Advice on detailing price
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From: DFW
Advice on detailing price
A coworker today asked me to detail her car for $$$, and I want to know what each of you thinks is fair. (Car/detailing info below) I know price varies by region, but I'm going to take an average/ballpark based on what you all say.
A little background: She has helped me out of some tough situations before, and always makes time for me (or anyone else for that matter.) I know I need to cut her a break, but both of us don't want to get ripped off. I don't want to overcharge her, and she doesn't want to underpay me. So, if you could give a regular customer price followed by a discount price so I can get an idea, I'd appreciate it.
CAR INFO: Black 2002 BMW 325, leather, convertible. Medium swirls with several scratches that can be removed. Very dirty now.
DETAILING INFO: I plan to wash with dawn to remove all the crap on the surface (there's way more to it...you'll see in pics soon to come), wash with Gold class to condition the paint, and all the following:
Simple Green as necessary on wheels/liscense plate
FULL engine bay detail (clean and shine)
pressure wash underbody
remove wheels to clean, clean calipers and *maybe* paint them
swirl removal (machine--what's your advice: #80 or 82???)
polish with #7
#21 OR NXT
#26 x2
wax wheels (#21)
stoners IG
Tire shine (endurance Gloss)
Vaccuum, leather conditioner, and dash cleaning (dash/rubber seals with Natural Shine)
usual interior cleaning (vents, etc)
steam clean floors
Scotchguard on floors
Air Freshner
Fluids checked/topped off.
If there's anything I missed, let me know.
Thanks a million for those of you who respond/reply.
A little background: She has helped me out of some tough situations before, and always makes time for me (or anyone else for that matter.) I know I need to cut her a break, but both of us don't want to get ripped off. I don't want to overcharge her, and she doesn't want to underpay me. So, if you could give a regular customer price followed by a discount price so I can get an idea, I'd appreciate it.
CAR INFO: Black 2002 BMW 325, leather, convertible. Medium swirls with several scratches that can be removed. Very dirty now.
DETAILING INFO: I plan to wash with dawn to remove all the crap on the surface (there's way more to it...you'll see in pics soon to come), wash with Gold class to condition the paint, and all the following:
Simple Green as necessary on wheels/liscense plate
FULL engine bay detail (clean and shine)
pressure wash underbody
remove wheels to clean, clean calipers and *maybe* paint them
swirl removal (machine--what's your advice: #80 or 82???)
polish with #7
#21 OR NXT
#26 x2
wax wheels (#21)
stoners IG
Tire shine (endurance Gloss)
Vaccuum, leather conditioner, and dash cleaning (dash/rubber seals with Natural Shine)
usual interior cleaning (vents, etc)
steam clean floors
Scotchguard on floors
Air Freshner
Fluids checked/topped off.
If there's anything I missed, let me know.
Thanks a million for those of you who respond/reply.
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From: The Bluegrass State
Ehh... when you're stepping in to something like that, I'd consider it to be a 'premium' detail. In short, it's not a 'wash and wax' scenerio.
What I'd do, call around. Determine what your market is getting for that type of service. From that information you'll be able to better determine what it's worth.
Don't undershoot yourself but, by the same token, don't overshoot. Further, this is a buddy of yours and, if you do well, you'll get big time word of mouth. Also, keep in mind that you're working on BLACK and that BMW has lots of oddball angles that will consume time in getting the swirls out (trust me -- been there, done that -- actually have a pretty steady client with a 325i that is also black).
Oh yeah... #80... based on what you're saying though, #83 with a rotary may be better followed by #80 on the DA. Tough call sight unseen. Ya know?
What I'd do, call around. Determine what your market is getting for that type of service. From that information you'll be able to better determine what it's worth.
Don't undershoot yourself but, by the same token, don't overshoot. Further, this is a buddy of yours and, if you do well, you'll get big time word of mouth. Also, keep in mind that you're working on BLACK and that BMW has lots of oddball angles that will consume time in getting the swirls out (trust me -- been there, done that -- actually have a pretty steady client with a 325i that is also black).
Oh yeah... #80... based on what you're saying though, #83 with a rotary may be better followed by #80 on the DA. Tough call sight unseen. Ya know?
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From: Marlton NJ
First let me say have you EVER detailed a BMW before???
Because I used to work for BMW and alot can go wrong.
Aw screw it PM me if you want my advice. This will be a very long post and I dont feel like typing.
P.S. Ive detailed BMW's MB Lexus and other cars now for over 20 years and I know what I am doing. I dont mean to be ****Y but..........
Let the slamming begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Because I used to work for BMW and alot can go wrong.
Aw screw it PM me if you want my advice. This will be a very long post and I dont feel like typing.
P.S. Ive detailed BMW's MB Lexus and other cars now for over 20 years and I know what I am doing. I dont mean to be ****Y but..........
Let the slamming begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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From: DFW
Originally Posted by RockPick
Oh yeah... #80... based on what you're saying though, #83 with a rotary may be better followed by #80 on the DA. Tough call sight unseen. Ya know?
Good news: swirls don't look to be that bad. f they are, multiple apps of #80.
Thanks for the advice.
BTW, COBRA-- I sent you a PM, but I'm replying about it here just to make sure you get it. I do the detail TODAY. (in less than 3 hours.)
