Is the real money in lower end detailing??

[DaVinciAutoSpa]

I have tried to learn as much about the competition as possible. There are two in my town, at least what I would call detailers, honestly I am surprised there isn't more. The one is definitely a volume operation, the other is mobile.

My business, not even a month old, has been a combo of people that found me through internet forums and a few friends. I picked a terrible time to start, didn't I? Unfortunately I cannot find any other sort of employment and I enjoy this tremendously so here I am.

I haven't gotten the outpouring of support I hoped from friends and family, which seems par for the course. People always want help but when I need their help everyone

Hoping that eventually people will take notice, I am on the locals for yahoo, bing and google. Have my website up, I have a bunch of prospects, which I truly hope lead to more business and so on. November could be great or it could be nothing.

A month old?!?! A month....like 30 days? Did u start detailing for the love or for the money?

If its for the money you might need to give you business model a little more time.

Start with enjoying what you do, get into your work, become really good.....the money will follow.

Focus on what people want. But know how to perform all of it. Some clients want perfect paint.....I can do that. Some clients want minivan decontaminated.....I can do that.

Hang in there

 

[PERFECTIONPLUS]

I offer every level of detailing out there from a 35.00 wash and vac to a full 10 step paint correction that could be upwards of 1500.00. I believe the key is finding out what your customer wants and what his/ her budget will allow then targeting a package for them that fits the criteria. I do advertise my shop as interior specialists for several reasons, 1 ) my competition portrays themselves as exterior specialists 2) I have way more people call me about cleaning leather , removing stains , smells etc than i ever have call about a scratch or waterspots. IME people dont care as much about the outside of there vehicle as they do about the inside . You have to remember that your in business to make money , not to be the best paint correction guy or the fastest car wash around. I say if you can make money doing it why not offer it .

 

[motoo344]

A month old?!?! A month....like 30 days? Did u start detailing for the love or for the money?

If its for the money you might need to give you business model a little more time.

Start with enjoying what you do, get into your work, become really good.....the money will follow.

Focus on what people want. But know how to perform all of it. Some clients want perfect paint.....I can do that. Some clients want minivan decontaminated.....I can do that.

Hang in there

I certainly did not get into for the money because I know starting a new business is a struggle. I did it because I enjoy it, I enjoy the reaction that people have when they see their car cleaner than its ever been. I am always trying to learn new things and improve on the things I already know. As for the money part, I just want to start making a little money, I am behind where I wanted to be in my life but I suppose most of it is because of factors out of my control.

 

[PERFECTIONPLUS]

You should at least quote my post since you are referring to me. Our 'complete' packages are similar and that is just the time it takes me. I will say, I generally work and have worked on newer, smaller cars which I am sure plays a huge part in it. This coupled with the fact I don't have a carpet extractor yet make it quicker. I don't cut corners, ask my customers, I take a lot of pride in my work.

Just my two cents here, Im sure you take alot of pride in your work but the fact that you dont have an extractor to me is cutting corners, the fact that your customers are happy is great but could your upholstery come cleaner with an extractor? Since i started out just like you i know that you cant do as great of a job without an extractor. IMO thats cutting corners even though im sure its unintentional.

 

[motoo344]

Just my two cents here, Im sure you take alot of pride in your work but the fact that you dont have an extractor to me is cutting corners, the fact that your customers are happy is great but could your upholstery come cleaner with an extractor? Since i started out just like you i know that you cant do as great of a job without an extractor. IMO thats cutting corners even though im sure its unintentional.

I don't understand how its cutting corners? Perhaps our definition of cutting corners is different. I am not charging for a service I don't provide so I am not cutting any corners. I do exactly what I say I am going to do and that is what I charge for. I clearly state what is included in my packages and they are priced accordingly.

I have come across a bissell carpet cleaner, while not ideal it does allow me to add more value to my services.

At the same time, I could say anyone is cutting corners because everyone has a different opinion of what detailing is. There are guys who will disassemble the interior of car or remove exterior badging, plastics, spoilers just to clean them. They also price their work accordingly.

