Ballpark figure monthly shop budget?

[kosmetikwerks]

Seeking some advice on a basic shop budget for products such as: compounds/polishes/wax/sealent,pads, detail brushes, chemicals. Basically 'considered consumables' please exclude labor, lighting, heat, water and other things of that nature.

Let's say this shop does 50 cars a month.

- 5 multi stage correction w/full interior
- 15 single stage correction via product such as menz400 w/full interior
- 25 AIO via product such as HD speed w/ full interior
- 5 no correction but full interior

For discussion sake..
Every vehicle is:

- engine detailed
- car thoroughly washed and decom then clayed
- full interior detail
- windows inside and out
- tires dressed

No perm coatings are done to any vehicle of this 50..

Out of the information provided what would you guys put your monthly consumable budget at? Not looking for exact just ballpark figures. I know there are always tones of variables when detailing just looking for a rough monthly figure!

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[vanev]

No less than $1000 per month based on your criteria.

A lot of things factor into cost.
I am also not one to try and get a 15 year supply out of all my products, pads, microfiber and industry towels, cleaning brushes, and tools.
I would also suggest that most auto detailers do not have the same definition on what qualifies as a professional detail.

So, you will most likely get many different answers in regards to cost scale.
That is ok, just make sure you have a firm sense on what it will cost you specifically after listening to advice.
50 vehicles a month is a large volume.
Factoring in amount of product used and tools wearing out and needing to be replaced will be required for such volume of work.

 

[FinishingTouchA]

I'd estimate 1200-1800 a month depending on what products you're using. Vanev hit it on the head with making sure you figure in tool replacement cost as well. I replaced a $200 pressure washer with a commercial $4000 unit this spring. Also will be replacing my Mytee HP60 with a custom built self draining, remote located, twin vacuum motor extractor by next spring. And remember employee mistakes can also play a factor when you're doing this much volume. I spent 1k fixing a scratch in a customer vehicle this year, insurance doesn't cover that. Not trying to discourage, just putting out real numbers. Glad you're doing the research and working on a business plan, you'll go far with a business mindset.

 

[dcjredline]

Im gonna totally guess because I have barely done 50 cars in 3 years.

compounds - I would get a gallon of maybe 2-3 different Compounds ($200-300)

polishes - Same here Gallon of 2-3 ($200-300)

wax - Pick 2 or 3 different good waxes ($200)

sealent - Im gonna call this your HD Speed ($70)

pads - Oh gosh, I would get at least 1 dozen of ea. Cutting (yellow), polishing (white) and 5-10 wax (red) and maybe a dozen MF cut pads all 6.5" ($250) Then about 5-6 of each of the 1,2, and 3" pads for the PE8 ($200)

Polishers - FLEX 3401 ($400), PE8 ($200)

detail brushes - You could probably get away for about 6 months or more on ($250) in brushes

chemicals - Here I would buy 1-2 gal containers of the Meguair's Detailer line. The 2 gallon and spray bottle deal Autopia has like APC, Degreaser, Glass Cleaner, Interior protectant, wheel cleaner, carpet cleaner, etc ($200)

I bet that amount of product would get you through 3 months or so. Either way you could have plenty to order more before you ran out.

 

[RFrommann]

buy in gallons, and you'll only need to reorder every few months or longer

 

[FinishingTouchA]

55 gallons works too