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From: DFW
UPDATE: I finished detailing, but was unable to get pics today. I'm gonna try to get some soon, but just invision a black 2002 BMW 325 with a couple of door dings and NO swirls.
Also-- she was on a time crunch, and cancelled a few parts of the detail. I did only the following:
Dawn wash
clay
step 1 (with DA)
#9 (DA)
NXT (I didn't even get to do 2 coats) (DA)
Simple Green on the wheels
1 step leather cleaner/conditioner
vaccuum interior
wipe down engine bay with QD spray and MF rag
condition weather stripping with Natural shine
cleaned vinyl with Natural shine
Stoners IG
Tire Shine (Hot Shine Gel--new for 2007--great stuff)
I ended up getting $60 for it. I went down in price b/c the lady has REALLY helped me along several times in the past few years. In return, she has spread the word around about the swirl free finish (she's actually educated about these--and appreciates a clean finish), and I may have another lined up soon (a Jetta, I believe)
More on this later--dinner time...
Also-- she was on a time crunch, and cancelled a few parts of the detail. I did only the following:
Dawn wash
clay
step 1 (with DA)
#9 (DA)
NXT (I didn't even get to do 2 coats) (DA)
Simple Green on the wheels
1 step leather cleaner/conditioner
vaccuum interior
wipe down engine bay with QD spray and MF rag
condition weather stripping with Natural shine
cleaned vinyl with Natural shine
Stoners IG
Tire Shine (Hot Shine Gel--new for 2007--great stuff)
I ended up getting $60 for it. I went down in price b/c the lady has REALLY helped me along several times in the past few years. In return, she has spread the word around about the swirl free finish (she's actually educated about these--and appreciates a clean finish), and I may have another lined up soon (a Jetta, I believe)
More on this later--dinner time...
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From: Redondo Beach, CA
I would have gladly paid 165 for that first set of services you listed, if all done properly and professionally.
Secondly, I must ask the question as to why you use Dawn? This is horrible for your paint and vehicle trim. Dawn in made for cleaning pots, not your ride. This is why they make paint cleaners if you feel you need to remove any existing wax. The Gold Class wash is a great soap and should be sufficient for your wash. Lubrication is key in your washing and will create much less swirls when done properly. Most good brands have this built into the soap for this reason, which as you already mentioned feels more conditioned. Other than that, make sure your detail is on your time and not theirs. I noticed you weren't able to get to a second wax in because of a time crunch. Remember that the detail is a reflection on the quality of your work. I'm sure the car looks great, but think how other's might see the car at work and bring you more cash. You want the best going into each one.
Keep up the hard work!
Secondly, I must ask the question as to why you use Dawn? This is horrible for your paint and vehicle trim. Dawn in made for cleaning pots, not your ride. This is why they make paint cleaners if you feel you need to remove any existing wax. The Gold Class wash is a great soap and should be sufficient for your wash. Lubrication is key in your washing and will create much less swirls when done properly. Most good brands have this built into the soap for this reason, which as you already mentioned feels more conditioned. Other than that, make sure your detail is on your time and not theirs. I noticed you weren't able to get to a second wax in because of a time crunch. Remember that the detail is a reflection on the quality of your work. I'm sure the car looks great, but think how other's might see the car at work and bring you more cash. You want the best going into each one.
Keep up the hard work!
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From: DFW
Originally Posted by slippysmit
I would have gladly paid 165 for that first set of services you listed, if all done properly and professionally.
Secondly, I must ask the question as to why you use Dawn? This is horrible for your paint and vehicle trim. Dawn in made for cleaning pots, not your ride. This is why they make paint cleaners if you feel you need to remove any existing wax. The Gold Class wash is a great soap and should be sufficient for your wash. Lubrication is key in your washing and will create much less swirls when done properly. Most good brands have this built into the soap for this reason, which as you already mentioned feels more conditioned. Other than that, make sure your detail is on your time and not theirs. I noticed you weren't able to get to a second wax in because of a time crunch. Remember that the detail is a reflection on the quality of your work. I'm sure the car looks great, but think how other's might see the car at work and bring you more cash. You want the best going into each one.
Keep up the hard work!
Secondly, I must ask the question as to why you use Dawn? This is horrible for your paint and vehicle trim. Dawn in made for cleaning pots, not your ride. This is why they make paint cleaners if you feel you need to remove any existing wax. The Gold Class wash is a great soap and should be sufficient for your wash. Lubrication is key in your washing and will create much less swirls when done properly. Most good brands have this built into the soap for this reason, which as you already mentioned feels more conditioned. Other than that, make sure your detail is on your time and not theirs. I noticed you weren't able to get to a second wax in because of a time crunch. Remember that the detail is a reflection on the quality of your work. I'm sure the car looks great, but think how other's might see the car at work and bring you more cash. You want the best going into each one.
Keep up the hard work!
The detail was done for her more as a favor than for $$$. She just didn't want to rip me off. The cool part was that I went home 2 hours early to do this, and it didn't count against me...
As for doing a professional job--I always do (except whwn I'm experimenting on mine, my parents', or donor cars--those that get detailed for me to learn something new on...) As much as I would have liked $165, I simply coudn't ask her for that. Anyone else at the office, though, gets to pay about $125-$250, depending on vehicle (we range from compacts to Ram 3500 Duallies...)
Thanks again to everyone for the advice.