I started a Detailing Business!

[TaylorMade]

Over the year that Ive had my Cruiser, ive learned more and become more fascinated with auto detailing. Sorry Gary, but my dad decided to start me off with my initial supply of products, but could only pay with credit card, so i went with meguiars. I clayed, paint cleaned, polished, and waxed my car with the products and my dads orbital buffer, and became hooked. I love turning ugly looking cars into perfect, shiny things. I decided to charge people for my services. Right now i only charge 20 bucks for the following service:
Wash
Clay Bar
Wash Again
Paint Cleaner
Carnauba Wax (I wish I had paint sealant instead of wax, but I dont have money yet)
Wheels cleaned, Tires shined.

I use Ryobi's 10" orbital buffer to remove the wax. I have applicator pads, microfiber, and everything invcluded in Meguiar's next step collection. I will probably raise my rate to about 40 after I gain more products and experience.

Any tips for a young detailer, Gary?

[rszappa1]

You need to charge more than 20 bucks...also I notice in your pic that you have chrome strips on your upper grill but not on the lower half...Did it come that way???

[TaylorMade]

I will charge more once i get more business and experience. The shop that painted my bumper removed the chrome on the bottom without my consent. I dont really know if i should remove it all or buy some more.

[rszappa1]

Do you have the kit that has the chrome strips that you stick on the grill? If so how do you like that kit?

[TaylorMade]

yeah i got it from ebay. It is actually a really good kit. Installation was easy. It looks awesome from a distance, but up close its not that great.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by rszappa1

You need to charge more than 20 bucks...

Agreed. The touchless car wash near me gets nearly that much!

[SuGamer]

Taylor, man thats alot of work for only $20. Definately go up to at least $40. Hell, I'd easily pay that much to have Junior shine like your car and not have to put any muscle and sweat into it like I usually do!

[turbomangt]

Taylor, no need to apologize to me. I wish you the best of luck. I charge $200 for a complete detail, and people have told me I'm cheap for the service I provide. I have people trailering cars to me all across the U.S. that have heard of my shop and service. It has taken me a few years to develope that kind of following. When I get back from Florida I will be booked solid every day for 3 weeks. I wish we could of talked before you jumped into Meguiars. The only products I use from Meguiars is for the high speed rotary. Their other stuff is NOT easy to use for the inexperienced. I have a training and information packet which is designed for new detailers getting in the business. I have sold it to people in 8 states and 3 countries. They have all told me they saved 3 times the purchase price in just one month. Let me know if you are interested. Gary /contact me direct on my web site if you wish.

[TaylorMade]

Thanks gary. I just figured meguiars was the best. I am interested in your booklet, because supplies takes most of my profit away.

[PT-ERA]

Taylor, I think you'd still get folks coming to you if you charged $50 to $100 per car. That would hopefully solve your supply problem, and once you get a shop, workers and advertisng you could go to $200 to $250 a car. I wish you the best of luck! I may do that myself, when I go into retirement.

[8)] Cruise on