What do you guys think about buses?

catfish07

catfish07

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I have been asked to make an offer to do 3 transit buses that are
30' long. This would be a 3 year contract to just wash, sweep out and do windows every weekend. I originally quoted $4/foot for each coach but I heard back and the bid was a little too high. He said he might be able to go for it if could do it for a little less per coach.

My concerns are, time. This would take every Saturday for 3 years.. Also would it take longer than say, 1 hour per bus to do?

Also since these are transit style buses, I am weary that they would be trashed.. I just don't wanna spend 5 hours per bus.

What would you charge to do each bus? I am thinking of offering $90/coach. Am I still too high?
 
Go take a look at them at the end of the week and see what condition they are in. Then you'll have a better idea how long it would take you.
 
the shop I work part time for does 2 shuttle bus's for a company.they get done every saturday, april - october and as needed during the rest of the year. they are washed,dryed swept/vac, and windows washed. for this they are charged 120 per bus. it takes 2 people 1 hour to do each bus. the shop has had this contract for over 20 yrs now.it's not a great money maker,but the owner of the company also sends us his and his wifes cars several times a year and we have also picked up regular clients from the company.
 
thanks for the info, that's really helpful. I do want the business since it could be 1-2 times per week and that would $42,000 for the 3 year agreement if just once a week.. I don't wanna go lower than $90 per bus though since I will need to use spot free water for rinse. it could be good though cause we talked about them needing to be waxed periodically too. (these buses are mostly windows) here is a picture they sent me..

would i be hurting myself going at $90 per bus for wash, windows and sweep out? I'm a one man show but then I also keep the $$
 
You're in the ballpark at $4 a foot (120 per). Rather than go straight to $3 a foot (90 per) how about $100 per unit, and raise it $5 per year.
Your question about how long to do. My 32 foot motorhome takes me 2 hours to wash/dry/wheels/tires/windows, but I'm ocd. I know that is fairly standard since I've seen them done in parks in about the same time.
Complete detail is $8-$12 a foot so you might be able to factor that in your bid for once a year. It will actually make your wash job easier each week.
 
catfish07 said:
would i be hurting myself going at $90 per bus for wash, windows and sweep out? I'm a one man show but then I also keep the $$
Click to expand...

honestly your the only one that is going to be able to answer that. I personally don't think one person can do it in an hour,but for a basic wash and windows maybe closer to 3-3.5. but that's still $25-30.00 an hour. minus your cost on chemicals and disposable supplies.
 
For the wash I plan on washing then rinsing with spot free water so I can start the inside sweep out while the bus air dries. The windows on the inside are what I think will take the most time. I told him $80 per coach. They are getting these soon and they will be cleaned before they arrive.. I'll let you know if I hear something..
 
You need to balance out the idea that you have pre-booked work with the possibility that you are giving up Saturday (or at least a portion of it). That can only be answered by you. Charge what you need to be paid. Remember, any other detailer would be having the same internal struggle you are having.
In truth, they don't need a detailer. They just need someone who can wash\sweep\clean windows. That is an easy job and requires little skill. Maybe take the job and hire someone to do it for you. That way you make something on the buses but you also have the freedom to do other detail jobs that may arise.
 
tell them you will do them for 80.00 each .But you will be putting up a ad for your detail bis in each bus. To off set the cost. that will be priceless to you.
 
If you all charged an horly rate you wouldn't continue having these problems (figuring prices/losing ur arse)
 
Those are some good ideas! I kinda want the account but kinda don't.. I was just told that this may be a twice a week gig. I could do that!!

I try to make on average $50/hour and so for I have but I do realize that this is grunt work and not skilled detailing. However, a company would be foolish to hire someone who is way under priced even for a wash. We all have seen a crap wash and we all know you get what you pay for. With me, they have a licensed, insured fully contained company that can provide great references..

I will keep you guys updated on what they decide..
 
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