Time = Money, Am I Taking Too Long?

C

carguy86

New member
So I know that if I want to make any money in detailing I have to do a lot of cars, but detailing is a very labor intensive process. I take about 3 hours to fully detail an average car (without cut and polish). I want to make as much money as I can but automotive detailing is all about taking your time to do it right and not miss anything.


 


How do I get immaculate cars and cut down my time spent on each one? Have you found any tricks to doing so? 


 


Thanks.
 
Set your prices so you're making $50 or so an hour. If it takes you 15 hours to do a paint correction, charge $750. Or more.


 


This isn't a business you can be successful at with a $20 an hour price list.
 
Carguy-


 


Unsure of your location... however, invest in training.  Certain products can reduce your time investment BUT good processes will trump that in my opinion.   If you are not located near a facility/ business that offers this, I recommend seeking out a worthy detailer near you and ask if they offer any kind of one-on-one sessions.  (Research their work though!  But there's certainly MANY qualified pro-detailers here and elsewhere around the web to choose from... and probably one very near to you.)


 


That has been my approach and it certainly has benefited the 'time' it takes me to complete certain steps of a detail.  For example... I just knocked off significant time from my packages because my polishing method was 'incorrect'.  In my instance, I'm saving 30 minutes+ per panel because "I didn't know any better..." Training, for me, is key to delete duplication, poor processes, and poor approach.  


 


You will also note, that with confidence in your technique, processes, and approach... you will work faster.  That will come through applying what you have learned through training and gaining even more experience.  Thus, faster and better results.  


 


Best regards,


-Dellinger 
 
carguy86 said:
So I know that if I want to make any money in detailing I have to do a lot of cars, but detailing is a very labor intensive process. I take about 3 hours to fully detail an average car (without cut and polish). I want to make as much money as I can but automotive detailing is all about taking your time to do it right and not miss anything.


 


How do I get immaculate cars and cut down my time spent on each one? Have you found any tricks to doing so? 


 


Thanks.
Click to expand...


 


When I did my first few details, I was shocked how long it took me and assumed I could never detail for money.  However, with each additional detail I did, my time got a little better and better.  I just kept noticing ways I was wasting time and learned how to work more efficiently and my guess is as you do more and more details, you will speed up to where $50 is possible.
 
Other than increasing speed and consistency through training and practice, are there any other ways that you guys have found to make more money in this business or is $50/hr. the best I can hope for? What do you do to bring in more customers?
 
On the issue of time and money.  Being good value for money is essential to having a successful business.  The faster you can work, the more quality you can put into the outcome - as long as you're being effective and bringing quality along with speed of course.


 


A few years ago, I did a video I called "Detailing for Enthusiasts."  It shows a lot of technique but what I think you might find interesting in the workflow.  If you PM me your address I'll send you one.  Watch it and then come back here and let us know what you think.


 


Robert
 
carguy86 said:
Other than increasing speed and consistency through training and practice, are there any other ways that you guys have found to make more money in this business or is $50/hr. the best I can hope for? What do you do to bring in more customers?
Click to expand...


For basic detailing, $50-60 (probably closer to $75 an hour on either coast) is about what you can average. But its closer to $100 an hour when doing coatings. Its very fair to charge for the added value you get with coatings, like not having to wax again and the extra protection coatings offer.
 
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