Need a recommendation on pricing

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bcgreen

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I very rarely detail other people's vehicles, but recently someone asked if I would detail her 2016 black Mini convertible that is parked outside only. I am not in L.A. so I cannot charge what someone would charge there. I am in a resort area in northern Idaho. Her vehicle is parked outside all the time, but does not have major flaws. I estimate it will take me a couple of days to do this job - wash, clay, mask, polish and sealant/wax.
How would you handle the top - waterproof coating(Scotchguard or RaggTopp) or just a cleaner and conditioner?
 
A couple days for a Mini? Would it take a week to do a SUV? :confused:
 
brettS4 said:
A couple days for a Mini? Would it take a week to do a SUV? :confused:
Click to expand...

I have to agree with Brett, I would think you should be able to complete that "little mini" in 4-5 hours, 6 max.

I would charge a neighbor, friend etc. $250.00 knowing I can do it in a few hours.

That would not include the convertible top, I would charge extra for that, probably $100-$150.00
 
I am not a professional detailer, I just enjoy keeping my vehicles looking like I am getting ready for a concourse event. It has always been that way for me - it just takes me longer to complete the job to perfection. You guys have vastly more experience at this and time for you is money.
I had in the back of my mind to charge around $220 so I wasn't too far off including the top.
 
$220 may not be a bad price but don't go any lower. And...takes as much time as you need to give her what she expects.

I have always like the RaggTopp line of products for convert tops. And a good brush!
 
What level does the customer want the car? Or are you volunteering your services?
 
lol I hate when a customer says that, now not all are friends and I get that. But for a friend price use this opportunity to replenish supplies if needed, have her buy some pads then charge her accordingly to what you feel comfortable with.
 
Do you currently have the products you need to do the top? I don't so if it were me I'd have her pay for those and charge her extra to do the top as I'd probably never use those products again.

I also don't do this as my full time job, I just don't enjoy working on a vehicle for 10-12+ hours and my back wouldn't tolerate it either.

She wants it to be like yours but will she run it through a car wash the following week?

I did this Z for a neighbor last year. I did a follow up wash and quick wax about 4 months later and it was already exhibiting swirls, scratches etc.

5 hours start to finish (and that included a quick interior wipe down with Slk Shine), 90-95+ % perfected in one step. I enjoyed the experience, it was the first time I used HD Adapt and the look on the owners face when he saw the finished vehicle was priceless.

https://www.autogeekonline.net/foru...ssan-370-z-griots-g21-hd-adapt-7-hd-poxy.html
 
You might want to consider these things:

you dont have insurance if you have an accident (example: wind blows popup tent and does $3000 worth of damage to paint and panels.)

you could be risking the friendship if something goes wrong.

Just something to think about. You may want to send her to a pro.


Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline
 
custmsprty said:
Do you currently have the products you need to do the top? I don't so if it were me I'd have her pay for those and charge her extra to do the top as I'd probably never use those products again.

Yes, I have prod. I need for the job. I will mention the top to her as I will not need the prod. again


I also don't do this as my full time job, I just don't enjoy working on a vehicle for 10-12+ hours and my back wouldn't tolerate it either.

My back doesn't enjoy it either, work 4 or 5 hrs/day.

She wants it to be like yours but will she run it through a car wash the following week?

I'll find out, but if I get paid to do the job I don't mind, especially in a year or so, she wants it done again.

I did this Z for a neighbor last year. I did a follow up wash and quick wax about 4 months later and it was already exhibiting swirls, scratches etc.

5 hours start to finish (and that included a quick interior wipe down with Slk Shine), 90-95+ % perfected in one step. I enjoyed the experience, it was the first time I used HD Adapt and the look on the owners face when he saw the finished vehicle was priceless.

What's HD adapter?
Click to expand...
 
bcgreen said:
custmsprty said:
Do you currently have the products you need to do the top? I don't so if it were me I'd have her pay for those and charge her extra to do the top as I'd probably never use those products again.

Yes, I have prod. I need for the job. I will mention the top to her as I will not need the prod. again


I also don't do this as my full time job, I just don't enjoy working on a vehicle for 10-12+ hours and my back wouldn't tolerate it either.

