Hoping to start detailing professionally, advice please!

K

Kyle K.

New member
I've been lurking around this site for a while now and I can say it is truly amazing for its wealth of knowledge. Now to the point...



I'm 18 years old and finishing up in high school this year. I've been detailing my families cars for about 5 years now (really really badly at first :D) Now I feel like I've got a good grip on how to work with a variety of products and get good results out of them. I was planning on using Klasse products with an option for P21S topper for my mobile detailing because they are very easy to use and I think they offer great results. I've received a few offers from family friends and whatnot when they see me detailing on of our cars, but I've never really taken them up, but I'm thinking I'll start out and do some work on the weekends and hopefully carry it out into a fulltime summer thing.



My only possible problem :( is that I've never clayed before. I'm planning on giving the mothers clay bar a go on my car in a couple weeks but I still wouldn't feel comfortable doing something that I just learned on a customers car. Would using a light compound make up for not using clay (even though it will take longer)?



Also, do these rates seem fair?

$25 for a wash/dry/vac/tire glaze

$75 for above plus AIO and SG

$90 for both above plus 3M PI-II compound

$12 for a P21S topper



Thanks alot for your help guys.
 
Here are a couple of pics of my uncle's cars that I detail (he pays me 40 bucks for everything.... cheapskate :D)



btw, this car is no longer with us :( he sold it for whats in the next pic :D
 
I would detail this baby for free :bow :bow



I'd post pics of some other stuff but the only time I'm motivated enough to break out the camera is when I do the Porsche :rolleyes: :D
 
Originally posted by Kyle K.

I would detail this baby for free
Click to expand...
I know you're j/k, but here's one piece of advice I got from a successful businessman a long time ago. "You've got to make money from your friends because the people who don't like you won't give you any business.", this also includes family.
 
Hi, here are a few i found out the hard way.



Know what different paint conditions require what products to remove them.



Find the right products for you. This may take quite a bit of trial and error. And make sure you know how to use them.



Find products to use for different types of jobs, ie a cleaner wax for client that are after a general cleanup rather than full detail. There are some good one step products from companies like Malco.



Find/develop a detailing and cleaning system/ruitine and stick to it. Can save you hours per job.



Most important is to make sure that you are 100% with the result of every job. If you as a professional are satisfied with the quality of your work then you can bet the client also will be, and so will the referals that you recieve from them.



Good luck
 
I tend to avoid the 'quick cleanup' business, mainly because I really cant bring myself to bodge over someones vehicle and every guy with a bucket n sponge is already doing it.



I'm aiming at the middle to top end of the scale where someone wants their vehicle looking 'nice' to 'perfect'.



I've only just started up, but it seems business is starting to domino all by itself.

I did a couple of vehicles cheap and let them do my advertising for me by word of mouth.

Nothing better than someone parking their freshly S100'd car next to his workmates POS..........



For $60 i DACP and finish the car, then wipe down door shuts etc.



If its bad paint or more work, i tack on $20 an hour for 'special jobs' like dead clear coat or alot of swirl marks from some bonehead and his 20 dollar rotary.



Interiors are another $50 on top as theyre ususally a pig.



Everyones happy with the pricing and results so far, I'll keep ya posted.
 
Kyle K. said:
My only possible problem :( is that I've never clayed before. I'm planning on giving the mothers clay bar a go on my car in a couple weeks but I still wouldn't feel comfortable doing something that I just learned on a customers car. Would using a light compound make up for not using clay (even though it will take longer)?
Click to expand...



Go ahead and get some clay and try it on an inconspicuous area of a family car. You'll find it's safe and easy. And no compounding will not remove these contaminants, unless you are removing a huge chunk of the clearcoat, as they are embedded in the clearcoat. The clay "plucks" them out. Just try it and you will see. BTW, you'll likely have to do a polishing step after the clay, as depending on how much contamination is on the car, etc, the claying process may introduce a few light swirls.
 
I can vouch for that. I clayed a black car once and the swirls were everywhere. But none the less, it cleaned and some light polishing took the swirls right out. Don't be afraid of clay, it is your friend :D .
 
Hey guys, thanks for the advice. I'll definately add clay to my list.



I'm still wondering about those prices though... I made up a quick flyer today. I guess I'll attach it to see if any of you guys want to give it a look over and recommend any changes etc.



Thanks a lot guys, I'm really looking forward to doing this and I really want to do it right.



Here's the text from the flyer... I'm thinking of putting a Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi logo across the top?? :cool:



_____________________________________



KK Mobile Auto Detailing



I have been detailing fine automobiles for many years. In that time I have detailed marques such as Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. Detailing fine automobiles has always been a hobby of mine, now let me bring out the true beauty of your automobile with one of the packages below.

