How much is to much?
- Thread starter Cameron
- Start date
Accumulator
Well-known member
WAS said:
I wouldn't be surprised if that holds true for tire shine too :think:
WAS
Driven
Accumulator said:
Absolutely. I'd say 99% of my customer base WANTS glossy, shining tires. To be honest, I'm with them on that one, I enjoy my tires being glossy as well.
speedfreak81
New member
Scottwax said:
Thank you, I couldn't agree more.
There are several issues to consider in commenting on your post some of which have been well addressed by other operators:
1. Giving Prices over the Phone
In my opinion don't do it. Why? You have two customer types, one looking for price and if you aren't the cheapest you won't get the business anyway. As well no matter what price you give them they will keep calling til they find a cheaper price.
Others are not necessarily looking for price and they want quality but don't know what "good" detail work is or how much it is worth so they ask price.
You got to find out which person you got on the line and one way to do it is to say: "I really need to see the vehicle to give you an accurate price."
If they keep pressing for a price you probably have a price buyer.
Another quick comment I have made in a nice way is: "Sir, you looking for price or quality?"
That sets most back. Before they answer say "I am not being smart but we do only quality work not low cost dealer work."
They will ask you to explain and you then explain how detailed who do dealer work short cut to offset the low prices dealers pay.
Then explain your 3 step shampoo process and your 3 step paint finishing process, etc. This is your chance to educate the customer and win their business.
2. Pricing - you must develop an hourly price for your services and charge based on the hours to do the work times your hourly rate. Your accountant or bookkeeper should be able to help you determine what it costs you to operate.
Never price based on competition you do not know their costs of operating their business.
Based on what you said you do for the $150 I would agree with the others who said that is too low. A black vehicle is time consuming all they should get is a wash and 3 step on the paint and final exterior detail for $150.
Hope this helps
Bud Abraham
DETAIL PLUS
[/LIST]
You can tell them you need to see the vehicle
1. Giving Prices over the Phone
In my opinion don't do it. Why? You have two customer types, one looking for price and if you aren't the cheapest you won't get the business anyway. As well no matter what price you give them they will keep calling til they find a cheaper price.
Others are not necessarily looking for price and they want quality but don't know what "good" detail work is or how much it is worth so they ask price.
You got to find out which person you got on the line and one way to do it is to say: "I really need to see the vehicle to give you an accurate price."
If they keep pressing for a price you probably have a price buyer.
Another quick comment I have made in a nice way is: "Sir, you looking for price or quality?"
That sets most back. Before they answer say "I am not being smart but we do only quality work not low cost dealer work."
They will ask you to explain and you then explain how detailed who do dealer work short cut to offset the low prices dealers pay.
Then explain your 3 step shampoo process and your 3 step paint finishing process, etc. This is your chance to educate the customer and win their business.
2. Pricing - you must develop an hourly price for your services and charge based on the hours to do the work times your hourly rate. Your accountant or bookkeeper should be able to help you determine what it costs you to operate.
Never price based on competition you do not know their costs of operating their business.
Based on what you said you do for the $150 I would agree with the others who said that is too low. A black vehicle is time consuming all they should get is a wash and 3 step on the paint and final exterior detail for $150.
Hope this helps
Bud Abraham
DETAIL PLUS
[/LIST]
You can tell them you need to see the vehicle
From a busy consumer's perspective, I have to say that I'd scratch you off the list if you wanted to meet with me just to give me a baseline price for what you charge. I don't have the luxury of that much free time to invest in meeting service providers for quotes. Other than MAJOR purchases (e.g. new car, $2k AC replacement, etc.), I'm just not willing to play those games.
I see "price buyer" thrown around like it's a four letter word around here. Guess what - almost everyone is a price buyer. I expect good work and am not afraid to pay the market rate for it, but I will not give someone 2x the going rate just because they think they're worth it. If you have a lot of clients that will pay anything for quality, they're probably going to be broke soon.
YMMV.
I see "price buyer" thrown around like it's a four letter word around here. Guess what - almost everyone is a price buyer. I expect good work and am not afraid to pay the market rate for it, but I will not give someone 2x the going rate just because they think they're worth it. If you have a lot of clients that will pay anything for quality, they're probably going to be broke soon.
YMMV.
TornadoRed
New member
Scottwax said:
I agree. But OP said he would use it on the interior.
Accumulator
Well-known member
TornadoRed said:
Cut with water I find it's OK for interiors too, even though I prefer to use other stuff and generally don't like the whole "dressed" look anyhow.
People act like Armor All is evil [crap] but I've simply never had any reason to believe that. Even the original "!oh so awful!" stuff from the '70s was OK IME, if slimy; simply never damaged anything for me :nixweiss People act like it destroys interior vinyl or rubber but it *NEVER* did anything remotely detrimental for me, never. I've read/heard all the horror stories, but I actually used the stuff for ages, and on some vehicles that I observed for a long, long time and I never experienced problems first-hand :nixweiss
There is an old saying: "once smarted, thrice shy."
That seems to apply to Armorall. When it first came out years ago there were some problems, not certain what nut after all these years fact gets clouded with fiction.
In any case for tears the water-based, silicone emulsion that they produce is one of the best according to my chemist and our own field tests.
There are two ways to judge, scientifically by measuring the amount of silicone and other ingredients in the product and the other personal tests and opinion.
