Side detailers

[scott5]

Okay. I got a question for you detailers that do this on the side for extra money. I had a great following with where I lived before and never had to rethink my products, but I just moved down to Myrtle Beach and am slowly getting people wanting there cars done. The thing I am running into is people not wanting to spend as much money on there daily driver as they do say there sports car. I charge a flat rate for my labor and really the rest I have broke down to cover the materials I use. So some people have asked me to use "cheaper" materials to get the cost down because they don't need the "show quality" that they want on there weekend cars. Has anyone ran into this? Do you guys offer different "packages" for different prices? I really hate to turn customers away esp since I am trying to grow alittle more, but I also don't want my work to look "cheaper". I mostly use Adams stuff right now with the exception of MG 105/205 with some LC pads.

 

[Mach1USMC]

Okay. I got a question for you detailers that do this on the side for extra money. I had a great following with where I lived before and never had to rethink my products, but I just moved down to Myrtle Beach and am slowly getting people wanting there cars done. The thing I am running into is people not wanting to spend as much money on there daily driver as they do say there sports car. I charge a flat rate for my labor and really the rest I have broke down to cover the materials I use. So some people have asked me to use "cheaper" materials to get the cost down because they don't need the "show quality" that they want on there weekend cars. Has anyone ran into this? Do you guys offer different "packages" for different prices? I really hate to turn customers away esp since I am trying to grow alittle more, but I also don't want my work to look "cheaper". I mostly use Adams stuff right now with the exception of MG 105/205 with some LC pads.

I would say you should target your demographic based on the typical needs and your customer bases avg income. Not sure where you moved from but MB isn't exactly a high cost of living location. I was also told by a mentor of mine that your bread and butter will come from maintenance washes. Since MB has tons of vehicle related shows, ie: Mustang week, LSX weekend, bike weeks etc etc - you should think about detailing your DD and taking it to the shows. It free advertisement, and you get to show off your skills. Bring some business cards with you and pass them out.

I'd also look at some detailers in similar demographics (Garry Dean comes to mind) check out his packages and see what might work for you. Also, since you are in a beach community consider offering services for boats, jet skis and the like. Usually people who can afford extras like boats, RV's etc can also afford to pay extra for upkeep. I know it's not as sexy as detailing a Lambo but it can pay the bills!!

 

[scott5]

I would say you should target your demographic based on the typical needs and your customer bases avg income. Not sure where you moved from but MB isn't exactly a high cost of living location. I was also told by a mentor of mine that your bread and butter will come from maintenance washes. Since MB has tons of vehicle related shows, ie: Mustang week, LSX weekend, bike weeks etc etc - you should think about detailing your DD and taking it to the shows. It free advertisement, and you get to show off your skills. Bring some business cards with you and pass them out.

I'd also look at some detailers in similar demographics (Garry Dean comes to mind) check out his packages and see what might work for you. Also, since you are in a beach community consider offering services for boats, jet skis and the like. Usually people who can afford extras like boats, RV's etc can also afford to pay extra for upkeep. I know it's not as sexy as detailing a Lambo but it can pay the bills!!

Its funny you mention that, because recently I only did half of my mustang recently (paint was BAD) and took it to some car shows and sat next to it so when people stopped and started giving it weird looks I was able to talk to them and explain what I did and what kind of results that I can achieve. I actually got a few people from that. I do have to make some business cards up.

They do not mind paying the "premium" for there play toys. Its just there everyday cars that they don't wanna invest too much money into I guess. They basically just want the scratches gone and cleaned. They keep bringing me their play toys to paint correct and to wash/clean.. I figured if I could put together a "cheaper" package that would also open up to a lot more people that want there vehicles done. I think its just more so that the avg person really doesn't see the "need" for upscale products.

I do live in a pricey apartment complex and most all vehicles are either BMWs or Mercedes, but they just cant see the point in spending the money to have there call fully done since they drive it everyday.

I don't know. Maybe I am thinking about this too much, I guess I just hate turning potential customers away.

Thanks for the tips and and ideas about the jet skis/boats and such. That is a very good idea and I will for surely take your suggestions into consideration.

 

[03svtcobracoupe]

I would simply cut steps out of your normal detail ... say economy detail I'd s simple wash, detail vacume etc. Then charge more for polishing waxing etc. Have an cheap a med and a premium .

 

[Mach1USMC]

Its funny you mention that, because recently I only did half of my mustang recently (paint was BAD) and took it to some car shows and sat next to it so when people stopped and started giving it weird looks I was able to talk to them and explain what I did and what kind of results that I can achieve. I actually got a few people from that. I do have to make some business cards up.

