How to handle this type of client?!

Kyle@PrecisionPolish said:
So I met with the client today. I will be starting with two Lamborghini's not sure on the year but they are quite old. I will post that when I get the info.

Both are in great shape. He wants me to do fine details (engine detailing, leather treatment, chrome polish etc. Basically make it look prestine for the buyer.

Based on my packages I was thinking $285 for each vehicle. Do you think this is appropriate for these specialty exotics? Should I treat them as another or specialty when it comes to pricing?

I will keep you posted as I gain more information.

Thank you.
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You have GOT to post pictures; whatever you do!

As far as pricing, I'm sure the pros will chime in but my guess would be to wait until you see the vehicle for an estimate? It could be nice thick, soft paint with few defects or a super hard, heavily marred paint job that'll require multi-step corrections. However, I would guess that they viewed your package prices before contacting you so they are probably anticipating something in that price range.
 
I won't be doing paint correction at least not yet.

Exterior wise it will be just basic wash (two bucket, waterless or rinse-less). I would have loved to snap a few shots while I was there but wanted to stay professional until I actually detail them.
 
If it's cleaning, that's easy. Take the jobs.

Polishing I frankly don't do old cars. There are so many variables in the paints history and expectations. Old paint won't necessarily cause a problem (if anything it's soft and easy to fix), the problem comes from the current or previous owner who went to Canadian Tire and bought a simoniz rotary and turtle wax rubbing compound then went to town. You get the idea

Don't turn this job down tho, you will gain experience you won't find somewhere else and you get to work on some cool cars!
 
Kyle@PrecisionPolish said:
So I met with the client today. I will be starting with two Lamborghini's not sure on the year but they are quite old. I will post that when I get the info.

Both are in great shape. He wants me to do fine details (engine detailing, leather treatment, chrome polish etc. Basically make it look prestine for the buyer.

Based on my packages I was thinking $285 for each vehicle. Do you think this is appropriate for these specialty exotics? Should I treat them as another or specialty when it comes to pricing?

I will keep you posted as I gain more information.

Thank you.
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If they didn't ask for a quote I wouldn't give them one. I'd do the job and charge accordingly since they're all going to be different. You'll find a lot of the trim on older cars to be stainless steel which polishes out nicely. I've found if you charge a fair price and do a good job you'll be asked back again.
 
Ya, I said flat out each car will be priced accordingly. Thank you. He was a nice guy. Hard to beleive 3 people didnt even return his call.

Sent from my SGH-I337M using AG Online
 
They are into automotive restoration. They do not do simple modern replica's. Their work is not to be taken lightly.

Taste of their work. Full magnesium shell. They aren't into repainting and corrupting a classic with modern technology.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU-yHC_2Z8Y]The one and only Bugatti Aerolithe - YouTube[/video]
 
Ya I was hoping that Bugatti would be there but no such luck. There are a lot of cool cars though. I am definitely looking forward to working with this client.
 
^Kudo's and I think congrats are in order. They are definitely top notch and they have a lot of trust to be giving you a call so whatever you're doing is working!

Watching that video brought a tear to my eye. They're one of those dream shops I'd be so happy to work within. Koenigsegg, Pagani and the Guild of Automotive Restores would be my choice of awesome places to work.
 
Im not considering this deal closed until I touch one of those vehicles lol

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I personally would address this job in a "per hour" type scenario, and would set a reasonable rate based on the expertise you are bringing, the type of work you are asked to do, and the specialized equipment/products you will be using. I would also factor in the other "business costs". You WILL have to up your insurance to potentially work on million or multi-million dollar cars. Even if you are not responsible for all more critical variables with the car, a simple engine clean up with some potentially flammable chemicals could to start a fire.....and POOF your on the hook!!

This increase in liability = increase in insurance which has to factor in to the increase cost to your business EVEN if you only do a job or two for them a year.
 
Kyle@PrecisionPolish said:
So I met with the client today. I will be starting with two Lamborghini's not sure on the year but they are quite old. I will post that when I get the info.

Both are in great shape. He wants me to do fine details (engine detailing, leather treatment, chrome polish etc. Basically make it look prestine for the buyer.

Based on my packages I was thinking $285 for each vehicle. Do you think this is appropriate for these specialty exotics? Should I treat them as another or specialty when it comes to pricing?

