My buisness next spring / summer

[Vitric]

I'm going to be starting up a part time mobile exterior detailing buisness next spring/summer. I'm going to be charging: cars- wash and wax- $50 full exterior $75. Trucks vans SUV- wash and wax $65 and full exterior for $90. Anything that needs extra attention will be extra based on inspection and if the customer approves. I'm going to use meguiars ultimate wax and ultimate quick detailer for the paint on the wash and wax. How many steps do you think I should use for the full exterior?? I was thinking: M105 > M205 > Ultimate Wax > ultimate quick detailer. Does this sound fair for me and the customer?? What do you guys think?

[ryance39]

I would say first, check your market. Are your prices competitive for your area? As well as fair to your customer are they fair to you? After covering products, gas, and advertising, is the take home your left with worth it to you?

Also are you sure you know your products inside and out on more cars than just your own?
My suggestion would be to do a few family and friends cars with different combos and learn from that in the aspects of- Cost, Time, Effort, and effectivness/results.

[statusdetailing]

Wash and wax prices seem ok for a new business. Your full prices are way low. Try to make 25 to 30 per hour.

You might be biting off a little more than you can chew with a 105-205-wax combo. It takes serious time to do this right. You'll have to wash, clay, tape, and cover windshield for this combo. On a good day and a simple car that has very little bugs, tar, weird trim pieces etc you'll be able to do this in 4 hours...that's a really good day. So, if you are trying to make 30 per hour you should be charging 120 for a car and more for larger vehicles. Don't understimate how long jeeps, hummers, excursions, and vans can take. They can take twice as long or more. I know it sounds like a lot but you could honestly charge 200 plus on these larger vehicles and not be giving the customer an unfair price.

Even a part time business must be ran as a money making business. Don't set yourself up for failure and burn out. You will burn yourself out from complete exhaustion at those prices.

I don't know you personally so I don't know what type of experience you have, but you might want to get a hundred a two hundred cars under your belt with a one step process (cleaner wax) before you start doing paint corrections.

[statusdetailing]

Forgot to say I wish you the best of luck. Detailing is an awesome business! I'm sure you'll do great. Keep asking the guys on here for advice and read a lot.

[EWtheDETAILER]

Originally Posted by statusdetailing

Even a part time business must be ran as a money making business. Don't set yourself up for failure and burn out. You will burn yourself out from complete exhaustion at those prices.

I don't know you personally so I don't know what type of experience you have, but you might want to get a hundred a two hundred cars under your belt with a one step process (cleaner wax) before you start doing paint corrections.

I agree! I don't know your clientele or area, but always learn the expectations of your customers first. Paint correction is big money and typically as a part time detailer your bread and butter will be quick wash and waxes.

A standard clay and good coat of wax or sealant will surpass most of your customers expectations. Or set levels of paint correction with separate prices... like a basic wash and wax, and then add higher levels for the customers that truely want a swirl free finish and will fork out the cash that makes it worth your time!

Also I'd look for a better bang for the $ wax than Ultimate! Its a pretty good wax ... don't get me wrong but you want something you can buy a gallon at a time and still get equal or better results! If your a Meguiars fan I recommend #26 High-Tech Liquid Carnauba! 128 oz. Meguiars Mirror Glaze #26 Hi-Tech Liquid Carnauba Wax

Last I would look for something in gallon size for your quick detailer for a better bang for the $... I'm a fan of Meguiars D155 Last Touch Spray Detailer in the Meguiars Professional Line. Meguiars Last Touch Spray Detailer is the last step to making an excellent first impression! Wipe away dust and fingerprints with Meguiars Last Touch

Part of detailing is finding the chemicals that work for you and get the results you like! However every extra $ spent is money out of your pocket!

Good Luck!

Remeber... Keep Calm and Detail On!

[ProDetail]

I agree with the above post 100%, they've covered most of what I would have said. The only thing I would add is that you check out Renny Doyle's book on this very subject. Since your starting up in the spring it'll give you plenty of time to implement any changes you may like.
How to Start a Home-based Car Detailing Business (Home-Based Business Series):Amazon:Books

It's defintely helped me out more than I could ever imagine.
while your at it I also suggest Mike Phillips book, it may help you on the quality side of your work.
Mike Phillips' The Art of Detailing E-book Download

Hope these help you like they've helped me.