Time Saving Tips

To save time, polish only once around with something like 1zPP, then apply Glanz wax. Don't worry about removing scratches, just hit it hard once. They're only giving you one day, so they can't (and probably don't) expect flawless paint. Do what you can with the rest of your time.



I don't think one day is enough time to do a really thorough job, even for seasoned professionals. Maybe if the car is in really good shape to begin with. I detail 3 cars per month. I only charge enough to support the hobby. In return, the customer must let me have the car for a MINIMUM of 72 hours. I lose a lot of jobs because of the 72 hour requirement; BUT, in the last 6 months I've built up quite a reputation for outstanding work. They are waiting in line. :) My hobby is free. I can buy any detailing product that strikes my fancy, and I'm getting more and more experience.



Mikeman out.
 
exactly 3 days is brilliant. I can do a good job in 1/2 days but 3 days and you can layer your products give everything a really good clean and fix any paint chips. I totally agree 3 days is a good idea!



What do you charge for 3 days? I charge roundabout £200 British pounds sterling for 2 days. 3 days maybe £280 or £300.



JJ
 
You're way out of my league JJ. I charge only $50 US no matter how long I spend on the car. I also don't do anything to the car I don't want to do. :) You won't catch me shampooing carpets or cleaning cloth seats. Customers understand that I decide what should be done with the time alotted. Generally, I just do a basic vacuum/wipedown/windows on the interiors and go all-out on the exteriors because I like the exterior work.



My customers tend to be lower-middle class like myself. They have little disposable income, and 8 year old neglected/abused cars. They would never pay for a REAL detail. They just let me play with their cars. It's amazing what a couple of days with a PC and aggressive pads/polishes can do with these cars. By the time I've done the tires/wheels, trim, and polished the glass, the transformation is truly dramatic.



Hehe.....there are now about 15 old beaters running around this fairly poor neighborhood with AIO/SG/Souveran on them...and they look stunning. These cars are eye-catchers inspite of the numerous dings and deep scratches on them. I just love the black beaters.



I do my immediately adjacent neighbors' cars for free; but they get the one day job with Glanz wax. This keeps them from calling the cops when I run my PC at midnight. :)



Mikeman out.
 
Mikeman said:
You're way out of my league JJ. I charge only $50 US no matter how long I spend on the car. I also don't do anything to the car I don't want to do. :) You won't catch me shampooing carpets or cleaning cloth seats. Customers understand that I decide what should be done with the time alotted. Generally, I just do a basic vacuum/wipedown/windows on the interiors and go all-out on the exteriors because I like the exterior work.



My customers tend to be lower-middle class like myself. They have little disposable income, and 8 year old neglected/abused cars. They would never pay for a REAL detail. They just let me play with their cars. It's amazing what a couple of days with a PC and aggressive pads/polishes can do with these cars. By the time I've done the tires/wheels, trim, and polished the glass, the transformation is truly dramatic.



Hehe.....there are now about 15 old beaters running around this fairly poor neighborhood with AIO/SG/Souveran on them...and they look stunning. These cars are eye-catchers inspite of the numerous dings and deep scratches on them. I just love the black beaters.



I do my immediately adjacent neighbors' cars for free; but they get the one day job with Glanz wax. This keeps them from calling the cops when I run my PC at midnight. :)



Mikeman out.
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:bow :bow :bow Wow what a guy!
 
Obviously, your not doing this work to earn a living. Good for you!

If I only made $50 every three days, I'd be in the poor house. So would my wife and two kids!
 
No, I certainly don't even come close to making a living detailing cars. I just make enough to keep my detailing supply closet well stocked. I only do 3 cars per month. This is because I DO have to make a living with the rest of my time. :)



Mikeman out.
 
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