-Kyle Kvalheim



Cleaning Package #1¹ $20 - full wash and dry of the exterior of the vehicle.



Cleaning Package #2¹ $25 – Includes all of package #1, plus high gloss tire glaze, and interior vacuuming.



Protection Package #3¹* $75 – Includes cleaning package #2, plus Klasse All in One and Klasse Sealant Glaze. (recommended for cars with paint in good condition)



Protection Package #4¹* $90 – Includes cleaning package #2, plus 3M Perfect It-II Fine Cut Compound, Klasse All in One and Klasse Sealant Glaze. (recommended for cars with paint in average condition, or paint containing swirl marks) Great for getting cars ready for spring!



All protection packages can be completed with a “topper� layer of P21S/S100 Pure Carnuba wax for the ultimate shine. add $12



Wheels can also be coated with Klasse All in One and Sealant Glaze or P21S/S100 Carnuba wax to protect them and make cleaning easier. add $8







I am a mobile detailer, meaning that I will come to you! No need to drive to a detailing shop and be stranded for hours on end! All I need to clean your car is a water outlet and a hose. To set up an appointment please call (333) 222-4422. Alternately you can send an email to kkdetailing@yahoo.com with your desired date and time, and I will reply with any openings I may have in that timeframe. You can also visit my website at www.woooooooo.com for pictures of my work and information about the products I use.



Please allow up to 1 hour for Cleaning Packages to be completed, and 2-3 hours for Protection Packages to be completed (possibly more depending on size of the vehicle).



¹ For SUVs and large automobiles (such as Mercedes S class, BMW 7 Series, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Escape) please add 25% onto the final price. For large SUVs (such as Chevy Suburban, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator) please add 50% to the final price.



*A shaded area must be available for all Protection Package options.

______________________________________



Thanks again guys!!
 
Smoker said:
I tend to avoid the 'quick cleanup' business, mainly because I really cant bring myself to bodge over someones vehicle and every guy with a bucket n sponge is already doing it.



I'm aiming at the middle to top end of the scale where someone wants their vehicle looking 'nice' to 'perfect'.



I've only just started up, but it seems business is starting to domino all by itself.

I did a couple of vehicles cheap and let them do my advertising for me by word of mouth.

Nothing better than someone parking their freshly S100'd car next to his workmates POS..........



For $60 i DACP and finish the car, then wipe down door shuts etc.



If its bad paint or more work, i tack on $20 an hour for 'special jobs' like dead clear coat or alot of swirl marks from some bonehead and his 20 dollar rotary.



Interiors are another $50 on top as theyre ususally a pig.



Everyones happy with the pricing and results so far, I'll keep ya posted.
Click to expand...



Way too cheap man. If you aren't charging $40 or more per hour you are losing money. Once you factor in all the expenses attributed to running a detail operation $40 an hour is just a starting point. How is detailing any different than mechanical repairs? Mechanics actually get paid what they should for their work. A good detailer will diagnose, repair and then protect a vehicle just like a mechanic so charge accordingly.
 
Kyle K. said:
Hey guys, thanks for the advice. I'll definately add clay to my list.



I'm still wondering about those prices though... I made up a quick flyer today. I guess I'll attach it to see if any of you guys want to give it a look over and recommend any changes etc.



Thanks a lot guys, I'm really looking forward to doing this and I really want to do it right.



Here's the text from the flyer... I'm thinking of putting a Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi logo across the top?? :cool:



_____________________________________



KK Mobile Auto Detailing



I have been detailing fine automobiles for many years. In that time I have detailed marques such as Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. Detailing fine automobiles has always been a hobby of mine, now let me bring out the true beauty of your automobile with one of the packages below.

-Kyle Kvalheim



Cleaning Package #1¹ $20 - full wash and dry of the exterior of the vehicle.



Cleaning Package #2¹ $25 – Includes all of package #1, plus high gloss tire glaze, and interior vacuuming.



Protection Package #3¹* $75 – Includes cleaning package #2, plus Klasse All in One and Klasse Sealant Glaze. (recommended for cars with paint in good condition)



Protection Package #4¹* $90 – Includes cleaning package #2, plus 3M Perfect It-II Fine Cut Compound, Klasse All in One and Klasse Sealant Glaze. (recommended for cars with paint in average condition, or paint containing swirl marks) Great for getting cars ready for spring!



