Getting Started: Side Detailing Tips Welcome!

[T0RCH3D]

How's it goin guys, just came on here for a little advice from the guys that do this for a living or those that do it religiously on the side. For the past 5 months I have been getting into the detailing scene. I always had the OCD, perfectionist mentality when it came to my own vehicles. After picking up my second mustang things escalated even further. After countless hours and hours and days of researching all of the net I gather up a list of products and made several more purchases to this date ending up with a solid and complete arsenal of detailing products. I practiced on my car (risky) and after several times I was finally pleased with my finish. Took the car to a local meet and received nothing but praise on the cars finish from people there. I've had people contact me and ask for me to do their vehicles.

I've done a few vehicles ranging from Ford F250, Ford Ranger, Chevy Duramax, BMW 330xi, and BMW 325i. Each and every one I lost my ass on only asking for $150 for 15-20 hours of work. As I was detailing the duramax, I guy drove puled up on his harley and said he wanted his truck to look like the one I was doing. Long story short I got his contact info and would get back to him.

I work 3 days a week as an AV technician and go to school 2 days a week, my schedule is pretty booked leaving only weekends. I have been fortunate to have people asking for the vehicles to be done which leads me to several questions for you guys as I was not expecting this in the least bit.


What are some ballpark numbers I should be asking for my work, I am by no means an expert but I do strive to go the extra measure for a flawless end result. I understand this is by location, services, etc. I have read try to aim for 40 an hour is this true, seems expensive and I feel people will walk away?

What are some basic packages to offer for someone making an effort to do this on the side?

What are services to charge extra for on top of packages? Neglected paint? Filthy interiors?

Do you guys charge extra for applying touch up paint, also how about charging for the layering of sealant and a coat of wax on top of that?

I am just trying to have some answers so I am prepared the next time someone comes up to me. Thank you all in advance!

 

[rustytruck]

I do it on the side 2-3 cars a week, usually have my helper with me. first thing is you need to spend way less time on each car. If you want to make $40hr and you spend 20 hrs you would be asking $800 for a detail.It takes me and my helper about 2 1/2 hours to do a car. I pay him 30% of what we earn. That leaves me earning right around what you are looking to earn.

My prices are on my website maybe this will help. You can do 1/3 of what you do to the cars and the customer will still think they look great. Good luck.

 

[T0RCH3D]

I understand that having less involved packages at cheaper rates is a must for some which is why I asked for advice. There is no way I can get a car done in 2 and a half hours, but I do not have a helper nor would I want one. Just curious, what does your work consist of in 2 1/2 hours?

All others input would be greatly appreciated! I mean is charging by the hour the right thing, I just feel that customers will shy away not knowing a set price number.

 

[AutowerxDetailing]

My advice would be to design a few levels of service to offer and try to match that up to the vehicle/client's needs and desires. I offer several levels of service and explain to each customer what the end result of each service will produce.

Best thing to do is just ask the customer what they are looking for. If they don't care about paint correction (which most people don't) then it isn't offered and the customer isn't scared away with a high priced detail package.

 

[rustytruck]

ONR wash,tires,wheels, glass, clay,one step polish/wax.

Air purge, vacuum, clean all vinyl, clean leather seats, shampoo then extract seats and rugs. Remember there are two of us working on the car.

Most of my customers are women. They care more about a clean, fresh smelling interior than they do about any type of paint correction. You need to come up with a service that people want and are willing to pay you fairly for. Clean shiny cars that's what most people want.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Have a package that suits everyone's budget.

Set-up the different packages so you price your work that you're happy. By happy I mean you're going to be happy with the profit after you've done the work. Then let the customer decide how much work they are willing to pay for.

Most folks use the platinum, gold, silver and bronze model but you can also use something like 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, or Level 1, Level 2, etc.

Just have a package that suits everyone and state or list everything included in the package.


If you don't want to do dirty interiors, then have a really expensive package for this customer and that way you either get paid enough to make it worth your time or you let someone else have the blessing.

 

[Vegas Transplant]

...For the past 5 months I have been getting into the detailing scene. I always had the OCD, perfectionist mentality when it came to my own vehicles.

I've done a few vehicles ranging from Ford F250, Ford Ranger, Chevy Duramax, BMW 330xi, and BMW 325i. Each and every one I lost my ass on only asking for $150 for 15-20 hours of work. As I was detailing the duramax, I guy drove puled up on his harley and said he wanted his truck to look like the one I was doing. Long story short I got his contact info and would get back to him.

Sounds like you have been detailing nearly pristine vehicles, then BAM...real world detailing of not so cared for vehicles.

Gotta pay your dues, regardless of what industry that you're in.

What are some ballpark numbers I should be asking for my work

, I am by no means an expert but I do strive to go the extra measure for a flawless end result. I understand this is by location, services, etc. I have read try to aim for 40 an hour is this true, seems expensive and I feel people will walk away?

What are some basic packages to offer for someone making an effort to do this on the side?

What are services to charge extra for on top of packages? Neglected paint? Filthy interiors?

Do you guys charge extra for applying touch up paint, also how about charging for the layering of sealant and a coat of wax on top of that?

Your demographic may differ from mine.
Your target market may differ also.
Far be it for me to suggest prices. You need to do your homework in your market..a little research will go a long way, just as it did when you were researching products and tools.

My advice would be to design a few levels of service to offer and try to match that up to the vehicle/client's needs and desires.

You need to come up with a service that people want and are willing to pay you fairly for.

Priceless advice from those who walk the walk.

 

[T0RCH3D]

My advice would be to design a few levels of service to offer and try to match that up to the vehicle/client's needs and desires. I offer several levels of service and explain to each customer what the end result of each service will produce.

