Hourly Wages

B

BC5200

New member
How much do you strive to make per hour of work? I am in a partnership of a mobile detailing business with a friend and we both do the work. We end up getting about 30 an hour split between us and our expenses.



Are all other mobile detailers solo?



Thanks,

Bradley
 
I'm not in a partnership or anything so I usually get my hourly rate of $40 per hour. I don't advertise prices for jobs because you usually have to see the job to know how long its going to take you. Basic washes are one thing, but if they want swirl removal and basically a "car show preperation" kind of deal, then they are going to get hit with a larger bill. I'd probably do it for $30, but this way I can give people "discounts" and still feel good about what I'm making.
 
It depends on what I am doing. For straight wash/vac jobs, about $30 an hour, about $35 an hour for details/wax jobs and $40-45 an hour for oxidation, scratch/swirl, or overspray removal.



Of course, yesterday that all got blown out of the water yesterday when one of my regulars tipped me $120 for Christmas on top of a wash/polish/wax on his E320 and Land Cruiser. Ended up 'technically' making about $60 an hour yesterday.
 
noxen said:
i work so slow..i get about 10/hr after its all said and done :(
Click to expand...



Don't worry, I was in your shoes at one time. The main thing is to practice the technique, and once mastered, speed things up. Oh, and I will add this, do not give somebody an awesome detailing job if you know they aren't going to pay you crap. Also, don't get crazy about toppers like s100 over sealants(unless your getting paid by the hour, I wouldn't bother). Just remember, speed is the key in business, but don't sacrifice quality for speed.
 
Well, considering that you can't generally top a sealant for 24 hours, topping shouldn't be part of the service. :bigups Good advice though. I remember when I was charging 35 bucks to spend 2 hours sweating my brains out and probably spending 15 dollars worth of product along the way. We all had to pay our dues to get the knowledge we have. That's why I'm grateful for boards like Autopia. It sort of accelerates the learning curve. We can learn from each others mistakes so we don't have to make them ourselves. :bow ---->Autopia
 
I make about $25-35 an hour depending on the job. I get in a zone and work at a good pace and am very happy on my outcomes.



However, after this site and learning all that I have (Thanks Autopia :)), I will be able to be more efficient this summer... especially with a Makita Rotary on the way to add to my arsenal. :D
 
Oh, and I will add this, do not give somebody an awesome detailing job if you know they aren't going to pay you crap.
Click to expand...
Why would you take on such a job ?

You give the best you can for what you agree to do it for...plain and simple...You never know, maybe his neighbor will make up the difference....I usually make 30-40 p/h. When you get the hang of the work and time involved, you set your pricing...Just stay competitive, yet remain a cut above.....

As for toppers, when you use a product like BF, a topper may be an added bonus....(dust magnet, albeit temporary, no one likes a layer of dust on the car in the a.m.) and whats it take, an extra 20 minutes at the most on your average car ? I say go for it you want....
 
mirrorfinishman said:
$100 per hour
Click to expand...





So what you are telling us is that if you have say an escalade, and it takes you 6 hours to buff it out, wax it, and do up the interior, you charge the owner $600 :nixweiss
 
hondaguy2582 said:
Don't worry, I was in your shoes at one time. The main thing is to practice the technique, and once mastered, speed things up. Oh, and I will add this, do not give somebody an awesome detailing job if you know they aren't going to pay you crap. Also, don't get crazy about toppers like s100 over sealants(unless your getting paid by the hour, I wouldn't bother). Just remember, speed is the key in business, but don't sacrifice quality for speed.
Click to expand...



i know but im a perfectionist so i have to do EVERYTHING right and not miss a spot..and when i tend to rush i get wax.etc on the trim.. ah well practice makes perfect
 
Depending on the job, good friends I make $20 p/h. Others I usually average about $25-30, but its mostly for fun at this time. If / when I open my business I will shoot for $35-40 an hour (about what I make at my job).
 
I average $40-45, so if you need any week-end help with the $100 an hour jobs, call me 'cause I don't make that at my full-time job(my own architectural practice)
 
I agree with your point on Marketing as opposed to Advertising, but I think 40-50 p/t (500 a week-end) is no bad
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top