Dislikes: 0
-
Does detailing suffer from the public underestimating how much work goes into it?
Does detailing suffer from the public underestimating how much work goes into it?
Hey guys this has been on my mind a lot lately, even more so as business slows and I became a little more lax on the jobs I'll go after.
Is detailing one of those fields where people are more prone to underestimate the amount of work that goes into it, or is there just a percentage of the population that will always expect a lot of work for a little pay?
My rates are pretty low for my overhead ($35 - $50 /hr) and even then a good amount of people will think that's high. Last week after giving a price estimate over the phone some guy said "man, I'm in the wrong business" and all I wanted to say back was "nah you'd probably get tired of all the people thinking you'll work for less than minimum wage" (I didn't). Instead of starting an argument I'll deflect and play dumb asking if they want some time to think on it to give them a way out. But with winter approaching this conversation gets all too common.
What do you guys do? Should I start smoking my lunch to cope? Lol
The best way to get revenge? Teach them how to detail. They'll spend the rest of their life worrying about the condition of their car.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 2 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
Super Member
Re: Does detailing suffer from the public underestimating how much work goes into it?
IMO most people, average people, who aren't car people, just want a clean car. I have a basic polish and protect, just posted one in the Show and Shine Section, that is a quick 2-3 passes with a polish and of course something I can upgrade to a quick ceramic on as well. I do quite a few of them. People like this just don't want to spend a lot of money. My goal is normally $100/hr but this fall I've been knocking them out in the evenings and tossing in GYEON CanCoat for no charge. Normally I ask $95 for it as an upgrade but I bought some new toys and wanted to recoupe my spend quickly and it worked.
I don't mind sharing my pricing: The below is typically an AIO product but I offer upgrades too.
Small-Medium 2-4 Door Coupe/Sedan Civic, Accord, Cruz, Altima, A4, Fusion, WRX, Sonic $250
Larger 2-5 Door or Small Hatchback Charger, Avalon, A6, 535, SHO, Genesis, G8, E-Class, Camaro, Mustang, Volt, GTI, Vibe $275
Small SUV, 5 door Med Hatch/Wagon Escape, CR-V, Tesla S, Rogue, Forester, Edge, 2 row seating $295
Large SUV, Van Wagon, Hatchback Explorer, Pilot, Yukon, Wagons, Wrangler, 3 row seating $375
Extra Large SUV, Van, Full Size Truck Full size truck/van, Chevy Suburban, Toyota Sequoia $425
2019 Pearl White Accord 2.0T Touring (mine)
2023 Snowflake Pearl White CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus(wife)
2010 Urban Platinum Metallic CRV EX-L & 2014 Mica Black Metallic Toyota Corolla S (kids)
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
Super Member
Re: Does detailing suffer from the public underestimating how much work goes into it?
I only do my own vehicles, and I have always expressed how much respect I have for you guys who do it for a living.
After detailing my own truck I have had enough! There is nothing easy about doing the job right.
I would say that the people you are talking about Ed, are just ignorant to most things, especially how much works goes into a real detail job.
They probably think "Hey, I can run my car through a tunnel wash for 15-20 bucks and get the same thing".
Like Mike P always says: "They don't know the difference between a swirl & squirrel."
It is no coincidence that man's best friend cannot talk.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 3 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
Super Member
Re: Does detailing suffer from the public underestimating how much work goes into it?
Originally Posted by PaulMys
I only do my own vehicles, and I have always expressed how much respect I have for you guys who do it for a living.
After detailing my own truck I have enough! There is nothing easy about doing the job right.
Props. For me it's a weekend gig for side money/cash. I knock some out in the evenings when wife and kids have events I'm not attending. Keeps me busy and from watching too much TV or what not. A hobby that pays for toys and fun stuff. it is a lot of work but over time it's gotten pretty easy. I avoid the nightmare jobs and my work is 100% word of mouth.
You're right overall though. I saw some local social media chatter that involved a detailer that may likely even be on here but they were Groupon oriented chats and I don't nor would I ever do that. Who knows, he may have a real business to run but in the end, I'd still avoid it.
To Ed's point, people don't realize that it takes 1-2hrs to wash and fully decon and prep a car for my polishing. IMO that's key. Key to better results, faster results and no doubt keeping my gear and pads in great shape. Even on interiors, it's all about the dry first thus why i love my Tornador and corresponding Velocity Vac. Without it, the extractor is just a sludge factory. Back to the point, these $100-$150 "details" people find are nothing more than a strong wash with some hand products applied.
I address questions and comments but simply directing people to my web site, portfolio and testimonials. I have hundreds and where picture tells a thousand words, I challenge them to review my photos there and tell me which is my entry level package and which is full correction and coating package for 5x the cost. Stack my work up against the $150 dude and it's very clear that what he finishes with looks no where near what my entry level packages comes in with.
Ed, keep up the good spirits. Reach out if you need insight or want to banter. PM Me anytime.
2019 Pearl White Accord 2.0T Touring (mine)
2023 Snowflake Pearl White CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus(wife)
2010 Urban Platinum Metallic CRV EX-L & 2014 Mica Black Metallic Toyota Corolla S (kids)
-
Post Thanks / Like - 2 Thanks, 4 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
Re: Does detailing suffer from the public underestimating how much work goes into it?
One thing you could say is, well I wish I got that much per hour too but after expenses and equipment and material costs, it is not even close to that. Mention you have top notch equipment, materials, and tons of time invested testing to find the best products. Heck tell him you have X invested in microfiber towels as each has a purpose...glass, polish, buff, dry, etc. Don’t be snarky just be straight forward and say you’ve worked hard to be an expert and professional to take each person’s vehicle and paint to the highest level possible.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 1 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
Re: Does detailing suffer from the public underestimating how much work goes into it?
