Not sure where to post this and you all seem to be very helpful guys Question: Ok, Here's the deal I have a prospective detail coming up this weekend but the thing is: -The owner wants me to use all their products instead of mine to do this detail. -He wants me to make 3 trips to his home during this detail. -He estimates the paint correction to be anywhere from 12 to 16 hours of labor. -Only wants the paint, no interior, etc. So basically I'm asking is what do I charge this prospective client and what issues as far as not producing the same results using another line of products. I'm a Menzerna buff using SIP/106ff, where I believe he said they are all Poor Boy products, that I'll be using. Do I charge my normal price to do a 2 step paint correction or do I lower the price to compensate that I'm only bringing my UDM and pads? I told him I can not guarantee the same results as my previous details since I'm not using Menzerna and such. What would you guys do? Thanks.
Charge the same as you would if you were using your products. Its the labour that is expensive not the product
If it were me I would charge the same price. You are being paid for your expertise and knowledge. I would also explain to the client that your products are essentially your tools as well. You are correct you cannot guarantee the same results and your reputation is also on the line. Also, you are the only one that can really put a time frame and labour estimate to the job. Is it possible to make a compromise at least on the polishing product since the prep work is very important?
I think you should charge normally, since it was his request to use his products. Now if you asked to use his products, then you better lower your price. As for the Poorboy products, they'll be just fine, SSR2.5 and SSR1 are excellent swirl removers with the UDM.
I guess another thing is my "reputation" as a detailer is on the line too. If I can't perform to what he expects he could bath mouth my work as well. This is pretty much a red flag. I charged someone for a 2 step polish, sealant, and wax for 200 dollars. The job took around 14 hours to complete just on the paint not including the next day buffing off the sealant and wax. This also included using my own equipment . I'm actually going to see his car at a meet Thursday night and if it looks to be more than a hassle I'm going to bail. Thanks for all the input guys, I appreciate all your responses.
Charge what you normally charge, if not more. You charge what you do because you KNOW your products will work well. If his own products make you "waste" more time, then charge more. Charge $50 per hour, and tell him that up front!
Personally I would turn down the job if you can afford to do so... you are a detailer who requires a car drop off, and car pick up (or open garage and close garage if mobile haha) and this client seems like he wants you to be his arms and back doing exactly what he wants, for how long he wants, using the products he wants to use... so again, if possible, I would nicely turn down this job stating what I stated above... your tools and products are what makes you the detailer and either he let you do the job how you know works well or find someone who will use his products If you do take the job and do want to try out Poorboy's stuff, I would recommend giving this guy the hourly quote, as p1et said... tell him you will work for $40-50/hr (I work at around $40-50 usually so I'm listing that as a possible price) since you have no idea how long the detail will take, especially with the new products. Also, unless he's extremely close to your home, charge hourly for every trip you make to his place... I charge $40/hr and give clients estimates through Mapquest (haha it might be weird but it's a good standard of time/distance estimating) Best of luck man
I don't understand your question... to what other place should I charge? For mobile detailing, I charge a hourly based fee of $40 for traveling time, if that's what you're asking. There are other mobile charges as well, but that's the main one. The reason for mobile charges for me is that I do most of the detailing at my own place, thus my services are priced by my location... if someone wants a detail at their place, the hourly fee and loading/unloading supplies (also based on hourly fee of $40) gives it a good standard to price mobile details Hope that makes sense
Very good responses, again thanks for the suggestions. I'm now 50/50 on whether to do it. The competition in my area charges around 150 to 200 for just an exterior job. I'm not a professional, I just do this on the weekends when I have spare time. I know I can do a great job, but can I personally get away with asking for 40 to 50 dollars per hour? Hmmm.
