Customers perceptions about Detailers?

[Rod73]

Hey fellow Detailers! I am curious what you believe your customers or people in general think when they hear the words 'Full Detail' or even detail? Essentially what do you see in terms of assumptions about what the work is and how much it should cost? and trends?

This is for a special project btw.

[mylkman]

Full detail in my professional opinion would include full wash along with interior deep cleaning. Also the underbody and wheels. Most times it would include waxing or a sealant. Although I wouldn't sell a sealant to a customer without properly prepping the vehicle first. Now add the words full detail and paint correction to the mix, then we have to speak in terms of stages. There is more info needed though. This is the stage I really listen to the customers wants and needs. I would adjust this accordingl .

[FUNX650]

I am curious what you believe your
customers or people in general think
when they hear the words 'Full Detail'
or even detail?

Essentially what do you see in terms of
assumptions about what the work is

and how much it should cost? and trends?

Over the years...
I've often heard the general populace
refer to detailers (in a tone that I can
only believe was meant to be pejorative)
as being nothing more than: "carwashers"
and/or "glorified shoe shine boys".

That, in and of itself, was clue enough
to what they were willing to pay...
regardless the detailing services rendered.



Bob

[bill110]

[zmcgovern45]

Detailing is simply too broad of a term to define other than it pertains to the cleaning of some type of vehicle... detailing can range from the basic car wash to the all out concourse level work that Larry, Kevin, Joseph, and others display so well in this video...

[LEDetailing]

Just like every labor/trade/skilled based profession, people's perceptions are going to run the gammot. From the corner car wash guy making $8 an hour to the Kosillas, Mike Phillips, KB, Renny Doyles, Rasky's and ^^McGoverns"" of the profession.

BTW, there are many future Kosillas, MP, KB, working those $8 car washes right now. I was one who grew up learning my skills by trial and error, no mentors or Internet forums. Now I would say I'm in the hobbiest category, but would love to bump up to where Zach and Chad are at.

The general public has no idea what goes into a 50-100hr detail. Most of the public outside of the car show, detailing industry think it takes 4-6 hrs to get their cars perfect. But 90-95% of the public would be 100% satisfied with a one step correction. Wait, 90-95% are happy with a touchless wash once a month and a vacuum/wipe down every 2-3 months

I would guess depending on your market, most people wanting a "full detail" would expect an exterior wash, one step, vacuum, light extraction of carpets/upholstery and a maybe a sealant. $200-400 for that, 6-10 hrs. Now, when I think "full detail" I imagine wheels off, suspension cleaned, badges removed,seats removed, trim taped, two-three step correction, and high end coating/sealant applied. Price $800-5,000plus. See above video of McLaren F1. If I had to guess I would put that detail in the $10k plus category, plus travel expenses for each detailer.

[Rod73]

Detailing is simply too broad of a term to define other than it pertains to the cleaning of some type of vehicle... detailing can range from the basic car wash to the all out concourse level work that Larry, Kevin, Joseph, and others display so well in this video...

That has to be top 2 video of his in my book, if not 1.

[rmagnus]

Over the years...
I've often heard the general populace
refer to detailers (in a tone that I can
only believe was meant to be pejorative)
as being nothing more than: "carwashers"
and/or "glorified shoe shine boys".

That, in and of itself, was clue enough
to what they were willing to pay...
regardless the detailing services rendered.

Bob

AMEN Brother well said. Then there are those clients or potential clients that you really do want but they clearly are not the majority.

[pheerix]

[mylkman]

Haha. I DO HOPE THIS ISNT A SERIOUS DETAILING VIDEO