What kind of hourly rates are acceptable in the Chicago area?

[TimmyG]

Autogeekers,


I'm desperately trying to help a family friend get into a stable job. A good friend of mine who past away ten years ago has three sons, two of which are already employed in the full time business world. The other, well, is a little unmotivated in my humble opinion. In an effort to lead the kid in the right direction, I'm trying to see If I can set him up with a small detailing business. He enjoys working on cars both mechanically as well as detailing wise. I've trained him myself along with a few other AG members and he is solid with a RO polisher. I'm working with him on training him to use a rotary and Rupes. I have had him perform numerous paint corrections, coating applications, etc. without any issue. Since I have no interest in starting a detailing venture for myself, I'm more interested in helping out a good family friend. I'm going to act as a mentor and financial supportor of his new business. More on that later..

Simply put, I have a few questions before I set him up. I purchased Renny's book and even read it myself prior to giving it my old buddies kid. Great read.

My main question is, what kind of hourly rate will the Chicagoland area support? I have researched and found numbers all over the place! The kid is starting to get pretty skilled, and I intend on sending him to train with Renny himself if he gets serious enough about this. Just want a basic idea.

His plan is to offer a couple different packages, along with the standard a la carte upsales. Just looking for some information to help the kid out with his starting pricing.

 

[TimmyG]

Anyone?!?

 

[zmcgovern45]

Would he be working out of his own house or looking to establish a "store front" type of operation? That plays a big part in what he will need to charge.

If he is looking to work out of his own personal garage space at his residence, I would assume something in the $40/hour range would be reasonable for high quality, professional work. If he were establishing a shop, I would say double that, as his expenses will grow substantially .

He may need to do a hand full of jobs at a lower rate initially in order to establish a solid reputation that will allow him to seek higher income as the demand for his work grows.

Remember that your "hourly rate" doesn't just cover the amount of time spent polishing paint, but also goes into the amount of time spent maintaining a website, advertising, etc etc etc.

 

[TundraPower]

Anyone?!?

I would imagine it depends on what area of Chicago. Will he do mobile work? Well he appeal to the masses or to a higher clientele? I think it's okay to appeal to the masses for a little while, but don't get stuck there. You can only do so many cars so fast and that is your income limit. Give me a little more to go on.

 

[TimmyG]

Would he be working out of his own house or looking to establish a "store front" type of operation? That plays a big part in what he will need to charge.

If he is looking to work out of his own personal garage space at his residence, I would assume something in the $40/hour range would be reasonable for high quality, professional work. If he were establishing a shop, I would say double that, as his expenses will grow substantially .

He may need to do a hand full of jobs at a lower rate initially in order to establish a solid reputation that will allow him to seek higher income as the demand for his work grows.

Remember that your "hourly rate" doesn't just cover the amount of time spent polishing paint, but also goes into the amount of time spent maintaining a website, advertising, etc etc etc.

I should've mentioned that he will be working out of his own garage. I have already spoken with contractors about obtaining quotes to install full T5 lighting. He does not have a vehicle at the moment so mobile will not be an option.

Just trying to help the kid out. But I want him to work for it! He lives in Wheaton, just about ten minutes away from my home.

 

[TundraPower]

I should've mentioned that he will be working out of his own garage. I have already spoken with contractors about obtaining quotes to install full T5 lighting. He does not have a vehicle at the moment so mobile will not be an option. Just trying to help the kid out. But I want him to work for it! He lives in Wheaton, just about ten minutes away from my home.

And work for it he will. I don't even do it full time and my body feels trashed. Nothing wrong with working out of your garage. I don't charge by the hour explicitly, I use "starting at" pricing, but it works out to about $55/hour for polishing/correction and $40/hour for everything else.

I am willing to donate $50 worth of product of his choice. It's that Karma thing --- pay it forwards.

 

[TimmyG]

And work for it he will. I don't even do it full time and my body feels trashed. Nothing wrong with working out of your garage. I don't charge by the hour explicitly, I use "starting at" pricing, but it works out to about $55/hour for polishing/correction and $40/hour for everything else.

I am willing to donate $50 worth of product of his choice. It's that Karma thing --- pay it forwards.

This is exactly the type of information I was hoping for, thank you. Also, your generosity is extremely appreciated! I'm currently getting him set up with pads, compounds and polishes. Still need to grab some M101 for him. He is currently equipped with M105/205, FG400, IS1500, SF4000, SF4500, WG TSR, WG FG3.0 - Since I have a fairly extensive wax collection, I'll be loaning some of my products his way to get him off the ground.

He had his first professional paid job yesterday. A 2009 Ford Edge full interior detail. This included the following steps

Blow out all heat vents with compressed air
Vaccum every inch of the interior
ALL carpets were treated and scrubbed with folex and extracted with Bissell Little Green Machine
All interior plastics cleaned with 1Z Cockpit, and dressed with 303 Aerospace
Leather cleaned with Pinnacle Leather/Viynl Cleaner and protected with Pinnacle Leather protectant
Interior/Exterior Glass cleaned with Meguiars Glass Cleaner
Car washed with P21S TAW/CG CWG combo via foam cannon & 2BM (Dried with waffle weave towels)
Wheels cleaned with Wolfs Decon Gel/Daytona combo
Paint sealed with Blackfire Crystal Seal

Total time was 6 man hours - I helped him throughout the work. Total charge was $150, and the client tipped $30! Was happy for my young friend.

Did we accurately charge for the work provided??
Tires cleaned with APC/dressed with opti bond

 

[Paul Mitchell]

That sounds fair to me based upon the work involved.. What was the condition prior to your work? Any photos? You're doing a great service for your departed friend and I'm sure his family is appreciative. You were happy, but more important was your young friend happy and did he feel a sense of accomplishment?