Best thing to do is just ask the customer what they are looking for. If they don't care about paint correction (which most people don't) then it isn't offered and the customer isn't scared away with a high priced detail package.

Great, thank you for the advice. I feel in my situation this is what I need to do to have some what success. Now to figure out prices...the next challenge!

ONR wash,tires,wheels, glass, clay,one step polish/wax.

Air purge, vacuum, clean all vinyl, clean leather seats, shampoo then extract seats and rugs. Remember there are two of us working on the car.

Most of my customers are women. They care more about a clean, fresh smelling interior than they do about any type of paint correction. You need to come up with a service that people want and are willing to pay you fairly for. Clean shiny cars that's what most people want.

That sounds good, seems you have quite the system in order. My thoughts were way above and beyond and that is simply not what people are looking for now a days. Though every vehicle I have done has been a full correction.

Have a package that suits everyone's budget.

Set-up the different packages so you price your work that you're happy. By happy I mean you're going to be happy with the profit after you've done the work. Then let the customer decide how much work they are willing to pay for.

Most folks use the platinum, gold, silver and bronze model but you can also use something like 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, or Level 1, Level 2, etc.

Just have a package that suits everyone and state or list everything included in the package.


If you don't want to do dirty interiors, then have a really expensive package for this customer and that way you either get paid enough to make it worth your time or you let someone else have the blessing.

I do remember reading on of your articles a while back that not everyone is looking for a show car detail and I forget the other word you described that most potential clients will be looking for. I like the idea of different level or grade packages as well! I do not mind doing the tough things what I was curious for is what others charge when they go the extra mile on neglected areas of vehicles. One specifically would be touch up paint!

Sounds like you have been detailing nearly pristine vehicles, then BAM...real world detailing of not so cared for vehicles.

Gotta pay your dues, regardless of what industry that you're in.

Your demographic may differ from mine.
Your target market may differ also.
Far be it for me to suggest prices. You need to do your homework in your market..a little research will go a long way, just as it did when you were researching products and tools.

Priceless advice from those who walk the walk.

I agree that others have given me great guidance but I have looked in my area and I do not see competition. I have tried google, yellow pages, etc? Anywhere else to look, I know there is competition maybe they aren't publicly advertised well on the internet which is good for me.

 

[flamed03vert]

No one has mentioned it but I suppose a ala cart selection wouldn't be a bad idea for someone who wants a basic detail but with some special attention paid to other areas. Glad to see you over here by the way...

 

[Vegas Transplant]

I agree that others have given me great guidance but I have looked in my area and I do not see competition. I have tried google, yellow pages, etc? Anywhere else to look, I know there is competition maybe they aren't publicly advertised well on the internet which is good for me.

Go to car washes and places that offer detailing...see what their prices are.
I would look up the links for you but am heading to Howard for a meeting.

There has to be a market in the nearest (to you) metropolitan area. A world without detailers, is like a world without sunshine :laughing:

Also look at the Facebook thread and view detailers from you area.
Look at their prices and packaging.

 

[Jomax]

Great, thank you for the advice. I feel in my situation this is what I need to do to have some what success. Now to figure out prices...the next challenge!



That sounds good, seems you have quite the system in order. My thoughts were way above and beyond and that is simply not what people are looking for now a days. Though every vehicle I have done has been a full correction.



I do remember reading on of your articles a while back that not everyone is looking for a show car detail and I forget the other word you described that most potential clients will be looking for. I like the idea of different level or grade packages as well! I do not mind doing the tough things what I was curious for is what others charge when they go the extra mile on neglected areas of vehicles. One specifically would be touch up paint!



I agree that others have given me great guidance but I have looked in my area and I do not see competition. I have tried google, yellow pages, etc? Anywhere else to look, I know there is competition maybe they aren't publicly advertised well on the internet which is good for me.

Mikes famous quote "the difference between a swirl and a squirrel"



Sent from my iPhone using AG Online

 

[T0RCH3D]

No one has mentioned it but I suppose a ala cart selection wouldn't be a bad idea for someone who wants a basic detail but with some special attention paid to other areas. Glad to see you over here by the way...

How are ya man, never thought I'd see a fellow SVT member over here! I have been on here for some time now seeking advice when need be, bunch of helpful guys on this forum. I especially need all the pointers I can get as of late with people approaching me while I do not have any set prices, packages, etc.

Go to car washes and places that offer detailing...see what their prices are.
I would look up the links for you but am heading to Howard for a meeting.

There has to be a market in the nearest (to you) metropolitan area. A world without detailers, is like a world without sunshine :laughing:

Also look at the Facebook thread and view detailers from you area.
Look at their prices and packaging.

I will have to look into it, I appreciate it. That was one thing that stumped me, couldn't find any other local detailers in my immediate area.

 

[Vegas Transplant]

...couldn't find any other local detailers in my immediate area.

Are you metro or rural.
Did you try Craigslist? Some advertise there with a link to their sites.
DC metro example: washington, DC automotive services classifieds "mobile detailers" - craigslist

 

[T0RCH3D]

More rural were I live, I am located right out of Phillipsburg in north New Jersey about 3 miles from the NJ/PA state line.

I have looked on Craigslist and have saw some ads but it did not lead to any reputable or at least noteworthy ads. Some decent, but most with just small plain text descriptions with no websites, pictures or pricing and just numbers to call.

Maybe I just come up with a basic packaging system resembling those I have seen on sites off members here. I will then play it by ear and if there is a need for change, then I will fluctuation pricing accordingly. I just would have rather had advice toward the questions in my OP to come up with a system of packages here.

I do want to keep it simple, but I do want to make it clear about certain services like under-hood cleaning, headlight restoration, touch up paint, wetsanding, etc are extra services and what appropriate surcharges are for them. Hourly or flat rates, etc?

These a few few things I was seeking clarification/advice on from the original post.