I will keep you posted as I gain more information.

Thank you.
Click to expand...

So you're not going to touch the paint? Just washing and maybe some sort of spray wax/sealant?

I ask only because if you're putting anything else into it, (IE claying, AIO, light buffing etc.) I'd seriously consider at LEAST doubling that price. Need to remember that you're talking about a car that they have a ton invested in, and will make even more on down the road. Not to sell yourself short, but to separate your services and the quality of your work from just anyone they could look up in the phone book. Just the day to day operation of a classic car, exotic car etc. right down to the cost per mile to drive the darned thing is one of those things where if you need to ask the price... you probably can't afford it. :rolleyes: It is the exclusivity of it all that makes it such a draw. :)

If they could have gotten someone else to do it for your price they would. But are you that guy? You're the guy that does twice the job, right?!?! ;) But if you are higher then THAT IS OK TOO. Thing is to SHOW THEM why you're higher, and believe you me, they will come back. The mindset of owners quite a bit of the time is they don't want "the guy that did the car down the street", they want something that the guy down the street couldn't afford. :) Weed out price hunters and tire kickers and with that you'll end up with only people that not only HAVE money, but want to SPEND money. Be that 'exclusive' detailer that they just couldn't find elsewhere. And that.... well that is what it's all about. :dblthumb2:
 
No paint correction as of yet. I do not have liability insurance right now. I called a few places and they all said they do not offer it for auto detailing. Anyone in Canada have any information or direction on where to call?!. You think he would go for a waiver releaving me of liability?

Sent from my SGH-I337M using AG Online
 
Kyle@PrecisionPolish said:
No paint correction as of yet. I do not have liability insurance right now. I called a few places and they all said they do not offer it for auto detailing. Anyone in Canada have any information or direction on where to call?!. You think he would go for a waiver releaving me of liability?

Sent from my SGH-I337M using AG Online
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Liability insurance probably wouldn't cover damage caused by paint correction anyway. If a fixture fell on a car, it was damaged while you were driving it, etc., maybe. But they probably wouldn't cover you for damages caused by what they would call negligence or malpractice/incompetence. (Not saying you're incompetent, of course, just saying those are the sorts of terms they use!).

I think a lot of people are under the misunderstanding that insurance will protect them if they screw up, but that's not always the case.

Of course, there are probably some insurers somewhere who will cover everything. Good business insurance would probably also cover you if you got sued, to an extent, but would not cover the damage of the vehicle if you caused it by, say, burning through the paint.

Just a heads up is all!
 
Kyle@PrecisionPolish said:
No paint correction as of yet. I do not have liability insurance right now. I called a few places and they all said they do not offer it for auto detailing. Anyone in Canada have any information or direction on where to call?!. You think he would go for a waiver releaving me of liability?

Sent from my SGH-I337M using AG Online
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But you're doing a light polish, yes? I dunno'....:dunno: But say if you were to just do something as small as a glaze (which btw an old paint job really likes) ;) that's something you might want to consider.

As for both no insurance, and *asking* for a release of liability. Whew.... :eek:
I'd never try to open a new relationship with a HIGH END (business) client by asking them to for me to not be responsible for my work/actions. Yikes! As you said, this could open the door for more work, (well paying work) down the road.

This is the time where you want to sit down and think of where you want your company to go. Could be a life changing event with long standing rewards here. Again... :dunno:

This is also the perfect time to seek out advice from your local insurance professional. ;)

Romans5.8 said:
Liability insurance probably wouldn't cover damage caused by paint correction anyway. If a fixture fell on a car, it was damaged while you were driving it, etc., maybe. But they probably wouldn't cover you for damages caused by what they would call negligence or malpractice/incompetence. (Not saying you're incompetent, of course, just saying those are the sorts of terms they use!).

I think a lot of people are under the misunderstanding that insurance will protect them if they screw up, but that's not always the case.

Of course, there are probably some insurers somewhere who will cover everything. Good business insurance would probably also cover you if you got sued, to an extent, but would not cover the damage of the vehicle if you caused it by, say, burning through the paint.

Just a heads up is all!
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:iagree::props:

Search here is a friend for sure. There have been some in depth threads discussing just these situations, and one insurance versus another. Plus there have also been prices quoted. Much more than you'd get from your insurance guy (as far as all the prices). ;)
 
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