What's up guys,

I'm running an on-site detail service with services from hand washing right up to orbital machine polishing (i don't want any headaches if a circular job doesn't come out 100%). I have a basic idea of what I'm going to do and what products I'm going to use, but I wanted some feedback from the detailing buffs here...

My base wash, for someone who doesn't really care at all about thier car, would be done with Prestone Auto Wash. It would still include some type of wax. I'm thinking about Eagle 1 Wax as you Dry or a Mothers detailing spray. I know neither of these produce super results, but they work better than nothing and don't add time to my detailing task.

My next level would include a traditional wax using Meguiar's Gold Class. It's carnuaba based, but produces good results. Is there anything better? I'm hesitant to use a synthetic polymer because I don't want to have to strip the car of its previous wax. It takes a little more time. I'm also mulling over Crystal Guard but I have no experience with that either.

Next I want to included a premium level, either with a Meguiars 3 step treatment, carnuaba based, or the Blackfire two step treatment. What do you guys think about this? I have never used Blackfire, but I hear it is quite easy and produces great results.

And finally, the ultimate in detailing would be a wash with dawn, followed by clay, wash with Z7, coat of Z5 with ZFX, coat of Z2, and finally a coat of Z6. I don't necessarily place Zaino ahead of Blackfire in quality, but it is the most time consuming.

So, overall, what does everyone think? Keep in mind that I formulated these packages based on the level of quality I think I can deliver, but also with regard to the amount of time it would take me. If anyone knows of a product that delivers great results in a short time, with at least decent longievity, please suggest it.

I've attached a picture of my roof to show you what the typical Zaino Ultimate package should turn out like. What do you think I should charge for something like that?

Dan

 

"My base wash, for someone who doesn't really care at all about thier car, would be done with Prestone Auto Wash. It would still include some type of wax. I'm thinking about Eagle 1 Wax as you Dry or a Mothers detailing spray. I know neither of these produce super results, but they work better than nothing and don't add time to my detailing task. "

I detailed cars for the public by myself since 1984, I do not do it any longer, I ran over 1,000 thru my services. For the average guy Joe clean up I used nothing but high volume generic waxes and cleaners from companys like Auto Magic, Pro Wax, and Superior, all came in gallon and 5 gallon pails, and was delivered to my shop. I bough nothing in stores or at retail for high volume clean up jobs. It is much, much more cost effective to pay 7 dollars for a gallon of generic wash and 16 dollars a gallon for generic wax, the wax is high silicone and does not last for flip but made the average Joe and little old ladies who I did their cars for happy as all get out.

"My next level would include a traditional wax using Meguiar's Gold Class. It's carnuaba based, but produces good results. Is there anything better? I'm hesitant to use a synthetic polymer because I don't want to have to strip the car of its previous wax. It takes a little more time. I'm also mulling over Crystal Guard but I have no experience with that either."

If it where me, I would have only two levels, regular old lady or average Joe cleanup and then all out detial car enthusiasts clean up using superior products on the later. Striping off old wax is nothing, just wash the car with Dawn when you first start roughing it out.

Old lady or average joe is wash, wax, tires, wheels, vaccuum inside, dress inside with a dressing, and dress tires, and your done.

Enthusisasts is orbital buff, clay, polish, wax (Zaino), dress tires, treat leather, vaccum, complete inside detail, engine, and trunk, tire dress....

Having many levels fo clean up just confuses customers I have found.

 

I have recently also thought about doing this. How is the business and wht type of obstacles should i be expecting. I am going to start at family,friedns word of mouth, to possibly advertising.

 

I just started. I'm ironing out some stuff. My biggest hurdle is that I am in the middle of winter here, so the on-site part is difficult.

Right now I am using flyers, word of mouth, and I have a business card and email address set up. My logo is being refined and my website should be up next week with an appointment book similiar to a shopping cart. It should be cool.

Dan

 

What are you doing for prices? Seems like i have so many friends and people i associate myself with who have nice cars. I am only in preliminary stages but will develop a business plan soon.

 

I had the 4 stage process planned, but Kevin Overall has some more experience in detailing so I adapted his plan. Basically I am going to have a bottom line wash/wax/vacuum with generic products for $50 and then a top of the line wash/wax/interior/engine detailing package for $125.00 using a synthetic polymer wax such as Zaino or that new Meguiars stuff, probably the latter because it's a 1 stage process on clean paint.

I am also going to offer specialty services IF needed, such as clay, scratch removal, and full orbital buffing, even possibly a small amount of metal polishing if I can refine my skills.

Let me know what you end up deciding for you business plan.

Dan

 

Dang that’s cheap.

Don’t forget not all cars are as small as the Z!

Being a person that uses detailing as my major stress reliever, I must say detailing something like a 4Runner is stressful

I used to detail cars for cash on the side back about 5 years ago. Now I only really like my Z or some special cars (other Z’s).

I think you can charge more, especially if you will be on site and doing things like claybar.

 

Are you planning on providing your own water source for washing?