 

[TimmyG]

That sounds fair to me based upon the work involved.. What was the condition prior to your work? Any photos? You're doing a great service for your departed friend and I'm sure his family is appreciative. You were happy, but more important was your young friend happy and did he feel a sense of accomplishment?

I unfortunately forgot to bring my DSLR with me, so no photos on this one. The interior wasn't too bad, just one large coffe stain that ran from the driver front seat all the way back to the driver rear seat. Wasn't the worst stain in the world, but it was a really good test for my buddys son, Chris.

 

[T0RCH3D]

Just wanted to say it is really awesome what your doing and man would have loved to have a mentor when I started. Props to you! Also, just want to wish you and your buddies son Chris the best of luck with the detailing venture. I myself am in the same situation trying to get both feet on the ground with my side detailing gig.

 

[TimmyG]

Just wanted to say it is really awesome what your doing and man would have loved to have a mentor when I started. Props to you! Also, just want to wish you and your buddies son Chris the best of luck with the detailing venture. I myself am in the same situation trying to get both feet on the ground with my side detailing gig.

Thanks for the kind words!

Truth is, Chris is the son of one of my oldest friends. Naturally, I want to see his kids do well and find a passion for something in life. Chris seems to really enjoy detailing as he controls his own schedule, keeps his shop the way he sees fit, etc. I like to see him bring energy and excitement, it's something that I haven't seen from him much since before his Father past away.

Most of all, I just want to see that he has a chance to make something out of his life. I read Renny's book and it made a mention of the importance of having mentors. If its the last thing I do in my life, I want to be a great mentor to Chris.

Since I have limited time available between my personal business, and getting Chris on his feet, my time will be limited here on AG. I will try and post updates or maybe even post a "build" thread of his detailing studio. I have just signed an agreement with a local contractor to remodel Chris' entire garage (with the permission of his mother, the homeowner of course). He will be getting a fully insulated, drywalled, heated space to work in. We will be looking into flooring options here shortly as well. I will try my best to keep everyone posted. Thanks for all of the kind words guys & girls! :dblthumb2:

 

[mbret2004]

TimmyG,
You are to be admired for your involvement with your friends son, Chris. When our time is done, life isn't about how much money we made, the cars we drove, ect. It's all about stamping the world with our character. You see it, it's throwing that rope to someone you know is struggling and letting them grab on to catch a breath, showing you care by positive action. Seems like Chris is on his way to better himself and you should be proud. I know you friend, Chris's Dad, is resting easier as his angel has touched his child.

 

[Phathooddetail]

This is why I try to teach my kids to have faith in the world and believe there are good people. When most would shy away you took a step a forward and i commend you for it. I would have loved to have had a mentor and financial help and it really means a lot when you love the job you do. I hope everything works out for the good and we get to see Chris posts his work on here soon.

 

[Pureshine]

I work out of my garage too and all my prices are starting at. I make anywhere form $35-$50 hour depends what I'm doing. Go Hawks

 

[TimmyG]

TimmyG,
You are to be admired for your involvement with your friends son, Chris. When our time is done, life isn't about how much money we made, the cars we drove, ect. It's all about stamping the world with our character. You see it, it's throwing that rope to someone you know is struggling and letting them grab on to catch a breath, showing you care by positive action. Seems like Chris is on his way to better himself and you should be proud. I know you friend, Chris's Dad, is resting easier as his angel has touched his child.

Thank you sir. Chris is a great kid - I call him a kid, but he's a 26 years old grown ass man now! He has yet to hold a full time job for more than six months and I simply cannot stand by and watch him waste his life on playstation! He has a passion for automobiles, and is pretty handy with a wrench as well. Since I started this thread, he now has several new customers and has continued to further hone his skills. I'm pushing him to save some funds to get properly trained, either by Renny Doyle or Mike Phillips. Time will tell how serious he is about this business, but thus far, I'm very proud of him and I'm sure his father is looking down on him with a big grin on his face.

This is why I try to teach my kids to have faith in the world and believe there are good people. When most would shy away you took a step a forward and i commend you for it. I would have loved to have had a mentor and financial help and it really means a lot when you love the job you do. I hope everything works out for the good and we get to see Chris posts his work on here soon.

Thanks again for all of the kind feedback guys! I'm not looking for any gratitude, I just want my buddies son to find himself throughout this process. I've already told Chris that if his heart truly isn't in detailing, then he should find another option. He doesn't seem interested in going to college, or joining the armed forces, so his options are somewhat limited. I have spent a couple of days a week working with him on his clients' cars, and am very impressed how far he has advanced his skill set. He is finally starting to see some decent profits come in, so his spirts are very high right now. Hopefully we can keep his pace on target so that Winter doesn't kill him financially.

I work out of my garage too and all my prices are starting at. I make anywhere form $35-$50 hour depends what I'm doing. Go Hawks

Good to know, thanks!

And you're damn right, GO HAWKS! rops:

 

[TimmyG]

Quick question for you guys. Chris has a packed schedule as of late, booked solid for the next two weeks out! Very proud of him, as he's been staying on top of his expenses and finances better than I expected. I guess that accounting class I encouraged him to take actually did do him some good! Anyways, he's currently looking into grabbing a Rupes polisher. He's not sure which polisher to get, or which combo would suit him best. He polishes cars anywhere from daily drivers to sports cars (not quite at the exotic level detailer...yet!). What would suit him best? I was thinking the LHR21 with 5" backing plate?