They do not mind paying the "premium" for there play toys. Its just there everyday cars that they don't wanna invest too much money into I guess. They basically just want the scratches gone and cleaned. They keep bringing me their play toys to paint correct and to wash/clean.. I figured if I could put together a "cheaper" package that would also open up to a lot more people that want there vehicles done. I think its just more so that the avg person really doesn't see the "need" for upscale products.

I do live in a pricey apartment complex and most all vehicles are either BMWs or Mercedes, but they just cant see the point in spending the money to have there call fully done since they drive it everyday.

I don't know. Maybe I am thinking about this too much, I guess I just hate turning potential customers away.

Thanks for the tips and and ideas about the jet skis/boats and such. That is a very good idea and I will for surely take your suggestions into consideration.

A lot of it is how you "sell" it too. Most of my customers here just want maint wash/wax. I go on to explain the benefits of sealing before waxing and most go for that because anything that makes their car look better for a longer period of time AND protects their paint they appreciate the concept. I usually charge an extra 20-30 for that because I only use JetSeal 109. Same thing with headlight correction and polishing and sealing windshield. Those 2 items are quick and easy to do but you can also charge a bit extra. Most customers are fine with it because they understand the value of it. So your 40-60 dollar maintenance wash just went to 120-130 and you only added maybe another hr to it.

For sealing I know some who use Opti-Guard charge 120+ just to seal the car.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Same thing with headlight correction and polishing and sealing windshield. Those 2 items are quick and easy to do

I have no idea about headlights and windows but if its easy I would like to know how if you dont mind telling. I know pros have secrets.

 

[Mach1USMC]

There are a few ways. Ill start with headlights first.

Method one: this is the longest. Use 2000-2500 grit and wetsand using water or detail spray as lube. Then come behind with either 2500-3000 and wetsand again. You should see a lot more clarity at this point. Now you take out a polish- I like Meg's 205 or CG V36, try a white pad. If you need a bit more "bite" use an orange cutting pad and then step back up to white. Should take 15-20 min per headlight. Then just seal it with the sealant of your choice. Should last at least 9+ months.

Method 2: shortest and doesn't last nearly as long. Take a cutting pad and I use either CG V34 or Megs 105. Give it a 5 min or so polishing. Then use a polish and white pad to bring out the clarity. Seal it up and you're done.

What I do with my windshield service is the same as method #2 for the headlights. It has the same water repellant qualities as RainX but it lasts much longer. It also makes the windshield and headlights much easier to clean afterwards.

 

[rcn4god]

I target cars, do an estimate on the car based on what they need done. Flat rates can screw you. I know my work so i charge what i know im worth. You may have to take a few in the shorts to get a name out there

 

[Mach1USMC]

I target cars, do an estimate on the car based on what they need done. Flat rates can screw you. I know my work so i charge what i know im worth. You may have to take a few in the shorts to get a name out there

That works great if you are only doing it on the side. But once it becomes more than a hobby or enthusiast situation you need to have some sort of menu. Makes things a whole lot easier. Don't worry- if you do it right there are plenty of opportunities for add ons and custom packages.

Btw- the reason I suggested to look at Garry Deans site is for exactly what you are talking about. He doesn't have flat rates- he has ranges. Pretty good planning and he doesn't box himself in. And he can add or take away based on his customers wants and needs.

 

[scott5]

What i meant by flat rate was for me. Meanin my rate per hr. It always depends on size and how bad a vehicle is on for what im gna charge. If it takes more time to do a car then i obv charged more. I also give a free wash and dry when i do an estimate so i can properly charge the vehicle based on how bad it is. I once didnt think that the paint was as bad as it was and lost a decent amount of money so i figure that tiny amount of money it cost to do a wash its worth it.

 

[BladeX10]

In my experience, The every day majority dont even care about paint correction or even appreciate the process it takes to achieve a quality finish. They just want to do the $10 wash and dry and call it a day. Its annoying weeding through those people because i wont even give them the time of day. I'd say 90% of the cars i do are just the basic wash/dry/wax and i always have to stress that this isnt like the 16 year old kids washing process. Which is why i usually charge $60+ for it. Most of the paint correction jobs i do are from people selling their cars and want it to look mint, Which is like a fish on a hook for a nice paint correction job because itll make them more money on the sale having a mint looking car as opposed to a dirty beat up looking car.

Also, I notice its much easier to build up a huge base of people if you charge like $20-40 for just a basic wash and dry. You become their "guy" and always come back often.

