Do you detiail for $ or for pleasure

What an interesting thread. I never would have guessed the reasons so varied. I also don't feel so different anymore.;)



I (just) started because I wanted to keep my own cars looking nice. Plus it gets me out from behind this computer. My sons keep telling me, "that computer's going to kill you, dad." I admit I endure a little pain doing all that manual labor, but I do get a good feeling of satisfaction and when I quit hurting I feel better. I too hate exercise, and lothe jogging. So it does provide a two edged benefit.
 
I do it for both. I love when my car looks it's best and I love experimenting with new products on it so it seems like I'm always out there applying something new.



I am just starting up the business side of detailing to help pay my college bills but for now I'm happy making a little money doing what I love to do.
 
I detail because I love the feel of a clean car also. My other reason is that I NEED time to decompress from my job. (Deputy Sheriff) I just do my car and truck. Now I'm doing a friends and neighbors cars. Getting my driveway plowed all winter for free. :bounce I've never charged anything before. NOW, I'm at work and all my coworkers see my vehicles. I told a couple people I thought about detailing for $ and I've got about 4 people now asking me "How Much for .....?" It was just a thought on my part. I don't know what to charge. I dont want a full blown business, I got into Law Enforcement not for money, but to help people. Detailing is my way of venting, but we'll face it, I don't make much, so I figure I'll detail to suppliment my income. How long should it take to do the average vehicle. When I did my car, I took a about three days, clayed through sealant and caranuba, but was taking my time and lots of breaks. Also, when doing someone elses car, should you use NXT with a Caranuba topper as thats cost efective, or use the very best? DO you clay car every vehicle? I wouldn't have a clue where to start as I've never had my own business before. Any insight any of yall could provide would be great. :xyxthumbs
 
Personal satisfaction. I love driving around in a clean and freshly waxed car. Although i am in the process of trying to detail for money cause i'm short of it.
 
i love the pleasure of detailing the car and seeing the owners face when there car has been transformed.yes i do this full time and yes i get paid for my services but i also do quite a few freebies for certain clients as good will .as Scott Wax says he cant belive we get paid for this .i cant belive it either but enjoy it .when its raining and freezing cold just knowing that when i get a dry day i have the oppertunity to transform somebodys pride and joy and see the pleasure that this gives yes i love this work:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :xyxthumbs
 
Longarm,

I'm always amazed at how fast (and how good) the True Autopians finish out a car. I own 3, and every time I spend all day on one, and if it doesn't look like I think it should, I find myself saying "Curse you, Scottwax!" (who coulda done better in 2 hours than I did in 10).

While certainly, I do my own cars for the pride and pleasure; I've also done a couple Explorers, Crewcab Trucks, and 1 Suburban. It takes me two-stinking-days to even come close to what I call clean/bling, and I charge $120 for the Full Meal Deal (inside/out). Which means I make about $5 an hour, once you figure in the cost of materials. And most people balk at the price, because the local "monkeys-with-rags" shop can clean the car in 2 hours for $100, and most are happy with that. That's just not something I can lower my standards to doing. (I have a full time job, like yourself).

Longstoryshort, I love detailing, but NOPE, I'll never make a living at it. It's a pleasure/pride thing.

Jeff Laughhunn
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top