How much would you charge????

Cost of materials unless I was using their car to try a new coating in which case, nothing.
 
My hourly rate x number of hours + incidentals + additional services = how much I would charge

We've actually got pretty good at estimating, right down to exact amount of time (timing certain tasks and making notes) so we can break out each task and assign a sub-time to it. In doing so, knowing how long a job (and all it's sub-steps) should take will make quoting and estimates much easier.
 
LSNAutoDetailing said:
My hourly rate x number of hours + incidentals + additional services = how much I would charge

We've actually got pretty good at estimating, right down to exact amount of time (timing certain tasks and making notes) so we can break out each task and assign a sub-time to it. In doing so, knowing how long a job (and all it's sub-steps) should take will make quoting and estimates much easier.
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^^ this. For buddies and nieghbors, etc. I tend to give them a 50% break on my labor if they are willing to roll up sleeves and help out. It's not required but encouraged to bring some adult beverages too :) I really only do this on my entry package and what I do is have them work on the wheels, final drying and then wiping off any products.
 
TTQ B4U said:
^^ this. For buddies and nieghbors, etc. I tend to give them a 50% break on my labor if they are willing to roll up sleeves and help out. It's not required but encouraged to bring some adult beverages too :) I really only do this on my entry package and what I do is have them work on the wheels, final drying and then wiping off any products.
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I hear ya... For us it's really no different for neighbors. A neighbor has an A7 and BMW 5 series. He's seen the Porches the R8's come and go and he popped over to see me. I told him I'd gladly give him a quote on his vehicles. My numbers still stand... we don't discount. I learned that lesson a long time ago. There is nothing worse than getting into a long tedious job and kicking yourself halfway through it because you discounted. I dislike that feeling. The attention to detail and professionalism comes at a price.
 
LSNAutoDetailing said:
I hear ya... For us it's really no different for neighbors. A neighbor has an A7 and BMW 5 series. He's seen the Porches the R8's come and go and he popped over to see me. I told him I'd gladly give him a quote on his vehicles. My numbers still stand... we don't discount. I learned that lesson a long time ago. There is nothing worse than getting into a long tedious job and kicking yourself halfway through it because you discounted. I dislike that feeling. The attention to detail and professionalism comes at a price.
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Bingo!

I spent my '20's working on friend's and "Friend's" boats for a discount.

Hours of labor as hard or harder than what I got paid for at my job. $500 job for 50 bucks and a case of beer? Uhhh........ no.

With detailing now, whenever a neighbor asks, I cut them short with "I barely have time to do the truck and her Jeep"...........

Which is almost true.......... But I can't deal with slave labor any more.
 
The “buddy rate” is material cost plus beer. That’s for friends, my neighbors are not my friends and I charge them full rate.
 
rlmccarty2000 said:
The “buddy rate” is material cost plus beer. That’s for friends, my neighbors are not my friends and I charge them full rate.
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Agreed. My buddies and I have a ball working on their cars,(or mine) either mechanically or detail wise. Yes, its hangover eminent, but we have fun. My neighbors are grumpy old stuck up farts, so I would charge them double!
 
rlmccarty2000 said:
The “buddy rate” is material cost plus beer. That’s for friends, my neighbors are not my friends and I charge them full rate.
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Just to clarify my previous post by neighbors I meant the ones I'm buddies with :) Not just the dude that lives on my block.
 
rangerbay said:
Agreed. My buddies and I have a ball working on their cars,(or mine) either mechanically or detail wise. Yes, its hangover eminent, but we have fun. My neighbors are grumpy old stuck up farts, so I would charge them double!
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In a "one hand washes the other.........." scenario, yes.

When I first bought my house (2006), neighbor from down the street says "I heard you know how to adjust Yamaha shifters?"

I said "I know as much about them as someone pays me to know".

Crickets. (I later learned from a buddy at another marina he came to them for service. LSS... linkage was rotted form salt, etc. about a $600 bill)

Neighbor was expecting me to say 50 bucks, guaranteed.
 
Neighbor is not available to help on detail, usually has someone do detail but not able to book appointment with their regular, since in a bind has to impress a client and knows your skills are just as good as his regular, but wants to remain loyal to the regular and coming to you in a ASAP need circumstance and specifically chose your BASIC DETAIL (LISTED) being that in a week or two regular will have an opening.
Been with the regular years before you became neighbors
 
I add 30$ for commute in all my packages, so I would give that person 30$ off. Otherwise, if you are fixed location, full price.
 
Articles like this are outdated and alot of potential customers really on what is on the internet (web) and are misinformed.
If active in the industry we can show updated products, equipment and information to keep us all receiving fare wages
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