My S/o's family has a huge established autobody shop. It's closed on the weekends so typically we will clean our own cars or detail friends cars their on the weekends or evenings.

In our quest to make more money and try expanding the business we want to reach out and adverties more and create a steady stream of customers.

We both have very high standards but are really having a difficult time deciding on pricing/ rates. Also, we've made some lists of what we would do, but I'd be curious of what the more established detailers out their do?

Anyone have any imput I'd be interested!

~Chris

 

Always use a brush on the dash, in the air vents, round the controls, etc, if you don't already. You being in Jersey though, should get a lot of rich clients who are too lazy to clean their Porsche SUV's.

 

I would go for $30-40 per hour depending on what products your going to offer your customers. Your not going to charge the same if you putting on eagle wax vs. P21s or zano.
To wash the car every bodyshop i ever worked at used wash mits. The sheep woll or whatever ones. They are best on the paint. But I seen a brand new mit scratch the **** out of fresh black paint, so sometimes we would wash the cars with our hands.
I would offer a complete treatment. Clay bar, Light compound, glaze and than a wax. Than something like a two step process like a very very light compound or paint cleaner and than a wax.
I would also get an extractor so you can shampoo carpets and seats. Its going to be an investment but it will get anything out of carpet. ANYTHING. Ive pulled out coffee stains, red wine(wtf was the person drinking red wine while driving idk) and etc, basically the worst of the worst. Buy 100-500 microfiber towels. A few buffers, and people who know what they are doing. Otherwise there is no way you can charge the rates i mentioned before. If you have guys with exp. they can wash a car in 5-7 minutes. And wash, dry, vac, and clean interior in 25 minutes. The exp. labor will also help with free advertising by word or mouth by the good jobs you will be providing your customers.