 

[Romans5.8]

I don't understand how its cutting corners? Perhaps our definition of cutting corners is different. I am not charging for a service I don't provide so I am not cutting any corners. I do exactly what I say I am going to do and that is what I charge for. I clearly state what is included in my packages and they are priced accordingly.

I have come across a bissell carpet cleaner, while not ideal it does allow me to add more value to my services.

At the same time, I could say anyone is cutting corners because everyone has a different opinion of what detailing is. There are guys who will disassemble the interior of car or remove exterior badging, plastics, spoilers just to clean them. They also price their work accordingly.

Just as a 'heads up'. Not a pro detailer but I do have some business experience and perspective. Listing the equipment and techniques you use is not necessarily being upfront, even though it may seem like it is. How many AutoGeek members take their cars to a detailer? Some, I'm sure, but very few. Yet these are your 'target audience' if you are trying to sell them on tools and technique.

If you tell your customer you are going to clean the interior of their car, they expect it to be clean. They don't know that the last detailer used a carpet extractor, nor do they care nor should they be expected to know. I see a lot of these detailers on this forum (and again, I am a complete NEWBIE to detailing myself, and no interest in being a pro, but perhaps that gives me important perspective) who advertise the products and techniques they use ad nauseum. Well, if you or I were shopping for a detailer, we'd be giddy with anticipation to find another 'geek'. But, we aren't likely to be shopping for a detailer, are we?

No, the majority of the market isn't going to care what products, techniques, or tools you use. They are just going to care that you get it DONE and that it looks great. I don't care if my mechanic uses snap-on, craftsman, or some tool from harbor freight. Just as long as the work gets done and he doesn't damage my vehicle in the process. Perhaps if I were a mechanic I'd care more about his tool brand choice. But then, if I were a mechanic, I wouldn't be taking my car to him!

I dunno, just my $0.02. I think, if you are interested in being very upfront (and good for you), then you need to be clear. They don't care or know the difference between you using an extractor or not. But I think it would benefit you to market your interior cleaning services as 'basic interior cleaning', because word of mouth is both the best advertisement, and the worst. If you get some soccer mom who has never had a car detailed before, you could probably just vacuum it out and make her happy. But what if you get the guy who gets his car detailed frequently, and decides to try you out; and he happens to have a lot of friends with deep pockets who like to get frequent details? Well, he's gonna notice. He isn't going to go back and say "He didn't use a carpet extractor! He wasn't using Menzerna polishes!" No, he's gonna say "The finish looked a little duller than the last guy, and the interior just didn't feel as clean, some of the stains came back after just a couple of days, it just wasn't as good as the other guy".

I absolutely believe that the interior is crucial. What authority does a complete newbie have in saying that? Well, I'm your target audience. I've had cars detailed before. Honestly, didn't even notice what they did to the exterior. Now that I know I kinda feel bad. I just figured they washed it. But looking back, they probably buffed it a little... maybe? No, what I was impressed with was my clean interior. No dust in the vents, no stains on the seats or carpets, dust and crumbs out of all the little nooks and crannies. THAT is what I cared about.

Just my $0.02.

 

[motoo344]

Just as a 'heads up'. Not a pro detailer but I do have some business experience and perspective. Listing the equipment and techniques you use is not necessarily being upfront, even though it may seem like it is. How many AutoGeek members take their cars to a detailer? Some, I'm sure, but very few. Yet these are your 'target audience' if you are trying to sell them on tools and technique.

If you tell your customer you are going to clean the interior of their car, they expect it to be clean. They don't know that the last detailer used a carpet extractor, nor do they care nor should they be expected to know. I see a lot of these detailers on this forum (and again, I am a complete NEWBIE to detailing myself, and no interest in being a pro, but perhaps that gives me important perspective) who advertise the products and techniques they use ad nauseum. Well, if you or I were shopping for a detailer, we'd be giddy with anticipation to find another 'geek'. But, we aren't likely to be shopping for a detailer, are we?

No, the majority of the market isn't going to care what products, techniques, or tools you use. They are just going to care that you get it DONE and that it looks great. I don't care if my mechanic uses snap-on, craftsman, or some tool from harbor freight. Just as long as the work gets done and he doesn't damage my vehicle in the process. Perhaps if I were a mechanic I'd care more about his tool brand choice. But then, if I were a mechanic, I wouldn't be taking my car to him!