Originally Posted by TTQ B4U
IMO most people, average people, who aren't car people, just want a clean car. I have a basic polish and protect, just posted one in the Show and Shine Section, that is a quick 2-3 passes with a polish and of course something I can upgrade to a quick ceramic on as well. I do quite a few of them. People like this just don't want to spend a lot of money. My goal is normally $100/hr but this fall I've been knocking them out in the evenings and tossing in GYEON CanCoat for no charge. Normally I ask $95 for it as an upgrade but I bought some new toys and wanted to recoupe my spend quickly and it worked.
I don't mind sharing my pricing: The below is typically an AIO product but I offer upgrades too.
Small-Medium 2-4 Door Coupe/Sedan Civic, Accord, Cruz, Altima, A4, Fusion, WRX, Sonic $250
Larger 2-5 Door or Small Hatchback Charger, Avalon, A6, 535, SHO, Genesis, G8, E-Class, Camaro, Mustang, Volt, GTI, Vibe $275
Small SUV, 5 door Med Hatch/Wagon Escape, CR-V, Tesla S, Rogue, Forester, Edge, 2 row seating $295
Large SUV, Van Wagon, Hatchback Explorer, Pilot, Yukon, Wagons, Wrangler, 3 row seating $375
Extra Large SUV, Van, Full Size Truck Full size truck/van, Chevy Suburban, Toyota Sequoia $425
Thanks for sharing! I can relate to the recouping money thing lol. Sometimes I'll "wiggle" my prices when I want a quick buck. Exterior wise I only offer AIO jobs with the option to upgrade to a paint sealant +$70 (rarely taken up on). My prices are:
Coupes / sedans: $130
Small suvs $150
Big suvs + trucks $170
Around here I'm one of the most expensive detailers lol. Most of the detailers are old school with no websites, online presence, or advertising. One of them has a grudge against me...
Originally Posted by PaulMys
I only do my own vehicles, and I have always expressed how much respect I have for you guys who do it for a living.
After detailing my own truck I have enough! There is nothing easy about doing the job right.
I would say that the people you are talking about Ed, are just ignorant to most things, especially how much works goes into a real detail job.
They probably think "Hey, I can run my car through a tunnel wash for 15-20 bucks and get the same thing".
Like Mike P always says: "They don't know the difference between a swirl & squirrel."
Thanks Paul. I think of Mike's quote a lot. Sometimes I miss when detailing was just a hobby for me. I haven't washed my car in three months now. I guess as the saying goes "the cobblers children has no shoes" lol.
The best way to get revenge? Teach them how to detail. They'll spend the rest of their life worrying about the condition of their car.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
Super Member
Re: Does detailing suffer from the public underestimating how much work goes into it?
I don't think some get the work that is involved depending on how in depth of a correction they are looking for.
Myself, I bill out at $80/hr. but usually give a slight break the bigger the job.
Now the first thing I do is give a hourly estimate in hours for as near perfection as possible without compromising the paint so that hours is the first thing they hear then branch out to different routes they can take and show pictures.
The more detailed the correction, meaning am I cutting around EVERYTHING close with the ibrid nano (price goes up) or am I doing a single stage using a da with a 5in. pad and just getting what I can (price goes down) making sure they know the more detailed the more pricey, the more I have to change equipment the more price tends to go up.
I do NOT quote over the phone and do not do interiors (If they want there 3 month old fries picked up from under the seat )
I always quote in person and ask for expectations, they have there car sitting there in person so I can point to certain parts and say for example....
Point to badges and maybe around door handles, window sweeps depending on body style and let them know that all that work is going to need to be done with a 1" polisher.
Show them work that would need say a 3" and just make it clear that the details=time.
I just make sure hours is the first thing they hear then I go into what makes up those hours along with pictures and myself really don't catch much flak about cost.
I don't think you were looking for advice but I kinda got on a roll with my routine about informing exactly where there money is being spent.
Ripping through your mind like a hurricane full of novocaine
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 2 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
Super Member
Re: Does detailing suffer from the public underestimating how much work goes into it?
Your average person does not know what all go's into a detail. Vehicles are appliances to them. Detailing is way on the bottom of their to do list. Let alone pay for a detail.
Wanted to add, i do not it for money. Weekend warrior that loves the hobby and want my ZR2 looking it's best.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 3 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
Super Member
Re: Does detailing suffer from the public underestimating how much work goes into it?
Originally Posted by pro 4x
Vehicles are appliances to them.
Exactly.
It is no coincidence that man's best friend cannot talk.
-
Junior Member
Re: Does detailing suffer from the public underestimating how much work goes into it?
Originally Posted by 98CayenneTA
I just make sure hours is the first thing they hear then I go into what makes up those hours along with pictures and myself really don't catch much flak about cost.
I love this idea and never even thought about it. Odd since I am in a dealership and everything is in hours. I’m definitely going to take this idea and run with it. It will help staff understand what I’m doing in a way that they can relate to it.
Sent from my iPhone using Autogeekonline mobile app
Similar Threads
-
By Angus in forum Tricks, Tips and Techniques
Replies: 6
Last Post: 02-18-2015, 10:14 AM
-
By Stunning Detail in forum Auto Detailing 101
Replies: 0
Last Post: 12-29-2014, 11:18 PM
-
By Spiney in forum Off-Topic
Replies: 25
Last Post: 06-12-2012, 01:28 PM
-
By ScottB in forum Off-Topic
Replies: 5
Last Post: 03-31-2008, 06:33 AM
-
By ScottB in forum Off-Topic
Replies: 10
Last Post: 10-10-2007, 09:11 AM
Members who have read this thread: 0
There are no members to list at the moment.
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
31 |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|
Bookmarks