Some People

M

mattsford321

New member
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Hello everyone my name is Matt. I've been detailing professionally now for over 2 years and I was wondering why is it that there are some people that REALLY never appreciate the work you put into their car. For example, today I detailed a Toyota Tacoma which was riddled in key scratches and other imperfections. When I initially met the lady I told her my base package price and that to remove the scratches would take additional work= higher price. Well after I spent 5 hours wet sanding, buffing, polishing, waxing, and cleaning her truck she was awestruck at the price because it was not what I originally told her my detail package w/ wax would cost.



Anyone else know what this is about?
 
It's sad to say, but a lot of people are looking for something for nothing these days. As long as you're holding up your end of the bargain than your mind should be at ease. Some people cannot be pleased no mater what you do.
 
mattsford321 said:
Hello everyone my name is Matt. I've been detailing professionally now for over 2 years and I was wondering why is it that there are some people that REALLY never appreciate the work you put into their car. For example, today I detailed a Toyota Tacoma which was riddled in key scratches and other imperfections. When I initially met the lady I told her my base package price and that to remove the scratches would take additional work= higher price. Well after I spent 5 hours wet sanding, buffing, polishing, waxing, and cleaning her truck she was awestruck at the price because it was not what I originally told her my detail package w/ wax would cost.



Anyone else know what this is about?
Click to expand...

Sounds like poor communications
 
Most people see there cars only as a source of transportation and simply don't give a crap what it looks like.

I would question what a 5hr wet sand, buffing and waxing job on a truck would look like though ;)
 
the wet sand was only one key scratch on one of the passenger doors
 
My prices are stupid low just trying to build a clientele still but I normally charge $50 for the detail which is no polishing or waxing and all together I charged her $100 and she had the look in her eyes of "I'm never calling this guy again."
 
mattsford321 said:
My prices are stupid low just trying to build a clientele still but I normally charge $50 for the detail which is no polishing or waxing and all together I charged her $100 and she had the look in her eyes of "I'm never calling this guy again."
Click to expand...

If she never calls again, consider it a blessing

Having said that, your price did double over just the one scratch. I can see why she was confused to a degree

Tommorows another day
 
$100 is a good deal but she may not know that. Let them know next time what has to be done and that should justify the cost. Keep that communication loud and clear too.
 
I have a Subaru Forester coming in to the shop next week with brush scratches all up and down both sides. Not too deep, just very noticeable on the dark paint. I'm charging them $225.00 just for the scratches and another $100.00 to finish off the entire outside of the car. This will of course include polishing all the paint, clean and dress tires/wheels, all plastics and so on. I expect to do only a 2-step process for most of it, and maybe 3-step on a few small areas. If you're charging only $100.00, you are not only cheating yourself, but your client shouldn't have any complaints worth noting. If you feel your time is with the money, then stick with it. If your client were to have the panel repainted, it would easily cost 3 to 4 times what you charged them. You're time is valuable and you need to be compensated for your expertise in correcting paint. Don't feel like you've done anything wrong, the word of your quality work will get around and people will come. Good Luck!!!
 
Most people that contact me, are after a slightly fresher look, they don´t care about flawless finish and other good things.
I´ve introduced a package of interior, clay, paint cleaner polish and lsp that i do 100% by hand. -and by now that´s what most people want.

I tell all my customers that this is the cheapest, most simple way to do things, and that swirls and scratches are not eliminated by this, but seems most people are happy with that.

But hey, if that´s what people want, they get it. I charge a little less, use less time, so I´m okay with it.

I like better to bring up standards permanently, but these gigs are all right.
 
By the way $100 is a steal. Don't sell your self short even if you trying to buildup your client base
 
Make sure you CLEARLY communicate the extra cost estimate when you are charging above your base rate. DO NOT simply say that taking out scratches or polishing swirls will be extra. Quote the customer an estimate clearly noting your base rate and extra charges. Something like: Base wash and wax - $50.00. Sanding and polishing scratches - $30.00. Polish rest of car to blend finish - $20.00. Total Estimate - $100.00.
 
This is one of the biggest reasons I retired my business. Im a newbie here. People that bring you their cars dont care for their cars as much as you do. And they have unattainable expectations. I have been out of "professional detailing" for just over a year now and since I have moved from SW Virginia/NE Tenn. to Jacksonville Fl and I drive around and every corner has a "detailer" on it seems. Working out doors,in the sun, and pretty sure no insurance...and I wonder is there a need here for a "Professional detailer"? Then I realize I want my free time and enjoy my life more than a few extra bux and alot of headaches from people that dont understand what a real detail is.
 
The fault is yours for not making it clear what the price would be including removing the scratch. Your prices are ridiculously low but that's a discussion for another time. The price doubled and I don't blame the customer for "giving you the look". Under the circumstances I wouldn't return either. What we have here is a failure to communicate.
 
I've seen a post on here that might hold true to your situation with this lady..."Some people just want you to clean their swirls"...Sad but true.
 
HeavyMetal said:
Make sure you CLEARLY communicate the extra cost estimate when you are charging above your base rate. DO NOT simply say that taking out scratches or polishing swirls will be extra. Quote the customer an estimate clearly noting your base rate and extra charges. Something like: Base wash and wax - $50.00. Sanding and polishing scratches - $30.00. Polish rest of car to blend finish - $20.00. Total Estimate - $100.00.
Click to expand...

To tell you the truth, I thought there was much more money to be made in detailing??? Sounds pretty cheap to me... I was guessing around $500. plus/plus for a complete detail???? and I'm not sure what a " complete detail" is exactly?
I can see where you would have to be very specific regarding what to expect ... very specific...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top