I dunno, just my $0.02. I think, if you are interested in being very upfront (and good for you), then you need to be clear. They don't care or know the difference between you using an extractor or not. But I think it would benefit you to market your interior cleaning services as 'basic interior cleaning', because word of mouth is both the best advertisement, and the worst. If you get some soccer mom who has never had a car detailed before, you could probably just vacuum it out and make her happy. But what if you get the guy who gets his car detailed frequently, and decides to try you out; and he happens to have a lot of friends with deep pockets who like to get frequent details? Well, he's gonna notice. He isn't going to go back and say "He didn't use a carpet extractor! He wasn't using Menzerna polishes!" No, he's gonna say "The finish looked a little duller than the last guy, and the interior just didn't feel as clean, some of the stains came back after just a couple of days, it just wasn't as good as the other guy".

Just my $0.02.

I talk with my customers before their detail and they know exactly what to expect. I don't say I am going to 'clean the interior of your car' I say, 'I am going to dust, vacuum, clean interior glasses, wipe down interior plastics, vinyl and leather.' There is nothing unclear or ambiguous about that. There is nothing in that which says 'I am going to shampoo and scrub your carpet' There is nothing there that says 'I can remove stains' I've had people ask me and I am honest and up front. What I say is exactly what they get, sometimes I even give them more. I would rather under promise and over deliver. I tell them what I can and cannot do. Their is nothing ambiguous here.

 

[Romans5.8]

I guess it does depend on what you consider a 'full detail', because theres hardly ever a time I spend 6-8 hrs on a full detail.

To say there's no way to do it in less time unless they're cutting corners is absurd at best and condescending at worst. You have no idea how hard any other detailer works, nor how effecient they are.

Sounds like you have it under control then! If that's the case, then yeah; I think you're doing okay!

I also think some people get their head in the clouds a little bit and really cut into their bottom line when they see videos from Mike Phillips or Larry from AmmoNYC working on expensive, high end cars with a seemingly unlimited budget for time and materials. Even Larry started with a high volume car wash! The fact of the matter is, I think you could stand to be more successful doing a basic wash/wax and one step correction, and interior vac-n-wipe in many markets. Where I live? Wash and spray wax, vaccum, dust, and wipe the interior. I bet if you offered that service, you'd be busy. Even a one step correction would probably not be super popular.

No shame in starting small either. It's kind of like pro photography (My wife does some real estate photography on the side). Everyone wants to start out doing weddings and events. But you can get good, steady work just doing basic in-studio family portraits or bidding to take class pictures for a school. Build up experience, improve equipment, THEN go to the 'big leagues'.

If it were me, and I didn't have the career I had and thought I'd like to be a pro detailer (Disclaimer, I don't; I like detailing my cars, but I don't wanna touch everyone elses! LOL), I'd focus on mobile wash-n-wax and mobile interior quickie-detailing. Fast, steady work that takes little time to do so I have time to focus on networking and building the business. Having to do a 12 hour correction with nobody else on the schedule is, IMO, a bad idea. That entire day is wasted on one client, with no opportunities to network or do other things. If the schedule was full and you had several other clients waiting for a turn for a complete paint correction? That's another story. THEN it becomes more profitable, because you have one client all day instead of needing to handle a bunch of clients every day in order to keep the business moving. BUT, one client all WEEK is where it gets bad! Lots of old classic car guys out here who like to go to small, local, fundraiser type car shows who I bet would pay to have their car hit with a waterless wash and spray wax real quick; since most of them drive their cars to the car shows! Buy a booth at the car show, hand out business cards and 'menus', and offer a $20 wash-n-wax on-site (you're already there). Maybe even use your booth to hold a 'seminar' on proper washing, educating these car guys about swirls and things? Then maybe they'll all go back to their cars, now having been scarred forever with the knowledge of what a swirl is, and they'll be beating down your door wanting you to fix it!

 

[motoo344]

Sounds like you have it under control then! If that's the case, then yeah; I think you're doing okay!