 

[Mach1USMC]

In my experience, The every day majority dont even care about paint correction or even appreciate the process it takes to achieve a quality finish. They just want to do the $10 wash and dry and call it a day. Its annoying weeding through those people because i wont even give them the time of day. I'd say 90% of the cars i do are just the basic wash/dry/wax and i always have to stress that this isnt like the 16 year old kids washing process. Which is why i usually charge $60+ for it. Most of the paint correction jobs i do are from people selling their cars and want it to look mint, Which is like a fish on a hook for a nice paint correction job because itll make them more money on the sale having a mint looking car as opposed to a dirty beat up looking car.

Also, I notice its much easier to build up a huge base of people if you charge like $20-40 for just a basic wash and dry. You become their "guy" and always come back often.

Great points.... And those repeat customers usually come back for more in depth detailing. But because of the products I use I won't go less than $40 on anything or less than $70 if I come to you.

If you do detailing as an occupation, especially if you are the owner/operator the maintenance wash is your bread and butter. Once word gets out about the quality of your work you will get the nicer and more lucrative jobs.

 

[Electrokid]

I have a few detailing jobs lined up, and I just do it on the side.
What I do is tell the customer I'll come by and give them an estimate. Ask them what they're hoping to get for their money.

If the customer says they just want something basic, like a routine wax, then you know that all you need to do is a wash, clay, wax.

After they tell you what they're looking to get done, you give them the options of 'add ons' which will either dress up the vehicle or protect it more, etc.

For example:

Customer: Hi, I would like to get my car cleaned up a bit, and the paint waxed.
Detailer: Alright, this is how much it will cost for that, but did you know... (insert speech about bringing clarity to paint through polishing, the benefits of a sealant, the options of sealing wheels, etc) - you get my point.

That's what I do, and each extra (such as an upholstery clean) is an optional package.

 

[UncleDan]

Its funny you mention that, because recently I only did half of my mustang recently (paint was BAD) and took it to some car shows and sat next to it so when people stopped and started giving it weird looks I was able to talk to them and explain what I did and what kind of results that I can achieve. I actually got a few people from that. I do have to make some business cards up.

It's funny you mentioned that and this thread, because ever since I've been using my orbital to detail my car, I get the same interests. Just today alone I did my girlfriends car (washed, clayed, polish & sealant) and not long after her posting a pic up on facebook, I get people asking if I can do their cars. I replied back half way joking that I'm going to start charging money for this lol (because it is a crap-ton of work and gets exhausting.) After seeing where this is going, I'm not joking about charging money anymore.

 

[crazycarlo]

If its only a side detailing gig then why not just market yourself to the higher end cars. If you arent relying on the income then you can afford to do less volume but better quality. Maybe lable yourself an an exoctic detailer. I would deff have some business cards made up. Also with todays social media its so easy for you to start a facebook business page and or website. Somewhere to display your work. Try to hit up every car meet if you can preferbly with pictures of a customers ride or if the customer is your friend with the ride itself. Maybe market yourself as a vehicle pre sale specialist.

I will say maybe try some different products out. I mean you dont have to go all OTC but if someone wants a wash/dry/wax then try using something like collinites 845 and not wolfgang fuzion or something along those lines.

 

[N20JUNKY]

not to steal the thread but on avg. what does a good detail cost? A car that doesn't need tons of work to bring it back, Like on my car; my paint has a nice deep look I use zaino polish then top it off with natty's blue paste, but it has a few swirls from wiping it down with the waterless car wash I use you can only see the swirls in low light. And some of the black plastic on the exterior is starting to turn gray, the interior isn't dirty I usually vacuum it every wash. I know its probably area dependent on pricing but I was wanting to know a avg price so when I get to calling around I don't get took.

 

[Mach1USMC]

not to steal the thread but on avg. what does a good detail cost? A car that doesn't need tons of work to bring it back, Like on my car; my paint has a nice deep look I use zaino polish then top it off with natty's blue paste, but it has a few swirls from wiping it down with the waterless car wash I use you can only see the swirls in low light. And some of the black plastic on the exterior is starting to turn gray, the interior isn't dirty I usually vacuum it every wash. I know its probably area dependent on pricing but I was wanting to know a avg price so when I get to calling around I don't get took.

If its not too bad you can try a few test spots with an AIO.... The issue you'll run in to is some detailers, myself included, won't touch paint with a buffer unless its been properly clayed or NanoSkin'd. Buffing out paint with bonded surface contaminants is a no no IMO. So my basic wash/clay/AIO (but not sealed) would be between $100-$120 depending on size of vehicle and how much time the claying takes. If you want seal, glaze and wax add about $40-$50.

Keep in mind a lot of it depends on where you are located. Some places are more expensive, some are cheaper.