Pricing help for a truck the magnitude I've never done before....

C. Charles Hahn

C. Charles Hahn

CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
I have a friend who is a band director, and also owns a farm on which he breeds horses. His vehicle of primary use is a 2000 Black Ford F350 Crew Cab Dually, with the long bed and 7.3L diesel. It also has the tan leather interior.



I've never done a truck this big before, let alone the fact that its black. The current condition of the truck is ****-poor, because it has been only line-washed (and will continue to be after I'm done with it anyways, but hopefully I can help to a degree), and has swirls that could easilly make you think you'd smoked dope before looking at the finish. He wants me to quote him a price for a full inside/outside detail that will last him 3-5 months in a farm environment as well as the michigan winters (which is murder in and of itself). Questions are:



1) what products would meet the qualifications of the job (I know I'll probably have to FI and SMR the paint at minimum, but as for topper, I don't know whether to go with a glaze/carnauba combo, meg's #20 poly, Zaino, or Klasse to work the best on black in those harsh environments.) to last for that time??



2) How much do I charge him?? (I don't have to mess with a "give him a lower price because he's a friend" thing, and if I decide to I'll just take 10-15% off what you all tell me).



Thanks! :wavey
 
i'd charge him by the hour - $35 or $40 at least. i do an F350 dually every 2 weeks(white). i charge him $30 wash in/out, $70 wash/wax in/out and $120 to wash/compound/polish/wax in/out. however, if it were black i'd charge more and if it's to last up to 6months i'd definitely charge more. without even seeing it, i'd quote him $200 min. and let him know it probably will cost more.

my $.02.:D
 
He doesn't want much, does he? :rolleyes:



Honestly, with the brutal plans he seems to have for it, don't get fancy with the exterior. Just the basic swirl removal/polish techniques then use Meguiars #20. I wouldn't even use a topper unless you really want to. In two weeks, it's going to be trashed anyway if it is a farm truck.



Something that size, I would charge at least $150 as long as the interior is in decent shape and definitely more if the paint really needed a lot of work.
 
My quote would be 150.00 -175.00 especially because it is black. What was he thinking, a black farm truck? I would also price accordingly if you have to deal with alot of horse crap all over it. Jason
 
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This is really hard, I don't think you'll be able to find any wax that will last 3-5 months especially in the environment and useage he has. You may want to try posting this in "Detailing." Nonetheless boat and airplane wax may last longer, however I have no idea for sure, put a post up. I would charge $225.00 + the cost of supplies that you use. So around $250 because if it is in brutal condition and it is an F350 you are going to be using a lot of wax, rags, MF, tire polish, leather conditioner, etc.

 
I wouldnt be concerned. Use the polish, the glaze and finally the sealer. A sealer WILL last a few months.



Realise it is a farm truck and the chances of you seeing it again for a paying detail is a long time coming. Maybe never.



In conclusion, I agree with Scottwax 100%! Charge the 150 and no less to be fair to you and your friend.



Do a good job and if you feel it's necesary, then by all means, charge extra.



Ryan
 
slowcapri said:
Use some NuFinish on it... everyone hates it, but Id have to say it is one of the most durable waxes around.
Click to expand...



Hmmm, not according to the Guru Reports test. It was one of the worst in terms of durability.
 
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