I also think some people get their head in the clouds a little bit and really cut into their bottom line when they see videos from Mike Phillips or Larry from AmmoNYC working on expensive, high end cars with a seemingly unlimited budget for time and materials. Even Larry started with a high volume car wash! The fact of the matter is, I think you could stand to be more successful doing a basic wash/wax and one step correction, and interior vac-n-wipe in many markets. Where I live? Wash and spray wax, vaccum, dust, and wipe the interior. I bet if you offered that service, you'd be busy. Even a one step correction would probably not be super popular.

No shame in starting small either. It's kind of like pro photography (My wife does some real estate photography on the side). Everyone wants to start out doing weddings and events. But you can get good, steady work just doing basic in-studio family portraits or bidding to take class pictures for a school. Build up experience, improve equipment, THEN go to the 'big leagues'.

If it were me, and I didn't have the career I had and thought I'd like to be a pro detailer (Disclaimer, I don't; I like detailing my cars, but I don't wanna touch everyone elses! LOL), I'd focus on mobile wash-n-wax and mobile interior quickie-detailing. Fast, steady work that takes little time to do so I have time to focus on networking and building the business. Having to do a 12 hour correction with nobody else on the schedule is, IMO, a bad idea. That entire day is wasted on one client, with no opportunities to network or do other things. If the schedule was full and you had several other clients waiting for a turn for a complete paint correction? That's another story. THEN it becomes more profitable, because you have one client all day instead of needing to handle a bunch of clients every day in order to keep the business moving. BUT, one client all WEEK is where it gets bad! Lots of old classic car guys out here who like to go to small, local, fundraiser type car shows who I bet would pay to have their car hit with a waterless wash and spray wax real quick; since most of them drive their cars to the car shows! Buy a booth at the car show, hand out business cards and 'menus', and offer a $20 wash-n-wax on-site (you're already there). Maybe even use your booth to hold a 'seminar' on proper washing, educating these car guys about swirls and things? Then maybe they'll all go back to their cars, now having been scarred forever with the knowledge of what a swirl is, and they'll be beating down your door wanting you to fix it!

You raise some excellent points, excuse me if I am coming off as mean spirited, I've had a headache for two days now and I feel like I am being attacked for no reason.

You are right, volume is great and steady business is a plus. I just don't like mobile detailing to be honest. I've tried it and I was not happy with my results, can't control the conditions I am in and to setup in a way that would allow me to that would cost to much. There are some supplies I want to invest in but I just had to secure my insurance so that came first. I would rather be safe than sorry. If I lose some money now from not having an extractor its better than having some freak accident happen and have to pay out of pocket. I do however, totally agree on the networking thing that is the biggest downside I have right now.

 

[Romans5.8]

You raise some excellent points, excuse me if I am coming off as mean spirited, I've had a headache for two days now and I feel like I am being attacked for no reason.

You are right, volume is great and steady business is a plus. I just don't like mobile detailing to be honest. I've tried it and I was not happy with my results, can't control the conditions I am in and to setup in a way that would allow me to that would cost to much. There are some supplies I want to invest in but I just had to secure my insurance so that came first. I would rather be safe than sorry. If I lose some money now from not having an extractor its better than having some freak accident happen and have to pay out of pocket. I do however, totally agree on the networking thing that is the biggest downside I have right now.

Just remember that you cannot convey tone over the internet. At lest on this forum, most folks are just trying to help. Whether they are giving you pro-level advice, like some of those guys, or just giving you a newbies perspective on what I would anticipate if I were to hire a detailer like me!

If you don't like mobile detailing (I don't blame you. That'd be awkward/weird in my opinion. Plus you never know what you are running into.), I'd still consider the booth thing! I've seen detailers do that and it gets these guys really excited. Look at it like free advertising. Structure the price so that it attracts clients and covers your cost, but don't be too worried about profit. A $20 wash-n-wax with a waterless wash and a spray wax will get a lot of these guys going. The car will already be clean, and for $20 they can get it nice and shiny before the judges show up.

A local elementary school has an annual car show and there's a guy that does that. He's always busy, running like a chicken with his head cut off cleaning cars or getting bugs off or wiping down interiors. He also does some education on what causes all of the swirls and scratches. As busy as he is, I bet he gets a few customers out of it. Both for paint corrections, show prep, and wash/maintenance! I think the booths there are like $20 or $30. You'll make that back in a couple of clients assuming you are deducting for supplies!

