How much time do you spend..

O

oekundar

Member
per car?



I am trying to gauge if the time I spend on a car is too much/little





From beginning to end I would say that I am right around 3.5-4 hours per car...including washing/clay/Pc-ing and interior...your thoughts?



Thanks!



O
 
I would say that 3.5-4 hours per car sounds about right. Of course, cars that get detailed more often, like every few months, will usually take a little less time and cars that need a lot more attention will require a bit more time.
 
cars that are done every 6 years like I get = 6-7 hours

cars that get done every year = 4-5



small trucks - 7-8

small trucks - 5-6



lrg truck/suv - 8-10

lrg truck/suv - 6-8
 
It used to take me about 7 hours to do an average car, or 4-5 with two people. Now that I have my trailer set up with power washer (huge time saver,) I have knocked that time down to 5 at most. Usually 4 though. And that's with just me working on the vehicle.



-Shaun
 
Thanks for all your responses....I wasn't sure what the average is...so here is another question, how do you justify the labor per hour if you are spending 6+ hours on a car...assuming that you are charging around $125+ per car...assuming medium size car.
 
mirrorfinishman said:
I would say that 3.5-4 hours per car sounds about right. Of course, cars that get detailed more often, like every few months, will usually take a little less time and cars that need a lot more attention will require a bit more time.
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Frank,



Where in Williamstown are you located? I am in Sicklerville and would love to pick your brain...
 
oekundar said:
Thanks for all your responses....I wasn't sure what the average is...so here is another question, how do you justify the labor per hour if you are spending 6+ hours on a car...assuming that you are charging around $125+ per car...assuming medium size car.
Click to expand...



Oekundar,

If you are spending 6+ hours on a car, they are getting charged accordingly. You should be able to tell when giving the estimate how long the vehicle will take you, but sometimes suprises come up and you just have to bite the bullet.

I charge about $200 starting per car which takes 3.5 to 4 hours. If I see myself spending 6 hours on a car, the estimate goes to $300. I figure $50 - $70 per hour and let the client know why their car is taking longer than the standard 4 hours and they are usually fine with the additional costs.



I just don't understand any professional that charges less than $200 for more than 4 hours of work...:nixweiss
 
todd@bsaw said:
Oekundar,

If you are spending 6+ hours on a car, they are getting charged accordingly. You should be able to tell when giving the estimate how long the vehicle will take you, but sometimes suprises come up and you just have to bite the bullet.

I charge about $200 starting per car which takes 3.5 to 4 hours. If I see myself spending 6 hours on a car, the estimate goes to $300. I figure $50 - $70 per hour and let the client know why their car is taking longer than the standard 4 hours and they are usually fine with the additional costs.



I just don't understand any professional that charges less than $200 for more than 4 hours of work...:nixweiss
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Todd,



Thanks for your response. From the research that I did in my area, I was under the impression that my pricing structure was in the ball park...YIKES....seems I have shafted myself here! :wall
 
you also have to keep in mind that you may be working slower than someone else...



if you are using strictly a PC, that is going to add an hour to the detail time, if not more. if you are using a LGBM for carpet extraction instead of a real hot water extractor, that is going to add to the detail time.



there are many factors....I have spent 8 hours in the past working by PC only and LGBM....now with a rotary and a mytee extractor, the times are posted above, which still need to get cut down in order for me to keep this operational....plus I need to up my pricing when I get to the car and its trashed instead of just saying its ok, i told you 190 and Ill stick to that...
 
Also keep in mind I am not a professional (do it on side) I am using a PC for side panels and rotor for flat panels. I dont have a extractor and use my PC to clean carpets.



i also polish the glass and wheels on a standard detail by hand which most dont do.





Depends on your goals and wants, I am not in this to make money for me this is fun so I take my time because I am not in a rush to complete the car, the money is just a bonus
 
mirrorfinishman said:
I would say that 3.5-4 hours per car sounds about right. Of course, cars that get detailed more often, like every few months, will usually take a little less time and cars that need a lot more attention will require a bit more time.
Click to expand...





I agree with Frank . Mid size car not in bad condition should take one person 3-4 hours. You have to be fair to yourself as well as the customer . It's easy to use extra time dealing with the little things , you have to know when enough is enough . Also some people work faster or slower so keep that in mind . :buffing:
 
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