My back doesn't enjoy it either, work 4 or 5 hrs/day.

She wants it to be like yours but will she run it through a car wash the following week?

I'll find out, but if I get paid to do the job I don't mind, especially in a year or so, she wants it done again.

I did this Z for a neighbor last year. I did a follow up wash and quick wax about 4 months later and it was already exhibiting swirls, scratches etc.

5 hours start to finish (and that included a quick interior wipe down with Slk Shine), 90-95+ % perfected in one step. I enjoyed the experience, it was the first time I used HD Adapt and the look on the owners face when he saw the finished vehicle was priceless.

What's HD adapter?
Click to expand...

It was a product that stupidly 3d / HD discontinued. Supposedly, according to them HD Cut + fills the gap. The key to my post in that show and shine is how many different test and combos I did before I went off and polished the whole vehicle. I cannot be over emphasized the value of test spots.



Here's the post on the BMW:

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/91677-2015-bmw-435i-meets-hd-speed-hd-poxy.html

Here's a link to their product line, note the BMW (5 hours, start to finish :buffing: )

3D Professional Detailing Products, HD car care, 3D HD
Click to expand...
 
custmsprty
I am interested in HD for future use as right now I have Mez. and Meguiar prod. that I have to use up.
Just to be clear HD Speed is an AIO?
You like toping Speed with Poxy?
 
bcgreen said:
custmsprty
I am interested in HD for future use as right now I have Mez. and Meguiar prod. that I have to use up.
Just to be clear HD Speed is an AIO?
You like toping Speed with Poxy?
Click to expand...

Yes, that' correct.

I have the enitre Menz line up too and had been pretty much using it until it started playing around with 3d / HD

That was a great comaprison for me comparing Menz 3-n-1 to HD Speed. Menz 3-n-1 had a bit more correction but it was much harder to remove and working time wasn't as good as Speed. But I figure I could always bump up to a yellow LC or B&S pad with Speed if need be for more bite. Haven't done that yet.
 
custmsprty said:
Yes, that' correct.

I have the enitre Menz line up too and had been pretty much using it until it started playing around with 3d / HD

That was a great comaprison for me comparing Menz 3-n-1 to HD Speed. Menz 3-n-1 had a bit more correction but it was much harder to remove and working time wasn't as good as Speed. But I figure I could always bump up to a yellow LC or B&S pad with Speed if need be for more bite. Haven't done that yet.
Click to expand...

My Menz. is P106
 
brettS4 said:
A couple days for a Mini? Would it take a week to do a SUV? :confused:
Click to expand...

Dude, don't be rude.
I'm a poet, and I didn't know it.

"Answer the question, Claire!"

For all we know, bcgreen is spending just one hour a day on this, after his regular job. He was clear that he is not a professional. Glad he's charging this friend. Reminds friends of the value of the service. A signed disclaimer from her in case of mishap would be a bonus, too.
 
custmsprty said:
My Menzerna products are all the old numbers, I can't even begin to keep up with the new numbers :doh:
Click to expand...

My Mez. is at a point where I will cut it open to get out the last bit of product. I bought this from someone at Autopia, partially used, this way back 20 years ago.
 
FlyinLow said:
Dude, don't be rude.
I'm a poet, and I didn't know it.

"Answer the question, Claire!"

For all we know, bcgreen is spending just one hour a day on this, after his regular job. He was clear that he is not a professional. Glad he's charging this friend. Reminds friends of the value of the service. A signed disclaimer from her in case of mishap would be a bonus, too.
Click to expand...

I am retired, but I will spend perhaps a few hours on it the first day. If things go along speedily, then I may get it done in a day and half. But I've never been able to do a 3 step process in anything less than a couple of days. The half day or less, perhaps some one else's eyeballs, will go around the vehicle to see if I missed anything. Got to get it flawless, ready to be entered in a car show if there were one be entered into. Then I can go to bed happy ensured that I gave it my best and that my friend is impressed. The last assignment was on a BMW M4 Marina Blue and I got it done in 16 hrs., stopping for 1/2 hr. Next day I paid for it recuperating. I had no choice because I had to do it at the client's/coworker's house, a 1 1/2 hr drive.
 
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