Help from the Pros? Delivery without client present - three days early.

A

AuAltima3.5

New member
I have someone who wants me to detail his girlfriend's car as a present. She is out of state until 7/17 [Sunday = delivery date]. I will be available until the Friday prior (this Friday) to clean this car. It's available to me from right now to delivery.



The problem is it will be kept outside, and it's suppose to rain (50%ish chance everyday here until Sunday).



Should I detail it now, and just leave as is, or wait until Friday and cram it in after work Friday night? It could be raining Friday night, further complicating things, so I rather err on the side of caution? Or is this a bad idea? I mean, it will be unattended for at least two days prior to delivery so either way it won't be fresh.



It's for a friend, but will be getting paid... he isn't expecting miracles it a very well used 15 year old nissan.



Already did the interior, but not sure about the outside. Just doing a one step on it.



Hints/Advice welcome. I even thought about knocking off some on the price since it won't be 100% at delivery.
 
AuAltima3.5 said:
I even thought about knocking off some on the price since it won't be 100% at delivery.
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That's not your problem. The client (your friend) I assume has been made aware that your availability ends Friday, is aware of the rain chances, and can't help that the car has to be stored outside. If he wants you to do the work despite those factors then you do the work whenever you're available to do it.



Don't sell yourself short just because the car won't be 100% when his girlfriend comes home.
 
If it were me and a buddy of mine sans, doing it now and keeping it at your place, I would do it Friday night.



If it were a customer I would probably still offer the second option as a premium service $.
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
That's not your problem. The client (your friend) I assume has been made aware that your availability ends Friday, is aware of the rain chances, and can't help that the car has to be stored outside. If he wants you to do the work despite those factors then you do the work whenever you're available to do it.



Don't sell yourself short just because the car won't be 100% when his girlfriend comes home.
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You got it right!

Would add one little legal thing.

As soon as the vehicle is done, get it out of your control.

Like it goes to his or her place.

Who knows when a wind/hail storm, some low life theif comes by, etc.

If it ain't in your control, on your property, you have a defense for the worst.

Best friends may often become your worst enemy when some things come to happen.

Grumpy
 
Ron Ketcham said:
You got it right!

Would add one little legal thing.

As soon as the vehicle is done, get it out of your control.

Like it goes to his or her place.

Who knows when a wind/hail storm, some low life theif comes by, etc.

If it ain't in your control, on your property, you have a defense for the worst.

Best friends may often become your worst enemy when some things come to happen.

Grumpy
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Thanks for this. For this reason I think I will try to get it done Thursday night, give him the key Friday and hopefully reduce my risks. I mean, at this point it's going to get rained on. It's something I can't prevent but it will still look better after even with a few water spots.
 
Charge him enough to cover a few ounces of any quick detailer and two micro fiber towels so he can touch it up before he shows it to her.

Let him do some simple, quick elbow grease work.

After all, after the lights go out, he's the one that really gonna benefit.

Grumpy
 
You could finish interior and clay it, then you'll just have to polish it, wax it and do final clean up. You could also tell your friend to pick it up Monday morning, just go into work super early and finish it. That is all a part of being a business owner, besides you don't want your dfriend giving you a hard time later on for an OK job.



John
 
Ron Ketcham said:
Charge him enough to cover a few ounces of any quick detailer and two micro fiber towels so he can touch it up before he shows it to her.

Let him do some simple, quick elbow grease work.
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That sounds like a recipe for disaster and undoing all of the hard detailing work, depending on what ends up on the paint! :)
 
animes2k said:
That sounds like a recipe for disaster and undoing all of the hard detailing work, depending on what ends up on the paint! :)
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Not if he gives him something like ONR, OOC, or some other waterless wash.
 
Regardless of whether it's a buddy or a customer, I'm sure most people expect a dry, clean, detailed car when they're collecting it. It's just human nature......and more so when they're paying some amount of money for that job.



Perhaps you can visit a car re-sprayer and get hold of a used, large piece of plastic sheet that re-sprayers use to protect from overspray. I buy a large roll (3M) and cut it to whatever size I want. With this huge, thin sheet, cover up the car, and use making tape to secure it.



Or you can ask some relatives, friends who live nearby if you can use any sheltered parking space for a few days. Hey...you'll never know if you don't ask:heelclick
 
Ron Ketcham said:
Charge him enough to cover a few ounces of any quick detailer and two micro fiber towels so he can touch it up before he shows it to her.

Let him do some simple, quick elbow grease work.

After all, after the lights go out, he's the one that really gonna benefit.

Grumpy
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:twitch:





animes2k said:
That sounds like a recipe for disaster and undoing all of the hard detailing work, depending on what ends up on the paint! :)
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:nod:



Shiny Lil Detlr said:
Not if he gives him something like ONR, OOC, or some other waterless wash.
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But he didn't mention that :think:



OP Get the car finished and delievered ASAP :yo:
 
gigondaz said:
Regardless of whether it's a buddy or a customer, I'm sure most people expect a dry, clean, detailed car when they're collecting it. It's just human nature......and more so when they're paying some amount of money for that job.



Perhaps you can visit a car re-sprayer and get hold of a used, large piece of plastic sheet that re-sprayers use to protect from overspray. I buy a large roll (3M) and cut it to whatever size I want. With this huge, thin sheet, cover up the car, and use making tape to secure it.



Or you can ask some relatives, friends who live nearby if you can use any sheltered parking space for a few days. Hey...you'll never know if you don't ask:heelclick
Click to expand...



He knows that the car is being delivered as-is. She got the car today, he is to pay me tomorrow. I cut him quite a deal and he knows this, so I don't think there will be any problems. I think...



... thanks for the idea, though. This could help if it were to happen again.
 
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