Like the title states...

I know that most businesses "fail" because of not advertising enough or in the right places, but what is everyone's "technique," if you will?

Also, where do you guys do these details: customer's house, your house, or at your business? If it's at a customers house, then what are your requirements of the customer to provide you with? Especially now in the winter, it's a little tougher because of the environment.

Another thing...what is an average amount that one should charge for a FULL detail...interior...exterior?

Scott-I can only assume that you do this as a full time career...what do YOU do?

*Obviously quality to keep them

thanks,
dan

 

PM hector.. he knows a lot about the business.

 

My dads office has a company that does the employees cars. They charge $90 for:

wash
clay bar
sealant
wax
wax rims
tire shine
engine bay cleaning
clean windows
interior vacuum
leather/cloth cleaning
armorall dash, trim etc.

They charge $60 for just exterior stuff, paint, tires, rims etc...

They do good business, its convenient for the employees. In todays society, that is crucial, as people dont want to be inconvenienced. I would say you need to do the following: show a passion for your job through your work at an affordable price, and do this at a customer level that pleases them.

On a side note, I just did my moms car, full interior and exterior, for $60. Family discount, but if it were anyone else I wouldave done atleast $75. Keep in mind, the cost of supplies and hours you spend per car.

 

I charge depending on the condition of the car and what the customer wants done. For me one price doesn't fit all.

MOHF, $90 seems very inexpensive. If they do a professional job it's a great deal. I see that there is no 'polishing' listed. For me, that's a mandatory step. All the clay, sealant and wax in the world won't remove finish imperfections. It'll help hide them though.

My 'average' charge would be about $150 for interior and exterior and takes not less than 7 hours. Some are more, and a few are less depending on the level of detail the customer wants. Most of my customers have higher end vehicles and have no problem with my pricing...especially after the see my work. Most comment that their car looks better than when it was new.

 

I can do pretty good "paint correction," but that is one area that I really want to improve on and make paint FLAWLESS.

 

For me, the polishing takes the most time. To get the paint to that flawless condition it usually means machine polishing twice or even 3 times with progressively finer polishes.

 

in my area, the least expensive i've seen is $99 for a "general" detailing, that light interior cleaning and wash/polish exterior. Anymore than that and it goes to $150 and up. To get a proffesional detailing inside and out, expect to pay a couple hundred bux. Thats why i do my own detailing to my cars, rather spend a couple of hours on the car on a warm sunday than pay someone a couple hundred bux.

 

no doubt! ^

 

... wife paid $50 for a complete detail, clay, polish, & wax just before christmas. I'm afraid to know what they used...

 

Here are a few general guidelines:

1. Don't try to be the cheapest. Cheap prices attract cheap customers who have no loyalty. As soon as someone else comes along who is cheaper, they go to them. Plus people like that have the crappiest cars and are super picky.

2. Don't take on jobs you can't handle or don't have the proper experience for. If you have never corrected severe swirls, practice on family/friend's car and make sure you can do it before charging someone.

3. Under promise and over deliver. Wow the customer. Not only will they continue to use you, but will also refer you to their friends.

4. Focus more on technique than product. Some detailers are so focused on layering, topping, etc they forget it is their polishing technique that yields the greatest results.

5. Go where the rich people are to do your marketing. You want to do high end cars, you have to search out their owners. Golf courses are a good place. See if you can work a deal with the management to offer your services at the golf course. Takes 4 hours or so to play a round of golf, that is at least enough time for a really good exterior detail. Obviously, the course will want something in return for allowing you to work there and hopefully promoting your services.

6. Offer an exterior detail as a PTA door prize at local schools. Gets your name out and shows you care about the community.

7. Consider offering weekly/bi-weekly regular washes for your detail customers. Why let the local car wash get some of your customer's money and screw up your hard work with their lousy washing technique? It also gives you regular income.

8. Don't be shy about telling people what you do for a living. I've been able to get a lot of business simply by working what I do into the conversation.

 

thanks for the tips Scott

 

well, for me i own a cleaning buisness and my customers see how clean i keep my car and ask if i detail but of course i say. i would be happy to do your vehicle. and i have a different method of cleaning and waxing, i don't polish cause i think polishing is too rough on the clear coat, its done all by hand. yeah its alot of work but i charge 175.00 and up and no complaints. here's an x-5 i did last october, and it took 6 and a half hours. phew!! and he let me drive it to go pick up lunch!!! lovin it!! thats a complete detail, 265.00

 

What products do you use? Without polish, how do you remove swirls/scratches? Cleaners and waxes will just help to hide them at best. Polish isn't rough on the clear coat....providing you're using the correct products and process.

 

all done by hand cause i think the polishing is to touch and go. meaning, certain cars will swirl easy and then you have to buff out continuosly. i use maguires clay bar, after i wash by hand with professional car wash, i don't remember the name off hand, then i'll use maguires gold class, 2 coats, and then i might spray on ultimate detailer to lock in the shine. it actually feels smoother to me. not sayin there is'nt an easy and/or better way, i think my system works the best for me. and, i like having 20 rags or so, 10 mf and 10 cotton terry towels so you always have a clean cloth for any job your doin.