It may be a bad idea, but it seemed to work for this guy so I thought I'd pass it along! At the end of the day, even if he didn't make any money, he made an impression on a few dozen car guys with show cars that they like to keep clean.

 

[Love's Auto]

We have a $1800 extractor and I rarely use the darn thing. Trust me you can get great results without all the flashy items and expensive polishes. Technique is what you need to learn first then upgrade to high end products when your business can afford those things. Some people will probably disagree and that is fine. I have been doing this for 15+ years and where there is a will there is a way. If you can't afford the $900 extractor buy a steam cleaner and that will work great for now. Priced around $300 you will build your business up to the point you can buy the best items. My cents.

 

[Pureshine]

We have a $1800 extractor and I rarely use the darn thing. Trust me you can get great results without all the flashy items and expensive polishes. Technique is what you need to learn first then upgrade to high end products when your business can afford those things. Some people will probably disagree and that is fine. I have been doing this for 15+ years and where there is a will there is a way. If you can't afford the $900 extractor buy a steam cleaner and that will work great for now. Priced around $300 you will build your business up to the point you can buy the best items. My cents.

:iagree:

 

[PERFECTIONPLUS]

I don't understand how its cutting corners? Perhaps our definition of cutting corners is different. I am not charging for a service I don't provide so I am not cutting any corners. I do exactly what I say I am going to do and that is what I charge for. I clearly state what is included in my packages and they are priced accordingly.

I have come across a bissell carpet cleaner, while not ideal it does allow me to add more value to my services.

At the same time, I could say anyone is cutting corners because everyone has a different opinion of what detailing is. There are guys who will disassemble the interior of car or remove exterior badging, plastics, spoilers just to clean them. They also price their work accordingly.

I do think that our definition of cutting corners is different. Im glad that you are up front and honest with your customers. I just could not see my self telling a customer who asks "are you going to shampoo my carpets and seats" "im going to scrub them with a brush and some chemicals and vacuum them up with my shop vac" . To me that sounds like something they could do at home , They bring there vehicles to professional detailers such as you and I because they believe we have the tools (carpet extractor, buffer , etc) , technique, and knowledge to do a better job than they could. I know if i was having my vehicle detailed and walked into a shop and someone was dunking a scrub brush in a bucket of whatever and scrubbing away at my carpets and seats i wouldnt be impressed However when someone walks in and sees steam pouring out of there vehicle and your professional looking extractor running it leaves no doubt in there mind that there carpets could look any better. Im certainly not saying that you dont do a quality job ( ive never seen your work) im just one who believes in quality tools and great technique.

 

[PERFECTIONPLUS]

Heres a comparison: If you hired a carpet cleaning company to come in and clean the carpets in your home and they showed up with some spray bottles , scrubbrushes , buckets , and a shop vac , would you second guess your decision to hire them?Probably, your tools and presentation of your work are a direct reflection of your work to a customer, sure they might not know the difference between an extractor and the scrub a dub method but when they see you have the correct equipment it leaves no doubt.

 

[motoo344]

We have a $1800 extractor and I rarely use the darn thing. Trust me you can get great results without all the flashy items and expensive polishes. Technique is what you need to learn first then upgrade to high end products when your business can afford those things. Some people will probably disagree and that is fine. I have been doing this for 15+ years and where there is a will there is a way. If you can't afford the $900 extractor buy a steam cleaner and that will work great for now. Priced around $300 you will build your business up to the point you can buy the best items. My cents.

Good point, I do have a steam cleaner but it is a cheaper variety. Its the $100 Wagner that pops up so maybe I should utilize it more. I also have discovered a week or so ago a carpet cleaner my mom had purchased and stored in the basement and never used. I tested it out on some of my mats and it seemed to work well.

