Single Stage Cleaner/Wax - Business Idea

B

Below Reality

Polisher of Shiny Things
<Shudder>

I've been contemplating this for quite a while, and finally am acting on it.

I'd like to expand my detailing offerings to target a different crowd.

The crowd that just want's what's in-expensive, quick, and will do the job.

We're talking those who do not yet appreciate the value of a multi-step detailing package, and those who take the typical "average" care of their vehicles.


Essentially, I'm going to offer a spring madness express detail.

It will include the following:

Wash/Dry
1 step cleaner wax by Rotary or PC (likely the rotary with a synthetic wool pad)
Vacuum
Interior Wipe down (glass included)
Matte Tire Dressing.

I'm pretty proficient with the rotary, so I can do a quality job in a reasonably quick amount of time.


Here's my kicker.

I'm planning on offering this for Cars - $50.00 Trucks/SUV's - $60.00

Bear in mind, I am from a small town, and these prices are fair for the area, and the group of people I am targeting.

I feel that I can easily accomplish this "Express Detail" in 1.5-2 hours.

True, I won't be making piles of money on this special, but there is a method to my madness. I am hoping that I will be able to turn some of these customers into regular "proper detail" customers.

So, I don't really mind doing this type of "special" considering the end goal.

Onto my question:

Can you recommend me a good single stage Cleaner/Wax to use in a mannor such as this?

Also I'd love your feedback or advice on my crazy idea here.


Thanks!
 
Best 1 step products IMO are Meguiars #66, and AutoInt's OEM one step, however, I would use both with foam polishing pads. The #66 is more agressive but the OEM One Step lasts a lot longer.
 
Hey there Below,

While I don't really like to do semi-details in my business, there is a niche market for them indeed (as you have realized). A few things to consider:

-More than likely, you will be dealing with more swirl content rather than staining, etc. In that case, I have found that using an all in one type that contains abrasives works better for me with foam on either the rotary or PC.

-One the flip side to the above statement, you'll have to be the judge on product usage. Klasse AIO is a great one step product, however, you are going to have to rely on the grade of pad you use. I personally use the Edge 2000 system on the rotary and like having the option of using the blue fine-polishing pad (yields greater shine) or the green med-polishing (better polishing abilities). If the car needs more TLC, I go with the green; if it's a darker color and isn't marred to death, then I go blue.
-I have all the faith in the world for you brotha, but a wool pad on the rotary, even at lower speeds, is going to show buffer swirls and/or holograms much, much more than a polishing pad.

-Don't use a foam cutting pad for a one step

-Personally, I haven't found NXT to have "enough" cleaning ability to really be a one-step.

-$50-60 is a "good" price range and I think your about right on your time span of 1.5-2hrs. However, think about the simple stuff you can add to bump up the price a little bit. Vinyl dressing, leather conditioner, a quick paste wax....you could then easily charge $75+ (still below $100).

The way to convey it to your customer is that you are going to take a machine polisher to clean and bring out the shine of the finish that leaves solid protection, but you go a step further and lay down a paste wax for added durability, shine, and gloss. The vinyl dressing contains UV protection (at least you should use something like that) for your dash to be moisturized and not prone to fading, cracking, etc. Leather conditioning doesn't take a lot of time if you use a quality product. I personally like to use one that has mild cleaners into it, thus, a one-step application is all that is needed. Sure, you might spend 30 minutes more, but it is worth the payout in the end.
 
Funny that you posted this since I just printed up 200 flyers as an "After winter special" Wash & wax for $60 per car. No interior unless it is requested.(adds more $$ to the total)
 
when i do that exact same package, which i find popular i charge $75.00-cars,$90.00- trucks. never underprice yourself. people will pay for quality. i live in a small town of 6000 people so i see the same situations you do.
 
Nickc0844 said:
-I have all the faith in the world for you brotha, but a wool pad on the rotary, even at lower speeds, is going to show buffer swirls and/or holograms much, much more than a polishing pad.
Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking :eek

PS - I would def. use PwC for a 1 step :bigups
 
tdekany said:
I forgot to add that I'll be using PBs PwC.
Click to expand...


I was reading down this thread thinking that P-w-C would be a great product for this does not cost much and gives back a great finish. I have used this on cars as a one step and its worked well, also has some fillers that can hide swirls if needed.
 
I like PwC for this too. On dark colors I like to use TOL's Midnight Express. It is a polish/polymer product and does a nice job for 1 steps.
 
I can't think of a better situation that Optimum Car Wax was made for!! It is the easiest best product for this type of situation. There are many write ups on that product and it is what I feature in my Express Wash n' Wax. Will cut your time down to about an hour for the whole process. Highly recommend it, if you haven't tried it. BIG MONEYMAKER!! :mohawk
 
maximv1 said:
when i do that exact same package, which i find popular i charge $75.00-cars,$90.00- trucks. never underprice yourself. people will pay for quality. i live in a small town of 6000 people so i see the same situations you do.
Click to expand...

The $60 covers a wash and an application of PwC. No interior of any kind.

I don't think I am undercharging at all. I am also putting the flyers on passenger cars only. I just want to see if I get any responses.

I have full details lined up since the weather has been bad.

I do appreciate your concern. :bigups
 
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