sacdetailing
New member
JoshVette said:
ok, can you do 1st step with orange LC pad and m105, then white LC pad m205 or 85rd?
1 step polish+LSP $$$???
- Thread starter sacdetailing
- Start date
ok, can you do 1st step with orange LC pad and m105, then white LC pad m205 or 85rd?
David Fermani
Forza Auto Salon
JoshVette said:
That must be an interesting group of people to set your targets on? :funnypost
Are you still charging hourly Josh?
imported_Ivan Rajic
New member
JoshVette said:
haha I don't know if I can be any clearer. I'll be extremely simple just for explanation purposes, so don't take it the wrong way please.
I'm in the same boat as you... I haven't done a $150 job yet and my target clients are enthusiasts who know what it takes to properly correct paint and pay my "high" prices.
However, I was simply stating that to many people my prices are too much. I was also talking only about a 1-step polishing, which rarely results in 100% paint correction.
As for the 100%, I was referring to what the 1-step polish is capable of... for example, if I get 70% paint correction with a 1-step, then utilizing the 1-step 100% means getting a 7 of 10 paint condition. Utilizing 50% of the 1-step then results in, for example, 4 of 10 paint condition. So I was saying that many average people out there won't pay the $250 to get 7 of 10 but will pay $150 for 4 of 10, and since all money is green, I see no reason not to dip in and earn more.
That market is definitely "tapped" but there are many people out there who'd gladly pay me $150 for a 1-step so I'm thinking of a way to get into that market as well, but separate it from my current market and business.
Does that make more sense?
JoshVette said:
Josh, you are misunderstanding what Ivan said:
"For many average people, who aren't nearly as critical as most of the members on here, this 50% is great looking and worth spending the hard earned $150. However, $250 is way too much even for 100%. To these clients you have to sell the 1-step as a $150 service but also explain what they can expect, or better yet show them a test spot."
For your average person, that 99% of the population you are talking about, $250 is typically too much to spend for a "car wash" as that 99% of the population would consider it. That is all Ivan is pointing out, and I agree.
There is a market for $150 1-step details and a much larger percentage of the population would fall under that umbrella than your 1% clientele. It's not exactly a trade secret.
Edit: Looks like he already cleared that up. :LOLOL
imported_Ivan Rajic
New member
todd@bsaw said:
^^Thanks. I think I was a bit confusing with the 100% and 50%. Hopefully I cleared it up in my last post. The numbers have nothing to do with paint correction, rather the ability of a 1-step detail.
Also, to go along with the thread, I do a lot of details just as Scott described. I can do a 1-step with interior in about 3 hours and charge $150. I can do this because of my experience sub-contracting with dealerships, because the process is basically the same thing. A 'flip' or 'recon' job.
The market for these details is mostly people trying to sell their cars, likely Craigslist or eBay or just locally. They don't want 90% correction, just to have their car presentable to be sold. If you're looking for that market, Ivan, pick up a local Autotrader and search your CL classifieds and start making calls. You'll fill up the rest of your schedule in no time. I love those details because I can slip them in easily and not need to book the entire day.
The market for these details is mostly people trying to sell their cars, likely Craigslist or eBay or just locally. They don't want 90% correction, just to have their car presentable to be sold. If you're looking for that market, Ivan, pick up a local Autotrader and search your CL classifieds and start making calls. You'll fill up the rest of your schedule in no time. I love those details because I can slip them in easily and not need to book the entire day.
imported_JoshVette
New member
sacdetailing said:
You're using a rotary??
It all depends on the car and condition of the paint.
In my opinion you should not use a white pad (middle aggressive) pad as a final step unless it's a SUPER HARD clear. It should be a finishing (very soft) pad and a final polish as a last step when using a rotary.
I don't think you'll finish down hologram free with 205 and a white pad.
If you are going to do a 1 step, it should be with a DA/Orbital machine to ensure no holograms left behind.
Josh
imported_Ivan Rajic
New member
todd@bsaw said:
I'll definitely look into it. Not to go too off topic, but as I mentioned already, I'm trying to get into that as a separate business. I've built a great reputation for myself with a good client base that I'd hate to include "dealer recon" details as a service. Thus the new mobile detailing business venture with a couple friends. They have contacts with dealerships and rental car places and I have experience with all the work involved as well as a whole list of clients waiting for the $150 detail. Hopefully it turns out well.
Ok back on topic... haha
imported_JoshVette
New member
David Fermani said:
Can be interesting for sure, but I said that as a little bit of an exaggeration to make a point...:LOLOL most love there kids more...most.....:LOLOL
I charge paint correction by the hour yes and I have two basic packages that are set pricing with the understanding that the price goes up based on the vehicle and condition.
Most of my clients do not ask me the price till I'm finished with car though. Most of them understand what they are getting and what price range they will be in and if not I make sure to be clear about it before hand so there's no surprises.
Josh
imported_JoshVette
New member
lecchilo said:
Got it. thanks for the clarification.
Josh
I have thought about starting a separate business identity for that recon work as well, but I don't have a large enough client base in the area looking for the full detail work that I normally offer. Whenever I get a new customer asking about detailing I always describe my normal process and try to sell them on that. If I can tell they are not looking for that type of work then I switch over to what I can do for the price they are looking to spend.
For example, I just did a recon job on Wednesday that went like this:
Me: "My exterior price starts at $190 plus interior for $50 so you're looking at $240 for a 1-step polish plus paint sealant application."
Client: "It doesn't need to look perfect. I'm just looking to have it presentable for sale and was told by other people a detail would be between $150 and $200."
