Soft top protection package

M

mini1

New member
How much do you all charge for soft top protection? I started offering the soft top protection package featuring 303 cleaner and RaggTopp protection. I charge per hour for the cleaning, the prep (protecting from over spray) and the actual application of the protection coat. I've sold it to almost every single soft top owner since I've started offering the package. I've been back to service the vehicles later and have noticed the water beading and the tops looking nice! Most owners have never heard of this, so they are often ready to try it at least once.



How do you charge for this service? Flat or per hour?
 
Oh yeah, great upsell for sure. My price depends on size and present condition of top. Usually anywhere from $35-$80. I use 303 products.
 
SCoach said:
I consider the top a part of the car, and don't charge extra for it.
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So you spend 1 to 2 extra hours on each convertible at no extra cost the customer doing exactly what I described above? I'll still wash the top if they decline the service, but it surely won't be getting any Raggtopp if they don't pay for it.
 
mini1 said:
So you spend 1 to 2 extra hours on each convertible at no extra cost the customer doing exactly what I described above? I'll still wash the top if they decline the service, but it surely won't be getting any Raggtopp if they don't pay for it.
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I don't consider it an "extra" hour or two. It's simply part of the job.



I don't charge the customer extra for wax or sealant, even though I wash the car and get it clean. I don't charge the customer extra for adding UV protectant to their interior. So I am not going to charge them extra for cleaning the top of the car and providing the same protection to it that I would have to do if it were a hard top.



When I decided to do detailing, I bought tools and chemicals to handle an array of cars. Basic sedans and coupes, pick-up trucks, convertibles, etc. Purchasing the tools and chemicals to deal with both vinyl and fabric tops is part of the deal to me. Perhaps I just look at it that way because I've owned a convertible, and many of my clients do as well.



My general charge is $150-200 for a basic inside outside detail. Convertible or not. I do charge more for engine cleaning. My charge for show-car prep is on a different scale.



But I just couldn't fathom charging my customers more to get their top clean and protect it properly. It's not mohair we're talking about. It's generally vinyl and occasionally canvas.
 
I agree with S Coach. All of my details are put together based on my hourly rate. I do have packages, but they are also a reflection of my rate. If someone only wanted to have the top cleaned and protected, I would still charge accroding to however much I think it would take me. My hourly rate accounts for my time, skill, and product (and other expenses incurred while running a business). The only place I differ is my packaged don't always include an engine detail. I do charge separately for those ( again based on how long it takes which I determine when I appraise the job).
 
D Tailor said:
I agree with S Coach. All of my details are put together based on my hourly rate. I do have packages, but they are also a reflection of my rate. If someone only wanted to have the top cleaned and protected, I would still charge accroding to however much I think it would take me. My hourly rate accounts for my time, skill, and product (and other expenses incurred while running a business). The only place I differ is my packaged don't always include an engine detail. I do charge separately for those ( again based on how long it takes which I determine when I appraise the job).
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What I was going to type.
 
Dubbin1 said:
It should just be a part of the quote for doing the job, not an extra.
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The problem with this is that it inflates the total flat rate detail package price way over the competition in my area. Since no one else offers the service, I must offer this as an optional service. If everyone else was offering the service then I could include it in the package price.
 
mini1 said:
The problem with this is that it inflates the total flat rate detail package price way over the competition in my area. Since no one else offers the service, I must offer this as an optional service. If everyone else was offering the service then I could include it in the package price.
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We are not in your area, and we don't have your clientele. You aren't that far from me, but I don't know who you are servicing. If you must charge extra to have your rates be competitive, then certainly it makes business sense to do so. If you customers are happy to pay the upcharge, then it makes sense for you to do so.



As the president of a local British car club, half my clientele own convertibles. I'd feel silly upcharging them for my services. But again, that's just me. That's why there is such variety in this market. :)
 
D Tailor said:
I agree with S Coach. All of my details are put together based on my hourly rate. I do have packages, but they are also a reflection of my rate. If someone only wanted to have the top cleaned and protected, I would still charge accroding to however much I think it would take me. My hourly rate accounts for my time, skill, and product (and other expenses incurred while running a business). The only place I differ is my packaged don't always include an engine detail. I do charge separately for those ( again based on how long it takes which I determine when I appraise the job).
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+1, roofs are generally part of my packages, so they don't get "added on top".
 
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