Effectively using a Second Worker?

ScubaCougr

ScubaCougr

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Mobile, part-time sole proprietor here. Time to ask how many people routinely use a second person to help speed a detail?

I have a guy I call to help with full details, but I'm not certain I'm getting maximum efficiency from the both of us. Full details (steam clean inside, one-step AIO outside, typically nasty DD's) still take 5-6 hours. I was doing them myself in 6-8.

So if you do put 2 on a car, how do you divide up the work? Does anyone put 2 people on 2 buffers to speed exterior? (Seems a choke point in my process and yes, the Flex VIP is calling!!)
 
Having done work with 2 buffers before on many projects I find the work looks choppy as ppl so things in different ways . I did a car with my long time friend and I did great work he did ok work ... Same products same machines .... Had him also follow me after I compounded and he glazed.... I wasn't happy with it.... Imo one buffs one does they wipe down .... Or stick him inside on they other side.

Pj C. senior detailer at Subaru of Moncton.
 
i never put two people on the same car , it opens up to many cans of worms. i pay flat rate 40.00 per car that way the faster the guy goes the more money he makes , the trick to this is making sure you clearly set your expectations of quality and hold your ground on the rate you offer. To me that is the only way you can use a second guy effectively . When i did use another guy on the same car as myself i would do the inside and he would do the outside or vice versa depending on the skills of both guys . if one is faster than the other at the outside then he does exteriors. With two guys on a vehicle you have to be done with vehicle in no more than 3.5 hours to really be using that person effectively .
 
We have put 2 people on exterior many times when it requires a one step polish - especially since a da is near fool proof. Usually we use 2 to 3 people per vehicle and it speeds up the process tremendously! As long as you overlook their work and approve of it it is a good move IMO. I can spend 12 hours on one car and make 175 revenue. or do three cars in a day with 3 guys and make 525 revenue. I have noticed that with help, 1 vehicle is not that profitable, but fit 2 details in there and you get better profit + more exposure (word of mouth). So as long as you can produce the work, it is worth it IMO :dblthumb2:.
 
I have a person that assists me part time and it is a life saver. The key is to train him or her properly, and give them the tasks that will make your job easier.

The guy that works for me does most of the interior work, door jambs, clean up and set up, so that I can focus on interacting with the client, doing the paint correction and polishing, and making sure that the little stuff is taken care of.

It is worth the extra time and effort as long as you have the right person, and are using that person on the right jobs.

That being said, I would have to be REALLY busy with just the right jobs to take on someone full time. For 1 step details, wash and wax, basic interior, and a handful of other jobs having another person is really not cost effective.
 
I love having a second guy. It does not cut the time in half if that's what your asking. That's OK because I pay him 30% of the total job.
 
I had my girlfriend clean the inside, while I was outside.
she'd be on the drivers side, I'd be on the passenger side.

worked out okay. I just had to give her a heads up on what I expected and a quick how to. (it was at my house, I have people drop off their cars)
 
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