Your Definition of a Basic Exterior Detail

[The Critic]

Hey guys,

What do you consider to be a basic exterior detail?

Lately I have done a few of these for friends/family and I am starting to think that I can charge $75 for them and not feel bad about it.

But I am curious what you folks offer to your clients. Most of my friends/family are only interested in, as they should be, in getting their cars cleaned up and protected for 4-6 months.

Here's my process:

- Wash Vehicle
- Clean Wheels
- Apply Iron-X Paste
- Use Nanoskin med-grade mitt
- Apply Menzerna Power Lock
- Dress Tires with Opti-Bond

It usually takes me 3-4 hours to do the car.

Thoughts?

[dwlinc23]

I charge $90 for a basic, which is my Level I. So yours sounds about right.

[ken tuep]

Try to calculate your cost of materials, including water, and wear and tear on machines and pads, as well as your chemicals.

Then figure out the lowest $ amount you'll work for hourly. Then see how it adds up, don't sell yourself or products too cheap.

My basic, although not very basic, goes for $125. But that's including vacuuming and wiping down interior and windows.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using AG Online

[GenesisCoupe]

My basic detail, which is $120 for most cars includes;

Wash with ONR
Clay/mitt
wheels/tire shine after
Sealant (BFWD) via PC

Interior-

Vacumm
wipe down dashboard/console
windows
leather spray (clean/condition aio)
Air freshener (CG sprays)

I may polish the exhaust tips if i like you or the tips really need it.

[VP Mark]

Basic exterior you say?

Onr wash
Optimum car wax
Opti bond tire gel
Hyper dressing on fender wells
Windows

$60 - $80 depending on vehicle size. Takes an hour +-

Sent from my DROID RAZR using AG Online

[The Critic]

Thanks guys. I am not planning to officially go into business, but it's be nice if I could just charge a few bucks for my time (to buy lunch or more tools).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I wouldn't clay unless polishing.

[The Critic]

I wouldn't clay unless polishing.

I understand the issue with marring, but on most paints, they're not in perfect condition so any marring is a mute point. I am more concerned about getting the surface as clean as possible so that the sealant is given the best chance to bond.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I understand the issue with marring, but on most paints, they're not in perfect condition so any marring is a mute point. I am more concerned about getting the surface as clean as possible so that the sealant is given the best chance to bond.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

As long as you're aware of possible marring, you nailed it!

[Klasse Act]

Wash, dry, clean the tires and wheels, dress the tires, clay the paint and apply a good AIO.

Sent from my SPH-M930 using AG Online