How much should i charge?!?!?!

[bballsk8er333]

Ok, long story short. I need a summer job. I was waxing and washing my car, and noticed at least 20 -25 people on my corner who stopped and looked at my job and i could tell they were thinking "damn, ide love for my car to shine liek that."

So, I want to put a big sign out in front to market my wash, wax, detail venture. Problem is I dont know what to charge. For bvackround i will be using top quality products (maybe Adam's and a few other tops), and spending 30 mins-45 on a full wash. 2 -2.5 hrs on wash/wax. and a full detail (incl outside and inside, probaly like 5-6 hrs.

Questions:

A) are my times accurate?
B) how much should i charge... i need to cover new equipment and my use of time
c) good idea/ bad idea?

Also, i live in a pretty affluent neighborhood...which could be bad or good (penny pinching old rich people vs young "thats too much" young ones.)

As always, Thanks a bunch!

Jay

ps. any ideas on names, logo?

I was thinking Car Detailing by Jay. logo: "Professional Quality, Personal Care"

[xfyre]

heh, i used to do that when i was young ...good times good times..(im only 20 now) so not too long ago...

as for your questions...

a) that seems accurate, it takes me about 4-5 hrs for (wash,polish,wax,interior) with no breaks ofcourse

b) for me i bought turtle wax ICE polish,wax, liquid clay, and washing liquid for $40, add in ~$20 for a decent chammy, ~60 bucks for equipment (prices may vary a little depending on location though)


now take in the thought that you can get go to a "professional detailer" for $25-$40..so i would charge around $20-$25 bucks per car...but maybe since their oldies u can slide with a little more (prices may vary a little depending on location though)

c) sure its a good idea if you have the time for it, and don't feel like looking for a "real" job. only question is once your done with those 20 people what are you gonna do then???

as for a name you can name it "Jay's Slip and Slide Car Wash"

[humanoid]

$10 for a wash
$50-$60 for wash, wax and exterior trim detail
$100-$125 for the whole deal (interior and exterior detail)

Adjust prices accordingly of course.

[xfyre]

Originally Posted by humanoid

$10 for a wash
$50-$60 for wash, wax and exterior trim detail
$100-$125 for the whole deal (interior and exterior detail)

Adjust prices accordingly of course.

holly crap..are you serious? prices are that high in cali?? i would never pay someone that much for a wash/wax

[humanoid]

You should try buying gas here!

[desentrix]

^^ Think about the cost of living in Cali...

I wash/detail cars for fun. People just need to buy me bbq and beer. Depending on how drunk I get, they might get it clay'd in the process--lol.

[Pb]

Originally Posted by xfyre

holly crap..are you serious? prices are that high in cali?? i would never pay someone that much for a wash/wax

I do wash, clay, polish, wax, wheels, tires, undercarriage, engine, and interior for $200-$350 depending on the vehicle. If you're good enough, people will pay. I don't do anything for less than $30 an hour. My time, tools, and products aren't cheap.

But 5 years ago I'd only charge half that much, because my skills, tools, and products were not as good as they are now.

[desentrix]

Make sure you do some before/after shots, and get some testimonials from satisfied customers. It'll help to build credibility and a reputation.

[bballsk8er333]

thanks guys ill keep this in thought :P

[eyedoc]

I get a hispanic gentleman next door to wash my truck for $5.00 and he'll wax/detail it for $30.

the joys of living in Florida!

[EvoFire]

In Vancouver, a good full deal detail will cost you north of 180. I simple hand car wash is $15, and good wash and wax will be north of 80....

[rancid]

Yep, I don't charge anything less than 30/hr. For a full exterior of a car that's including the clay, cut polish, sealant and wax, the min I charge is $200. If the paint condition is really bad, you'll be paying more. In vancouver there are a lot of shops and independent shops around. Some are good and some are bad. I've heard a lot of horror stories and have had to fix mistakes left by the so called detailers.

Bottom line, if your work is good, people will pay for it. If it sucks...well you won't be getting much business. If you are starting out, let the client know exactly what he/she is getting. The process you will use etc.