I do think that our definition of cutting corners is different. Im glad that you are up front and honest with your customers. I just could not see my self telling a customer who asks "are you going to shampoo my carpets and seats" "im going to scrub them with a brush and some chemicals and vacuum them up with my shop vac" . To me that sounds like something they could do at home , They bring there vehicles to professional detailers such as you and I because they believe we have the tools (carpet extractor, buffer , etc) , technique, and knowledge to do a better job than they could. I know if i was having my vehicle detailed and walked into a shop and someone was dunking a scrub brush in a bucket of whatever and scrubbing away at my carpets and seats i wouldnt be impressed However when someone walks in and sees steam pouring out of there vehicle and your professional looking extractor running it leaves no doubt in there mind that there carpets could look any better. Im certainly not saying that you dont do a quality job ( ive never seen your work) im just one who believes in quality tools and great technique.

I hear you boss and I agree but I never ever said I was steam cleaning and shampooing anything though. I've never told that to my customers because it would in fact be a lie. In the past I could not provide that service. Most of my customers are mainly looking for the exterior work that I provide. I certainly believe the interior is an area I can improve my services. I need to start providing this and I think now I can do a better job. I am always trying to improve, no doubt in my mind that you can always get better and learn something new.

 

[stilltipping3]

I find it kind of funny people are doing full details in 2.5-4 hrs. I can't imaging whats really getting done in that time. I guess it depends what your calling a full detail. My complete detail takes 6-8 hours and there is now way todo it quicker unless your cutting corners.

:iagree:, my full detail with paint correction is at least 9hrs and still I am rushing by the end. I wish I had more daylight to really look at the car in the end. Sometimes I have to take it to the gas station to look it over in full light and view. There is no way I could get done in 2-4 hrs. It takes me almost an hr to really wash the vehicle, iron-x the rims and vehicle, scrub the tires and really get into the rims with the mitt and brush for lugs and stuff. claying takes me about 30-45 minutes and then I start getting the car ready for the FLEX. by the time I start compounding its been 2 hrs. Somewhere in there I find the time to shampoo and get the inside going but that is usually done with my directions to my girlfriend who will come and help me when she wakes up half way through my detail job. By the time I get the hood done which is usually where I start it has been 4 hrs. This leaves me 3-4 hrs for the rest of the car. I just park my azz and get a beer ready and don't stop til I get panels done. by the last panel I am usually looking the inside over and making sure it ok. Then I finish the last bumper or whatever im on and wipe it down. I then have to apply a sealant on it which is time consuming because I wait for 30 minutes before I take it off. Wax is finally applied and wiped clean after 10minutes. Then I look it over with QD and a little painters type brush for any wax in cracks. The tires are shined up by my GF again during this process. She also does the glass. I rarely get to do engines because I don't want to cause any problems or take a chance. By this time, it has taken a solid 9-10hrs if the car is small or mid size. My GF plays a significant roll here as I don't spend much time on the inside. She know what to do and how to do it now. The hard part is getting her to start earlier. How can one get all this done in 4hrs or under with any correction getting done? That's amazing if you do.:rant:

 

[stilltipping3]

We have a $1800 extractor and I rarely use the darn thing. Trust me you can get great results without all the flashy items and expensive polishes. Technique is what you need to learn first then upgrade to high end products when your business can afford those things. Some people will probably disagree and that is fine. I have been doing this for 15+ years and where there is a will there is a way. If you can't afford the $900 extractor buy a steam cleaner and that will work great for now. Priced around $300 you will build your business up to the point you can buy the best items. My cents.

:iagree:
I use a cheap steam cleaner and the bissle spot remover. I would like to buy the big items but I get by with these. I am sure this is where a lot of my time goes but the do get the job done and really work well. I still use the spray with some apc and agitate then extract and I may need to do it 2-3 times but it gets done. WEll, my girlfriend gets it done now days lol. The only real machine I have is the Flex and well it would be nice to have better extractors and steamer I just cant justify them right now. :buffing:
:rulez:

 

[stilltipping3]

Heres a comparison: If you hired a carpet cleaning company to come in and clean the carpets in your home and they showed up with some spray bottles , scrubbrushes , buckets , and a shop vac , would you second guess your decision to hire them?Probably, your tools and presentation of your work are a direct reflection of your work to a customer, sure they might not know the difference between an extractor and the scrub a dub method but when they see you have the correct equipment it leaves no doubt.

I used to think this until a huge van showed up with killer equipment and when they left I saw they did a horrible job once the carpet dried up. I will never call a big company like that again.

