I should start by saying this is my first "work log" and I figured I'd start with the results of a "basic" wash and wax - normally, $80. Because of the wheels, the price is $100, and I *still* couldn't get the brake dust completely clean. There were lots of random specks that were literally lodged in the wheel and would not scrub out (given my basic supplies). DISCLAIMER: ANY PICTURES HERE HAVE BEEN EDITED FOR SIZE/CROP AND AREA DETAIL ONLY (outlines). I do not color correct nor adjust anything - this is how it comes out of the camera (shot in RAW and saved to JPG in gimp). Materials: Meg's Gold Class Wash Meg's Gold Class Wax Meg's Carnuba Wax (Step 3 of their 3-step process, left overs) Meg's All Tire/Rim Cleaner Meg's Hot Tire Shine I'm not a fanboy, just packed up all my stuff for moving and this was in my car (my emergency detail kit!). I started with the wheels first. I'm not *too* familiar with BMW wheels, but I've seen them on the streets in various conditions and OH GOD does the brake dust stick to the wheels. I've chosen the rear driver's side wheel for the before pic because the front was just... well, it's better if you never had to see something that hideous: Here's the same wheel after my "secret" concoction of wheel-cleaning (3 parts Gold Class Car Wash to 1 part water to .5 parts Tire/Rim Cleaner, rinse, then apply full Tire/Rim Cleaner and SCRUB): The car itself wasn't too bad, hadn't been washed in a month and it's a '06, with about 20k miles. There was an area that had been used as a spit cup (apologies, horrible crop+resizing resulted in poor detail, note to self: take close-ups of nasty gunk). I washed and rinsed, then clayed the whole car and rinsed again. Didn't have any IPA to wipe it down (packed!) Here's the after shot, composed on a bright, cheery garage rooftop at my primary employer's HQ: Finally, the rear saw much love from the soap and sponge, given it's appearance thusly: Here's the after: In all, not too bad - started around 8:30am and delivered at 2:00 pm (1 hour lunch and a shower in between). It was exterior only, but I always hit the windows inside and out (let me know if you don't understand why...). And now, to ask the community a question. Is $80 ($100 in this case) too much to ask? While I call it a "Basic" wash and wax, it involves a lot of effort and takes about 4 hours. I make sure that my clients know I'm doing everything by hand (novelty and plus, I'm broke). I know the quality may be hard to judge in the above afters, so here are my 2 favorite shots:
Any thoughts on pricing (last few lines of the post)? I feel like it's worth it, especially given the labor involved (hand wax especially) but is there anything that you guys think should be included for that price?
You should have charged at least $150, this way you are making almost $40 per hour. You did good work, but you shouldn't under price your services. As for advice, pocket the cash, score some more cash and get yourself a D.A. type polisher... Makes life easier, and you can wax at half the time.
in your area ( I used to live in the dfdub) no less than $100 for the time you spent just doing a basic wash and wax. BTW love your screen name reminds me of doom and windows 3.1
I'll take it under consideration, but I'm only doing this on the side and it's mainly word-of-mouth. I feel like for $150, I should include the interior as well. Also, what's a "DA" type polisher? Like the Porter Cables everyone likes here?
Honestly it should be about that price, and at the same time it should not have been. I charge $75 as a starting price for a hand wash and wax. However my cars are finished with Swissvax, Zaino, Gloss It, or Race Glaze. I would say you did great work, but at the higher price point choice a product that lasts. If you like Meg's they do have #16 which is supposed to be a fantastic product. When I first started I used to put Gold Class on my car, it does not have durability. Bottom line, great work and fair price.
Ok cool - I've always thought $100 was fair (I used to do the same service for $50 when I was a teen...so... come a long ways lol). As for the materials, they were all I had, so it was a last minute sort of thing. I'll be stocking up around Christmas for new materials. Random Q: about how many standard cars should a regular "tub" of Swissvax last?
I say $125 and up would be good mate for exterior only, perhaps a vacuum and interior wipe down. Nice work!
Great replies guys, thanks for the input. I'll have to adjust my pricing. I want to stay competitive but not sell myself short, so I may just take an average of the suggestions and add a few services here and there.
