Help pricing for trashed 10+ year old Subaru

slickooz

slickooz

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So I got a call yesterday who was referred by one of my clients. When he told me it was bombed I didn't think it would be that bad. Oh was I wrong... When I got their she told me she wanted her car detailed inside out before she sells it. The car was 10+ year old, never been waxed or really cleaned.

I'm thinking about breaking down the detail into two days. Interior and headlights one day. The interior I'm going steam and extract everything. And exterior, I'm planning on using an aggressive clay, and then use an AIO. Then dress all the trim with Black Wow. I'm thinking around 350ish. What do you think is a fair price? I also give first time customers 15% off their detail package.

Here are some photos to show you what I will be working on next week.
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wow, that thing is gross! I'd charge more, that interior is just horrid. Good luck, make it shine!
 
That is horrible. Just in the Interior I would charge $120+

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk 2
 
If the interior was "normal" what would you charge for a detail like this?
 
If interior just need a good vacuum and wipe down, I charge 50+ depending on condition. The exterior I would probably charge 200ish because the outside is rough and need a good lengthily claying.
 
If the interior was normal id charge $65 but for something trashed like that I'm thinking $120 easy. That's a days work right there, that is nasty! Exterior with a medium polish would be $160.
 
I would love to work on that car, so much potential. I personally feel your price is just fine for the amount of work you plan.
 
rwright said:
I would love to work on that car, so much potential. I personally feel your price is just fine for the amount of work you plan.
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Yeah I feel the same way. I don't think there any clear coat failure, but couldn't really tell because there a layer of dirt on the car. The before and after photos should really show potential clients what we (detailers) can do.
 
Actually the interior is better than I originally thought it would look like for a 10 yr old vehicle. Even the fabric on the drivers seat doesn't appear to be worn or stretched like I would imagine for a vehicle of that age. Must have worn seat covers for a period of time.

Being that you are an excellent photographer, I believe what my eyes are seeing.
Some signs of early CC failure around the bend in the sheet metal at windows?
I don't have any experience with an aggressive clay, but I would do one wash with dawn/apc mix, followed by ONR @ QD strength lubed claying...but this is my method for paint that filthy.

Being that they are a referral, they must be aware of your pricing structure and craftmanship. I don't think I would offer discount to a first time customer in the process of selling a vehicle...that's just me. I would try to sell them on the idea of top notch detail to ensure higher asking price.

No help in pricing hand. :o Good luck and am awaiting pics and process review of the finished product.:props:
 
slickooz said:
Yeah I feel the same way. I don't think there any clear coat failure, but couldn't really tell because there a layer of dirt on the car. The before and after photos should really show potential clients what we (detailers) can do.
Click to expand...

In all honesty, you need to pull the seats and disassemble as much of the console that you can. The interior will be much more work than the exterior. Scrub the exterior seals with an apc followed by an IPA wipe, then tape them off before hitting the paint. Will this be a weekend project for you?
 
rwright said:
In all honesty, you need to pull the seats and disassemble as much of the console that you can. The interior will be much more work than the exterior. Scrub the exterior seals with an apc followed by an IPA wipe, then tape them off before hitting the paint. Will this be a weekend project for you?
Click to expand...

I never took out the seats before unless they were pull off ones. I'm planning on scheduling it next Sat and Sunday. I have to email her pricing and break down of what I will be doing. She told me she is expecting to pay around 300.

I thinking about OPC the paint then foaming the car with Hyper wash with OPC. Then use purple clay with detailer. The exterior trims will need a lot of attention before applying Black Wow.
 
Vegas Transplant said:
Actually the interior is better than I originally thought it would look like for a 10 yr old vehicle. Even the fabric on the drivers seat doesn't appear to be worn or stretched like I would imagine for a vehicle of that age. Must have worn seat covers for a period of time.

Being that you are an excellent photographer, I believe what my eyes are seeing.
Some signs of early CC failure around the bend in the sheet metal at windows?
I don't have any experience with an aggressive clay, but I would do one wash with dawn/apc mix, followed by ONR @ QD strength lubed claying...but this is my method for paint that filthy.

Being that they are a referral, they must be aware of your pricing structure and craftmanship. I don't think I would offer discount to a first time customer in the process of selling a vehicle...that's just me. I would try to sell them on the idea of top notch detail to ensure higher asking price.

No help in pricing hand. :o Good luck and am awaiting pics and process review of the finished product.:props:
Click to expand...

Thanks VT. I forgot all about Dawn.:props: because I haven't had the need to use it. Doug who gave me her number also referred me to his next door neighbor, who I also told first time customers get 15% off for giving me a shot. I don't mind losing a little profit, if I can build a good relationship with my clients. She told me after the Subaru gets finished, she wants me to work on her new Ford Fusion.
 
10-04.
I need to get an aggressive clay and play around on some junk cars or so. I've never had a need for one in the past, even when removing overspray. Thanks for the idea.
 
Yeah I haven't had to use the purple clay bar yet. I'm sure they going marr the hell out of the paint, but a good all in one should clean it all up. I been using the gray clay bar sold by DP, they are usually aggressive enough for most DD.
 
The real victim here is the person who ends up with the car after you do your magic. They are getting a totally misrepresented car. Not your problem. But like a car evaluator said on "What's my car worth" if the things I can see are in this condition, how well maintained were the things I can't see". Did she ever change the oil or other routine maintenance. I guess she's going for higher trade in value? I'd hate to buy this car on looks and have it blow a head gasket in 5,000 miles. Can't wait to see the after pictures. Definitely one for your books and website!
 
Spiney said:
The real victim here is the person who ends up with the car after you do your magic. They are getting a totally misrepresented car. Not your problem. But like a car evaluator said on "What's my car worth" if the things I can see are in this condition, how well maintained were the things I can't see". Did she ever change the oil or other routine maintenance. I guess she's going for higher trade in value? I'd hate to buy this car on looks and have it blow a head gasket in 5,000 miles. Can't wait to see the after pictures. Definitely one for your books and website!
Click to expand...

I asked her if she kept up with all the oil change and maintaince and she said her husband took care of that until they got devoiced recently. She told me the car runs great and there is no mechanic problems with the car, just that it need a thorough cleaning. I was about to buy the car for 3k, my sister is about to drive and this would be a great 1st car. I will take lots of photos of before and afters with write up.
 
i think your price is ok,that looks like a normal cleanup for me thats what i get most of the time but i like seeing the end results and the customers reaction.
 
If you can get $350 I would take it. Once you get the trash out and blow out the interior with compressed air I think it will make a big diff. If you have a extractor it will make short work of the interior and it may be a good idea to invest 30 minutes to remove the seats. This may save you time in the end. I see about 15 man hours, I've done worse for 250.
 
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