I can tell you a product is better from a formulation point of view, but if you the detailer does not think so that is key as you are the buyer
Regards
Bid Abraham
That seems to apply to Armorall. When it first came out years ago there were some problems, not certain what nut after all these years fact gets clouded with fiction.
In any case for tears the water-based, silicone emulsion that they produce is one of the best according to my chemist and our own field tests.
There are two ways to judge, scientifically by measuring the amount of silicone and other ingredients in the product and the other personal tests and opinion.
I can tell you a product is better from a formulation point of view, but if you the detailer does not think so that is key as you are the buyer
Regards
Bid Abraham
Bill D
Hooked For Life
I've always wondered the real difference between AA and 303, which I use exclusively on the interior. I've always concluded, or at least lead to believe that 303 has more a expensive silicone emulsion and resin content,thus the higher price, and that many detailing chemical companies have their own "recipe" if you will of this basic dressing product, but 303 is the one that won the "Rolls Royce of dressings" status.
Based on the specifics of the car I was talking about(Range Rover w/scratches) I did not want to give a baseline price after he told me what needed to be fixed. It could be an easy, simple fix or an extensive costly fix.
Your willing to pay "market rate", but if you go to the absolute best detailer there is you wouldn't pay more to know you are getting nothing but the best.
If you were a potential client and needed this type of work, but were opposed to letting me inspect the vehichle I would siply tell you that I'm not interested in working with you. I would let you know my prices are priced according to the level of craftmanship you will be getting.
Perfect example. I've been working at car washes for a decent time now. I had a guy once come in with a brand new bently. First thing I asked him is if he wanted it hand washed. I said "will it not fit through the tunnel?" I said it would, but there is a possibility of the brushes leaving little tiny surface scratches on the car. He said oh I'm not worried about that. So he goes through on a $4 wash.
He comes back a week later and said his car has little scratch all over the place. I said I tried to warn you, but you opted for the cheap and quick wash. I mentioned if he wanted it corrected the proper way I could do it for him on the side. I told him it wasn't gonna be a quick job, it would take a little time. I quoted him a price and he quickly said "well the guys here at the car wash will do it cheaper". I said they will also get it done as fast as possible because thats how they make a profit.
I stated if he was interested to give me a call. I handed him a piece of paper with my name on it and he called a couple days later. He was very pleased with the result and since then he has never went the cheap route again.
I charged more than the car wash because I am much better than any of their "detailers" even though some have been there for many years. I did the same work they would have done, but I was able to take time to do it right.
Your willing to pay "market rate", but if you go to the absolute best detailer there is you wouldn't pay more to know you are getting nothing but the best.
If you were a potential client and needed this type of work, but were opposed to letting me inspect the vehichle I would siply tell you that I'm not interested in working with you. I would let you know my prices are priced according to the level of craftmanship you will be getting.
Perfect example. I've been working at car washes for a decent time now. I had a guy once come in with a brand new bently. First thing I asked him is if he wanted it hand washed. I said "will it not fit through the tunnel?" I said it would, but there is a possibility of the brushes leaving little tiny surface scratches on the car. He said oh I'm not worried about that. So he goes through on a $4 wash.
He comes back a week later and said his car has little scratch all over the place. I said I tried to warn you, but you opted for the cheap and quick wash. I mentioned if he wanted it corrected the proper way I could do it for him on the side. I told him it wasn't gonna be a quick job, it would take a little time. I quoted him a price and he quickly said "well the guys here at the car wash will do it cheaper". I said they will also get it done as fast as possible because thats how they make a profit.
I stated if he was interested to give me a call. I handed him a piece of paper with my name on it and he called a couple days later. He was very pleased with the result and since then he has never went the cheap route again.
I charged more than the car wash because I am much better than any of their "detailers" even though some have been there for many years. I did the same work they would have done, but I was able to take time to do it right.
Bill D
Hooked For Life
I wonder how Range Rover and Bentley paint rank in terms of hardness of the paint ,compared to say Mercedes or Audi. I'm guessing they're somewhat similar?
brwill2005
New member
I can only imagine the posts this one generated. Just my quick "two cents"; people will buy your services, at the prices you are charging if they have confidence in your company. If they do not have confidence, they are very unlikely to pay a premium for your services. Building people's confidence takes time and a good marketing plan. Forget making every car look perfect, most are not willing to pay for the time it takes to do so. Figure out what your target market really wants in a detailing service. Quality, convenience, and top notch service are usually big ones.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Bill D said:
A few years ago when Accumulatorette and I were toying with the idea of getting one people were saying that, despite the Audi connection, the Bentley paint was considerably softer.
Busy Consumer:
A professional detailer is not a shoeshine boy who can do a professional job on your vehicle without seeing what it needs. It is not fair to you and it is not fair to you. Not all vehicles are the same in terms of size and condition.
Would it not suffice for them to quote an hourly rate and a general time frame to do the work you want done?
If you are willing to pay a fair price for quality work then you are not my definition if a price shopper. The price shopper calls detail operations until he finds the cheapest prices.
Regards
Bud Abraham
A professional detailer is not a shoeshine boy who can do a professional job on your vehicle without seeing what it needs. It is not fair to you and it is not fair to you. Not all vehicles are the same in terms of size and condition.
Would it not suffice for them to quote an hourly rate and a general time frame to do the work you want done?
If you are willing to pay a fair price for quality work then you are not my definition if a price shopper. The price shopper calls detail operations until he finds the cheapest prices.
Regards
Bud Abraham