Does every1 have a nail gun? no
Can the nail be put in by a hammer? yes
Will the hammer be as fast? no
Will it get done? yes

My point being, u don't (let me repeat, u don't) need expensive equipment to get it done. If you have desire and a good work ethic it will get done.

With that being said, I do have a LANCE CANNON just for making a lot of commotion and drawing attention to people so they ask what I am doing and what am I using. Certain items will help create a confidence in you from future customers. They see you doing more or going above and beyond what others do.

There is a fine line between using what u need and needing what u want. Think about that. TECHNIQUE TRUMPS PRODUCT

:cruisin:I am sure I opened a can of worms here.

 

[Romans5.8]

I do think that our definition of cutting corners is different. Im glad that you are up front and honest with your customers. I just could not see my self telling a customer who asks "are you going to shampoo my carpets and seats" "im going to scrub them with a brush and some chemicals and vacuum them up with my shop vac" . To me that sounds like something they could do at home , They bring there vehicles to professional detailers such as you and I because they believe we have the tools (carpet extractor, buffer , etc) , technique, and knowledge to do a better job than they could. I know if i was having my vehicle detailed and walked into a shop and someone was dunking a scrub brush in a bucket of whatever and scrubbing away at my carpets and seats i wouldnt be impressed However when someone walks in and sees steam pouring out of there vehicle and your professional looking extractor running it leaves no doubt in there mind that there carpets could look any better. Im certainly not saying that you dont do a quality job ( ive never seen your work) im just one who believes in quality tools and great technique.

How many of these guys do wash-n-wax services without even touching the interior? For the price of a couple washes from a detailer you can get all of the stuff needed to do an excellent job on your exterior. ESPECIALLY if they are just doing a waterless wash and spray wax. If people are willing to pay for that, then why wouldn't they be willing to vacuum out and wipe down the interior? If that's how he's selling it, then they are probably getting what they want!

How many people hire cleaning ladies for their homes to come a couple times a week. Often they don't even bring their own equipment, they just use your vacuum, your mop, your dusters. They don't do anything you can't do. Now if you hire a carpet cleaning company that's one thing; but it sounds like the OP is offering a clean-up service for the interiors, not a deep cleaning service; and as long as that's what he's advertising, what's wrong with that?

Never underestimate the laziness of people and how much they'll pay to get out of work! Heck, I've taken my car to the mechanic to have him to things that I am capable of doing and equipped to do, but just didn't want to do!

 

[motoo344]

:iagree:, my full detail with paint correction is at least 9hrs and still I am rushing by the end. I wish I had more daylight to really look at the car in the end. Sometimes I have to take it to the gas station to look it over in full light and view. There is no way I could get done in 2-4 hrs. It takes me almost an hr to really wash the vehicle, iron-x the rims and vehicle, scrub the tires and really get into the rims with the mitt and brush for lugs and stuff. claying takes me about 30-45 minutes and then I start getting the car ready for the FLEX. by the time I start compounding its been 2 hrs. Somewhere in there I find the time to shampoo and get the inside going but that is usually done with my directions to my girlfriend who will come and help me when she wakes up half way through my detail job. By the time I get the hood done which is usually where I start it has been 4 hrs. This leaves me 3-4 hrs for the rest of the car. I just park my azz and get a beer ready and don't stop til I get panels done. by the last panel I am usually looking the inside over and making sure it ok. Then I finish the last bumper or whatever im on and wipe it down. I then have to apply a sealant on it which is time consuming because I wait for 30 minutes before I take it off. Wax is finally applied and wiped clean after 10minutes. Then I look it over with QD and a little painters type brush for any wax in cracks. The tires are shined up by my GF again during this process. She also does the glass. I rarely get to do engines because I don't want to cause any problems or take a chance. By this time, it has taken a solid 9-10hrs if the car is small or mid size. My GF plays a significant roll here as I don't spend much time on the inside. She know what to do and how to do it now. The hard part is getting her to start earlier. How can one get all this done in 4hrs or under with any correction getting done? That's amazing if you do.:rant:

Who said anything about paint correction? I could spend 25 hours on a car if I wanted to.