All protection packages can be completed with a “topper� layer of P21S/S100 Pure Carnuba wax for the ultimate shine. add $12



Wheels can also be coated with Klasse All in One and Sealant Glaze or P21S/S100 Carnuba wax to protect them and make cleaning easier. add $8







I am a mobile detailer, meaning that I will come to you! No need to drive to a detailing shop and be stranded for hours on end! All I need to clean your car is a water outlet and a hose. To set up an appointment please call (333) 222-4422. Alternately you can send an email to kkdetailing@yahoo.com with your desired date and time, and I will reply with any openings I may have in that timeframe. You can also visit my website at www.woooooooo.com for pictures of my work and information about the products I use.



Please allow up to 1 hour for Cleaning Packages to be completed, and 2-3 hours for Protection Packages to be completed (possibly more depending on size of the vehicle).



¹ For SUVs and large automobiles (such as Mercedes S class, BMW 7 Series, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Escape) please add 25% onto the final price. For large SUVs (such as Chevy Suburban, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator) please add 50% to the final price.



*A shaded area must be available for all Protection Package options.

______________________________________



Thanks again guys!!
Click to expand...



Too cheap. Also, a professional mobile detailer will provide their own shade by means of a portable canopy or tent. Present yourself as a professional and you will be treated as such.
 
You must charge enough to stay in business. I have my own Carpet Cleaning business and we charge alot. I market to 500,000 doller homes and up, because they can afford me. Of course, you must be able to back up what you charge with nothing less than superior service. Charge a good price for what you do, the guys who don't will be out of business in 2 years.
 
I think those prices are pretty low for a mobile detailer. You've got gas to pay for!



Maybe you'd wanna use QEW and carry around your own water supply so you can hit up customers who have their cars parked in their office lot while they're working..
 
Theres a guy does 'mobile detailing' here, advertising $18 for a 'wash n wax'



Turns out its basically a quick blast with the powerwasher, then a bottle of 'insta-wax' clipped onto the wand for another pass.





Does nothing for dead or damaged paint.



I charge $60 for a basic wash/dry/cut/polish/wax.



Results mean I always have a happy customer, and I can do a car every 2 hours.

More work = higher charge.



Full size trucks are another 10-20 depending on the cab and if it has a bedliner.



Seems peeps are happy to pay more as long as they get (as someone else said) a superior job.
 
Thanks alot guys,



I've decided against using Klasse, and decided to instead go for a more traditional approach. How do the following prices sound?



wash (with glazed tires and vacuum) = $30

wash + Vanilla Moose + S100 = $75

wash + clay + swirl free + vanilla moose + S100 = $100

wash + clay + DACP + vanilla moose + S100 = $120



Also, what dimensions should I look for with one of those canopy things, and how much do they run?



And last, where do you guys distribute your flyers? I'm trying to think of some places to hand them out but I'm not really having too many ideas. :confused:



Again, thanks alot.
 
I keep my prices down for two reasons.



A) I dont want to seem overly expensive as I'm just getting started.

Prices will increase as demand and reputaion increase.



B) I dont have to pay to run a shop as I'm working from my home garage.



In addition, prices vary massively depending on where in the USA you live.



In San Diego its anywhere from 250 to 400 for a good detail, whereas my location its from 80 - 190.



I did my market research and priced accordingly.

Why use California prices when you live in Minnesota ??
 
Hmm... I live in very affluent areas of both Jersey and So Cal. Princeton NJ is full of millionaires, and in Orange County, CA (San Clemente) there are TONS of very wealthy people.....
 
The problem with starting out at low prices is that you become known as the "cheap detailer guy" in town. If your prices are significantly lower than your competition, then price will be the only reason people come to you. You think you are doing a quality detail (and maybe you are) but all your customer's know is that you are $25 or whatever lower than the other guy. Is that the rep you really want?



Another problem arises when you start raising your prices. Your customer base who came to you for price will leave you ASAP if not sooner if they can find another guy who will do the job for $10 less. Again, their loyalty is to PRICE and they will follow that loyalty right to someone else. The customer base you have built will be gone. And guess what? You get to start over this time with the higher prices you should have charged in the first place.



Rich people get rich because they know the value of a dollar and a day's hard work. If you work hard and over-deliver on service, you should be rewarded with the proper fee. Rich people who are too cheap to spend $$ on a detail job are customers you do not want, trust me. Let them chase price while you chase the customer who knows a good job when he sees one.



Guys, this is business in 21st Century America. There are lots and lots of people out there who will use you until they find someone cheaper. You need to position yourself as the detailer who does a great job at a competitive price. Otherwise the market place will decide where you fit into the great scheme of things. Take control now or the market will control you.
 
I definitely agree with Bretfaz on this! :xyxthumbs



When people think of your business, do you want them to think 'quality' or 'cheap'?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top