touching the inside.

i could charge more but i will wait until i get more skilled with my PC polisher.
 
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