Sealant Rates
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SRHTX
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Well, that 2010 Lexus LS 460 I did last week was just a major PITA since it was white. I do not detail vehicles in a garage, right now, so, it's very hard to see where you have used the sealant on. The other 2010 Lexus I did was much easier since I could see everything on the paint.
Deep Gloss Auto Salon
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same price for sealant vs wax....
Only upcharge is for premium wax....
Only upcharge is for premium wax....
Deep Gloss Auto Salon
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I should clarify my definition of "premium wax"... To me that is anything > $100 a tub
Sure, sealants last longer and so do some "waxes" such as collinite's offering. The reason I do not charge more for them is that they require (generally speaking) the same amount of work/effort to apply remove.
I do not find it consistent with my business ethics to charge more for something that costs me the same in raw product and genarally takes the same effort to apply/remove... Seems dishonest to me (again, this is according to MY business ethics).
I charge more for premium waxes well because they cost me more...
I should add that I also charge a premium for Zaino treatment due to the time / steps involved for proper application
Da Fats
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- Aug 19, 2009
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915 has been finicky for me when compared to the other paste waxes in my line up or any liquid wax or sealant I have ever used for that matter... Maybe its the humidity and temperature during the times I used it or in the garage... I don't know I just know it takes me more time to lay down a couple coats and remove then the other waxes I use so this is were the added cost is. I am upfront with the clients when I talk about the option... and why I charge a little more for it.
I don't try to sell 915 as a 100$ wax... I included it in that bracket because for me it does take a more time... The clients are completely informed before they make a decision... so in response I do not feel like I am being unethical when I charge a little more for it.
I don't try to sell 915 as a 100$ wax... I included it in that bracket because for me it does take a more time... The clients are completely informed before they make a decision... so in response I do not feel like I am being unethical when I charge a little more for it.
SRHTX
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Question: Have you tried to leave each wax on the vehicle until you remove it with a spray Optimum Instant Detailer & Gloss Enhancer? That is what I do in many cases. Doing that will save you a great deal of time.
My $.02
Also, I agree with what you mentioned before by charging $15.00 if they wish to have you protect their paint with sealant. If it's a white colored vehicle, HECK YEAH!!!! That white Lexus was a PITA since it was/is white. I will charge $15 for sure.
Again, my $.02
Stephen
Deep Gloss Auto Salon
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Only the very 1st part of my post was directed towards you (I quoted it above)... sorry for the confusion...
If applying a certain product takes you longer than most others of course your time is money and of course, charge accordingly... With that said, I would also try to identify the variable that is causing such a big variance in application times.
The rest was for SRHTX...
Deep Gloss Auto Salon
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Just making sure I am understanding what you are saying (on the net sometimes that is needed for me).
You charge more for adding a sealant only because it adds more protection and not because it takes a substantial increase in work.
You charge more for white vehicles such as a white Lexus you did due to the fact that it is white?
Just making sure I understand you correctly...
Thx...
SRHTX
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It does not matter if the vehicle is a Lexus or Yugo. At this time, I do not have a garage to detail vehicles in. My detailing work is under a canopy. Down here in the Rio Grande Valley, most of the days are very bright and sunny where u will have a very hard time seeing white paint when it has been detailed. It kinda blinds you in a way and I have 20/20 vision. lol
If you wish, please give me a call Jason, if you wish.
Thanks.
Stephen
Da Fats
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As for the collinite issue I will have to try using Optimums QD as i have it in my line up when i remove the wax... also I found out that the wax being " chunky" as my been is not normal and is fixed by reheating the wax... I think that it has been applying unevenly and heavy due to the chunks that infest the applicator
PAR Detailing
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On my site I have it as sealants get charged more than a wax because of the durability of them but often times I offer it at the same price with no markup more as a sales pitch than anything. Ill describe the qualities of natural carnauba and synthetic sealants and educate my customer also in hopes to prove to him/her that I have extensive knowlege about what I am doing and let them choose. I just ordered Rubbishboys OE from the UK and I will offer that only to vehicles that have been corrected since it would be kind of a waste to put it on uncorrected vehicles due to the cost of it.
Sealants are just as easy to apply and remove as waxes and they are about the same price too so I mark them up only for the durrability. In reality though I offer them at the same price, I have yet to charge anyone more for a sealant.
I dont try to steal from any of my clients as in charge them more than what its worth. I feel that if you are honest and ethical it will pay off in the end. You might miss the "quick buck" but in the long run it will pay off. With that said I also believe you have to get what you are worth and I can easilly justify charging more for a sealant due to the longevity of them. Basically you just have to decide for yourself and there is no right or wrong answer
Jon
Sealants are just as easy to apply and remove as waxes and they are about the same price too so I mark them up only for the durrability. In reality though I offer them at the same price, I have yet to charge anyone more for a sealant.
I dont try to steal from any of my clients as in charge them more than what its worth. I feel that if you are honest and ethical it will pay off in the end. You might miss the "quick buck" but in the long run it will pay off. With that said I also believe you have to get what you are worth and I can easilly justify charging more for a sealant due to the longevity of them. Basically you just have to decide for yourself and there is no right or wrong answer
Jon
Same.
Now that I think about it, a good 90% of the time I'd rather be applying a sealant. The idea of hand-waxing the Marauder I've got booked this weekend is already making my arm tired. The car looks about 70ft long.
SRHTX
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Well, I will get to see how the sealant work goes on an '08 MB GL550 tomorrow. I detailed it a few months ago and she would not drive it unless it rained. ugh I think all I will have to do on the exterior is wash, clay, carnauba and then sealant. This one happens to be black.
Dubbin1
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I think you will want to put the carnauba over the sealant.
SRHTX
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Well, you can do it that way. I spoke to one of the main people at Optimum and he advised me it would be quicker and easier to put the carnauba on 1st then the sealant. It you put the sealant on 1st, you will have to let it sit for about 30 minutes + before you could wax it.
Both of those were done with the carnauba 1st then sealant.
btw - The GL550 is owned by the same guy. LOL