rookie mistake

I don't think it would fit up a shop vac! there was more there than I have ever done. no wonder she wanted the service she didn't like the skunk smell!!!!
 
I've been in this predicament a few times, (quoting a job sight unseen) and it typically turned out that I got the short end of the stick.

When I get a person who requests a price over the phone, I tell them straight out that I can't do an estimate without first seeing the vehicle. If they ask for a ball park price I tell them that I'll need to ask a series of questions so that I can get a mental image of what the vehicle looks like.

Some of these questions are as follows...

Has the vehicle ever been professionally detailed and if so, by who and how many times?

What's the year, make and model?

What color is it?

What tools are used to care for the vehicle? (brush, wash mitt, dirty dish towel etc.)

Is the vehicle waxed regularly?

Do the wheels have baked on brake dust that doesn't wash off?

Any rust issues or body/paint damage on the vehicle?

Leather or fabric interior seats?

Are there bad stains in the interior?

Has anyone tried to remove stains and failed to do so? (potentially setting stains)

If there are stains, what are they from? (food, coffee, grease, tar etc.)

Are there any red food or drink stains?

Are there any ground in Jolly Ranchers or any other children's food issues with the interior?

Do they want the engine bay cleaned too and if so, is it really gunked up?

In the end, I inform them that I perform a very customized detailing service that can range from a simple wash, wax and vacuum to a total paint and interior reconditioning. I ask them what their main concerns are with the vehicle and explain to them that as a business with real overhead expenses, I can't operate at less than $50 per hour so If it sounds like a 10 hour deal it'll be around $500. If it's a 30 hour total exterior recon on a Corvette or something else with super hard paint it'll be around $1500...add in a total interior and the hours keep adding up..

At this point I have either scared them off or I have piqued their interest. It's usually about a 10 minute conversation which typically leads to them going to the local swirl-O-matic..which is fine by me because I don't do quick and cheap work.

Bottom line is that I (personally) target folks who want and are willing to pay for top quality work.

It wasn't always like this though...I've had to give a lot of my service away in order to gain the experience that I now have and to get my name out there as a serious top quality detailer.

I typically start these conversations by letting the caller know that I believe in 100% clear communication up front so that we don't start off on the wrong foot. I also let them know that any ball park price is exactly that...a ball park price.. Nothing is set in stone until I see the vehicle.

If you are going to provide a cookie cutter style service, where every car gets the same products and process regardless of it's needs..then I guess it'll be easy to quote prices over the phone. If you on the other hand are going to give the vehicle exactly the treatment that it needs to look stellar, then you'll have to see up front what you're dealing with before quoting prices, lest you take a beating in time, money and bringing in the wrong type of clientele.

Just my two cents on the subject..TD
 
tuscarora dave said:
I've been in this predicament a few times, (quoting a job sight unseen) and it typically turned out that I got the short end of the stick.

When I get a person who requests a price over the phone, I tell them straight out that I can't do an estimate without first seeing the vehicle. If they ask for a ball park price I tell them that I'll need to ask a series of questions so that I can get a mental image of what the vehicle looks like.

Some of these questions are as follows...

Has the vehicle ever been professionally detailed and if so, by who and how many times?

What's the year, make and model?

What color is it?

What tools are used to care for the vehicle? (brush, wash mitt, dirty dish towel etc.)

Is the vehicle waxed regularly?

Do the wheels have baked on brake dust that doesn't wash off?

Any rust issues or body/paint damage on the vehicle?

Leather or fabric interior seats?

Are there bad stains in the interior?

Has anyone tried to remove stains and failed to do so? (potentially setting stains)

If there are stains, what are they from? (food, coffee, grease, tar etc.)

Are there any red food or drink stains?

Are there any ground in Jolly Ranchers or any other children's food issues with the interior?

Do they want the engine bay cleaned too and if so, is it really gunked up?

In the end, I inform them that I perform a very customized detailing service that can range from a simple wash, wax and vacuum to a total paint and interior reconditioning. I ask them what their main concerns are with the vehicle and explain to them that as a business with real overhead expenses, I can't operate at less than $50 per hour so If it sounds like a 10 hour deal it'll be around $500. If it's a 30 hour total exterior recon on a Corvette or something else with super hard paint it'll be around $1500...add in a total interior and the hours keep adding up..

At this point I have either scared them off or I have piqued their interest. It's usually about a 10 minute conversation which typically leads to them going to the local swirl-O-matic..which is fine by me because I don't do quick and cheap work.

Bottom line is that I (personally) target folks who want and are willing to pay for top quality work.

It wasn't always like this though...I've had to give a lot of my service away in order to gain the experience that I now have and to get my name out there as a serious top quality detailer.

I typically start these conversations by letting the caller know that I believe in 100% clear communication up front so that we don't start off on the wrong foot. I also let them know that any ball park price is exactly that...a ball park price.. Nothing is set in stone until I see the vehicle.

If you are going to provide a cookie cutter style service, where every car gets the same products and process regardless of it's needs..then I guess it'll be easy to quote prices over the phone. If you on the other hand are going to give the vehicle exactly the treatment that it needs to look stellar, then you'll have to see up front what you're dealing with before quoting prices, lest you take a beating in time, money and bringing in the wrong type of clientele.

Just my two cents on the subject..TD
Click to expand...

Great info Dave!
 
vehicle not done yet
Dave
that is brilliant, I'm going to use that as a pre service questionnaire and use to base price!
thank you so much
using that will ensure he knows the pro from the hack
 
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