Me: "Well, if you'd like I can just do a single-step cleaner wax and not the additional stage of polishing. There will be some swirls removed, but it's not a complete polish step. That will save some time on the detail and I'll charge you $150 with a quick interior detail."
Client: "Okay, lets set up a date."
The car only had 1800 miles and was fairly clean in the first place so I knew I could have it done in under 3 hours (it actually took me about an hour and a half so I had time to fix some paint transfer spots the client wanted repaired). If I would have stuck to my normal detail price I am positive the client would have gone somewhere else. It all comes down to being able to sell your services and understanding what the customer wants. In this case, it was a clean car for under $200.
Normally for my 1-step I use Polyseal on a Meg's Solo polishing pad, but for this detail I decided to try out Megs D151 Paint Reconditioning Creme.
For example, I just did a recon job on Wednesday that went like this:
Me: "My exterior price starts at $190 plus interior for $50 so you're looking at $240 for a 1-step polish plus paint sealant application."
Client: "It doesn't need to look perfect. I'm just looking to have it presentable for sale and was told by other people a detail would be between $150 and $200."
Me: "Well, if you'd like I can just do a single-step cleaner wax and not the additional stage of polishing. There will be some swirls removed, but it's not a complete polish step. That will save some time on the detail and I'll charge you $150 with a quick interior detail."
Client: "Okay, lets set up a date."
The car only had 1800 miles and was fairly clean in the first place so I knew I could have it done in under 3 hours (it actually took me about an hour and a half so I had time to fix some paint transfer spots the client wanted repaired). If I would have stuck to my normal detail price I am positive the client would have gone somewhere else. It all comes down to being able to sell your services and understanding what the customer wants. In this case, it was a clean car for under $200.
Normally for my 1-step I use Polyseal on a Meg's Solo polishing pad, but for this detail I decided to try out Megs D151 Paint Reconditioning Creme.
imported_JoshVette
New member
Todd, good point and that's the very reason why most of us have a variety of options to choose from, but you're right it all comes down to understanding the needs and expectation and educating the clients about our services and results.
I had a similar situation with one of my F550 clients who is about to trade in his 7 serioes BMW. He wanted it polished, interior cleaned yadda yadda, I quoted him $400 and told him on a trade in the dealer will prep it anyways so no need to spend that much, he said what about for $150 and I told him what I could do for that price.... as you mentioned a good clean car. I took care of the actual need for the aggree'd price, he's happy, I'm happy, done deal.:goodjob
Josh
I had a similar situation with one of my F550 clients who is about to trade in his 7 serioes BMW. He wanted it polished, interior cleaned yadda yadda, I quoted him $400 and told him on a trade in the dealer will prep it anyways so no need to spend that much, he said what about for $150 and I told him what I could do for that price.... as you mentioned a good clean car. I took care of the actual need for the aggree'd price, he's happy, I'm happy, done deal.:goodjob
Josh
imported_Ivan Rajic
New member
todd@bsaw said:
....................... way to leave us hanging!
PolySeal vs D151... spill it
haha I'm asking as I've basically planned on picking up one or the other and due to my love for Meg's and hate for Optimum I'm GREATLY leaning toward D151, but I like to keep an open mind.
haha...
I really liked the D151. I'd have to give it a few more trials to see if I like it better than the Polyseal, but it looks promising. It looked amazing on this particular detail (metallic silver Sebring) and was very WOWO - so to speak. I believe the correction was a little better than I can accomplish with the same pad combo using Polyseal.
The client was nice enough to take a picture for me since my camera battery was dead, but it was just a point and shoot. The metallic really popped in the sun, so it gets two big thumbs up from me in the looks department.
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I really liked the D151. I'd have to give it a few more trials to see if I like it better than the Polyseal, but it looks promising. It looked amazing on this particular detail (metallic silver Sebring) and was very WOWO - so to speak. I believe the correction was a little better than I can accomplish with the same pad combo using Polyseal.
The client was nice enough to take a picture for me since my camera battery was dead, but it was just a point and shoot. The metallic really popped in the sun, so it gets two big thumbs up from me in the looks department.
todd@bsaw said:
Great market too and with some education, you can turn a few of them into correction customers. I like doing hardcore corrections but the 1 step exterior only/full details are nice too. Fun seeing the reaction of people who formerly were only willing to spend $60 for a detail see what they get for more and it can wet the appetite for even more involved jobs.
RaskyR1
Rasky's Auto Detailing
I charge $250 for my 1-step jobs (+$50 for larger SUV's and Trucks) Most jobs take me 5-6 hours.
sacdetailing
New member
JoshVette said:
U GOT to be a good salesman to be a good detailer! lol
imported_JoshVette
New member
sacdetailing said:
Seriously? I disagree... your work and results should do the "selling" for you.:waxing:
In this case I purposely lost out on money in order to be up front and honest, I could have sold him on the $400 dollar polishing, but I know it would be wasted efforts on my part as well as wasted money on his part (since he's trading it and not selling it privately) and I'd rather not do either for me or my client. You never know when or how that will come back around on you later.
Anyone can upsale this or that, but if it comes down to making an extra buck or being completely honest, I'll choose the latter, that's what my client's will remember. :goodjob
Josh
brwill2005
New member
OP, what you should charge for a given service depends on your individual situation. What people are charging thousands of miles away in completely different markets should not influence your pricing. The majority are interested in having their paint look good and protected. The market for gazillion dollar correction jobs is limited. If one wants to continue to grow their business, you have to find the right balance between quality and price. In others words, offer something that is of terrific value, and the customers will come. If someone desires to have their car look nearly flawless, I educate them about the importance of proper car care from the time their car is new. I offer my maintenance package to achieve this result.